I've never owned a 4 wheeler I'm 5'7" and about 150lbs, i've just road my friends a little bit (raptors, banshee, 400ex)....i was wondering if gettin a 250r would be a good first quad to have? Also how much maintenance has to be done to keep a 250r running good and how much will the replacement parts cost. I ask this because i've heard 2 stroke engines need more maintenance and cost more $ to maintain. How often will i have to replace worn out parts also? Just wanted to hear some different opinions.......thanks for the help.

 

If you arent very mechanically inclined, I would opt for a 4 stroke. The 250r is a great machine, but you will be starting off with a 15 year old machine. The laws of physics say that something will need to be fixed. Top end rebuilds and frequent rejetting are in your future. If you are comfortable with this, then go for it. There still isnt a better machine, imo, than a well built R.

 

DT The R is an awesome quad, however, it will require more money be invested into it simply because of how old they are. I just bought an 86 for 3000, and then found out that the motor and tranny need to be replaced. Another 3000 Unforseen dollars. This motor ran good but hot, when the mechanic tore it down he found 100% oem honda parts. All were worn and the tranny gears, shift fork,etc were also worn. A 400ex isnt quite as old and the other 4 strokes that a worth a dang are also much newer. Take my advice and stay away from the R unless you are aware of the upkeep that went into it or are prepared to invest alot of money. Personally for the 6000 I would have much rather put a down payment on a 450r. Hope this hopes.

 

Workin on its not the problem....unless i'm workin on it more than i'm ridin it.... i just want to know how much money i'll be spendin on replacement parts and how often. Also how much does it cost to replace the top end....thanks for the help.

 

If you have the money, go for the R. I rebuilt my top end, bought a cylider, piston, rings, gaskets off of E-bay for about $250.00. The R is a bad A$$ bike. But like they said, it depends on what kind of codition the bike is. I bought mine in 2001 it was all stock and I burned it up last summer. That is 17 years old with the stock piston.

SO money will depend on what you want. I like my stock suspension R than my performanced 400EX.

 

I own an '86 TRX250R and I must say that it is an awesome machine. However, I really don't think it is the type of bike you should by as your first quad. Even if you can can handle the power, riding a 2-stroke is a whole different world than riding a 4-stroke. If you don't ride the 250R hard all of the time it will not perform how Honda intended it too. I would start off on a 400ex first and then get an R after a little while. And yes repairs can be expensive. I just spent $2,000 rebuilding mine from the groung up. And even though you have to rebuild the top end every now and then, it's not like you have to do it once a month so that shouldn't be a concern. Spending that $2,000 was worth it....there is nothing like riding a 250R.