Buying used 250f’s/450f’s?

Alec138
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11/17/2018 8:58pm Edited Date/Time 11/19/2018 1:07pm
Someone came and snatched up my YZ250 this evening, so its time to hunt down another dirt scooter. This one I will be keeping for a while as with the last 2 seasons ive jumped around bikes trying to find what i like better and it happened to be the 4 stroke.

I did some research on buying used 250f/450f’s and most people are stritcly against it. Almost all the threads found were fairly old like
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11/17/2018 9:26pm Edited Date/Time 11/17/2018 9:28pm
My biggest problem with buying from someone I don't know personally is that all people treat assets differently. Some treasure there bikes like their own children but some are hammer mechanics and just ruin a bike and move it down the road because the market or KBB say its worth x.

Some things are easy to spot and walk away from and some things arent. Just make sure if your buying used that the depreciation offsets the risks.

nick610s
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Yuba City, CA US
11/17/2018 9:40pm
There’s pros and cons to buying used bikes regardless of what you get 2 or four stroke. I’d just say look for the lowest hour, newest bike you Can afford. It’s a buyers market for sure. At least in CA it is.
1
Alec138
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11/17/2018 10:04pm
nick610s wrote:
There’s pros and cons to buying used bikes regardless of what you get 2 or four stroke. I’d just say look for the lowest hour, newest...
There’s pros and cons to buying used bikes regardless of what you get 2 or four stroke. I’d just say look for the lowest hour, newest bike you Can afford. It’s a buyers market for sure. At least in CA it is.
Thats what im after. A 250f with no more than 45hrs and 2016 at least.... if it has more than 45-50hrs i would like to see paperwork or similar on any work done since thats about the hoursge for valve adjustments, cam chain replacements, etc. i found a 16 250f with 48hrs stock i beileve. Pics show it to be in really good shape. I may go check it out if the guy answers back.
kb228
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11/17/2018 10:08pm
People against buying used 4 strokes are overly anal about their bikes. Find one that looks like it has been taken care of, youll be fine. Ive never had a bad experience. Throw a piston in and go. Not bad
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1

The Shop

11/17/2018 10:09pm
Don't impulse buy. Any leftover new bikes at the dealers ?
Alec138
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11/17/2018 10:12pm
kb228 wrote:
People against buying used 4 strokes are overly anal about their bikes. Find one that looks like it has been taken care of, youll be fine...
People against buying used 4 strokes are overly anal about their bikes. Find one that looks like it has been taken care of, youll be fine. Ive never had a bad experience. Throw a piston in and go. Not bad
Although true im the same way. I tear my bike completely apart after almost every ride to remove all the dirt especially after mudders. If i ride sand i dont worry to much until a few rides. Anyways, I always look for really nice bikes and check over them a lot. Im lucky to find some nice 16s for 4k or less around here and readily avaliable too.
Alec138
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11/17/2018 10:20pm
Don't impulse buy. Any leftover new bikes at the dealers ?
Not for no 4k. I hate even going to my dealer around here because they half ass everything they touch.
Alec138
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11/17/2018 10:22pm
Just talked to a guy with a 16 250f. Has 30hrs he says all stock with a hole shot device and some plastics. $3200. Going to search around but thats pretty cheap for a 16’.
11/17/2018 11:32pm



I will make you a hell of a deal on a low hours 2018 YZ250F. Clear title in hand.
2
mingham97
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AU
11/18/2018 1:07am
It's not easy with second hand bikes. My best advice would be:
-Every bike should start 1st or second kick
-Idle perfectly
-Good response and once the throttle is released, the revs should plummet way down to idle very quickly
-Ofcourse check all bearings and suspension
-Very clean looking

Hour meters mean nothing, claimed history means nothing, past works again mean nothing

It's very basic but it's all you can do. When I was 17 I made the mistake of swapping a bike with a guy and he travelled a distance to swap bikes. When he arrived he told me "the bike doesn't idle. Never has". Being a stupid and being too scared to back out of the deal, I swapped bikes.

Tore the engine down and it was fucked
1
yz133rider
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Avondale, PA US
11/18/2018 3:22am
There are leftover rmz, kx, and yz250fs for 5-6k. Unless you find one with 5-10 hrs or less, i wouldnt buy one with 30+ hrs when a new one is 5ish. Thats just me at this point.

But if you find a really clean one with 5hrs or so for 4k or less now we're talking
1
Talisker
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Houston, TX US
11/18/2018 3:25am Edited Date/Time 11/18/2018 3:34am
mingham97 wrote:
It's not easy with second hand bikes. My best advice would be: -Every bike should start 1st or second kick -Idle perfectly -Good response and once...
It's not easy with second hand bikes. My best advice would be:
-Every bike should start 1st or second kick
-Idle perfectly
-Good response and once the throttle is released, the revs should plummet way down to idle very quickly
-Ofcourse check all bearings and suspension
-Very clean looking

Hour meters mean nothing, claimed history means nothing, past works again mean nothing

It's very basic but it's all you can do. When I was 17 I made the mistake of swapping a bike with a guy and he travelled a distance to swap bikes. When he arrived he told me "the bike doesn't idle. Never has". Being a stupid and being too scared to back out of the deal, I swapped bikes.

Tore the engine down and it was fucked
X2.... on a added note. If you will be going to the sellers house, look at the sellers surroundings. You can tell a lot by his shop/garage space. Is it clean and organised. Look at the yard. Look at the attention to detail he puts into mowing his lawn and keeping the outside of his house up. Some people don't like strangers in their house. If you get to go inside, again, pay attention to how clean and organised things are. These things are a true indication on how the bike was maintained.
When people on Vital post pics of their bikes, the first thing i look at is everything around the bike. Its also shocking sometimes what people don't realise is in the background. Without meeting, knowing, or talking to them i can pretty much get an idea of who they are.
2
T-Fish
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11/18/2018 3:38am
Talisker wrote:
X2.... on a added note. If you will be going to the sellers house, look at the sellers surroundings. You can tell a lot by his...
X2.... on a added note. If you will be going to the sellers house, look at the sellers surroundings. You can tell a lot by his shop/garage space. Is it clean and organised. Look at the yard. Look at the attention to detail he puts into mowing his lawn and keeping the outside of his house up. Some people don't like strangers in their house. If you get to go inside, again, pay attention to how clean and organised things are. These things are a true indication on how the bike was maintained.
When people on Vital post pics of their bikes, the first thing i look at is everything around the bike. Its also shocking sometimes what people don't realise is in the background. Without meeting, knowing, or talking to them i can pretty much get an idea of who they are.
That’s not always true. I know of more than a few situations where things are completely opposite of what you said.
6
Bry145
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Bridgeville, PA US
11/18/2018 4:33am
A 450 may be a better bet. They are typically owned by older riders and not revved to the moon like a 250f.

The engine parts will last longer as well. Get the suspension set up and they are typically good to go.

That said, it is hard to beat a 250 2-stroke for a fun bike to ride and bang for the buck.



shmacky78
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Dayton, OH US
11/18/2018 5:47am
[img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2018/11/17/303334/s1200_20180913_212923.jpg[/img] [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2018/11/17/303335/s1200_20180913_212910.jpg[/img] I will make you a hell of a deal on a low hours 2018 YZ250F. Clear title in hand.



I will make you a hell of a deal on a low hours 2018 YZ250F. Clear title in hand.
I live in Dayton and saw these on Clist. Good looking scoots ???? GLWS
walent215
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Ridgecrest, CA US
11/18/2018 5:58am
Talisker wrote:
X2.... on a added note. If you will be going to the sellers house, look at the sellers surroundings. You can tell a lot by his...
X2.... on a added note. If you will be going to the sellers house, look at the sellers surroundings. You can tell a lot by his shop/garage space. Is it clean and organised. Look at the yard. Look at the attention to detail he puts into mowing his lawn and keeping the outside of his house up. Some people don't like strangers in their house. If you get to go inside, again, pay attention to how clean and organised things are. These things are a true indication on how the bike was maintained.
When people on Vital post pics of their bikes, the first thing i look at is everything around the bike. Its also shocking sometimes what people don't realise is in the background. Without meeting, knowing, or talking to them i can pretty much get an idea of who they are.
T-Fish wrote:
That’s not always true. I know of more than a few situations where things are completely opposite of what you said.
Exactly...case by case scenario when buying used.
11/18/2018 5:59am
I’m not afraid to buy used but the reason you see so many 250f’s with 30-60 hours for sale are that guys are fearing its time to look into possible up keep/maintenance. So instead they just sale them. I avoid those guys usually because that thought process makes me fear how well they maintain their scooter.
Good luck!

Ghost
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walent215
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11/18/2018 7:09am
I’m not afraid to buy used but the reason you see so many 250f’s with 30-60 hours for sale are that guys are fearing its time...
I’m not afraid to buy used but the reason you see so many 250f’s with 30-60 hours for sale are that guys are fearing its time to look into possible up keep/maintenance. So instead they just sale them. I avoid those guys usually because that thought process makes me fear how well they maintain their scooter.
Good luck!

Ghost
It's crazy the thought process of those because a piston / gaskets can be had fairly inexpensive ($150ish). Imo that's the only "major" expense at 30-60 hours and a motivated person can do the work themselves rather easy.
1
kb228
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11/18/2018 7:15am
Talisker wrote:
X2.... on a added note. If you will be going to the sellers house, look at the sellers surroundings. You can tell a lot by his...
X2.... on a added note. If you will be going to the sellers house, look at the sellers surroundings. You can tell a lot by his shop/garage space. Is it clean and organised. Look at the yard. Look at the attention to detail he puts into mowing his lawn and keeping the outside of his house up. Some people don't like strangers in their house. If you get to go inside, again, pay attention to how clean and organised things are. These things are a true indication on how the bike was maintained.
When people on Vital post pics of their bikes, the first thing i look at is everything around the bike. Its also shocking sometimes what people don't realise is in the background. Without meeting, knowing, or talking to them i can pretty much get an idea of who they are.
T-Fish wrote:
That’s not always true. I know of more than a few situations where things are completely opposite of what you said.
Agreed. Some of the best mechanics i know have messy ass garages. Look at 722’s mechanic. His garage is messy as hell.
Alec138
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Bethania, NC US
11/18/2018 8:21am
Talisker wrote:
X2.... on a added note. If you will be going to the sellers house, look at the sellers surroundings. You can tell a lot by his...
X2.... on a added note. If you will be going to the sellers house, look at the sellers surroundings. You can tell a lot by his shop/garage space. Is it clean and organised. Look at the yard. Look at the attention to detail he puts into mowing his lawn and keeping the outside of his house up. Some people don't like strangers in their house. If you get to go inside, again, pay attention to how clean and organised things are. These things are a true indication on how the bike was maintained.
When people on Vital post pics of their bikes, the first thing i look at is everything around the bike. Its also shocking sometimes what people don't realise is in the background. Without meeting, knowing, or talking to them i can pretty much get an idea of who they are.
T-Fish wrote:
That’s not always true. I know of more than a few situations where things are completely opposite of what you said.
kb228 wrote:
Agreed. Some of the best mechanics i know have messy ass garages. Look at 722’s mechanic. His garage is messy as hell.
True. He has like 10 projects scattered throughout lol. Plus he just picked up a kx125. Im probably going to pick up a 250f because out of the 3 250fs we have bought used we havent done anything to them for 4 seasons and they are still running incredibly well with oil filters/oil changes and filters.
1
Moto520
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Schaumburg, IL US
11/18/2018 8:47am
Look for a seller that has multiple bikes and a vet rider. We generally won’t ride a bike if it’s not completely looked after and safe. We are old and everything hurts........
2
Alec138
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11/18/2018 8:52am
Moto520 wrote:
Look for a seller that has multiple bikes and a vet rider. We generally won’t ride a bike if it’s not completely looked after and safe...
Look for a seller that has multiple bikes and a vet rider. We generally won’t ride a bike if it’s not completely looked after and safe. We are old and everything hurts........
True. All the bikes we have gotten have been from older guys who woods ride which is all we do. The bikes usually look good and are beat less because no one is wide open through the woods. Especially an older rider.
mark_swart
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Chapin, SC US
11/18/2018 9:02am
This is easy, buy used from the oldest, slowest, most OCD guy you can!!
4
11/18/2018 9:09am
Moto520 wrote:
Look for a seller that has multiple bikes and a vet rider. We generally won’t ride a bike if it’s not completely looked after and safe...
Look for a seller that has multiple bikes and a vet rider. We generally won’t ride a bike if it’s not completely looked after and safe. We are old and everything hurts........
Alec138 wrote:
True. All the bikes we have gotten have been from older guys who woods ride which is all we do. The bikes usually look good and...
True. All the bikes we have gotten have been from older guys who woods ride which is all we do. The bikes usually look good and are beat less because no one is wide open through the woods. Especially an older rider.
I will take a well maintained motocross raced bike over a woods bike. Most motocross bikes actually have much less time on them, dont get beat to hell as much, and less load on the engine a lot of times.
3
OUMX117
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Edmond, OK US
11/19/2018 8:49am
Moto520 wrote:
Look for a seller that has multiple bikes and a vet rider. We generally won’t ride a bike if it’s not completely looked after and safe...
Look for a seller that has multiple bikes and a vet rider. We generally won’t ride a bike if it’s not completely looked after and safe. We are old and everything hurts........
Alec138 wrote:
True. All the bikes we have gotten have been from older guys who woods ride which is all we do. The bikes usually look good and...
True. All the bikes we have gotten have been from older guys who woods ride which is all we do. The bikes usually look good and are beat less because no one is wide open through the woods. Especially an older rider.
I will take a well maintained motocross raced bike over a woods bike. Most motocross bikes actually have much less time on them, dont get beat...
I will take a well maintained motocross raced bike over a woods bike. Most motocross bikes actually have much less time on them, dont get beat to hell as much, and less load on the engine a lot of times.
I agree with this 100%. My XC bike get beat way worse than my MX bikes do. When you walk into my garage my MX bikes are pristine and my XC bikes look like they been through a war. And they're both maintained the same way.
1
loftyair
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riverside, CA US
11/19/2018 9:16am
I have to admit, my bikes don't 'look' good. But, they are a '10' on the inside. Dirt on tires and pegs? I could care less. Clean air-filter? Hell yeah! Chain and sprockets in good condition? Yep! Plastics ripped or battered, yep! Fork seals in good condition? Yep. Rear shock linkage greased, yep. Scratches on the filter box and bars? Yep. I know a guy who treats his stuff like crap, but, puts brand new plastics and grips, paints stuff, then sells for premium. His stuff is trash.
1
c0ncEpT
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Harrison Twp., MI US
11/19/2018 10:07am
Check the usual wear parts. Chain sliders, sprockets, spokes, ect. If a bike is well maintained those items will all be in good condition.

Anyone can dress up a clapped out bike to make it look decent on the outside with some new graphics and some SC1. So checking normal wear parts is usually a pretty good way to tell if it was actually taken care of or not.
2
Alec138
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11/19/2018 10:09am
loftyair wrote:
I have to admit, my bikes don't 'look' good. But, they are a '10' on the inside. Dirt on tires and pegs? I could care less...
I have to admit, my bikes don't 'look' good. But, they are a '10' on the inside. Dirt on tires and pegs? I could care less. Clean air-filter? Hell yeah! Chain and sprockets in good condition? Yep! Plastics ripped or battered, yep! Fork seals in good condition? Yep. Rear shock linkage greased, yep. Scratches on the filter box and bars? Yep. I know a guy who treats his stuff like crap, but, puts brand new plastics and grips, paints stuff, then sells for premium. His stuff is trash.
Reason why i tear all my used bikes completely down minus removing motor and suspension stuff. And go through it before i ride it.
1
Naanak
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NJ US
11/19/2018 10:12am
I’ve only had used bikes and only had one issue (Yamaha frame which was warrantied). All of my Hondas, 250s and 450s I bought with less then 20 hours from friends or people I somewhat knew and ended up with a great bike that I paid way less for. Back in dec of 2014 I bought my 14 Crf250r for $4800 and put over 150 hours on it with no issues.
1
fourfourone
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86oh, CT US
11/19/2018 11:52am
Alec138 wrote:
True. All the bikes we have gotten have been from older guys who woods ride which is all we do. The bikes usually look good and...
True. All the bikes we have gotten have been from older guys who woods ride which is all we do. The bikes usually look good and are beat less because no one is wide open through the woods. Especially an older rider.
I will take a well maintained motocross raced bike over a woods bike. Most motocross bikes actually have much less time on them, dont get beat...
I will take a well maintained motocross raced bike over a woods bike. Most motocross bikes actually have much less time on them, dont get beat to hell as much, and less load on the engine a lot of times.
OUMX117 wrote:
I agree with this 100%. My XC bike get beat way worse than my MX bikes do. When you walk into my garage my MX bikes...
I agree with this 100%. My XC bike get beat way worse than my MX bikes do. When you walk into my garage my MX bikes are pristine and my XC bikes look like they been through a war. And they're both maintained the same way.
I don't trust people but I would never buy a 250f with "30" hours on it. To much of a gamble. Go to the track and watch how the fast guys ride their 250f. That could be 30 hours on the rev limiter.
1

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