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153
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7/3/2019
Location
Western NY area, NY
US
geeZ177
7/3/2019 2:07pm
7/3/2019 2:07pm
Going to be 36 this summer and thinking about giving Moto another try after a long time off. Last raced in 2001 when I quit due to parents pulling the plug due to my injury and four strokes were just starting to gain traction. So here it is, I'm going to be a slow mid pack "D" or Begginner /+30c rider till I start gaining some experience again and even then I plan to ride with a sane head as I have a mortgage and other bills to pay along the way. So I won't be doing all the jumps and plain riding slow. I have it in my head that I will buy a brand new and or leftover 250 but can't make up my mind on the stroke. I want a reliable motor, can the 250f's make it a whole season on a top end and with minimal to no valve adjustments in the hands of the slow? I was told by a local dealer that I trust, that with lots of clean oil/filters plus constantly changing the air filter that the 250f would make it all season just like a 250 2 stroke. I know the 4 stroke will be easier to ride and I am leaning that way. But in my head the 2 stroke will be more reliable so that pulls me back that way. Back in 2001 when I got forced out winning was #1 and I was a young dumb 18 year old. I'd like to think I am smarter and winning/doing good is not #1 on my list. Getting a good workout, having fun and being safe are tops on the list. Not saying that I don't want to win or do well but I am more realistic this trip around. What are your guys thoughts for this fat,old,slow guy?
The Shop
You will go to the hospital,bout once a year for me.
"Will it make it 1 season"? That is funny. A heavy guy on a 250F is going to be expensive.
Rode a friends kids 250f a while back and I just didn't like how high in the revs I had to be to lug my 40+ass around. For what it's worth I can't ride a 125 two stroke to save my ass, so that may have something to do with it.
Oh and STFU NOOB !!
Pit Row
A four stroke can easily go to 100 hours if you don't rev it excessively, keep the valve clearances in spec, and stay religious about filter and oil changes. Ideally you would do some level of top end preventative maintenance around the 50 hour mark.
250 two strokes are very difficult to beat when it comes to maintenance costs.
If you do get a 4 stroke, plan on buying a valve shim kit and take the time to learn how to check and make shim adjustments. It's easy once you do it a few times and you'll be able to do it pretty quickly every 3 or 4 oil changes. On a 4 stroke, the big costs are in the head. Be diligent with your valve inspections and you won't have catastrophic failures because you will see the wear characteristics ahead of time. I also recommend doing compression checks at the same time as valve inspections. Keep a log book with all the numbers so you know when it's time for a set of rings or to cut in some new valves. And then yes, you are right, the preventative costs are going to be in the same ballpark when compared to a 2 stroke. The biggest difference is you will have to do a valve job at some point if you keep it 2 to 3 years and that will cost a decent amount, but it doesn't have to be the wrecked head horror story that everyone likes to paint.
I primarily got the 450 because I'm over 210lbs and need the extra power. At the tracks I ride, there are many jumps I can only clear on the 450 due to short run ins or corners and I'm not good enough or fast enough on the 2t to carry the corner speed necessary to make it work. In sand and soft conditions, thats when the power difference is most noticeable to me. The 450 always has power to give and you dont need to carry the same type of entry/corner speed.
Between the two, the maintenance of the 2 stroke is much less of a hassle than the 4 stroke. If I didnt need the extra power for my weight I would likely sell the 450. I think the 4 stroke engine is a superior engine in terms of performance and makes sense if you are a professional and need the best performance out there. The 2 stroke is a great engine though and to me is equally if not more fun to ride and is also less hassle.
I currently ride between 2 to 5 times a month. Vet C level. Good luck with your purchase. I think you cant go wrong either way and will have fun regardless.
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