Which year is the safest bet?

40Plus_922mx
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40Plus_922mx
Edited Date/Time 12/27/2012 5:54pm
When considering a used CRF250 which years between 04-09 would you consider the most reliable? I am a pretty good judge of carachter when it comes to a seller, plus I can tell the difference between a roach and a bike that was purchased and then barely ridden. But I keep getting different opinions from people regarding model years with a propensity to explode.
Thanks guys.
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ATKpilot99
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ATKpilot99 12/27/2012 10:22am
12/27/2012 10:22am
I think there was an issue with piston skirts cracking on the 04s. Other than that not sure. I'd have more confidence in Hondas than most other brands though.
125
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125 12/27/2012 10:26am
12/27/2012 10:26am
40Plus_922mx wrote:
When considering a used CRF250 which years between 04-09 would you consider the most reliable? I am a pretty good judge of carachter when it comes...
When considering a used CRF250 which years between 04-09 would you consider the most reliable? I am a pretty good judge of carachter when it comes to a seller, plus I can tell the difference between a roach and a bike that was purchased and then barely ridden. But I keep getting different opinions from people regarding model years with a propensity to explode.
Thanks guys.
I wouldn't buy one at all, but i'd go lowest hours. it's tricky on those frames because the welds on the spars are up high enough that boots wont rub on them.

that's the trick with these frames. people replace graphics, plastics, and wheels, but boots rubbing on those welds in the boot area are a dead give away to the hours and abuse on the bike. I've seen some of them rubbed almost completely smooth. "low hours". LOL
mtl
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mtl 12/27/2012 11:59am
12/27/2012 11:59am
2008/2009, In these years they figured out the valvetrain problems. 2004/2006 the valves wore very quickly, even steel ones. Never had a major motor failure with them.

I have had 2004, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010 and currently have 2012's. All CRF250R's.
headache
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headache 12/27/2012 12:03pm
12/27/2012 12:03pm
I've seen a bunch of 04/05's with broke pistons and or connecting rods. I'd try and get a low hour 08-09 model if possible

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Titan1
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Titan1 12/27/2012 12:07pm
12/27/2012 12:07pm
I currently own a 2006, I bought it new in 2005, and have a ton of hours on it)...I HAD major valve issues with it. I ran the stock valves for the first three years then replaced them, then did valves the 4th year, and again the 5th year. The 5th year I finally put in a stainless steel valve and spring kit, along with a new high compression piston...and its been perfect ever since (no valve issues at all since the switch).

The valves were my only issue with the bike...otherwise I've really like it. Accept the dual exhaust thing...but only because its more expensive.
Faceaz
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Faceaz 12/27/2012 1:38pm
12/27/2012 1:38pm Edited Date/Time 12/27/2012 1:39pm
Reliable 250f? Go with the Yamaha, there's a reason that engine has changed little over the past 10 years.

If it has to be CRF, I would stick to 07 & newer. 04, 05 & 6 seem to suck valves into the heads easier, needing more frequent adjustment.
Faceaz
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Faceaz 12/27/2012 1:43pm
12/27/2012 1:43pm
40Plus_922mx wrote:
When considering a used CRF250 which years between 04-09 would you consider the most reliable? I am a pretty good judge of carachter when it comes...
When considering a used CRF250 which years between 04-09 would you consider the most reliable? I am a pretty good judge of carachter when it comes to a seller, plus I can tell the difference between a roach and a bike that was purchased and then barely ridden. But I keep getting different opinions from people regarding model years with a propensity to explode.
Thanks guys.
125 wrote:
I wouldn't buy one at all, but i'd go lowest hours. it's tricky on those frames because the welds on the spars are up high enough...
I wouldn't buy one at all, but i'd go lowest hours. it's tricky on those frames because the welds on the spars are up high enough that boots wont rub on them.

that's the trick with these frames. people replace graphics, plastics, and wheels, but boots rubbing on those welds in the boot area are a dead give away to the hours and abuse on the bike. I've seen some of them rubbed almost completely smooth. "low hours". LOL
Also the base of the Radiator Shrouds where they rub the frame.. A high hour CRF will have grooves worn in the frame from the shrouds. Also where the cables rub on the VIN # @ the neck.
FIREfish148
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FIREfish148 12/27/2012 1:52pm
12/27/2012 1:52pm
My moms ex used to have a 2008 and I rode the piss out of that thing. Probably the most comfy most reliable bike I've ever ridden besides my 07 crf 450.
mxb2
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mxb2 12/27/2012 1:57pm
12/27/2012 1:57pm Edited Date/Time 12/27/2012 1:58pm
40Plus_922mx wrote:
When considering a used CRF250 which years between 04-09 would you consider the most reliable? I am a pretty good judge of carachter when it comes...
When considering a used CRF250 which years between 04-09 would you consider the most reliable? I am a pretty good judge of carachter when it comes to a seller, plus I can tell the difference between a roach and a bike that was purchased and then barely ridden. But I keep getting different opinions from people regarding model years with a propensity to explode.
Thanks guys.
2009 is the best year IMO, all the bugs worked out. Cernics has leftover yzf 250 for great prices. Brand new.
JJO741
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JJO741 12/27/2012 5:23pm
12/27/2012 5:23pm
09 for sure. That was a great bike.
JB 19
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JB 19 12/27/2012 5:34pm
12/27/2012 5:34pm
Faceaz wrote:
Reliable 250f? Go with the Yamaha, there's a reason that engine has changed little over the past 10 years. If it has to be CRF, I...
Reliable 250f? Go with the Yamaha, there's a reason that engine has changed little over the past 10 years.

If it has to be CRF, I would stick to 07 & newer. 04, 05 & 6 seem to suck valves into the heads easier, needing more frequent adjustment.
What he said. And I'm a Honda guy. I had an 07 crf250 for a year and a half that was bullet proof while I had it. I didn't put a ton of hours on it, but it was a great bike.
40Plus_922mx
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40Plus_922mx 12/27/2012 5:54pm
12/27/2012 5:54pm
I am definitely going with a Honda. I have ridden everything. I have had the kawis, zooks, and yamis. I have somehow never owned a Honda 250f. But every time I end up on a Honda 250f I just have so much fun. It's like it does nothing sketchy where all the other brands make me think about what I am doing on the track. The Honda just does everything right is the easiest way for me to put it.

I really appreciate all your guys' infor. Looks like I am shooting for 07 or better.

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