Best mx machine
Jun 13, 2001 | 08:04 PM
#4
Pro Rider
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 338
Likes: 0
The best motocross machine is whatever you can ride the fastest. Gust and Farr seem to be able to win on 4 strokes and Jeremiah Jones can win on the 2 stroke. I like my 440EX real well, if anything it hooks up a little too well in the corners. I have raced motocross on 125s so I know how nice it is too slip the clutch and power out of a corner. With the 4 stroke it is almost like you are coasting around the track. You have to be smoother and not make too many mistakes. The 2 strokes are more explosive and let you get away with a few more mistakes.
The engine braking of a 4 stroke is good and bad. It helps you slow down when you let of the throttle, but you need to hold just a little throttle off jumps to avoid nose dives. It is something you can use to your advantage, but it might take some getting used to.
2 strokes are a little cheaper to mod. Although now with the powervalve cylinders the cost is going up.
Obviously, stock now quad is really set up for MX racing. If it was me I would start out with a 250R or a 400EX.
Adam Smith
99 400EX
The engine braking of a 4 stroke is good and bad. It helps you slow down when you let of the throttle, but you need to hold just a little throttle off jumps to avoid nose dives. It is something you can use to your advantage, but it might take some getting used to.
2 strokes are a little cheaper to mod. Although now with the powervalve cylinders the cost is going up.
Obviously, stock now quad is really set up for MX racing. If it was me I would start out with a 250R or a 400EX.
Adam Smith
99 400EX
Jun 15, 2001 | 02:06 AM
#5
Pro Rider
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 563
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plumb04,
I agree with most everyone here. A nice MX racer would be a 250R or 400EX. Both now have tons of aftermarket products readily available for them, and some parts can be interchanged between a 250R and 400EX.
I am partial to 4-strokes, so I went with the 400EX. It's a great machine, and so is the 250R. Look at the pros and cons of each machine, ride both of them (make sure they are good running ones!!!), and decide on which would suit you and your riding style better. Good luck.
I agree with most everyone here. A nice MX racer would be a 250R or 400EX. Both now have tons of aftermarket products readily available for them, and some parts can be interchanged between a 250R and 400EX.
I am partial to 4-strokes, so I went with the 400EX. It's a great machine, and so is the 250R. Look at the pros and cons of each machine, ride both of them (make sure they are good running ones!!!), and decide on which would suit you and your riding style better. Good luck.
Jun 16, 2001 | 02:20 PM
#7
Pro Rider
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 228
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I have seen more and more Raptors on the tracks, but they aren't necessarily better than the 400EX. They have lots of power, but not much of a chance to use it on an MX track. The 400 is more nimble and corners better (stock, at least), and has better gearing for racing. However, I do think the Raptor would be awesome for XC! Get out in those open stretches and let it run!
Corry
Corry
Trending Topics
Jun 17, 2001 | 01:26 AM
#9
Pro Rider
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 228
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You're right, it's not a 10 yr old quad, and that is probably it's biggest weakness. It hasn't been through the greatest test of all....TIME!
From what I've heard it's fuel injection makes it a real contender for the holeshot, and it's definately got speed. I believe it was clocked as the fastest of all of the thumpers (on a dry lake bed). But again, top speed doesn't mean a whole lot on the track if you don't have a nice long stretch in which to use it.
It's already had a podium finish in the pro world, which is impressive, and shows potential! I am not sure it's suspension and handling beat the 400, though (again I'm talking stock).
If I had the money, and didn't mind paying for parts when things broke, I might be tempted to get a Cannondale and run it on the track! It sure would turn heads! But again, it's definately a gamble at this point.
I would think about mods, too. It would be pretty hard right now to find modifications for a Cannondale.
Just my thoughts! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]
Corry
From what I've heard it's fuel injection makes it a real contender for the holeshot, and it's definately got speed. I believe it was clocked as the fastest of all of the thumpers (on a dry lake bed). But again, top speed doesn't mean a whole lot on the track if you don't have a nice long stretch in which to use it.
It's already had a podium finish in the pro world, which is impressive, and shows potential! I am not sure it's suspension and handling beat the 400, though (again I'm talking stock).
If I had the money, and didn't mind paying for parts when things broke, I might be tempted to get a Cannondale and run it on the track! It sure would turn heads! But again, it's definately a gamble at this point.
I would think about mods, too. It would be pretty hard right now to find modifications for a Cannondale.
Just my thoughts! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]
Corry
Jun 17, 2001 | 03:56 PM
#10
Weekend Warrior
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 20
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I would say if you are just getting started and your money is tight. Go with a good, well priced 250r, with about as much money as it will take to upgrade that 400ex to a 440ex you can improve the suspension, a-arms and tires.
Well if money isn't an object, I really like four strokes so that would be my choice. And again the 400ex is a better Mx racer than the Raptor, due to the EX being easier to ride due to its good suspension, in my opinion. But I still think if you can master the Raptor like many have master the 400ex it would be just as good. Granted you will still have to do the wider stance and suspension updates and maybe the regular engine bolt-ons (due to the already great power)that is probably all you would need.
But again in your case, by just getting started I would go with the already proven winner in MX racing the 440ex. Granted you will probably need that extra 40cc. So you might want to weigh your options, meaning money available, what you like to ride (2 or 4 strokes), and what you can ride the fastest on those tracks.
Oh, lots of practice helps too.
[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif[/img]
Well if money isn't an object, I really like four strokes so that would be my choice. And again the 400ex is a better Mx racer than the Raptor, due to the EX being easier to ride due to its good suspension, in my opinion. But I still think if you can master the Raptor like many have master the 400ex it would be just as good. Granted you will still have to do the wider stance and suspension updates and maybe the regular engine bolt-ons (due to the already great power)that is probably all you would need.
But again in your case, by just getting started I would go with the already proven winner in MX racing the 440ex. Granted you will probably need that extra 40cc. So you might want to weigh your options, meaning money available, what you like to ride (2 or 4 strokes), and what you can ride the fastest on those tracks.
Oh, lots of practice helps too.
[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif[/img]