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Bike choice??
Posted: 06:32 am Sep 11 2007
by GhostRider
Hello guys, I have just sold my kdx and am now looking at buying an rmz250, can anyone help me out with a few questions as I have tryed dirtrider but everyone ignores you.
Im looking at a 2004 rmz250 to get into motocross as it is a good price. I have heard there is problems with the 2004 but is the bike really that much of a grenade or is everyone talking crap.
Hopefully someone can help, I did try dirtrider but they are a load of sleeping

.

Posted: 09:28 am Sep 11 2007
by kawagumby
If you're not an experienced wrench, any used 4 stroke 250 could become a financial nightmare IMO. Just having to go through the top-end is expensive. I agree that a 2 stroke is a better 2nd hand bike, all other things being equal. But if you're set on a four stroker, the least problematic 4 stroke 250 is the YZ250F. If you can get one low time, you'd be in better shape IMO.
Posted: 09:29 am Sep 11 2007
by wanaride
I can't remember the page address, but Eric Gorr and Rich Rohrich have a website where they identify their recommended upgrades to the various 4T engines, and the RMZ gets VERY poor marks from them. I'd leave that bike alone and look elsewhere. The YZ250F gets very good grades for reliability...
Posted: 09:53 am Sep 11 2007
by thebleakness
Don't get the RMZ, please. My friend had an RMZ250F and spent more time working on it then riding it. Valves were constantly going out of adjustment, jetting was ridiculous, I forgot all the problems he had with it but he got rid of it quick. It was just a bear to keep running.
If you really wanted to race lites and don't feel like going with a 125 the YZ250F would be your best choice used. The KXFs have incredible power and great handling but I've read about lower end failure on them, although some of my friends haven't had any problems... I don't like the CRFs, they don't seem that powerful and the ergos never quite fit me.
If you plan on riding frequently then you might want to look at a 450F. In the long run you'll save money with one over a 250F. Maintenance is abit more lax and the valve train last longer due to it not reving nearly as high.
Posted: 01:23 pm Sep 11 2007
by 2001kdx
It's a grenade. That never stopped poeple form buying 220's, but a rebuild on a 220 is WAY cheaper. go with the YZ250F, they've been around since '01.
Posted: 02:36 pm Sep 11 2007
by GhostRider
I'm not set on a 4 stroke its only that this one Is at such a good price (in your currency $2600 when there usually selling for $3200).
YZ250f's seem to be a little more expensive and hard to get hold of.
What are the 05 rmz250's like.
Thanks for all your replies
Posted: 11:14 pm Sep 11 2007
by GhostRider
oky doky thanks for your help
Posted: 06:07 pm Sep 12 2007
by motorhed220
RMZ's are complete S H I T B O X E S !!!! dont buy a yellow piece of garbage!
Posted: 06:16 pm Sep 12 2007
by 2001kdx


motorhed220 wrote:RMZ's are complete S H I T B O X E S !!!! dont buy a yellow piece of garbage!
Easy there on that yellow stuff :)
Thr RM-Z250 is a great machine, unfortunately the '04 and '05 models had a reputation for grenading pistions. If I remember correctly, those were the years they shared the same design as KAWI
The '06 and newer RM-Z's are sweet bikes. There was a complete redesign then.
Again, if you HAVE to buy a used four-stroke that's older, make it a Yamaha.
Posted: 06:20 pm Sep 12 2007
by quailchaser


GhostRider wrote:I'm not set on a 4 stroke its only that this one Is at such a good price (in your currency $2600 when there usually selling for $3200).
YZ250f's seem to be a little more expensive and hard to get hold of.
What are the 05 rmz250's like.
Thanks for all your replies
That right there should tell you something. There is a reason it's $600 less.
Posted: 10:07 pm Sep 16 2007
by Colorado Mike
My kid races a YZ125, and it is about as reliable as an anvil. It's also much lighter than the 4 strokes, but does make less midrange, and about 2 hp less on top. He's really not losing races because of power though, it's because he's slow. If I was to recommend a bike to a new racer, I'd say get the YZ125 because of the reliability, light weight, and the fact that you can get the 2 strokes much cheaper than the 4s, because of the demand. Then, after you get some experience, you can decide if you need a different bike and what it ought to be.
One thing to keep in mind, AMA rules now let a 2 stroke be up to 144cc. From what I've read, this adds quite a bit of grunt to these light weight bikes and closes the gap a good bit on the thumping grenades. Also, If you go with the YZ125, get an '05 or newer so you get the aluminum frame and better forks. The motor is better too.