[msudawg]

I am a two month rider of motorcycles period. I bought a CRF230 due to my total lack of bike knowledge. Well, I quickly felt I needed more bike. I went to buy my son a KX65 and test rode it and I thought I have got to get on a bigger one made for me. Well I did. I rode a CR250R this past weekend and the smile still has not come off of my face. I feel like I have got to have one now. I know this is a CRF site but I'm sure some of you have 2 strokes or had them. At the park we belong there are both. I keep hearing negative talk regarding the 250 four strokes when it comes to maintenance. Can anyone elaborate on your experience with both? Are the four stroke race bikes really that much of a pain to maintain and are the 2 strokes really that much easier.

[uniped]

Maintanace is high on the thumper but keep on it and you could be greatly rewarded with an awesome bike 250four stroke will not have the seat of the pants snap as the CR, A 450 will and slightly more weight.
I have an 04 CRF250X over 1200 miles stock top end compression still in spec I ride it fairly hard and keep it clean fluids fresh filters clean. MOds are mild but give the performance I like.
A two stroke is fun indeed my previous ride a 95 RM250 was a great trail bike. a top end every year (approx) Two clutches in four years (as memory serves) Tires much more frequently and a shopping list of accessories to make it more trail friendly.
I enjoy my CRF more than any other bike I have ever owned. the electric start is my favorite trinket.

Scott
________
ZX14 VS HAYABUSA

[topgun]

4 Strokes may not have the zip and zap of a 2 stroke but they sure is so much more fun ...

Just finished a 1 day enduro - 175 km's ... muddy and a bit slippy but the crf 250 x just ate it up .. had quite a few duels with the 2 smokers ... KTM's mainly and whilst down the staright roads I was behind I soon got in front in the tight stuff ... which was the majority of the course ...

So for me 4 stroke all the way ... but I may be biased ...

Each to their own so what ever you enjoy you should ride ... 2 or 4 so long as you are having fun !!!

[124]

I was one of the hold-outs. While everyone was switching over, I kept hanging on to the RM250. Then, I had some issues with my trans (3rd gear, happened to all 3 of my RM's). Needed a ride for the weekend so I borrowed my buddy's 02' CRF450R. I was overwhelmed by the fun I had on that thing. It was even so ragged out that it didn't start well, the rims were poo-pooed, and the engine rattled like a SOB. I still had a blast and 10 days later I had my brand new CRF450R. Haven't looked back...

I don't care about all this talk about reliability and the valves crap. These are race engines. I run the snot out of my bike and I fully expect to rebuild it regularly. I will even if it doesn't need it. The 250's need a little closer eye on them until the valvetrain is replaced with stainless equipment, but I wouldn't let this fact hinder your decision. Just accept the fact that your purchase of the bike will be followed some time later with a top-end rebuild and everything is smooth. Once the stainless is in, you barely have to worry about it anymore.

[revs]

I rode a tm 125 2 stroke for a couple of years-i loved it but did in 3 pistons /cdi unit etc etc -i think there was more work on the 2t than my 4t and when i was getting a new bike i was unsure what to go for -i picked myself up a 250x and ill never go back the difference is unbelievable especially in the enduro terrain we also have our own short motorcross track for training and practice and i can stay with the 2 strokes no problem -my friend upgraded at the same time but went for a tm 300 (2t)-and every time we do long hill climbs he is left behind the 4 stroke just keeps on pulling while he is spinning out - and only the other day he said his next bike will be a 4 stroke !!!(maybe ktm excf ) tut tut tut !

[msudawg]

Thanks for the information. I have yet to ride a 250 four stroke but hope to ride my friends 250F this weekend or soon to get a comparison. I agree, it does seem the four strokes are much easier to ride but wow that two stroke blew my mind. I will probably be doing 70% track and 30% trails. I was told there are things I could do to a two stroke to make it more "trail friendly". Anyway, after I get this ride on a 250 four stroke I should have a much clearer understanding. I just know I got back on my 230 after riding the two stroke and was like "you have got to be kidding me?"

[jmattor]

Once the stainless is in, you barely have to worry about it anymore.

I don't want to jinx myself, but you are right on. I have at least 1500 miles on the bike since I put the Kibblewhites in and it's still in spec.
I keep checking, especially when I'm bored and can't ride...figure I'll work on the bike, but the valves are fine. So I end up cleaning the bike instead....with a Q-tip!

[124]

Once the stainless is in, you barely have to worry about it anymore.

I don't want to jinx myself, but you are right on. I have at least 1500 miles on the bike since I put the Kibblewhites in and it's still in spec.
I keep checking, especially when I'm bored and can't ride...figure I'll work on the bike, but the valves are fine. So I end up cleaning the bike instead....with a Q-tip!

I've done and supervised MANY stainless replacement surgeries. They are all running good and the heads are holding up fine. Most of the jobs are track ridden bikes that are run hard too. Stainless rules...

[djh65]

Keep in mind the stock 230 doesn't compare with the 250x or 450x. From what I can tell the F models are pretty much entry level bikes you can ride forever. The X and R are race machines built for speed. With some minor mods they really scream.
David

[msudawg]

DJH- This 230 has the power up jet kit done on it as well as BBR suspension but still I'm sure it does not compare to the X or R. I'm new to all of this so what do you guys mean when you refer to doing the stainless and not having to worry as much? Thanks.

[djh65]

stainless steel valves

[124]

I'm new to all of this so what do you guys mean when you refer to doing the stainless and not having to worry as much? Thanks.

All the talk about increased amounts of maintenance is mainly regarding the valve adjustments/replacement. While it is true the 250's are a little more prone to valve troubles, once the swap to stainless valvetrain parts are done, it actually will be less maintenance than any 2-stroke bike.

[matt watt]

I had 2 cr 250's prior to the crf250x and I wont go back to the two stroke. I fell in love with the crf250x the first time I rode one. I like the smooth ride with no vibration.I swap with my friends who have 2 stokes every now and then and now I find their bikes hard to ride. I guess I'm spoiled now. As far as maintenece costs go I'm ahead, my 04 still has the original piston. I just installed the Kibblewhite valves last year.My cr;s ate a piston every year and 2to3 tires a year.My X uses only one tire a year.

[msudawg]

Hopefully I will get to ride a 250 four stroke this weekend or soon and get a good idea of how different the two bikes are. Several of you have mentioned the X. If I like the four stroke I guess the big decision will be the X or R. I feel like most of my riding will be on a track so I guess the R might be the better choice. Have any of you with the X taken it on a track and what were your thoughts of that? Thanks.

[matt watt]

If you want to ride on a moto track buy a R. thats what it was made for. The X is for the bush.