2003+ KX250 and 01+ RM250 Questions

10/27/2010 10:33pm Edited Date/Time 1/27/2012 12:40am
I'm coming to realization I can't afford to race a modern 4-stroke and am selling my 2010 CRF 450 to help pay for other things in my life. I don't want to get completely out of moto and want a bike and am looking at older 250's. I've been focusing on the RM's and KX's and was wondering a few things. Overall, how much worse are the older ones? I'd like to pick up an older one and pimp it out the way I want, but would I regret it? Most specifically, how's the suspension on a 02 RM 250 as opposed to say, a 05? And 03 KX250 to an 06? I'm a local pro and ride very agressive and don't want to be bummed out with my suspension. Obviously I will get it valved and set up for me, but is it much worse than the stuff on my 450? Thanks in advance!
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wildbill
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10/27/2010 10:42pm
Someone fast could kick yer ass on an 89 CR w/upside down forks.

What I'm saying is the bike doesn't really matter, you do! (get an 05 or 6 rm)
SoCalMX70
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10/27/2010 11:28pm
Definitely go 05 or 06+ RM250 if you go that route.

I owned an 03 RM250 and it had an ok shock and the worst forks of any brand that year. It's not even ride-able on a track without first sending them to a suspension shop. They used Kayaba in 03 and switched back to Showa in 04 which made everything 100x better. The motors got better in 05 and 06. If I were to buy an RM250 right now I'd definitely get an 06 or newer.

Also, may I ask why you have not considered a YZ? Best all around bike really. RM is real close and maybe even better in some areas. The KX motor is potent from what I hear; no low end but a top end that rips your arms off. Great handling bike too (Were KX's ever bad handling?).
scott_nz
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Fantasy
597th
10/27/2010 11:35pm
the 05 KX250 is much better than the ones before, had the twin chamber fork and the new motor,

i think the 04 RM250 and later had the showa fork and were much better, but as above the 05 got motor improvements,
observer
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10/27/2010 11:40pm
If you can come up with about 25-$2800 or so...go get you a slick 05/06 YZ250.
Dern good all around bike. And yeah, you can roost the 450s with it.

The Shop

10/27/2010 11:44pm
I've actually had a an 06 and 08 YZ250 and really enjoyed them, just looking for something different. Good suggestions though thank you!
Adam43
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10/28/2010 12:07am
That era KX250 engine was garbage. Avoid.
Propaganda!
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10/28/2010 2:35am
Hello,

If you are someone who is very focused on the need for great suspension, try to test ride one of the SSS equipped YZ's. Any year from present back to and including 06.

Thanks,

Jim
petegrath
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10/28/2010 4:43am
I'm coming to realization I can't afford to race a modern 4-stroke and am selling my 2010 CRF 450 to help pay for other things in...
I'm coming to realization I can't afford to race a modern 4-stroke and am selling my 2010 CRF 450 to help pay for other things in my life. I don't want to get completely out of moto and want a bike and am looking at older 250's. I've been focusing on the RM's and KX's and was wondering a few things. Overall, how much worse are the older ones? I'd like to pick up an older one and pimp it out the way I want, but would I regret it? Most specifically, how's the suspension on a 02 RM 250 as opposed to say, a 05? And 03 KX250 to an 06? I'm a local pro and ride very agressive and don't want to be bummed out with my suspension. Obviously I will get it valved and set up for me, but is it much worse than the stuff on my 450? Thanks in advance!
I'd avoid the '03 KX as well. I do like the feel of that year's bike as far as suspension and ergo's go, but the front brake sucks and the motor's weak compared to the '05 through '07.

I will add the following caveat though. I own an '04 KX 250 which essentially has the same motor as the '03, but better brakes and suspension. Even though my motor feels "weak" compared to my buddy's '06, he can't keep up with me to save his life. So yeah, I'd definitely agree with the assertion that speed is in the rider, not the bike. But I do hate the front brake on the '03 KX, so that would definitely put that bike out of the running for me.
Steve47
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10/28/2010 4:59am
The 05 KX250 was a damn good bike!
10/28/2010 6:38am
If it's the RM, go 2004 and up, as someone said. The 2004 through 2008 are basically the same bike. I raced my 04 for five seasons. Very fast bike, handles great, easy to work on, and an awesome bike.
Karma
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10/28/2010 7:09am
How much are you gonna get for your used bike? You are going to have to spend at least 4 k for a decent 250,less, which will be 5 plus yrs old, and 3rd, 4th hand bike? They "all" have new top ends etc accordoing to the sellers...and the $ to the susp rebuilt and set-up for you, plus the irresistable bling....how much have you saved, how much equity have you lost and how much "bike" have you lost? If you properly maintain your 450 Honda your good for many years with an incredible, modern performing bike that hasn't been beat to death. And if your a local pro you are going to badly miss your 450, its modern susp, massive toque and fuel inj. The difference will be nite and day.
IMHO, don't be hatn 2t lovers...
Racer92
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10/28/2010 7:22am Edited Date/Time 10/28/2010 7:22am
I had the '03 RM and didnt like it much, just never felt comfortable on it. (and Im a Zook guy) Even had that front brake cable routing dealio that was stupid. Like has been said many times, the '04 on up is about the same package and will do anything you want as an amateur. Cant speak to the Kawis, but the guys I know who own them love them also, especially if you get the suspension sprung/valved for your weight/skill level. To be honest, either of those colors >=2004 will be great bikes.
Cygnus
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10/28/2010 7:22am
Karma wrote:
How much are you gonna get for your used bike? You are going to have to spend at least 4 k for a decent 250,less, which...
How much are you gonna get for your used bike? You are going to have to spend at least 4 k for a decent 250,less, which will be 5 plus yrs old, and 3rd, 4th hand bike? They "all" have new top ends etc accordoing to the sellers...and the $ to the susp rebuilt and set-up for you, plus the irresistable bling....how much have you saved, how much equity have you lost and how much "bike" have you lost? If you properly maintain your 450 Honda your good for many years with an incredible, modern performing bike that hasn't been beat to death. And if your a local pro you are going to badly miss your 450, its modern susp, massive toque and fuel inj. The difference will be nite and day.
IMHO, don't be hatn 2t lovers...
nytsmaC
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10/28/2010 7:54am
The 05 KX250 was a great bike, wish I'd never sold mine.
Karma
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10/28/2010 7:55am
um,,,hope not? studying to be a psychologist!Silly I guess if he could buy something for 2 k, but it will be a beat on pilo shiz...you can pretty them up, but everything is worn out on them. Another thing to consider, a used 2 -stroke at one time most likely was owned by a hill billy type guy, not a racer who knows how to maintain them....
If he can get a pristine 06 RM or KX for 3K and be happy with that, awesome! You have to remember this guy is a pro rider, his standards are going to be pretty high.

By the way, what does a used10crf go for?
kaw rider9
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10/28/2010 8:01am
Karma wrote:
How much are you gonna get for your used bike? You are going to have to spend at least 4 k for a decent 250,less, which...
How much are you gonna get for your used bike? You are going to have to spend at least 4 k for a decent 250,less, which will be 5 plus yrs old, and 3rd, 4th hand bike? They "all" have new top ends etc accordoing to the sellers...and the $ to the susp rebuilt and set-up for you, plus the irresistable bling....how much have you saved, how much equity have you lost and how much "bike" have you lost? If you properly maintain your 450 Honda your good for many years with an incredible, modern performing bike that hasn't been beat to death. And if your a local pro you are going to badly miss your 450, its modern susp, massive toque and fuel inj. The difference will be nite and day.
IMHO, don't be hatn 2t lovers...
You can find brand new left over bikes at a good price.. I got my 06 KX250 last year for 4 grand OTD.. It's a great bike!
notme
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10/28/2010 8:02am
You should really crunch some numbers before swapping out bikes. I dont think you will save much money going from 450 to 250 2t. Ask another local pro on a 250 2t what his bills are to keep his bike "fit".
petegrath
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10/28/2010 8:22am
Karma wrote:
um,,,hope not? studying to be a psychologist!:silly: I guess if he could buy something for 2 k, but it will be a beat on pilo shiz...you...
um,,,hope not? studying to be a psychologist!Silly I guess if he could buy something for 2 k, but it will be a beat on pilo shiz...you can pretty them up, but everything is worn out on them. Another thing to consider, a used 2 -stroke at one time most likely was owned by a hill billy type guy, not a racer who knows how to maintain them....
If he can get a pristine 06 RM or KX for 3K and be happy with that, awesome! You have to remember this guy is a pro rider, his standards are going to be pretty high.

By the way, what does a used10crf go for?
I got my bike in '06 for $2600. Didn't even have scratches on the down spars of the frame. Was literally in brand new condition, but two years old.

Kid I bought it from rode it twice, and it scared the death out of him.

Deals like this on two strokes are all over the place if you're patient and look a little. Also, be sure to push out your craigslist search to neighboring cities. I got my bike out of the DFW area.
10/28/2010 9:18am
Thanks for all the feedback and info guys, I appreciate it. I definitely see where some of you are coming from with the idea that a used 250 might not be the way to go, but I see otherwise. If I keep riding my 450, within the next couple months of my riding it will need another top end, bottom end, possibly valves, chain and sprockets, suspension fluids, brake pads, new plastic/graphics and I still owe $1,500 on the damn thing! If I can get out from under this guy and can sell it for, say, $5200, I got $3,700 to spend. With that, I can pick up a used 04ish RM for say, $2,000. From there I can strip it down to the frame, powdercoat the frame, do all new bearings and seals, rebuild the motor top and bottom and get my suspension done and still have money left over to get my motor done up. eems to me like a no-brainer, but maybe I'm forgetting something? Almost seems too good to be true...
Deetsmx
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10/28/2010 9:51am
Where are you located? I have an 06 kx250 I'll let go for $2200.
10/28/2010 9:55am
Deetsmx wrote:
Where are you located? I have an 06 kx250 I'll let go for $2200.
I'm in Idaho. Would you ship? Do you have pics?
Deetsmx
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10/28/2010 10:58am Edited Date/Time 10/28/2010 10:58am
I sent you a message with the link to my craigslist ad.
10/28/2010 4:53pm
Deetsmx wrote:
I sent you a message with the link to my craigslist ad.
Hey man, didn't see where there was a message sent? Where should I look? I'm a dumb noob.

So here's a new twist the story: I know a guy who has a cherry 03 KX250. He offered me a trade + a BIG wad of cash. Basically I would be getting the bike for $1,000 and the rest in cash of the full amount I want. Onbviously it's financially smart, but will I regret getting the older KX? Thanks!
mattmatt300
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Rockmart, GA US
10/28/2010 6:33pm
do it. ride the 03 for a bit and if you dont like it sell for 1500. cant go wrong there
TerryK
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10/28/2010 6:44pm Edited Date/Time 10/28/2010 6:45pm
I try for a new KTM 250SX and save yourself the risk and expense of buying a used bike and fixing it up.
10/28/2010 6:50pm
Care to expand? That would make my financial situation much worse, no? I feel with new bearings and seals, new top and bottom end and new suspension a bike can be pretty much new feeling. I've had to keep bikes 2 seasons and usual can get them real fresh.
three9zero
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Kamloops B.C CA
10/28/2010 7:00pm
I just got a 07 kx250, great bike.....
motokawi818
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Kennewick, WA US
10/28/2010 7:12pm
im a local am pro and recently got an 04 kx250. its the funnest bike ive ever ridden and dont ride any of my 4 strokes anymore.
10/28/2010 7:24pm
im a local am pro and recently got an 04 kx250. its the funnest bike ive ever ridden and dont ride any of my 4 strokes...
im a local am pro and recently got an 04 kx250. its the funnest bike ive ever ridden and dont ride any of my 4 strokes anymore.
Good feedback thanks man.

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