4 Stroke: Rebuild or Buy New

kevinr
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kevinr
I have a ~60 hour 2016 yz250F that I am looking at doing a top end on. I do a lot of my own work but engine work isn't something I am willing to risk. I have ridden a 2020 and it was far more nimble so I'm sure the 2021 is even better. Looking for some input on paying someone to rebuild the motor (thinking timing chain and piston, not sure about valves) or just trying to get what I can out of it (guessing $3500?) and putting that money into a new bike. I know my limitations and I know the bike is better than me but these years just DON'T turn well even with JGR link, at least for me. They aren't bad but it feels like I am always fighting this thing to turn and I didn't get that feeling with the 2020 (only was allowed 3 laps at yamaha ride da).

So what do you think? Rebuild or Go with new bike?

Rebuild or Buy New

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kb228
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kb228 8/20/2020 6:44am
8/20/2020 6:44am
You have a good bike already. Spending $8,000 on a new bike to save $400 max from a top end rebuild doesnt make sense to me. Top ends arent hard if you can follow directions.
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AH387
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AH387 8/20/2020 6:53am
8/20/2020 6:53am Edited Date/Time 8/20/2020 10:27am
I think a case can be made for either side. I am starting to turn into that guy that keeps a bike for a while before I move to a new one. I had the same bike you have and it is a good bike. I don't think the newer version is that big of an improvement, honestly. If you haven't done so, switch to the Cycra shrouds and and helps you get forward and to me made cornering feel much more natural (and essentially feels a lot like the 19-21.) But if you really want the new one, then go for it. But I honestly see nothing wrong with keeping bikes, these days. You can keep a bike for a long time and mod/maintain it and do just fine with local racing. And like I said, I still think the 14-18 YZ250F is a fantastic bike. Good luck.
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kevinr
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kevinr 8/20/2020 7:06am
8/20/2020 7:06am
I will look into the Cycra shrouds. Should have done that this winter when I switched out all the yellow OEM plastics for new blue ones with custom graphics. If I keep it I will do that when I replace the graphics again.
GripNRip617
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GripNRip617 8/20/2020 7:14am
8/20/2020 7:14am
Sounds like you've already made up your mind. If you can afford the new bike, then buy the new bike. If you can't afford a new bike, rebuilding is a much cheaper option.
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Moto520
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Moto520 8/20/2020 8:06am
8/20/2020 8:06am
Time to upgrade. The improvements outweigh the extra cost. Then.....NEW BIKE DAY....the happiest day in a man's life.
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kevinr
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kevinr 8/20/2020 8:32am
8/20/2020 8:32am
kb228 wrote:
You have a good bike already. Spending $8,000 on a new bike to save $400 max from a top end rebuild doesnt make sense to me...
You have a good bike already. Spending $8,000 on a new bike to save $400 max from a top end rebuild doesnt make sense to me. Top ends arent hard if you can follow directions.
I am leaning towards keeping it right now for this very reason. New bikes right now are pricey anyway since dealer inventory is mostly wiped out. I had to put a deposit down on an 85 for my son since there were basically none left in Ohio anywhere. I noticed you are in Mansfield, OH so we probably see a lot of the same tracks. We're headed to Apple Cabin tonight.
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DaBaum44
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DaBaum44 8/20/2020 6:17pm
8/20/2020 6:17pm
I'm having the same debate about the same bike, except it is a 2017 YZ250F. Throwing the idea around of possibly buying a 2020 or 2021 YZ250F or Husky FC350. My thing is I don't really have any complaints about my 2017 YZ250F and it is already setup for my liking. Might be something for you to consider if you have put a lot of money into suspension, parts, etc.

If you are looking for a shop to rebuild your motor, GBR Performance in Wooster,OH is a great guy to go to and looks to be local to you. If you shoot me a DM, I can get you his info.
SKIDLID
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SKIDLID 8/20/2020 6:32pm
8/20/2020 6:32pm
Throw some gytr parts on and have a strong bike and save some cash compared to new. I did it on mine.
HighPlainsSquid 8/20/2020 6:35pm
8/20/2020 6:35pm
If you don't like the way it turns AND you can afford a new one, I'd get the new one. Turning is critical to my enjoyment of a bike. The old bike will be worth even less next year (and the new one will depreciate), so consider overall cost, too.

If you liked it, different story.

If you don't want to spend the money, different story.
coastlinecascot 8/20/2020 6:57pm
8/20/2020 6:57pm
Top end is super easy. Easier if you pull the motor. The hardest part is the angle torque for the head bolts

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