Posts: 102
Joined: 6/20/2017
Location: San Diego, CA USA
I know this has been talked about before, but why not talk about again. I'm looking to build a bike primarily for GP/6hr/24hr style racing. I'm not looking to spend a ton, but want to do it right and make sure the bike is as solid as it can be. The biggest things I'm looking for are parts availability and reliability. I was looking for input on what might be the pros/cons of going with an early 2000's steel frame or a 05+ aluminum fame YZ.
Posts: 9415
Joined: 7/6/2015
Location: So Cal, CA USA
On the plus side, anything 02 and newer share most of the same parts. There's very few parts that don't cross over.
I actually have an 03 rolling chassis if you're interested
2017 RMZ450
2005 YZ250-sold :,(
1998 YZ250
2005 KX250F
80% of the time it works every time
IG @2HRacing
Thanks to : Factory Effex, N2Dirt, Acerbis, DT1, Fasthouse, Matix, FMF, ASV, 100% & Mika Metals
Posts: 416
Joined: 1/29/2018
Location: Bethania, NC USA
You can score an 06+ model now for pretty cheap. The SSS forks are amazing compared to the older forks of the steel frames. There are ways to convert the steels to have SSS forks but its about the same cost to do that vs buying an 06+ bike.
Posts: 1846
Joined: 6/25/2018
Location: WA, USA
As a 01 YZ250 owner I’d say go with 06 and up the 46mm forks on the older model take a lot of work to make them even in the same ball field as SSS. the steel frame is great and all but if I did it all over I would have the sss over steel any day
Posts: 453
Joined: 7/19/2016
Location: Reno, NV USA
Steel, with sss forks, comp valving mods/springs, desert tank, and done. Great machine out of box. Jetting and pipe combo as well.
Livin' the dream, two wheels at a time!
