Kawasaki KX-250f good trail bike?

onewheelwheaties wrote:

The OP said relatively open, rocky terrain, not hard enduro. A 250F is more than fine for that and a popular choice for racing in my...

The OP said relatively open, rocky terrain, not hard enduro.

A 250F is more than fine for that and a popular choice for racing in my local PA series, which is made up of predominantly rock terrain. If it is not start/stop type of technical trail where your goal is simply to make it through, then a 250F will be fine.

Storm3421 wrote:

Yeah it's definitely nothing hectic. Especially since I'm still learning.  So the 250f will be cool for it? How is the maintenance on it?  Easier to...

Yeah it's definitely nothing hectic. Especially since I'm still learning. 

So the 250f will be cool for it? How is the maintenance on it? 

Easier to get a 2t if you don't want to be working on the bike that much? 

onewheelwheaties wrote:

Maintenance on the current 250Fs is very low for non-expert riders; mostly keep a clean air filter in it and change the oil regularly. The current...

Maintenance on the current 250Fs is very low for non-expert riders; mostly keep a clean air filter in it and change the oil regularly. The current 2-strokes are also pretty low maintenance as well, with the added benefit of being cheap to rebuild if it is ever needed.

Each model can have their quirks but in general modern bikes are very reliable. Asking on vital you will get a wide range of input from all kinds of use cases, but likely biased towards racers. Expected engine life for casual trail riding is vastly longer than someone who is always on the limiter on the moto track.

Storm3421 wrote:

Well it's a 2012. Not sure if that classifies as a "modern" bike. Sounds like it's done MX race or two before. It's sitting on 120...

Well it's a 2012. Not sure if that classifies as a "modern" bike. Sounds like it's done MX race or two before. It's sitting on 120 hours now. Seems to be in good condition. 

So if the engine is still good just regular oil changes and it'll be good? How often is regularly?

wrc777 wrote:

What year is the kx? The 17-19 kx250f have pretty good throttle response and you don’t have to rev the piss out of them to make...

What year is the kx? The 17-19 kx250f have pretty good throttle response and you don’t have to rev the piss out of them to make power.  I think those would work well on a trail. 
 

2 stroke vs 4 stroke maintenance depends on how you ride and how many hours are on the bike. The first 50-100 hours on a 250f for someone riding easy (or for trails even riding pretty fast) is just oil changes. A 125 two stroke will probably need top end changes every 50 hours or sooner for even a slow rider. So two strokes need more maintenance but it is easier maintenance. A 300 comes on pretty strong. A beginner can rider them if he stays a gear tall but that is teaching bad habits. Better to start with a 125 or 250f. 

Storm3421 wrote:

It's a 2012. Sounds like it's done MX race or two before. It's sitting on 120 hours now. Seems to be in good condition. Went to...

It's a 2012. Sounds like it's done MX race or two before. It's sitting on 120 hours now. Seems to be in good condition. Went to have a look at it yesterday. 

Yeah I've riden a few of my buddies 300s. Awesome fun. But just a bit much for me. 

It just seemed like a really good deal(price wise). I'd probably end up buying a new one in the near future. But if that one can work for now, why not. Perhaps keep it for buddies to ride with. But I'm not big on the maintenance side, so if things has to be done after every ride or every second ride then I'll rather give it a skip. 

 

MxAddic wrote:

My '18 and '21 both had plenty of low end for the woods. So much in fact I back the tuning down for off-road. How many...

My '18 and '21 both had plenty of low end for the woods. So much in fact I back the tuning down for off-road. How many have you ridden?

I ride rocky ass single track in 90 degrees and 90% humidity and it doesn't overheat. Is it going to be as good as a competition enduro bike in those conditions? Probably not. Is it better than a 2 stroke mx bike? Absolutely.

 

Ever hear of KX250X?

Fangface wrote:

Indeed... mine never overheated either :-) Def needs tuning down ...

Storm3421 wrote:

Okay awesome. So something like a WR250 then?  Would it be too much of a hassle to change the gearing ratio on it and add the...

Okay awesome. So something like a WR250 then? 

Would it be too much of a hassle to change the gearing ratio on it and add the necessary accessories? Or would it just be more expensive than buying one that's already made for the trails?