Posts
700
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Apple Valley, CA
US
Edited Date/Time
8/21/2020 7:48pm
At 53 I am slowing down. No more tracks. Just riding local Hi-desert up to Big Bear, and other desert Mtn communities with old guys now. Having a ton of fun though.
I started out buying a street legal 96 KLX in 2018 for $2200. bored to a 307cc, Had Clark at Noleen do the suspension for my fatness, and then added a 34mm pumper caarb & a Big Gun exhaust. This thing is a TON of fun.
However I am really wanting a new bike with fuel injection and a magic button and more power. I have been really researching the FE350 and it seems that everyone seems to LOVE this bike. But dang it it is expensive. I am seeing 11K + for a new one.
So here's my question. I am thinking of just buying a new YZ250F ( another bike that everyone seems to love) and then making it street legal ?
Looks like this would save me about $4000.00. Curious if any of you have had time on either or both and what the drawbacks may be?
I started out buying a street legal 96 KLX in 2018 for $2200. bored to a 307cc, Had Clark at Noleen do the suspension for my fatness, and then added a 34mm pumper caarb & a Big Gun exhaust. This thing is a TON of fun.
However I am really wanting a new bike with fuel injection and a magic button and more power. I have been really researching the FE350 and it seems that everyone seems to LOVE this bike. But dang it it is expensive. I am seeing 11K + for a new one.
So here's my question. I am thinking of just buying a new YZ250F ( another bike that everyone seems to love) and then making it street legal ?
Looks like this would save me about $4000.00. Curious if any of you have had time on either or both and what the drawbacks may be?
You:
"But I've made it street legal according to all CHP requirements."
DMV:
"But the VIN says it is illegal."
You:
"But I've added emission control equipment and this bike is cleaner than a Honda Accord."
DMV:
"But the VIN says it is illegal."
You:
"But your own website says these are the requirements for street-legal use in California."
DMV:
"Let me ask my boss.... nope, she says the VIN says it is illegal."
See what I'm getting at here?
Save yourself hundreds of hours of work, thousands of dollars, and millions of headaches, and just buy a KTM or Husqvarna street-legal dirt bike. That's my best advice. If you must have a Yamaha, they make a street-legal machine which is a passable dirt bike (WR250).
The gearing on a motocross bike is horrible for street riding. Plus the maintenance of a 250F, would require constant oil changes and multiple top-ends a year (depending how much you ride it). Definitely want to get a purpose-built bike
The Shop
A 5 speed close ratio is perfect on the track. Worst case you change the final drive to suit.
Off road: 1st is too high for technical stuff, and as soon as it opens up, like a fire road you are in 5th, looking for 6th or 7th!
That’s why the KTM/Huskies come with a 6 speed “wide ratio”.
Post a reply to: Opinions? YZ250F Trail Bike?