for $3k what used bike would you buy

Myke
Profile picture for user Myke
Posts
2500
Joined
9/28/2009
Location
San Diego, CA, USA
Myke 5/23/2017 12:15pm
5/23/2017 12:15pm
MR. X wrote:
2008 Honda 450
sgrimmxdad wrote:
This....
This is what I did. $2,600 and could not be happier. I like it night and day better than the brand new '15 KTM 350sx I had right before it. Updated with a '14 front fender and had the suspension set up for me and I will be riding this for a long time.












TrailDigger 5/23/2017 12:36pm
5/23/2017 12:36pm
racerx217 wrote:
wow all these complicated answers...... yz250
Ding ding ding!

Try to find 06 and up, 05 if you really have to or get a good deal, but you might not like the forks if you can tell.

The Shop

See All »
DEMONDAVE
Profile picture for user DEMONDAVE
Posts
676
Joined
9/6/2013
Location
Apple Valley, CA, USA
DEMONDAVE 5/23/2017 12:56pm
5/23/2017 12:56pm
06 + Yz 250 sss forks
IWreckALot
Profile picture for user IWreckALot
Posts
8677
Joined
3/12/2011
Location
Fort Worth, TX, USA
IWreckALot 5/23/2017 1:12pm
5/23/2017 1:12pm
doofy wrote:
Maybe ive never rode a proper setup 2 stk, or maybe ive just spent too much time on 4 strokes to adapt but i had a...
Maybe ive never rode a proper setup 2 stk, or maybe ive just spent too much time on 4 strokes to adapt but i had a 05 yz250 i rode quite frequently, and man it was a blast in tacky loam, although tiring.

The day i made my mind up is when we went to a place that was as hard pack as concrete and it had just rained. Nobody was having a fantastic time but i may as well have been on ice with hoosier drag radials on that yz.
It took me quite a while to get used to it. Been on it for 3 years now and a few months ago I tried to get on a buddy's 16 KTM 450 SXF and I've never felt more at odds with a dirt bike. Just a complete foreign monster to what I'm used to.
PRM31
Profile picture for user PRM31
Posts
3881
Joined
8/7/2009
Location
Northern, VA, USA
Fantasy
1264th
PRM31 5/23/2017 1:38pm
5/23/2017 1:38pm Edited Date/Time 5/23/2017 1:40pm
snackfedbear wrote:
http://www.vitalmx.com/forums/For-Sale-Bazaar,26/2003-CR250r,1320103
Ha, noooo! Have you ridden one of those?! Quite possibly the worst powerband I've ever ridden. i.e. there isn't one. Nothing, nothing, nothing, everything! My current RM144 has a pleasant powerband compared to my old CR250. I find the YZ-250s to be a bit blah in the handling, but the motor is nice if you like to do anything other than leave it pegged. Fly wheel weight, fatty pipe and it's a pussycat.

The one piece of advice I'd offer the OP, spend less than your budget on the bike and leave enough to have the suspension done. Pick your company, I like Factory Connection, but the difference is amazing.
doofy
Profile picture for user doofy
Posts
438
Joined
3/13/2017
Location
Avon, IN, USA
doofy 5/23/2017 1:48pm
5/23/2017 1:48pm
snackfedbear wrote:
http://www.vitalmx.com/forums/For-Sale-Bazaar,26/2003-CR250r,1320103
PRM31 wrote:
Ha, noooo! Have you ridden one of those?! Quite possibly the worst powerband I've ever ridden. i.e. there isn't one. Nothing, nothing, nothing, everything! My current...
Ha, noooo! Have you ridden one of those?! Quite possibly the worst powerband I've ever ridden. i.e. there isn't one. Nothing, nothing, nothing, everything! My current RM144 has a pleasant powerband compared to my old CR250. I find the YZ-250s to be a bit blah in the handling, but the motor is nice if you like to do anything other than leave it pegged. Fly wheel weight, fatty pipe and it's a pussycat.

The one piece of advice I'd offer the OP, spend less than your budget on the bike and leave enough to have the suspension done. Pick your company, I like Factory Connection, but the difference is amazing.
Bingo, you nailed my plan. Ive never rode a bike with suspension set-up for me but i threw a leg over a buddies bike and it was an old am pro yamaha gncc xc2 bike... and i was instantly faster on his bike i had never rode.. with old worn out tires.

When i had my kawi i sent all the stuff to a shop called pro motion in SC, the owner got my package and the forks "got lost in the mail" although usps checked the package at a few locations along the way and never called me with any concerns, and when he sent me a pic of the box that the forks broke out of a new pair of kawi showas set on a bench behind my mutilated box.... but thats another story
mxwilly318
Profile picture for user mxwilly318
Posts
24
Joined
12/6/2008
Location
Hanover, ON, CA
mxwilly318 5/23/2017 2:31pm
5/23/2017 2:31pm
TeamGreen wrote:
I'd buy...the Cleanest 2010-2012 RMZ450 I could find
x 2
mxdevon
Profile picture for user mxdevon
Posts
243
Joined
10/25/2016
Location
Coeur D'Alene, ID, USA
mxdevon 5/23/2017 5:03pm
5/23/2017 5:03pm
doofy wrote:
I kinda quit trying to remember whick bike had what forks, can anyone help jog my memory on the 2011 + suzukis and does anyone know...
I kinda quit trying to remember whick bike had what forks, can anyone help jog my memory on the 2011 + suzukis and does anyone know if you can put SSS kyb forks on them? I had the sff showas on my 14 kx250f and they were shitball
The rmz 450 went to the sff fork in 13 and 14. I liked the motor a bit better in the 13 up but the fork and even the chassis character was better on the 10-12. Look for one of those, they're phenomenal bikes.
FI2T
Profile picture for user FI2T
Posts
700
Joined
10/23/2012
Location
Kennewick, WA, USA
FI2T 5/23/2017 6:07pm
5/23/2017 6:07pm
doofy wrote:
I hate 2 strokes. Sorry, not a popular opinion i know but unfortunately im a woods rider and melting a rear tire off in anything but...
I hate 2 strokes. Sorry, not a popular opinion i know but unfortunately im a woods rider and melting a rear tire off in anything but perfect conditions (which is never) doesnt interest me.

I hate the handling of kawis. Had a 14 kx250f it was a powerhouse with a vague front end and harsh suspension that i cant say worked well anywhere.

I havent reqlly had much experience with honda 4 strokes, and i mostly loved my yamahas. I really prefer a bike that hooks up and corners precise, the rest can be forgiven.
IWreckALot wrote:
You're a woods rider AND you don't like 2 strokes?!?!?! You're nuts bro. Ha. I say ride whatever you want. I had an 08 YZ450 that...
You're a woods rider AND you don't like 2 strokes?!?!?! You're nuts bro. Ha.

I say ride whatever you want. I had an 08 YZ450 that I put springs on and went with it for 5 seasons and only had one problem that was due to a stupid mistake on my part. Thing had to have had around 250 hours on it when it floated a valve. I had grown to love that bike too. My opinion based on my experience is to find an 08 or 09 low hour Yamaha 450 and go with that.
doofy wrote:
Maybe ive never rode a proper setup 2 stk, or maybe ive just spent too much time on 4 strokes to adapt but i had a...
Maybe ive never rode a proper setup 2 stk, or maybe ive just spent too much time on 4 strokes to adapt but i had a 05 yz250 i rode quite frequently, and man it was a blast in tacky loam, although tiring.

The day i made my mind up is when we went to a place that was as hard pack as concrete and it had just rained. Nobody was having a fantastic time but i may as well have been on ice with hoosier drag radials on that yz.
I love my yz250's! I really feel like its one of the few bikes that I can hit my lines in any condition. The slick stuff that you hit is tough on any bike. That said grab a taller gear! The yz if tuned and geared right will lug around a gear or two tall all day in the slick stuff. The only place I prefer my 450 is in the power robbing sand.
It sounds like you're set on a 4 stroker though... my favorite is the yz450. They are so stable, fast, reliable, the fork is awesome and they will turn you just have to adjust your riding position forward a bit more then some other bikes. I feel like it makes me ride more aggressively when I'm further forward. I also think they fit taller riders really well (I'm 6' 2"). My 450 is a 16... but I had a 12 that I really liked as well.
FTB
Profile picture for user FTB
Posts
326
Joined
9/2/2016
Location
AU
FTB 5/23/2017 6:16pm
5/23/2017 6:16pm Edited Date/Time 5/23/2017 6:18pm
doofy wrote:
I hate 2 strokes. Sorry, not a popular opinion i know but unfortunately im a woods rider and melting a rear tire off in anything but...
I hate 2 strokes. Sorry, not a popular opinion i know but unfortunately im a woods rider and melting a rear tire off in anything but perfect conditions (which is never) doesnt interest me.

I hate the handling of kawis. Had a 14 kx250f it was a powerhouse with a vague front end and harsh suspension that i cant say worked well anywhere.

I havent reqlly had much experience with honda 4 strokes, and i mostly loved my yamahas. I really prefer a bike that hooks up and corners precise, the rest can be forgiven.
You have 3K, don't want a 2T, and prefer a bike that hooks up and corners precise. It's a no brainer, 2012 RMZ 450.
Rockinar
Profile picture for user Rockinar
Posts
1063
Joined
9/16/2016
Location
Katy, TX, USA
Rockinar 5/23/2017 6:17pm
5/23/2017 6:17pm
doofy wrote:
I hate 2 strokes. Sorry, not a popular opinion i know but unfortunately im a woods rider and melting a rear tire off in anything but...
I hate 2 strokes. Sorry, not a popular opinion i know but unfortunately im a woods rider and melting a rear tire off in anything but perfect conditions (which is never) doesnt interest me.

I hate the handling of kawis. Had a 14 kx250f it was a powerhouse with a vague front end and harsh suspension that i cant say worked well anywhere.

I havent reqlly had much experience with honda 4 strokes, and i mostly loved my yamahas. I really prefer a bike that hooks up and corners precise, the rest can be forgiven.
Unless you're racing, IMO a 2 stroke is the best option. You don't like melting rear tires of and roosting people???

Do you have a "life partner" or something???? Tongue

JB 19
Profile picture for user JB 19
Posts
4350
Joined
3/8/2009
Location
Marion, OH, USA
JB 19 5/23/2017 6:19pm
5/23/2017 6:19pm Edited Date/Time 5/23/2017 6:20pm
I just sold this 2014 RMZ 450 for 3500$ and you can buy them all the time for that price. Personally, I don't like to owe money on dirt bikes if I can help it.


FTB
Profile picture for user FTB
Posts
326
Joined
9/2/2016
Location
AU
FTB 5/23/2017 6:24pm
5/23/2017 6:24pm Edited Date/Time 5/23/2017 6:27pm
ATKpilot99 wrote:
Financing a dirt bike is a bad idea.
mxb2 wrote:
3-4 grand, establish credit, pay off early. , Buying a used bike is risky
4rings wrote:
Dumb idea. Don't finance a toy lol.

http://www.vitalmx.com/forums/Moto-Related,20/If-you-have-kids-teach-th…
The most Interest you'll pay on financing a new Yamaha over here is 1%. Life is short, enjoy it while you can. Old age sucks. Even on a new bike.
Ted722
Profile picture for user Ted722
Posts
4577
Joined
9/21/2011
Location
Sacramento, CA, USA
Ted722 5/23/2017 6:26pm
5/23/2017 6:26pm
TeamGreen wrote:
I'd buy...the Cleanest 2010-2012 RMZ450 I could find
mxwilly318 wrote:
x 2
Definitely a great option. I rode a '10 and couldn't believe how nice it was. I've also ridden/raced an '06 RM250 and ridden a '13 KTM 250SX. I'd take either one of the mentioned 3 before an aluminum framed YZ250.

Pit Row

See All »
TbonesPop 5/23/2017 6:41pm
5/23/2017 6:41pm
doofy wrote:
Alright bros, financial situation is semi sorted out and ill be looking to pay cash for a used bike here soon. I just wanted to pick...
Alright bros, financial situation is semi sorted out and ill be looking to pay cash for a used bike here soon. I just wanted to pick some of your brains.

Bikes i loved in the past 07 yz450f and my 11 yz250f.

Rode a buddies 12 rmz450 and felt amazing right off the bat. Cant decide whether i want a 250.

Anyway, all smartass opinions and financial advice welcome
Go with the Zook. I had an 09 YZ450 and I too felt immediately comfortable on my '13 RMZ450. I love it, great bike. The '12 Zook450 was a very good bike/year. Get some suspension work done and go ride that bad boy.
Mr. Info
Profile picture for user Mr. Info
Posts
1671
Joined
5/3/2010
Location
Perris, CA, USA
Mr. Info 5/23/2017 7:46pm
5/23/2017 7:46pm
My senior owned 2011 KTM 450sxf with Rekluse and fastway adjustable linkage. And many more extras.
Rockinar
Profile picture for user Rockinar
Posts
1063
Joined
9/16/2016
Location
Katy, TX, USA
Rockinar 5/23/2017 9:29pm
5/23/2017 9:29pm
You said you boat ride on trails. 2 stroke is the way to go.
bultokid
Profile picture for user bultokid
Posts
2144
Joined
8/13/2007
Location
Houston, TX, USA
bultokid 5/23/2017 9:30pm
5/23/2017 9:30pm Edited Date/Time 5/23/2017 9:33pm



Here's my $3k 2012 RMZ450, now has a rekluse...thanks JB !
Love the bike, have been tempted to get a new Husky but I will not be any faster than I am on the RMZ and it saves me more $$ to blow on vintage bikes :-)
Matt Fisher 5/23/2017 9:32pm
5/23/2017 9:32pm
snackfedbear wrote:
http://www.vitalmx.com/forums/For-Sale-Bazaar,26/2003-CR250r,1320103
PRM31 wrote:
Ha, noooo! Have you ridden one of those?! Quite possibly the worst powerband I've ever ridden. i.e. there isn't one. Nothing, nothing, nothing, everything! My current...
Ha, noooo! Have you ridden one of those?! Quite possibly the worst powerband I've ever ridden. i.e. there isn't one. Nothing, nothing, nothing, everything! My current RM144 has a pleasant powerband compared to my old CR250. I find the YZ-250s to be a bit blah in the handling, but the motor is nice if you like to do anything other than leave it pegged. Fly wheel weight, fatty pipe and it's a pussycat.

The one piece of advice I'd offer the OP, spend less than your budget on the bike and leave enough to have the suspension done. Pick your company, I like Factory Connection, but the difference is amazing.
I had an 03 for several years, got to compare it to my friend's stone stock 05 YZ250 on a regular basis. Mine had the 05+ base gasket, PC pipe/silencer, and 2000 CR carb. While it was a little bit softer on the bottom and wasn't as lively as the YZ, it was far from having a hard to control powerband- and I mostly trail rode it. There were times when the slightly softer bottom end power helped me hook up in areas where he would spin. Top end mine was faster.
Personally I think the 02+ CR250's are great bikes with just a bit of work.
JB 19
Profile picture for user JB 19
Posts
4350
Joined
3/8/2009
Location
Marion, OH, USA
JB 19 5/23/2017 10:12pm
5/23/2017 10:12pm Edited Date/Time 5/24/2017 4:57am
bultokid wrote:
[URL=http://s17.photobucket.com/user/bultokid/media/rmz450_zpsa60tsajt.jpg.html][IMG]http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b93/bultokid/rmz450_zpsa60tsajt.jpg[/IMG][/URL] Here's my $3k 2012 RMZ450, now has a rekluse...thanks JB ! Love the bike, have been tempted to get a new Husky but I will...



Here's my $3k 2012 RMZ450, now has a rekluse...thanks JB !
Love the bike, have been tempted to get a new Husky but I will not be any faster than I am on the RMZ and it saves me more $$ to blow on vintage bikes :-)
Glad you like the Rekluse. I should have kept my Suzuki. Bought a 16' KTM 350 and immediately started throwing money at the suspension. Sideways

My Suzuki was revalved by Factory Connection and was nearly perfect. The Yosh pipe gave it a KTM esq engine. Bike was bulletproof. Can you tell I liked that bike?
lostboy819 5/23/2017 10:24pm
5/23/2017 10:24pm
A YZ250 2 stroke and some trick parts Cool
HenryA
Profile picture for user HenryA
Posts
3783
Joined
12/29/2011
Location
Stockholm, SE
HenryA 5/24/2017 12:13am
5/24/2017 12:13am
Low hour CRF450 2012. Great bikes.
doofy
Profile picture for user doofy
Posts
438
Joined
3/13/2017
Location
Avon, IN, USA
doofy 5/24/2017 2:04am
5/24/2017 2:04am
I have considered buying a 4t for now and then scraping together another 1500 bucks and searching hard for like a 02-04 yz250 and seeing if i can adapt to the 2t...
I want to so bad. I want to experience this 2t magic im constantly hearing of. And if i cant... dump it again and take no loss
Plugga
Profile picture for user Plugga
Posts
634
Joined
3/30/2016
Location
Beanbag, QLD, AU
Plugga 5/24/2017 2:45am
5/24/2017 2:45am
bultokid wrote:
[URL=http://s17.photobucket.com/user/bultokid/media/rmz450_zpsa60tsajt.jpg.html][IMG]http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b93/bultokid/rmz450_zpsa60tsajt.jpg[/IMG][/URL] Here's my $3k 2012 RMZ450, now has a rekluse...thanks JB ! Love the bike, have been tempted to get a new Husky but I will...



Here's my $3k 2012 RMZ450, now has a rekluse...thanks JB !
Love the bike, have been tempted to get a new Husky but I will not be any faster than I am on the RMZ and it saves me more $$ to blow on vintage bikes :-)
Rotate those side numbers 10 deg bro. Line them up with the RM 450 graphics.

Nice bike.

Markee
Profile picture for user Markee
Posts
3669
Joined
4/15/2013
Location
Suffolk, VA, USA
Markee 5/24/2017 4:08am
5/24/2017 4:08am
bultokid wrote:
[URL=http://s17.photobucket.com/user/bultokid/media/rmz450_zpsa60tsajt.jpg.html][IMG]http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b93/bultokid/rmz450_zpsa60tsajt.jpg[/IMG][/URL] Here's my $3k 2012 RMZ450, now has a rekluse...thanks JB ! Love the bike, have been tempted to get a new Husky but I will...



Here's my $3k 2012 RMZ450, now has a rekluse...thanks JB !
Love the bike, have been tempted to get a new Husky but I will not be any faster than I am on the RMZ and it saves me more $$ to blow on vintage bikes :-)
Plugga wrote:
Rotate those side numbers 10 deg bro. Line them up with the RM 450 graphics.

Nice bike.

Good looking scoot right there.

Is it really true that those things are heavy but feels lite on the track? I have always heard that but have never rode one.
bultokid
Profile picture for user bultokid
Posts
2144
Joined
8/13/2007
Location
Houston, TX, USA
bultokid 5/24/2017 5:32am
5/24/2017 5:32am
It does feel like a boat anchor compared to a '75 Bul lifting it up. Once on the track it doesn't feel bad at all. All around very solid bike, sweet motor and it turns. Have just recently come over to the dark side (4t) but man for old, slow and fat guys :-) so easy to ride. Change oil , clean air filter-----bulletproof


Nice catch Plugga.....never could get the numbers right so just ordered pre-printed backgrounds

Post a reply to: for $3k what used bike would you buy