MBR: (Motor Bike Related)

Looking at picking up a bike for the summer so far heres what ive found in my price range([HTML_REMOVED]2500)

03 Yamaha YZ250, Broken Kickstart shaft(common problem), Rebuilt top and bottom end with receipts. $1900
01 Yamaha YZ426F good to go, $2000obo
02 Kawasaki KX250, Hub needs rebuild, needs a chain. $2300
98 Yamaha YZ250, Rebuilt top and bottom end, suspension. $2600(firm)

Leaning towards the KX250 or the YZF426. Not a big 4 stroke fan because of the maintenance that goes with them (especially Yamaha) Friend of mine has a YZF450 and I cant count how many times hes done valve adjustments or changed the oil before rides, he even thinks he spends more time fixing it then riding it. The 03 YZ250 would be fine except in 02 Yamaha changed to a small diameter kickstart shaft which is a common fail point, usually they crack the crank case cover when they go, $200-$400 in parts. :damn: I like Yamaha, I just cant afford a fancy new one.

the Kawasaki seems solid, the only problem is getting parts for it takes forever if they arent in stock.

Is shit cheaper on the mainland? Might be worth the ferry ride to buy something over there.

buy the 03 YZ250, none of those other bikes even compare.

Well first off, its common knowledge that Yamaha's 4 strokes are the most reliable. If his valves are getting tight that easily then there could be a whole slew of things going on to cause that. Dirt in the engine - how often does he clean his filter? How often does he change his oil? Is he warming it up and cooling it down? That said, I wouldn't touch an 8 year old thumper unless it was new old stock. Whatever brand of bike, you need to change your oil every 5-10 hours.

The 2003 YZ sounds like the best deal as long as everything else checks out.

The '02 KX wasn't that great a bike. They went through a major overhaul in '03 which was a very nice revision. Plus considering the work that needs to be done to that '02, I'd look elsewhere.

The '98 YZ sounds like a good bike but it sounds overpriced, unless its basically in new condition.

RM's have been good for years, look for one of those too. The '01 CR was a very nice bike bike, probably the best its ever been.

What's your price limit?

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While we are on topic what's your thoughts on a new ninja 250

Well first off, its common knowledge that Yamaha's 4 strokes are the most reliable. If his valves are getting tight that easily then there could be a whole slew of things going on to cause that. Dirt in the engine - how often does he clean his filter? How often does he change his oil? Is he warming it up and cooling it down? That said, I wouldn't touch an 8 year old thumper unless it was new old stock. Whatever brand of bike, you need to change your oil every 5-10 hours.

The 2003 YZ sounds like the best deal as long as everything else checks out.

The '02 KX wasn't that great a bike. They went through a major overhaul in '03 which was a very nice revision. Plus considering the work that needs to be done to that '02, I'd look elsewhere.

The '98 YZ sounds like a good bike but it sounds overpriced, unless its basically in new condition.

RM's have been good for years, look for one of those too. The '01 CR was a very nice bike bike, probably the best its ever been.

What's your price limit?

under 2500

I have no idea how he maintains it, I know he rides the shit out of the thing though, its an 03 I think.

My limit is realistically $2000 but anywhere around there is fine, $2300 would be the most id spend because I think its ridiculous what people want for their older bikes.

The $1900 YZ seems like a good deal, but the starter shaft.. I can get it for $110 US, but locally its $240. If it breaks again the crank case cover will most likely go with it, $180US for a new one..yuck.

The 03 YZ250 would be your best bet if the side cover checks out. Make sure the case is not worn where the kickstarter pivots. If the pivot point is worn you will be looking at a new cover. The nice thing about the 03 is that the motor and frame geometry are virtually the same as an 09. In fact some people still like the feel of the steel frame over the aluminum.

If you are worried about 4 stroke maitenance do not even look at that option.

The Kawi is not a bad bike. Definetaly not as reliable as the YZ's

Looking at picking up a bike for the summer so far heres what ive found in my price range([HTML_REMOVED]2500)

under 2500

Actually, the OP says his price range is greater than 2500. So I guess he doesn't want anything too cheap?

Kn.

I had assumed that it was an screw up seeing as all the bikes listed are under 2500, and now he just said he wants to keep it under 2300

sorry for the confusion, I obviously didn't learn my crocodiles [HTML_REMOVED] and alligators [HTML_REMOVED] as a kid.

Yeah I want to keep it under $2300. Crank case cover on the 03 YZ250 is cracked, $1900 isn't looking so cheap the only real fix is to get a 99-01 Case cover and a 89-01 kicker shaft, looking at well over $300, plus all the seals and small stuff.. it adds up.

The KX250 has a rebuilt top end, the hub needs bearings. Looks like a clean bike.. $2300 is probably as low as he will go.

lol at everyone and their overvalued possessions.

No matter what you get at that price, you will be spending money on it pretty soon after buying the it. I garrantee you that most older bikes will have fucked up linkage bearings, or the rear shock needs a rebuild or the fork seals are just about to go. So my point is that buy the '03 YZ and buy the parts to fix it. The '03 YZ is (or should be) by far a better bike than the other ones, and the starting price is reasonable.

I recently sold a fully rebuilt '03 KX125 for $1800. It wasn't getting any interest at $2k yet it was as close to new as it could get. Consider that when someone is trying to stay firm on an overpriced shitbox.

check this one out :
http://kamloops.en.craigslist.ca/mcy/1140540308.html

I agree with Wayne P and Sideshow. If the top and bottom are done YZ250 on it and your looking at even another $500 to get it rolling strong you got way more bike for the money. This is a versatile bike that can be tweaked for woods(XC) riding or moto. With used, you can inherit more headaches with 4T thumpers. Welcome back Wayne…