Help. I am looking for a 250.

[h4wk3r1]

I have done some research and have come to the conclusion that a Yamaha yz 250 is the bike I am most interested in. Years 05-09. Are in my budget.
Next would be a Honda crf 250r. I have read they have valve problems though. 3rd Would be Kawasaki kx 250f. 

 

Please help me choose a good reliable bike that wont need alot of engine work besides the basics oil/filter change etc.

 

 

 

[h4wk3r1]

Would this be a good option 2005 yz 250? http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/pml/mcy/4788319579.html

Last year of the steel frame.

 

Edited December 13, 2014 by h4wk3r1

[Planetwister35]

Would this be a good option 2005 yz 250? http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/pml/mcy/4788319579.html

Last year of the steel frame.

ya you'll never have valve issues with it thats for sure

[BoxcarWilly]

Would this be a good option 2005 yz 250? http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/pml/mcy/4788319579.html

Last year of the steel frame.

Thats actually the first year of the aluminum frame. Its a great bike but it doesn't have the 06+ SSS suspension which is what yamahas are praised for. 

[vbartos27]

I have done some research and have come to the conclusion that a Yamaha yz 250 is the bike I am most interested in. Years 05-09. Are in my budget.

Next would be a Honda crf 250r. I have read they have valve problems though. 3rd Would be Kawasaki kx 250f.

Please help me choose a good reliable bike that wont need alot of engine work besides the basics oil/filter change etc.

Do you want a two stroke or four stroke? That Yamaha is a 2 stroke and the other two are four strokes

[h4wk3r1]

Thanks for your responses. I'm open to both 2 and 4 stroke. I will not be racing, mostly riding trails and forest type areas.

There is a 2006 yzf for $200 cheaper, but it doesn't look as nice as the 05' . http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/van/mcy/4769663021.html
 

Also a 2008 crf 250x here http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/van/mcy/4790341308.html
 

Edited December 13, 2014 by h4wk3r1

[Excitable]

why not go with a dedicated woods bike?

 

honda xr's are great bikes, almost bulletproof engines.

[h4wk3r1]

why not go with a dedicated woods bike?

 

honda xr's are great bikes, almost bulletproof engines.

I was kind of wanting something newer but if I were to choose an xr, whats a good year? I found an 01' here http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/rds/mcy/4729075387.html

There isnt too many, or this 02' http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/pml/mcy/4781722998.html

[h4wk3r1]

ya you'll never have valve issues with it thats for sure

 

 

Thats actually the first year of the aluminum frame. Its a great bike but it doesn't have the 06+ SSS suspension which is what yamahas are praised for. 

 

 

Do you want a two stroke or four stroke? That Yamaha is a 2 stroke and the other two are four strokes

 

I found a Kawasakis here 

clean 2007 KX 250F ($$$ reduced) - $3100

I'm the 2nd owner of this bike . The bike has very very low hrs it was parked for 5 yrs. after ejecting 1st. owner I have put only a few mods on her / skid PL. / metal rad guards / o-ring chain / poly derailer / quick fork bleeders and rear seat pullout strap . The tires are at about 80% front and 90% rear

$3100 OBO

tks.

http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/rds/mcy/4753093511.html

[h4wk3r1]

Out of all the bikes I have shown, which would be my best bet? I'm 28 5'11, 190lbs (15-20lbs or so overweight).

[Excitable]

pretty much any of those will work.

 

if you go look at any of them make sure you check them over.

 

when the bike is running, listen for ticking..if the owner says its normal, walk away (4 strokes need valve adjustment).

 

check the condition of the front and rear sprockets, worn usually indicates the seller just rides it and nothing else.

 

how clean is the bike? dirty bikes usually indicate poor maintenance.

 

how often was the oil and filters changed?  dirty oil leaves dirt and other crap in there wearing the bearings out faster, dirty filter will start sucking dirt through it.

 

condition of the tires, if they are worn down your going to need new ones, can cost up to $200. for a set.

 

try to move wheels side to side, any play its bearing time.

 

bunch more stuff but if it fails too many of those its not a good bike.

 

take your time and find a bike that you feel comfortable on, a cramped area or hard seat will not make for a pleasurable ride.

 

 

the 250f looks like it is set up for trails already.

Edited December 13, 2014 by Excitable

[h4wk3r1]

I found this also. What are your thoughts?

2009 yz250f 3700 OBO

selling my 2009 yz250f, im the original owner ive owned it since 2009, the bike runs very well, start 1st-2nd kick evertime, It's been very well taken care of it's whole life, never been raced its only ridin on a track a couple times, oil changes and air filter cleaned after every 6-8hrs

The valves were serviced by valley yamaha and it has about 15 hrs of ride time since the service. 
Front forks were rebuilt by RMR suspension and have about 10hrs of ride time since the rebuild

it also has, works connection hour meter/tach protaper pastrana fmx handle bars
grey renthal grips. 
excel front and rear wheels
new front an rear wheel bearing
new steering stem berings

$3700 OBO/ or trade for a 4x4 quad must be 600cc or bigger 
http://abbotsford.craigslist.ca/mcy/4725717831.html

or this 
 

2009 KXF250f - $3000

Bike is in good condition. Black excel rims. Unbreakable levers. Stage 2 cam. Extra plastics
 

http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/van/mcy/4802281812.html

Edited December 14, 2014 by h4wk3r1

[h4wk3r1]

I ended up getting a 2007 Kawasaki KX250F.  $2300. It came with some extra plastics for a 2009 (they fit), brand new rear fender in packaging, 5 gal motorcycle fuel can, Owners manual for an 06', bike stand and triangle kickstand, a bit of chain lube, air filter cleaner/oil.

 

A video of my first ride here. I'm a bit rusty as I havent rode a dirt bike in a few years and have a bad ankle.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YXBdDiwuXE&list=UUlP5GejHUjWe-HvbGcCzqAQ

Edited December 25, 2014 by h4wk3r1