Help me Pick the right YZ 250F

vreynaud
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vreynaud
I ride trails with my 350 KTM EXC, not sure of my rating level (D?), went to the MX practice track and loved it:

So now looking for a 250F!

But 1st, b4 I buy more than I need:
I am a beginner MXer, 56, 6'4" -220lb, will more likely never do the crazy supercross jumps but not afraid of trying normal jumps, know how to trail ride and like to go fast.

From tons of reading i settled on the YZ250f because good suspension, good powerband (no need for KTM/Husqy HP at crazy high rpms but more lower'ish power)

My question is should I save the $ and get the 04-06'ish (carburated) for the $2,500 range or get 14 up bc of EFI in the $3,500 range or splurge for the 16-17 for $4,500 bc its a world of difference in the handling dept?

Big factor will be lower hours and non abuse

Thoughts?

Thx
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zehn
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zehn 2/18/2019 7:12pm
2/18/2019 7:12pm
Used 250f? Get the nicest low hour bike you can find
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-MAVERICK-
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-MAVERICK- 2/18/2019 7:13pm
2/18/2019 7:13pm
Grab yourself a leftover RMZ and call it a day.
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yamahaha131
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yamahaha131 2/18/2019 7:13pm
2/18/2019 7:13pm
You definitely want a 14+. The newer you can afford the more likely you’ll find one that hasn’t been totally ragged out (but not always!) EFI is the way to go.
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foreman52
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foreman52 2/18/2019 7:13pm
2/18/2019 7:13pm Edited Date/Time 2/18/2019 7:14pm
I never noticed much difference from 14-18 YZ250F models. From my experience I would go with a 14 or 15. Never met anyone that had calve issues until 16.
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foreman52
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foreman52 2/18/2019 7:15pm
2/18/2019 7:15pm
-MAVERICK- wrote:
Grab yourself a leftover RMZ and call it a day.
X2 on this. The price and reliability for what it sounds like you’ll be doing is a no brainer.
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vreynaud
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vreynaud 2/18/2019 7:19pm
2/18/2019 7:19pm
foreman52 wrote:
I never noticed much difference from 14-18 YZ250F models. From my experience I would go with a 14 or 15. Never met anyone that had calve...
I never noticed much difference from 14-18 YZ250F models. From my experience I would go with a 14 or 15. Never met anyone that had calve issues until 16.
calves? U meant Valves?
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dingo94
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dingo94 2/18/2019 8:26pm
2/18/2019 8:26pm
low hour 17 best one yet ....all bar a 19
Spagina767
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Spagina767 2/18/2019 8:35pm
2/18/2019 8:35pm
If I were you, i'd find a low hour 2013+ RMZ 250. They can be had all day for 2300-3400, clean, mint, EFI. They are ridiculously under-rated dirtbikes. They do not make the most power out of the 250f's but they handle excellent, the motors are reliable, and you simply cannot beat the price. If you aren't an intermediate or above, the RMZ 250 will MORE than haul you around.

Best bang for your buck 250f out there for a beginner, no question about it.
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vreynaud
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vreynaud 2/18/2019 8:39pm
2/18/2019 8:39pm
Spagina767 wrote:
If I were you, i'd find a low hour 2013+ RMZ 250. They can be had all day for 2300-3400, clean, mint, EFI. They are ridiculously...
If I were you, i'd find a low hour 2013+ RMZ 250. They can be had all day for 2300-3400, clean, mint, EFI. They are ridiculously under-rated dirtbikes. They do not make the most power out of the 250f's but they handle excellent, the motors are reliable, and you simply cannot beat the price. If you aren't an intermediate or above, the RMZ 250 will MORE than haul you around.

Best bang for your buck 250f out there for a beginner, no question about it.
Sounds like me ! ;-)
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Goon126
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Goon126 2/18/2019 9:08pm
2/18/2019 9:08pm
220lb get an RMZ 450. It wont rip your arms off and it will have power when you need it. Seriously you will be wanting more power about a month into a 250f
Spagina767
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Spagina767 2/18/2019 9:16pm
2/18/2019 9:16pm
Goon126 wrote:
220lb get an RMZ 450. It wont rip your arms off and it will have power when you need it. Seriously you will be wanting more...
220lb get an RMZ 450. It wont rip your arms off and it will have power when you need it. Seriously you will be wanting more power about a month into a 250f
He’s a 56 year old beginner. He’ll do just fine on a 250f. If he wants more power after he gets used to MX, then sell the bike and get a 450. No reason to jump in on a 450.

2019 is full of people thinking they need power when they can’t use it anyway.

I weigh 205 and won a bunch of championships locally in the +25b class in 2017 on a 2015 RMZ 250 that just had a yosh exhaust...
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vreynaud
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vreynaud 2/18/2019 9:25pm
2/18/2019 9:25pm
Goon126 wrote:
220lb get an RMZ 450. It wont rip your arms off and it will have power when you need it. Seriously you will be wanting more...
220lb get an RMZ 450. It wont rip your arms off and it will have power when you need it. Seriously you will be wanting more power about a month into a 250f
Spagina767 wrote:
He’s a 56 year old beginner. He’ll do just fine on a 250f. If he wants more power after he gets used to MX, then sell...
He’s a 56 year old beginner. He’ll do just fine on a 250f. If he wants more power after he gets used to MX, then sell the bike and get a 450. No reason to jump in on a 450.

2019 is full of people thinking they need power when they can’t use it anyway.

I weigh 205 and won a bunch of championships locally in the +25b class in 2017 on a 2015 RMZ 250 that just had a yosh exhaust...
Correct, I did go through the big HP on paper (KTM 500 tricked out) which turned out to be detrimental and sold it and love my 350 now

So would rather start on the 250 and when I am faster than the 250 then i'll go up
Goon126
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Goon126 2/18/2019 9:25pm
2/18/2019 9:25pm
Goon126 wrote:
220lb get an RMZ 450. It wont rip your arms off and it will have power when you need it. Seriously you will be wanting more...
220lb get an RMZ 450. It wont rip your arms off and it will have power when you need it. Seriously you will be wanting more power about a month into a 250f
Spagina767 wrote:
He’s a 56 year old beginner. He’ll do just fine on a 250f. If he wants more power after he gets used to MX, then sell...
He’s a 56 year old beginner. He’ll do just fine on a 250f. If he wants more power after he gets used to MX, then sell the bike and get a 450. No reason to jump in on a 450.

2019 is full of people thinking they need power when they can’t use it anyway.

I weigh 205 and won a bunch of championships locally in the +25b class in 2017 on a 2015 RMZ 250 that just had a yosh exhaust...
He is already riding a 350. I personally rather be 56 and lazy on a 450 than shift alll day on a 250. Just preference I guess.
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Wildeye511
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Wildeye511 2/18/2019 9:45pm
2/18/2019 9:45pm
I ride a 2016 and weigh 215. Put the tune on it for a bit more bottom power and love it. But then I am novice, so I am not in need of a bunch of power. It gets me over all the jumps at the vet tracks no problem.

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