2003 YZ250

gharmon
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gharmon
Edited Date/Time 1/27/2012 3:19pm
A agy has one I can get for a grand. Can anyone tell me anything about this year model bike. I cranked it up and immediately noticed a pretty noticeable vibration? Is this normal for this bike? Most all my bike experience is on Honda 4 strokes but i'm really wanting to ride again and the price is right for my budget.

Thanks
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DPR250R
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DPR250R 2/18/2011 2:37pm
2/18/2011 2:37pm
Tough to diagnose through an internet connection.

If your used to 4 strokes a 2 stroke vibration might feel excessive on the stand or while sitting still... when in reality it is perfectly normal.

It should be buttery smooth when you actually ride it. If the vibration gets worse while riding... then I would worry.

Do you have friend you can bring along to offer a second opinion?

Price sounds good to me... even if you have to rebuild the upper and lower end. I would guess that pistion, rings, bearings gaskets and a crank rebuild would be $350-$400 in parts.

Good luck!
mx295
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mx295 2/18/2011 3:14pm
2/18/2011 3:14pm Edited Date/Time 2/18/2011 3:16pm
gharmon wrote:
A agy has one I can get for a grand. Can anyone tell me anything about this year model bike. I cranked it up and immediately...
A agy has one I can get for a grand. Can anyone tell me anything about this year model bike. I cranked it up and immediately noticed a pretty noticeable vibration? Is this normal for this bike? Most all my bike experience is on Honda 4 strokes but i'm really wanting to ride again and the price is right for my budget.

Thanks
Send Calimxer91 a message. He has one, And rides it all the time
http://www.vitalmx.com/community/calimxer91,9543/all
Davey762
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Davey762 2/18/2011 3:16pm
2/18/2011 3:16pm
My bro had an 06 yz250 and another friend had an 07 yz250. I found them both to have more vibration in the footpegs then my honda 450 as well as my yamaha 450.. But probably something you could get used to no doubt.
TbonesPop 2/18/2011 3:30pm
2/18/2011 3:30pm
gharmon wrote:
A agy has one I can get for a grand. Can anyone tell me anything about this year model bike. I cranked it up and immediately...
A agy has one I can get for a grand. Can anyone tell me anything about this year model bike. I cranked it up and immediately noticed a pretty noticeable vibration? Is this normal for this bike? Most all my bike experience is on Honda 4 strokes but i'm really wanting to ride again and the price is right for my budget.

Thanks
The 2003 was a really good year for the YZ - I recently sold mine (Avatar), but loved it when I had it. Not much has really changed on the engines from 2002 to current IIRC. There have been changes to the frame and suspension as well as the normal changes with B&G, but the engines have been pretty steady with very little changes. I can't say what a stock suspension would feel like on the 2003, I was running an MX Tech suspension. But the engine was super crisp and very reliable. I never had a problem with it, was super easy to work on and tons of fun. Really loved the bike. The 2003 was a very good year for the bike, it all kind of depends on how the previous owner took care of it. Regardless, they are pretty low cost to maintain unlike the ticking time bomb 4 strokes.

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FlaNard
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FlaNard 2/18/2011 8:43pm
2/18/2011 8:43pm
I got to ride one a few times. I love YZ 250's. Id buy that for a grand in a heartbeat if I was in the market.
wildbill
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wildbill 2/18/2011 9:53pm
2/18/2011 9:53pm
gharmon wrote:
A agy has one I can get for a grand. Can anyone tell me anything about this year model bike. I cranked it up and immediately...
A agy has one I can get for a grand. Can anyone tell me anything about this year model bike. I cranked it up and immediately noticed a pretty noticeable vibration? Is this normal for this bike? Most all my bike experience is on Honda 4 strokes but i'm really wanting to ride again and the price is right for my budget.

Thanks
I love buying 1k 2-strokes and smoking 9k pigs with em.

Do it!
dlowe102
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dlowe102 2/19/2011 7:55am
2/19/2011 7:55am
only the aluminum framed ones vibrate
MX558
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MX558 2/19/2011 8:34am
2/19/2011 8:34am
dlowe102 wrote:
only the aluminum framed ones vibrate
They all vibrate more than any 4t. Thats why most people can ride them longer.
Dirtysmile56
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Dirtysmile56 2/19/2011 8:35am
2/19/2011 8:35am
I had an 04 and thought it was leagues better than the aluminum frame. Even if you had to do the suspension,motor and some linkage bearings you would still be under or at $2,000 for a sweet bike that is competetive at the am level. Got any pics? You can usually tell if it's been abused.
dlowe102
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dlowe102 2/19/2011 8:42am
2/19/2011 8:42am
dlowe102 wrote:
only the aluminum framed ones vibrate
MX558 wrote:
They all vibrate more than any 4t. Thats why most people can ride them longer.
I ride 2 strokes and 2 me only the aluminum ones vibrate
Digger437
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Digger437 2/19/2011 8:54am
2/19/2011 8:54am
I raced one in 03, it was an excellent bike that was extremely dependable. Which is good in your case if on a budget. Of course it all depends on how well it was taken care of.

WHAT CHANGES DID ENGINEERS MAKE TO THE YZ250 in 2003?
• Modified the rigidity of the frame and swingarm to improve handling and reduce weight
• Decreased the combustion chamber from 21.5 to 21cc
• Reshaped cylinder exhaust ports and raised them 0.4mm higher
• Increased crankshaft taper from 17 to 18mm and the nut size from 10 to 12mm to improve rigidity and reliability
• Made second gear slightly taller. The '02 version was 25/16 or 1:1.563, whereas the '03 version is 23/15 or 1:1.533
• Re-valved front and rear suspension
• Re-designed rear brake caliper and integrated the master cylinder for weight reduction. Piston diameter has been decreased from 12.7 to 11.6mm--saving 45 grams
• Increased rear brake caliper piston diameter from 24.5 to 27mm to make it 20 percent more rigid and improve braking characteristics
• Fuel tank is 350 grams lighter
• Revised piston material and shape in the front brake caliper
HOW IS THE YZ250 MOTOR?
Downright killer! The engine is the highlight of the new YZ250, and it works about everywhere you would want it to. It features great off-idle response, coupled with big power throughout the midrange and top-end. Delivery is crisp and clean, and is more usable than on the '02 version. We also liked the taller second gear, which is arguably the most important gear in a transmission.
YZBooster
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YZBooster 2/19/2011 8:57am
2/19/2011 8:57am
DPR250R wrote:
Tough to diagnose through an internet connection. If your used to 4 strokes a 2 stroke vibration might feel excessive on the stand or while sitting...
Tough to diagnose through an internet connection.

If your used to 4 strokes a 2 stroke vibration might feel excessive on the stand or while sitting still... when in reality it is perfectly normal.

It should be buttery smooth when you actually ride it. If the vibration gets worse while riding... then I would worry.

Do you have friend you can bring along to offer a second opinion?

Price sounds good to me... even if you have to rebuild the upper and lower end. I would guess that pistion, rings, bearings gaskets and a crank rebuild would be $350-$400 in parts.

Good luck!
X2
I have an '03; yes it vibrates. The vibration is a predecessor to it rippin' up the track! Very little problems with mine, check the swingarm wear under the chain slide, get your suspension done, check the top end, and ride like a mad dog!
gharmon
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gharmon 2/19/2011 1:00pm
2/19/2011 1:00pm
Thanks guys. Even though I want a 450 honda It's a little out of the budget. The thing with this bike is I can buy it now, ride it til i save money and when the time comes it should be worth at least what I paid for it. I know some of you guys say a two stroke is best but I grew up riding 4 strokes (just xr's) and that's what I'm used to. I love engine braking.. Who know's maybe the two stroke will grow on me.

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