Used bike question

TwoTwo150
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1/30/2014 8:12pm Edited Date/Time 2/2/2014 2:32pm
Spring will soon be approaching and I have a dilemma. I am 16 that means I dont have a lot of money to spend on a bike, right now I have around $4000. So my question to all is should I go with a used 2 stroke since they are much more simple or a used 250f? If I were to get a 2 stroke should it be a 125 or 250? My other option would be a 2011 rmz 250 and are they reliable? Thanks for any advice
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Matt Fisher
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1/30/2014 8:15pm
2 stroke 250. Loads of power, less maintenance than a 125, more versatile (MX, woods, hill climbs, etc).

4K can get you a nice bike. I'd look at 06+ YZ250's. Find one for about 2500-3K in nice shape. Keep the remainder for gas, parts, etc.
enketchum
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1/31/2014 3:23am
07+ yz250 or 02-04 yz250 with steel frame
TRON
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1/31/2014 5:35am
^

Both excellent suggestions. A steel frame yz250 can be had for cheap, and you can ride all year without a rebuild. $5 oil change every other ride, clean filter and you're good to go.
CarlinoJoeVideo
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1/31/2014 5:45am
I would say it also depends on your height and weight.

A 250 2 stroke can be a beast of a bike! When I was younger I rode 2 strokes but now I'm older and find the 4 strokes much more fun and predictable.

Also consider what type of riding you are doing or want to do?

Yes, I agree 2 strokes are much less to maintain but maybe maybe try to ride a buddy's 4 stroke if you never have. Big 2 strokes can be intimidating as a smaller, new rider.

The Shop

DoctorJD
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1/31/2014 5:52am
I just scored a super clean 02' YZ250 (FMF Fatty, flywheel weight, V-force reeds) for $1900. Coming off of an aluminum perimeter-framed 4-stroke, this thing is like riding on a cloud. Soooo much fun to ride, and the best of both worlds. The tractability of a 4-stroke, the ease of maintenance of a 2-stroke. Its a great do-it-all bike. With your budget, you could score a newer model with the SSS suspension (06' and up, I think) and still pocket a grand or better.
TwoTwo150
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1/31/2014 5:53am
I would say it also depends on your height and weight. A 250 2 stroke can be a beast of a bike! When I was younger...
I would say it also depends on your height and weight.

A 250 2 stroke can be a beast of a bike! When I was younger I rode 2 strokes but now I'm older and find the 4 strokes much more fun and predictable.

Also consider what type of riding you are doing or want to do?

Yes, I agree 2 strokes are much less to maintain but maybe maybe try to ride a buddy's 4 stroke if you never have. Big 2 strokes can be intimidating as a smaller, new rider.
funny thing is Ive never riden a 2 stroke. I went from a pit bike when I was like 7 to a 150R and its way to small now.
1/31/2014 6:09am
How tall are you? Whats your riding level? If your looking for a bike that will treat you well for a long time, go with a yz250 or rm250 two stroke. But if you don't feel comfortable jumping on a bike right away with that much power get a yz125, ktm125 or better yet a ktm150
enketchum
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1/31/2014 12:40pm
The only time my 250 had too much power was when I was going through a tight section in first gear. I got bucked off the back and pinned it. Didn't want to let go so I pulled myself up and pinched off the front brake as soon as I could get my fingers to it and before I hit a chain link fence. I flipped onto the fence and the bike came over and nailed me.

It's not that hard to control, though
2/1/2014 8:31pm
Are you racing it? I would go for a two stroke for anything except racing. What are you looking to do with the bike?
TwoTwo150
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2/1/2014 9:01pm
Are you racing it? I would go for a two stroke for anything except racing. What are you looking to do with the bike?
Probaly no racing just riding once or twice a week
HazemG
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2/1/2014 11:18pm
Might not be the popular answer here but if you would like a four stroke I would get a 450. Probably one with a smoother more mellow power delivery like the 11+ CRF. The 08-10s can be pretty beastly. My first bike is a '10 crf450 and though it's got way too much power than I need or can use, if you have a smooth throttle hand and some respect for the bike you can ride it safely.

Oddly enough the one case of whiskey throttle I have ever had was on my brothers KTM 125SX.

Though I think a 250F would be better suited for you, they just are not a smart buy for longevity, especially used. A 450 well maintained (oil, air filter) should last quote a while.
2/2/2014 2:32pm
A two stroke would be the way to go if you're not racing. Easy maintenance, enough power for what you're doing, and everyone will know when you're coming.

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