I really want to get into mx. I just don't know what bike to buy. I am between a rappy 250 or 350 and a 400ex. I think the raptor 250 would be best for entry level. I have alot of experience on sport quads but never put it to the track. What so what should I get? I am almost 16 and weigh about 140 and I'm about 5'10.

 

If in a race I always like the one with the highest numbered sticker on the side panel. My Vote is the 400 over the 350 and 250.

The 250 Raptor is the 350 Raptor not running right.

 

But i can put the raptor up to a 300 with a bore and I have herd that the 400s can get alitle picky. And the 250 is a lighter bike.

 

These two are a lot closer than you think, 250 is a better choice for track work...

At 5'10" the 250 is going to be small for you Blue_Racer88. I strongly suggest looking into what class/classes you are eligible to race and what the equipment requirements are for those classes. The 400 probably won't fly in the young teen class. At 16 you may have to move up to a 400/450 class anyway. In that case a 250/350 will be an immense drag. The 400EX is a great machine, but if you are going there the Z400 is much better for your purpose. A 450(or 250R if you can run one) is probably what you will need to be competitive in the older classes.

 

Another thing. I am on a tight bugget and i just want to check it out for a summer. I will be stuck in the 15 year old class untill the first of next year. What is the cheapest bike to get the most bang for my buck. And the cheapest for the neccisary upgrades(nerf bars, tires, air filter, exhaust and rejetting).

 

Again, depending on what the class allows, 300EX/Blaster are good places to start on a budget. You may even get lucky and find something already built up with patience. Don't go cheap on the protective gear though. A lot of times you can find close outs fairly cheap, even helmets.

 

My mom is going insane with the protective gear thing. She is trying to get elbow nee and full sholder pads. And so shoot for more on the 400 side? Do they even have an entry level class for that size engine?

 

Even non-AMA sanctioned events generally will follow a class format close to the AMA for the most part, so here is an idea of what you should be looking for:

AMA Racing Rulebooks

Next to last under the 2014 Supplemental rules "Approved ATV models cross class details" Under that class system a 400 MAKES you run Schoolboy Sr. while you could get a 300EX and run it for Jr. and Sr. if you wanted to. On the flip side you are able to run one of the minis for a year too. Again, I would find out what the local scene is like. Call a few MX tracks and ask what kind of turnout the different classes have. Ask for suggestions for classes based on your size/age/skill level. If it is feasible, it looks like you MAY be able to do 3 different classes on a Raptor 125. MX is a day of sitting around broken up by a few short but intense riding sessions. Extra classes get you more seat time and experience.