I am debating on what new-to-me quad I want to get next spring. They will be used and the choices are: Honda 250R, Suzuki Quadracer 250 and 500, and 400EX. The types of riding I will do are hillclimbs, drag races, play mx, trail ride, a little of everything. I need something that will be competative with my friend's Yamaha YZ250F four-stroke bike. I am leaning toward the 2-strokes more than the 400 because I want the experience of a 2-stroke versus 4-stroke which I ride all the time. I will not buy some junker used quad, it will be a very good condition one with no other mods besides pipe and silencer, air filter, etc. No engine mods or anything else. I want to do those if I need to. Thanks for any help.

 

go with a honda i think they are so more reliable than other quads that you are debating

~jenny~

 

But i really think you should go with a predator or a scrambler...look into it
~jenny~

 

if your looking for a hill climer , there is none better than the lt 500 , they can be built fast also . i do all of the things you said on mine and no prob . the bike is flat out insain fast and torquey .

 

Benedark

First off what is your budget for a "new-to-you" quad?
As for the 2-stroke quads, remember finding one in descent (not raced) shape with little to no engine mods might be hard, plus 2-strokes have a higher maintence than 4-strokes. The trade off being lighter, easier to work on and higher reving.

I think all the quads you have listed would be good choices other than the lt500 (reason being the width and engine size may not be to the liking of your style of riding). I maybe wrong, but I feel the 500 is more geared towards hillclimbing, duning, and flat track racing.

The honda 250r has better handling and is easier to get parts for. The lt250r has a stronger more powerful engine and the 87-92 had a power valve plus you can pick them up alot cheaper than the Honda.

Prices to expect on the machines:
lt250r : $1000-$2500
250r : $2000-$5000
400ex : $2500-$4500 used and $5200 OTD new

Personally I would go with the 400ex or z400. The new 4-stroke quads are getting to be competitive with the 2-strokes and the lack of everyday maintance is a big plus. Don't get me wrong I'm a die-hard 2-stroke fan as you can tell I own the new GasGas 300 quad and love it. It's just nice to have a quad that you can just jump on a ride and not have to re-ring it every 10 races or so.

One thing if you decide on the the 250r, lt250r, or any older quad make sure you look the frame over real well. The older races quads tend to have cracked frames so be careful and look the machine over throughly.

 

Thanks for all your replies, they were helpful in my ongoing decision but I am still not sold on one particular quad yet. I know about the benefits of 2 vs. 4 stroke quads but I am willing to overlook them compared to performance. My budget is pretty low and I am not willing to go toward a Scrambler but otherwise if money wasn't an issue, it would be the Predator or Z-400. I need something that can compete against my friends bike in all the areas I listed. I am in love with the idea of the Quadzillas but would be willing to go to either of the 250's. Also, I am not too concerned about width, weight, etc. in my decision because none of the types of riding I do require tightness and a light quad other than the occasional mx race with friends. I jut have to find the right one that's in the best shape of whichever one I choose. Thanks again for all you replies.

 

Benedark,

Forget it. The only way to keep up with a bike is with a bike. Now if you want to pass him, get a bigger bike. I understand where you're coming from with the money problem, but buying a older used machine will not help. You will spend more money maintaining used 250Rs and LT 250s than you would just going out and buying a Cannondale Cannibal. The only thing that the 250R has over it's used competetors is a higher price tag. You'd be much better off getting a newer used 4 stroke machine, than buying a older used 2 stroke machines. Stick with a 400 EX. They are pretty reliable. The same can't be said of the 2001 Raptors. Axle bending problems, gear problems etc.....

 

What, that sounds like Raptor bashing.

Chet

 

RAPTORYFM660r,

Not bashing, just stating what has been said here before by owners of the machine in question. I'd have said the same thing about the Suzuki Z-400 (weak axle) if he would have asked. Still if he wanted to buy a used machine and wanted a fairly quick one, I wonder why he didn't consider a Banshee? They're fairly durable.

 

Mike Chero,

I was just kidding.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

You in fact were correct in your statement. I would say I don't push my 01 Raptor hard enough to have had these problems rear there ugly head. In its last year of use, it was used as a rural rock road cruiser.

Being a dirtbike rider from the early years unless the trail situations are really nasty I am always faster on our KDX. I am just fortunate to be able to afford both. Quads and dirtbikes. Two great sports.

Chet