Me and my brothers decided to get some new bikes and I have my mind made up on a YZ125 or a YZ250F dirtbike. But my brother is stuck between a 250R or a 400EX. He wants a bike for trail riding and some races or two. Also which one is more dependible (I know the 400 EX cause of 4 stroke) but what about which have problems he should worry about. I know a lot about 400 EXs but I know crap about a R.

 

Alot of poeple are comparing a 400ex to what ever they ride.
Many say it isn't what it's cracked up to be.
Me personaly, when I buy my motor bikes (for the kids) I get what they want.
When I shopped for my quad this year, it cost 2000.00 just for H O N D A to be on the side.
Now start a thread saying what can you compare with a 14 year old 250r, I would almost bet (Besides the ocasional idiot) no response...............

 

RedReconRider, I happen to have both the 400EX and a '86 TRX250R, so I can give you some comparisons:
1) Reliability: I have no problems with either, that old "2 strokes break more" has no basis in fact. If it's maintained it'll last, if it isn't, it won't, whether it's 2 or 4 stroke.
2) After riding a 250R for years, I just bought the 400EX this year. it took me literally one day to get used to it, that's it. the handling is very similar with some minor differences. They are both identically equipped, with Works triple rates up front, and Ultracross rears. The 250R can be ridden faster on some terrain, and it's easier to move in the air. The 400EX is less tiring to ride FOR ME, but I can't really toss it around as easy, it's just the torque that helps get through some terrain easier.
3) My oldest boy rides a CR125 in MX, and he loves playing around on the 250R, more so than on the 400EX, but he's younger, stronger, and a better rider than me. I like the way the 250R revs and just flat flies on jumps, but on tight stuff, I'll always take the 400EX.
This is just all personal opinions and feel, but what the heck, that's pretty much all anyone can offer you.

 

Thanks,
Well I had a 400 EX but I sold it cause I wanted a YZ125 or a YZ250F. I wish I would have kept it and gave it to my brother. Anyway, I think I talked him into the R.

 

RedReconRider What were those mods you had on your 400 Ex again. And how much did you get for it????? Just wondering [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img] R.R.

 

Just why do you ask that??

 

my bad double post

 

I'd go with the 400ex, it will last him alot longer than a 14 year old 250r. And if hes going to do alot of trail riding you'll find the 400ex's low end torque come in handy. the 250r is going to take alot more maintenance, does he have experience with 2 strokes ?

 

see if you got ripped off!

 

I seem to keep reading from folks that "a 2-stroke takes more maintenance", "a 4 stroke will last longer". Where do you all get this stuff? EITHER type of motor will LAST THE SAME and take aproximately the SAME amount of work to keep running well; I know, I had/have both, as I said earlier. I'm 47 yrs old, had bikes since the age of 17, and I've seen both good and bad 2 and 4 strokes. Why are 250Rs still around if they're so unreliable, on the other hand, how many Maicos are still around from the same era? There's good designs and bad designs, the basic type (2 or 4 stroke) is irrelevant.
Like I said, IF YOU KNOW WHAT YOU'RE DOING AND MAINTAIN IT PROPERLY it'll last, if you don't, it won't. That's it. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-disgusted.gif[/img]