I am really hung up on what to buy I dont know if i want a 2003 400ex with the following mods:
Cycra Hand guards $44.95
Russel steel braded front break lines $75.00
Pro-Design tether $35.00
Wicked 3" over a-arms $399.00
Pro Taper bars $64.99
Motion Pro twist grip $39.95
AC Racing Nerf bars $163.00
AC Racing Front bumper $86.00
AC Racing Swing arm guard $155.00
AC Racing skid plate $87.00
Rear 3" Wheel spacers $89.95
Two Brothers FULL Exhaust $519.98

or a 1986 honda 250r with the following things done to it:
newer crate motor, pipe, nerf bars, bumpers, wheels and tires,runs great

both atvs look clean and are the same price. By the way I like to mx at our local track and ride wheelies on my neighbors field. These bikes would be the next step up from my warrior and kx125 (I am a experienced rider).
Thanks for your imput

 

Man i just got an 03 400ex pretty much stock, and i love it, you should be able to find a really good deal on one. I paid 2,000 for mine and it is worth every penny i assure you. the 250 on the other hand i dont know too much about, I just know how happy i am with my 400 after owning my warrior. night and day difference.


PS: i sure hope i spelled everything correct and got my dates right or the big
bad MOTO is gonna come crying like a little biotch.

 

if money is not the case, i would buy the 400ex over the 250r. i like the 250r's, lost of power and comparable to a 400ex in most areas. its just the simple fact of 2strokes vs. 4strokes for me, the brand new crate engine is a big plus on the 250r. but even the best maintinance scedual means it will need to be tore down and rebuilt every few seasons. this cuts down on relyabilty, since a rebuild is a certinty. on the other hand the 4stroke 400ex will most certainly outlast the 250r before it needs a rebuild. i know people who beat and over-rev the crap outa there 400's, but with regular maintinance still run perfect after 6-7 years.

for me its not a hard decision, more time rideing and less time in the shop...<u>honda 4stroke</u>

 

The R would be a "project quad", given its age. You may have to do more wrenching than riding! The aftermarket was huge for these at one time, but I bet it has dried up after all these years. You can't even get a create engine from Honda anymore....

I have an 00 EX, and it is running as good as it did when it was new, so an 03 probably won't become a "project quad" for a few more years.

 

Like everyone else has stated... The 250R was top notch in it's day...but has been out of the scene for a while. They are great for racing, but need to be rebuilt often if they are pounded on...which is what they are for.

400EX's have a huge aftermarket for them, just like the 250R, but more parts are still available. The power output on the 400EX in stock form is less, but with some mods I'm sure you could be around the same.

I would buy the 400EX if I were you, as you can get parts for them still, and not have to pay top dollar for the rarity. I bought mine used for $2100, and don't regret it for a second.