CRF250x or yz250f ?

[radvas]

ok, now that I have some money burning a hole in my pocket. I think I'm gonna get a small thumper as some have previously suggested. The question now is this...

What would you do (and why?), get a used, green sticker 2002 wr/yz150f (which seem to be in the 3200 neighborhood), or find/steal the extra $2800 to get a CRF250x? The E-start is nice, but neither a deal maker or deal breaker. No green sticker would be a deal breaker, so a yz/wr would have to be 2002 or older.

So there it is, a slightly older 250f in the 3k niehgborhood, or a new 250x (in the 6k neighborhood?


Also... what are the differences between a 01 and 02 yz250f?

Thanks,

[SCC Ryder]

The 01 and 02 YZ250fs are very similar ... fast most of the times, but can be very difficult to start when hot! The CRF250X is a great bike ( I'm a big Honda fan :teeth ! ), easier to start, handles great, but has some valve issues. The CRF250X runs a ton better when it is de-smoged ... so budget that into your purchase if you want it to run like a R model or a YZ250F.

[pelikan]

It's easier than you think.

250X = Trails mostly, mx secondary
250f = MX mostly, trails secondary

Of course both can do the secondary strong, but it takes some working, and IMHO its easier to just use the bike what's made for.

Seems like your yamaha fan, so I'd vote for the cheaper yzf (skip the wr250 of those years). 01 & 02 yzf250s are the same, but if you get one, put in a 03 cam.

[jonala]

Why not consider a WR 250 F? You get the e-button without the Red bike valve issues.

[radvas]

Thanks for all the advice fellas.

Seems like your yamaha fan...

not really. I completely brand disloyal. I have a buddy whose family owned a Yamaha dealer back in the day; he's been a good source of blue hand-me-downs. :laughing.

[Lucien]

CRF's need top ends way too often for a recreation bike. If you buy one, expect to throw a wad of money at it 1-2x per year

[svfreerider87]

the yz250f has way more useable power, i have a friend who has a crf250 and he claims that the 250f has way more useable power and pulls for daaaays. my 2002 yz250f has been good to me, starts real easy, and gets me speedin like a demon.

[jonnyLA]

I have an 2002 YZ250f and i love it. Though it is hard to start at times. Its tricky with the decompression lever but you get use to it. But if you get a '03 cam, then just kick and go! Its great on the track and on the trails. No problems at all!

If your planning to buy a new yzf, rumors are going around that the yzf may have aluminum frame!

[radvas]

I'd heard Honda sorted out the valve wear issues on the 05 models? Is that urban legend? MArketing around a problem?

[gixxer squid]

Originally posted by jonnyLA
I have an 2002 YZ250f and i love it. Though it is hard to start at times. Its tricky with the decompression lever but you get use to it. But if you get a '03 cam, then just kick and go! Its great on the track and on the trails. No problems at all!


I put a HOTCAM in mine that made the decompression lever obsolete and much easier to start if you go the yamaha way. yamaha 250 with electric start may be the way to go, I thrashed the crap out of mine and it always ran, even with one of the radiators removed for 1 year:laughing

[pelikan]

Originally posted by radvas
I'd heard Honda sorted out the valve wear issues on the 05 models? Is that urban legend? MArketing around a problem?

They fixed the piston problems on the crf250, everything else is the same. Dunno about the 450X, but the on TT 05 crf450 owners had the same to say as the 02-04. Not that bad, just gotta keep an eye on it.

[radvas]

They fixed the piston problems on the crf250

what were the piston problems?