gharmon
Posts: 495
Joined: 4/1/2008
Location: Valley, AL USA
Yesterday marked my 5 month ACL surgery mark. I get to start back riding soon. I'm definitely looking at getting a 2 stroke this time. I have a couple questions first. I'm looking for 250's only, I'm too big for a 125 (5'11" about 190-195lbs). Also, I'm looking for the best years of all the models.
I want to be sure of all the years I should be looking for:
Honda 2005-2007 ( I know most of you don't like honda but I do and it's the preferred choice) Not many good deals to be found on these though.
Yamaha 2005/2006 and up (not sure what year up the best bike started)
Suzuki 2004 and up
KTM When did the best years start?
Kawasaki no idea what years and this is my least favorite choice.
The above bikes are listed in order of importance to me. Shit, I'm ready to ride!!
Thanks for the help guys,
Gerald
P.S. I have nothing against 4 strokes and would love an 08 CRF450 but a little out of my used price range which is around $2500 at most.
MCfan4life
Posts: 5339
Joined: 6/25/2009
Location: Qld, AUS
YZ250 2006 onward has the best suspension of the YZ's
Derpin' DJ
Posts: 3456
Joined: 5/27/2011
Location: AUS
08 or newer for the KTM's
Go a YZ though
HenryA
Posts: 390
Joined: 12/29/2011
Location: Stockholm, SWE
If you are looking for a kx250, then go for a 05 or newer.
Surfinglbi23
Posts: 93
Joined: 1/1/2012
Location: Philadelphia, PA USA
The 04 and up RM250 is the most "2 stroke" of all those bikes. Quickest handling, familiar powerband ect. I have had an 05 KX250, an 05 RM250 and and 06 YZ250.
For my money, the RM does it best and that's the bike I kept. It hits hard, pulls like a freight train and turns in so quick you will be LOLing in your helmet. You def will not be disappointed. Only issue I had at all with mine was getting the jetting squared. Oh and these like to run on high octane fuel. No biggie, at least ride one before you decide on anything else.
2005 Suzuki RM250
1997 RM125
1995 RM125
1993 Suzuki RM125
1995 Ducati Monster
JoJmoto
Posts: 839
Joined: 11/8/2006
Location: Clarkesville, GA USA
The 06 Kx250 was the best bike I have ever owned. I have owned 450's and 250 2 strokes. Dont know why you are so against the Kx brand but, this was the best handling, smoothest shifting and easy to ride 250 I ever owned. 05-07 was pretty much the same bike, I wish I still had it but had to sell it and later bought an 05 which I am happy with but not as much as the 06.
Falcon
Posts: 508
Joined: 11/16/2011
Location: Fallbrook, CA USA
YZs are pretty much perfect all-around. '05 was the first aluminum frame and '06 was the SSS fork upgrade - they are pretty much BNG since then.
The Hondas aren't as fast and don't have the suspension worked out quite as well, but if you want to ride red not a bad choice.
I'd second Surfing's recommendation to ride an RM - they are like a YZ with better cornering but less stability.
gharmon
Posts: 495
Joined: 4/1/2008
Location: Valley, AL USA
Dude just gave me this VIN number off what he say is a 2005 RM 250. It's a long drive so I want to know before I get there what it is. Here is the VIN he gave me: JS1RJ17C8X2100527? I not sure this is a correct code because I thought the 10th digit was the year model. I know a 4 as the 10th digit is an 04' and and I believe a 10th digit of 3 is an 03'.
SLAPAHO
Posts: 395
Joined: 8/15/2006
Location: Newport Beach, CA USA
gharmon wrote: Dude just gave me this VIN number off what he say is a 2005 RM 250. It's a long drive so I want to know before I get there what it is. Here is the VIN he gave me: JS1RJ17C8X2100527? I not sure this is a correct code because I thought the 10th digit was the year model. I know a 4 as the 10th digit is an 04' and and I believe a 10th digit of 3 is an 03'.
CARFAX Vehicle History Report
Vehicle Information:
1999 SUZUKI RM250
VIN: JS1RJ17C8X2100527
MOTO CROSS
09/29/1998 NICB Vehicle manufactured
and shipped to original dealer
Mr. Ted
Posts: 513
Joined: 5/7/2010
Location: Gilbert, AZ USA
Are you looking for a strictly MX bike or are you riding enduro, off road, etc? I prefer the Orange flavor. Depending on the majority of riding, might change my opinion of what year/model.
mx757
Posts: 1643
Joined: 4/1/2008
Location: USA
If youre looking at used 2 strokes, I would have to suggest the YZ. The reason for this, is that the bikes are still being made, meaning there are still OEM and aftermarket parts easily available for them, they were also the best new bike of the 5 manufacturers. Ive heard issues with the RMs as far as cheap fastners and just a lower build quality, and the KTM didnt really come into its own until pretty recently as far as handling.
Commander in Chief of team A.B.V.
Mx286
Posts: 8
Joined: 9/5/2011
Location: Owensboro, KY USA
I currently have a 11' YZ, pretty sure everything has basically been the same since 06. Hands down best 2 stroke I've ridden. Great power and handles well too.
Had two RM's 07 &08 and they were great bikes but the only problem I had was transmission problems, Suzuki's have been known for that. Although the bike corners like no other.
My buddy had a 06 KX and it was a good bike as well, just felt a little different than the other two. Power was good but the suspension and handling felt way off.
Shawn142
Posts: 1540
Joined: 10/27/2008
Location: Arlington, TX USA
gharmon wrote: Going to pick up a 2007 Rm 250 here in a bit. The 10th digit on this VIN should be a 7 indicating 2007 Correct? I'm driving 5 hours to pick it up so I'm gonna want to be sure.
Thanks
The guy selling it can't send you a single picture of the VIN label with the year stamp before you commit to driving 5 hours to pick it up??
