Just one word of advice, if you do get the 400, don't waste your money on a slip-on exhaust. Save up and get an exhaust that will actually make a difference, a Duncan Double Barrel or a Big Gunn. I know that they are alot more expensive, but the slip-on will provide little benefit (1hp or so) where as a full system will give you in the range of 5-7hp.

Secondly, I had a full race 250R, all Laeger (frame, a-arms, swing-arm) with the CR-500 link. I finally gave up and switched to a 400 b/c I was going to have to basically buy every part in the bottom end of my R motor. Father time had fatiqued everything to the point of no return. And believe it or not, I actually like my 400 better. I find the power to fit my style of riding better and it handles as well as my R did. I do have better shocks (Axis) on my 400, so that could be some of the difference. Also, if everybody has 400's, it's for good reason, just like everybody had R's before it.

Ride what you think will make you a better rider, what works for someone else may not work for you.

 

I traded my loaded Raptor AND $1,500 for a 250R...and I would do it again.

Here's my life history...

I started with a 300ex, didn't like it and got a couple of jet-skis. Got tired of the jet-skis and got a 400ex when it came out. Got my wife a KX-100 and wanted a bike to ride with her, so I traded my 400ex for a KX-250. My wife's KX-100 was too tall, so I traded it for a KX-80. Got tired of the bikes and got jet skis - AGAIN. Got tired of the jet skis - AGAIN - and got a Raptor. Found I have just about as much fun on sport-utilities and decided to trade the Raptor for a 'nice collectible' and then later get a Prairie 650 for everything else.

As you can see, I've been around the block a couple times. Now, if I wanted a quad to goof-around at the MX track on the occasional weekend, I'd probably buy a used 400ex.

The moral of the story is live life, learn and have fun along the way. The bottom line is not everyone will agree with you and not everyone will disagree with you. You've got a feeling of what you want to do deep in your gut...DO THAT!

 

Oops, forgot something...

Insert a XR400 between the last jet-skis and the Raptor...

 

Well my gut says keep the 250r.2 years ago the crank got rebuilt and the whole tranny was replaced.So the bottom end should last.But the reason we had it apart was because I broke the case.my dad is sheet metal worker and has a tig welder at work so he welded it up.But everysince then it leaks oil a LITTLE bit.It has to sit like 2 weeks to have a drop on the floor.

And about 250r's being 3000.The cheapest you can find a 250r where I live is 3500.And that is a bone stock clunker.My 250r was MINT when I got it.All stock wheels,tires,piston,even the grips.I A-arms where 500,Shocks got used for 700.There 220 new,Axle 300,rebuilt bottom end and new tranny about 700,nerf bars 180,wheels and tires 300, that is 2680.I paid 2500 hundred for it.It was a lucky find.Plus that is not everything on it.I have about 5500 in it all togother.He paid 4800 for his 400ex.So I am losin not him!