Advice on buying a used four stroke?

buck nutty
Edited Date/Time 4/5/2016 10:15pm
So I have found a used 2015 kx250f with 20 hours on it at a dealership. I have never owned a four stroke nor do I really know anything about them. What should I ask the staff? The only thing I can think to ask about is the valves ( they need to be checked at 25 hours yes?) But I don't know what needs to be done with them..
It's also priced at $6200.00. Keeping in mind that's Canadian dollars does that sound like the right price?

Thanks in advance
|
PNWOffroad
Profile picture for user PNWOffroad
Posts
206
Joined
10/24/2014
Location
Valley, OR US
Fantasy
3241st
PNWOffroad 4/5/2016 5:35pm
4/5/2016 5:35pm
My advice, used 250F's are like ticking time bombs. Why not go for the 2 stroke?
mx836
Profile picture for user mx836
Posts
5579
Joined
4/2/2008
Location
; BF
mx836 4/5/2016 5:38pm
4/5/2016 5:38pm
The valves should be checked before 25 hours. Probably 15 or 20. You take the valve cover off, then with the engine at top dead center, measure the gap between the cam shaft and the bucket which sits atop a shim and the valve. Repeat for all four valves. Intake and exhaust specs differ. With any basic mechanical knowledge you should be able to do it with the manual for reference.

If my calculation are correct, that is about $5,700 USD which seams a little steep in the mid-west US market.
dmm698
Profile picture for user dmm698
Posts
921
Joined
6/24/2015
Location
NY US
dmm698 4/5/2016 5:39pm
4/5/2016 5:39pm
2016's are 5600$ out the door if you avoid the tax down here in the states right now. Seems like you're better off buying new even with the exchange rate

The Shop

See All »
buck nutty 4/5/2016 5:55pm
4/5/2016 5:55pm
PNWOffroad wrote:
My advice, used 250F's are like ticking time bombs. Why not go for the 2 stroke?
I have had a 2 stroke, and while I do like them I really want to give the four a go.

So if the used 2015 bike is going for $6200.00 and new left over 2015s are going for $7500.00 would you say just spend the extra cash and go new?
dmm698
Profile picture for user dmm698
Posts
921
Joined
6/24/2015
Location
NY US
dmm698 4/5/2016 5:56pm
4/5/2016 5:56pm
PNWOffroad wrote:
My advice, used 250F's are like ticking time bombs. Why not go for the 2 stroke?
buck nutty wrote:
I have had a 2 stroke, and while I do like them I really want to give the four a go. So if the used 2015...
I have had a 2 stroke, and while I do like them I really want to give the four a go.

So if the used 2015 bike is going for $6200.00 and new left over 2015s are going for $7500.00 would you say just spend the extra cash and go new?
I would say come down to the states where a 16 is 5600 USD. Year newer, and it's new.
MxKing809
Profile picture for user MxKing809
Posts
6380
Joined
10/13/2013
Location
Big Sand Whoops, MI US
Fantasy
315th
MxKing809 4/5/2016 5:58pm
4/5/2016 5:58pm
Used 250f? No thanks, might as well flush $1,300 bucks down the drain......
mx836
Profile picture for user mx836
Posts
5579
Joined
4/2/2008
Location
; BF
mx836 4/5/2016 6:01pm
4/5/2016 6:01pm
mx836 wrote:
The valves should be checked before 25 hours. Probably 15 or 20. You take the valve cover off, then with the engine at top dead center...
The valves should be checked before 25 hours. Probably 15 or 20. You take the valve cover off, then with the engine at top dead center, measure the gap between the cam shaft and the bucket which sits atop a shim and the valve. Repeat for all four valves. Intake and exhaust specs differ. With any basic mechanical knowledge you should be able to do it with the manual for reference.

If my calculation are correct, that is about $5,700 USD which seams a little steep in the mid-west US market.
My above calculations are wrong. It's roughly $4700 USD for the used '15 and for roughly $5700 he can get the '16. I'd say get the '16. Nothing beats a new bike. Fresh off the floor and a year newer for an extra $1000 US. No question.
malachi177
Profile picture for user malachi177
Posts
2281
Joined
12/18/2010
Location
B.C., BC CA
malachi177 4/5/2016 6:36pm
4/5/2016 6:36pm
It's not 2006 any more...so much myth still going around. Most 250f's (all colours) go over 100 hrs. So with this one having 20hrs on it, it should last awhile as long as the maintenance is done religiously. Our 2014 RMZ250 now has 48 hrs on it. Zero issues so far, been totally reliable. Valves have never needed adjusting, we've done one top end, a clutch, and the usual chain and sprockets.
Cygnus
Profile picture for user Cygnus
Posts
14849
Joined
8/15/2006
Location
Hanover, CO US
Cygnus 4/5/2016 6:42pm
4/5/2016 6:42pm
I wouldn't buy a 250F used either. Specially from a dealer.
Plugga
Profile picture for user Plugga
Posts
635
Joined
3/30/2016
Location
Beanbag, QLD AU
Plugga 4/5/2016 7:08pm
4/5/2016 7:08pm Edited Date/Time 4/5/2016 7:09pm
scooter5002 wrote:
Yes. Don't.
x2

It could of been ridden by a Barcia wannabe. (like me)

I bought a CRF250 off a girl who only trail rode it. It lasted a full season of MX & Hare Scrambles.

Then I sold it to some poor sucker untouched. (this could be you) tick tock
thumper114 4/5/2016 7:16pm
4/5/2016 7:16pm
$4500 USD actually....but keep in mind you'll have to pay another $800 in tax!!!!! Try to buy private and through a dealer as a last resort.
gt80rider
Profile picture for user gt80rider
Posts
6275
Joined
4/19/2008
Location
Boulder, CO US
gt80rider 4/5/2016 7:22pm
4/5/2016 7:22pm
PNWOffroad wrote:
My advice, used 250F's are like ticking time bombs. Why not go for the 2 stroke?
Agree on the time bomb... Unless it is extremely low hr by a slow vet, I would definitely pass...
gsxr6
Profile picture for user gsxr6
Posts
1956
Joined
9/3/2011
Location
Anderson, CA US
gsxr6 4/5/2016 8:58pm
4/5/2016 8:58pm
Don't. Buy a brand new 350 instead. U won't regret it
chump6784
Profile picture for user chump6784
Posts
1691
Joined
5/9/2011
Location
AU
chump6784 4/5/2016 9:09pm
4/5/2016 9:09pm
It should be the same as buying any second hand bike. You take the chance buying second hand but when you get it home you pull it down and check it. If everything is in check put it back together and then follow the service interval as stated by the manufacturer.

This method should be followed when buying any second hand bike, regardless of stroke. The only risk with the 4 stroke is that if the engine is in need of repair it is going to cost a heap more than a two stroke.

Its $1300 cheaper than the left over 15, unless it needs a full rebuild you aren't going to be spending near that much.

As for whether it is a good deal or not. Have a look around your area to get an idea of what bikes are going for
TbonesPop
Profile picture for user TbonesPop
Posts
3464
Joined
1/26/2010
Location
Gilbert, AZ US
Fantasy
405th
TbonesPop 4/5/2016 9:10pm
4/5/2016 9:10pm
Avoid a used 250F unless you know the person personally who owned it and how they maintained it. Even an average vet rider has to really twist the throttle on a 250F to get it to move and that puts a lot more wear on the engine. Go with a 350F or a 450F - but in all cases, look for a non-raced, vet ridden, bone stock bike (excluding exhaust and suspension). Just my honest opinion. I've bought many a 4 strokes - 250Fs and 450Fs. Never had issues with the 450s. Had a terrible experience with one 250F - literally a ticking time bomb, mediocre with another one, and a great experience with the 3rd one (which was bone stock, vet ridden by a chick, on trails only).
dirtriderskrew 4/5/2016 10:15pm
4/5/2016 10:15pm
are you buying it cash or financing? i recently got a new 2016 rmz450. i was looking at a couple used bikes but to be honest, they were only $1000 - $1500 cheaper. so to me its worth spending a grand more for a new bike for peace of mind.

Post a reply to: Advice on buying a used four stroke?