Best CRF250 under 2500?

40Plus_922mx
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40Plus_922mx
Edited Date/Time 4/24/2012 7:18pm
Looking for opinions of the 2003-2007 Honda models? Any one a lemon? or any one much better than the other? In my old age I am going from my 08 CRF450 down to a 250F.
Thanks.
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JB 19
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JB 19 4/24/2012 5:07pm
4/24/2012 5:07pm
I think 07 and up had much more durable valves. I had an 07 and it was very good. 250f's are a lot of fun.
mtl
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mtl 4/24/2012 5:11pm
4/24/2012 5:11pm
Owned 2004, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012.

04,06 did the valves 3 times in 2 years each. 08 motor went boom.

09 was good.

2010 150hrs on stock crank and valvetrain and only adjusted one valve once.
newmann
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newmann 4/24/2012 5:23pm
4/24/2012 5:23pm
Don't get an '04. Been there, done that.....didn't last long before a major meltdown.

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Rupert X
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Rupert X 4/24/2012 5:31pm
4/24/2012 5:31pm
WE found an 07 CRF 250, barely used , FOR $900 - needed valves and some TLC - anyway, we love the bike, runs

great, but i must say, she is a VERY hard starter - generally 10-15 kicks cold....3-5 warm.... anyway, are their any tricks

to these beasts ? Or, are they just notoriously hard starters ?
mtl
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mtl 4/24/2012 5:43pm
4/24/2012 5:43pm
Rupert X wrote:
WE found an 07 CRF 250, barely used , FOR $900 - needed valves and some TLC - anyway, we love the bike, runs great, but...
WE found an 07 CRF 250, barely used , FOR $900 - needed valves and some TLC - anyway, we love the bike, runs

great, but i must say, she is a VERY hard starter - generally 10-15 kicks cold....3-5 warm.... anyway, are their any tricks

to these beasts ? Or, are they just notoriously hard starters ?
I run rotella, which is pretty thick when its cold.

My trick was to take the propane heater that I always have in my van for cold race days, put it near the motor and warm it up for 5 min. then it was usually 2 kicks and you're off.

I think its the resistance of the oil when its cold that keeps it from getting going.
JB 19
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JB 19 4/24/2012 5:59pm
4/24/2012 5:59pm Edited Date/Time 4/24/2012 6:00pm
Rupert X wrote:
WE found an 07 CRF 250, barely used , FOR $900 - needed valves and some TLC - anyway, we love the bike, runs great, but...
WE found an 07 CRF 250, barely used , FOR $900 - needed valves and some TLC - anyway, we love the bike, runs

great, but i must say, she is a VERY hard starter - generally 10-15 kicks cold....3-5 warm.... anyway, are their any tricks

to these beasts ? Or, are they just notoriously hard starters ?
My 07 started in less than 5 kicks.....usually about 3. Hondas like about 3-5 twists of the throttle when they are cold . After that it should start good using the hot start.
FGR01
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FGR01 4/24/2012 7:16pm
4/24/2012 7:16pm
Rupert X wrote:
WE found an 07 CRF 250, barely used , FOR $900 - needed valves and some TLC - anyway, we love the bike, runs great, but...
WE found an 07 CRF 250, barely used , FOR $900 - needed valves and some TLC - anyway, we love the bike, runs

great, but i must say, she is a VERY hard starter - generally 10-15 kicks cold....3-5 warm.... anyway, are their any tricks

to these beasts ? Or, are they just notoriously hard starters ?
When it comes to starting the thumpers it's all about valve adjustment, pilot jet, and fuel screw adjustment. Get those right and they start very easy.

As far as CRF250 valves, the cyl heads are all interchangeable 2004-2009. I believe the 2008 head is generally considered to have the best combo of valve life and porting.
mxb2
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mxb2 4/24/2012 7:18pm
4/24/2012 7:18pm
40Plus_922mx wrote:
Looking for opinions of the 2003-2007 Honda models? Any one a lemon? or any one much better than the other? In my old age I am...
Looking for opinions of the 2003-2007 Honda models? Any one a lemon? or any one much better than the other? In my old age I am going from my 08 CRF450 down to a 250F.
Thanks.
Use the 2500 and buy a new 12 crf 250, rebates and promos goin on with honda now. Do not buy someone elses problem, $ 2500 gamble.

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