Should I trade 98 Yz400 for 98 Suzuki rm250

I'd trade him straight up and if he will add money then even better. That Suzuki is worth more if it runs good and doesn't have any major issues. Sounds like the 400 is going to need a valve adjustment and an oil leak between the case halves is not good.

i had a 98 400 new and i thought it was a heavy pig traded it straight up for my buddies 98 rm250 which was slow as death, then i broke the tranny and smoked like ten clutches, bike for bike your yamaha was better at one time but it sounds pretty tired, be prepared for lots of expensive parts on that zook, handles really good tho

id trade a 98 400 for a bag of doritos

Suzuki is dear as poison for OEM parts, get ready for that. 98 RM250 pretty nice bike but for me the 98 400F has gotta be more significant, the grand father of the modern 450, if restored to new they are worth decent t money to the right person who knows what they are. But if your not sentimental and he doesn't want too much money his way on a trade i'd go the rm, pretty slick suspension for the time and turns far better over the YZF.

I remember the RM's having issues back then, excessively worn dogs on most gears, the rebuild was a killer for an other wise great bike.

I would hold out, get some cash together and go for a 2002 or newer YZ250 or a 2001 or newer RM250.

I predict the 98 400 to be a classic in the Super EVO some day