Posts
722
Joined
4/25/2013
Location
NZ
Edited Date/Time
12/30/2014 4:54pm
So finally sold the thumper after a long time on the market and looking to grab a 250 smoker.
Can anyone give me a quick run down on the best of the models to look for? I know a few well enough, but a few brands really unsure of:
Yamaha - 06+ YZ250
Suzuki - 04+ RM250
Kawasaki - ??? Not sure, I saw in an MXA article Jody rated the last of the (06,07) KX250 as one of the worst bikes he ever rode
Honda - ??? Again not sure, believe they had great handling and build quality, but perhaps a hit or miss engine depending on year?
KTM - ??? Not sure I would buy an older KTM anyway, but good for reference. Would assume a linkage model would be the pick?
Not particularly brand loyal, so planning on buying best condition/value for money.
Can anyone give me a quick run down on the best of the models to look for? I know a few well enough, but a few brands really unsure of:
Yamaha - 06+ YZ250
Suzuki - 04+ RM250
Kawasaki - ??? Not sure, I saw in an MXA article Jody rated the last of the (06,07) KX250 as one of the worst bikes he ever rode
Honda - ??? Again not sure, believe they had great handling and build quality, but perhaps a hit or miss engine depending on year?
KTM - ??? Not sure I would buy an older KTM anyway, but good for reference. Would assume a linkage model would be the pick?
Not particularly brand loyal, so planning on buying best condition/value for money.
It also walked away from kx 450's too, yes it was that potent.
Put it to ya this way.. I holeshot 70% of my races on that kx.. ask anyone who watched me race over the last 4 yrs.
But it also took about 1 lap and I was toast.. very hard to hang on to..
But in stock trim it oversteared, understeared, had very little lowend, but a really good mid-top, and soft suspension that spiked in the midstroke and bottomed harshly at the same time.
The ergoes were awsome and it felt really light.
It took nearly $9000, but I transformed it into a top level semi pro bike. The end result was truly awesome.. wish I never sold it.
The Shop
If your like the other 90% of us, buy a newer yz 250.
If it were up to me, I'd buy the yz.
How is getting parts for discontinued smokers? Not very fun I'm guessing?
The cr's from 02-04 - you would be splitting hairs to notice any difference between them. You don't want anything older than that. in '05 they went to a single ring piston and I wasn't sold on the benefits of that. They all detonated so bad on pump gas it was scary. I always ran 50/50 race gas. That's the main reason I didn't go back to Rhonda- race gas is a pain in my ass and double the price since then.
The Yz is just a perfect bike. Ran on pump fine. Top ends were aok to back that up.
The Ktm has everything the yz motor has and more - tune it up or down in 5 minutes. No race gas. If you are a clutch abuser there's nothing like the hydraulic clutch - I don't think I could go back. Actually I did try going back on a friends bike, and lost a substantial amount of smoothness.
The forks suck, but they're fixable.
The reviews I read on the shock in '11 and '12 had minimal differences. So I went with no linkage to save myself some maintenance and 5lbs.
On the KTM you have to spend $$$ on forks. But on the yz, you will have to spend Atleast triple the amount to make it not look like the ugliest bike out there.
It's funny because I sold it because I was scared of maintenance, but looking back it was almost maintenance free. Still 100% glad I went to the CR.
Stock the Motor flat out rips... its a Kawasaki so of course it does. I revalved the fork and sock with gold valves and did the procircuit link. I was running the Pro Circuit works pipe with stock silencer and it really comes alive earlier with a broader stronger mid range and good over run. I have the forks 7mm raised from the triple clamp to bottom of the fork cap and I finally... finally have the under steer from center out all but cured. I can pretty much put the thing where I want, rail the outside or dive to the inside and the midrange... oh the midrange bark in 3rd going off the lip of a big table is just awesome, no other bike sounds like it... and everyone stops buy the truck in the pits and asks me about it and compliments it.
that being said the 2006 - 2007 MXA test is spot on for the bike in stock form, but the best part is you get into the bike for 2000 to 3000 for a clean one and spend some extra coin to set it up and you are still under half what a new fooper costs!
With that said I would look for a 06-or newer YZ250 if I had to do it again, Yamaha is still making the bike in nearly the same form and it works very well, also a very neutral handler with no real flaws, a great motor, and that magical SSS suspension.
Thanks
Pit Row
will end up costing near enough the same.
Finishline Racing... Isotopic gear polishing, complete bottom end rebuild.
Told Mr, Goore i wanted the mo/betta, but i actually think he gave me the mid-top by the way the bike ran..
Pro Circuit pipe/silencer.. V-force, lower gearing, full Hinson.
I'm
30+ Intermediate
175 lbs
6'
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