I'm trying to earn some money and get a summer job to buy a quad, and I was wondering how the 250r's (Piped and some slight mods)Would handle against some of the newer quads (Raptor, 400EX,and the older Banshee). I ride mostly in the woods, but just trails, not too technical stuff. I figured it would be better getting a 250r for around 2-3 thousand instead of 6 for a new one. Also, I like 2 strokes more than the 4, I like the kick start too.
As for pre-mixing, is 32:1 good? And I heard Castor 927 is some good stuff. I've never rode a 250r before just heard lots of good stuff about them. Size wise, about how big are they? I ridden a 400EX if they are about that size. Anyway, any info should be helpful...

 

Its great that you are earning your own money for your quad. I believe when you pay for your own you seem to take better care of it.
As far as what to buy..........its a lot of personal preference. As you seem to like 2 strokes that limits the sport quads down somewhat as far as new ones go. The 250R is still a great quad and you can trick it out in lots of different ways. If you like tinkering and custimizing the 250R is the way go, if not go with a new one. For the price of what a new one cost, you could have a really nice R, one that you put together yourself. You could do it is small steps and not take so much money at one time, just add things as you get the cash. As far as will it handle against other quads, mine is a 86R, it will hang with the stock banshees and 400EX's. I have probably spent a little more on mine than a new 400EX would cost, but less than the Raptor, DS650, or Cannondale. But it has been fun putting it together and customizing it the way I want. Any of the major oils will work fine in the 2 strokes, just make sure you follow the recommendations of the manufacturer. Personally I use Bel-Ray at 50:1, but thats just my prefernce, some of the others are just as good.
Good luck, and take your time if you decide to look for a used R. Look it over very carefully and make sure it is not completely trashed out. There are lots of good R's out there that can be bought a resonable price, then you can fix and add things the way you want and when you want.
REX

 

I think you should leave those old beat up weed eaters for the "racers" and stick to a big, heavy, expensive to modify, low tech, new 4-stroke.
ERIC

 

I would get a R. then if u don't like it, u can sell for alot of cash.. Everybody wanted a R in there life-time. My cuz s sellin his for 3,500. He bought for 2,000. His r will wripp stuff up..

 

Get a 250R. If you like the ergonomics of the EX, you'll love the R.
Best handling quad ever made. You can mod it as far as your wallet will stretch, or you can still have a butt-kicker with very few mods. As long as you buy a decent one, you'll never be sorry.
Get the R and don't ever look back!