Upgrade to enjoy this feature!
Vital MX fantasy is free to play, but Premium users receive great benefits. Premium benefits include:
- View and download rider stats
- Pick trends
- Create a private league
- And more!
Only $10 for all 2026 SX, MX, and SMX series.
Great OE parts prices if you ever need to work on it, excellent durability, simply put - they're solid machines...
($3300 for a nice 2006?) compared to the CRFs ($2900 for a nice 2009).
It seems that non-XRs, like the CRF, KTM, and YZ, are almost all more race (MX?) oriented. I just think those are gonna be more money and maintenance than I want to put into them. But if I find out the XR isn't enough, I can always sell it and upgrade to a CRF or KTM. I just feel like 20-30 hours is a ridiculously low amount of time before an engine needs something big replaced. I guess they just have a lot of stress on them compared to my old DS185 which was treated the same as my go-kart with a 5HP Briggs and Stratton engine.
The Shop
DeCal Works Huge Plastic Inventory of UFO and Polisport kits.
Free shipping: VITALMX
Luxon 4-Post Bar Mounts
$189.95 - $239.95
Big differences between the X and the R models.
The OP should find someone with an X and test ride it- this model works good for big guys.
Form 1996 - 2006 they were based on the KX style perimeter frame and were very, very tough and reliable. Most notably, they're CHEAP to buy and there's still a lot of parts out there. A lot of KX parts and accessories fit them, too.
Good Luck!
I saw one go for around $3,300 last year.
That was just with the Suzuki DS 185. I was 13 years old when I started riding it (my dad left it behind when my parents divorced), and I didn't know any better for the first three or four years I bet. I kind of assumed it was just like my go cart. That bike was still going strong for my nephew last I heard in 2010 ( dad bought it in 1981 or 82 I think). *** With a dirtbike I'm fine changing the oil every long ride or every two short rides. I just don't want to have to replace top ends and adjust valves every few rides or anything. ***
-------------------
Thanks for all the suggestions everybody.
I'm seeing a few CRF450Rs (but NO x models!), two XR400s, and a KLX300 (2002), that I'll go look at. It seems a lot of people say 'buy the newest looking bike (even if it's older) that you can afford.
---
I'm now waiting to find a CRF450x and the XR400--whichever looks less ridden.
SO I'm definitely too fat for an CRF 250x?
Will a 2002 KLX300 haul my lard around? (Lots of people have recommended KTM 300s.)
Like this RMZ450 (but no one has mentioned RMZs): https://jacksonville.craigslist.org/mcy/6123418076.html
--
I'm in no hurry--just gonna wait until I find what I want at a fair price.
Pit Row
You like to get your hands dirty every two years and do the unnecessary oil change....go with the XR. If you decide to leave the air cleaner in and feel like cleaning it once in awhile the XR is not going to let you down. It has perfect trail riding power and once n awhile when u want to go on the crash diet and hit the track it will still be a blast to ride. Just hold back on the 60' doubles and u will be just fine.
I really see no other option. Most of the other bikes mentioned will require regular maintenance and if not they will explode and leave you ride less unless you have a couple grand laying around for the rebuild
Good luck and have fun. And remember to always stay as close to the ground as possible. Once you're on the North side of 250ibs air is not your friend
---
This guy has the most modded out XR400 I've seen, and I know he's raced it, but if the engine will hold up, it might be a good deal (especially if he'll take $1900): https://jacksonville.craigslist.org/mcy/6126185105.html
57 and 250. Big boned, but I don't like to brag. Had a DRZ400S, didn't like it. E is ok though I think.
Then WR450, awesome bike but I didn't like playing with the clutch all day. It was a bit of work though in the tight stuff, it was zippy.
Bought this, been great after I put a damper on it. Lots of low end grunt and the RFS motor is tame by the new stuffs standards. Easy to work on, plate to connect trails. We are growing old together.
Post a reply to: Bullet-proof reliable dirt bike for a fat guy?