[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-mad.gif[/img] I just got through reading the new ATV Sport, and there's an article giving advice as to why buying a 250R is a "Bad Decision". For those of you that haven't read it, it talks about how long it's been since they were in production, their age, terrible shape most are in, and then they go on to state that you shouldn't be paying more than about $3000 for one, since they are apparently not worth it.
What is this? a new marketing strategy to get us to buy only "new" bikes?. That'll help with advertising dollars, I'm sure, but it sure slams a large group of people that, not only still think a 250R is the best quad ever made, but ride and race theirs regularly, with very little problems compared to some of the "new" quads offered by the manufacturers.
I happen to have both a 250R AND a 400EX. On any given day I'll take one or the other depending on how I feel, where I'm going, or who I'll be riding with. There's no more maintenance or breakdowns on my "old" quad than on the new one, because when I got it I rebuild it to last, and I'm enjoying that work now. I have more $ wrapped up in my "old" quad than in my new one, but there's a world of difference in weight, power and handling: you get what you pay for.
That doesn't mean I dislike my 400EX, on the contrary, it's fun, and very easy to ride, but it's no competition to a 250R, and never will be without A LOT of work. The 400EX has it's attractive traits, and that's why I bought it, but for the maggazine to tell us that the 250R is "not worth it" and not to pay more than $3000 for one because they are all thrashed it's like saying that Shelby Cobras are "old", and we shouldn't buy one for more than $10,000 because they are all "thrashed", why, there's all those new Mustangs and Camaros out there, why buy an "old" Shelby? (if you want something along the "old" Shelby's performance level, you can buy a Saeling Mustang...for about $80,000). Also tell the pro's with $20,000 250Rs that they are paying too much, when they could be racing a "new" (though not made by any manufacturer) Yamaha based 426 quad for only $25,000. The point is, you get what you pay for (usually), and yes a $3000 250R may need much work, but a $5000-$7000 250R is usually in great shape, better than new, and it'll have all the stuff you'd be adding to that Raptor or 400EX for the same final price (or less). In the end you'll still not have a HONDA TRX250R!.
I'm done ranting now, somebody prove me wrong or take over.

 

I think I'll leave my 2 cents here. When you say don't buy a old Shelby cause they are old and probably thrased. Well you are overlooking one thing. A car is made to stay on the road and damn near all of them have never ben anywhere but the road. So they are extremely well ridden. Now quads on the otherhand take a beating from hell compared to a car. Most people don't climb hills and hit doubles in a car. That is why a 15 year old car and that 15 year old 250R have so much difference in quality. Not to be dissin the 250R in any way. I'm buying the next one I see that is is semi good shape.

 

I just completed my R, and I have about as much into it as most new machines. Two key differences, mine is better in every way for me as it is built for me and not the general buying public, and mine is paid for!

 

I agree with pappy 100% on this one!!! ATV Sport just wants you to buy a new quad, the manufactures probably paid them to put that in there. I paid around $2000 for my R and I have only had 2 problems 1 the case was cracked because the cahin hit it, cost of repair $$FREE$$ and then It wouldnt start because of the premix the previous owner had run in it, cost to repair $6.56 for gas $5.72 for premix and $1.25 for a spark plug. All in all i think it was worth it !!!! $2,700 les then a 300ex and twice the proformance !! {I know someone is going to reply about my last statement pplease keep it to yourself}

 

i have an old shelby! check it out on my photo album its raaaare.

 

Im with you Killer250R i just bought a 350X for $1,600 and it will beat a $5,400 EX. So if i were to put another $700 or so in it then i will be happy and save about #3,100 for basicly the same engine.

 

That's a cool looking blue Shelby Juggalo. If I had one, it wouldn't be traded for a "new" mustang. That thing is a classic, and those motors were monsters. I know I had a green '69 Charger RT 440ci with dual quads feeding it. Hard to explain to anyone that's only driven "new" cars (or quads).

 

I agree that the motor in the 350X is AWSOME... (I have one)
I recently sold my 01' 400EX for financial reasons.
I miss my 400EX DEARLY!!!!!!! The X is fun and fast, but there is something about
an awsome quad...........

(you cant really motoX a 350X, for example)

ps. Just because your 350X is slightly faster than a 400EX,
dosnt mean that you saved 3800 dollars and everyone should sell
there 400's and buy 350X's because they are better.

There is MUCH MUCH more to a truely awsome bike than just acceleration.

 

1 New Raptor ='s TWO 250R's....

Went through a similar experience here lately when looking to buy a new truck. I am actually one person that actually needs a diesel truck to haul the trailer(s) with and a camper now and then, not these Ken & Barbie poser's that drive around in their jacked up diesel trucks. I was looking at buying a new Dodge with a Cummins, model as tested about $38K+ out the door. I could find a 3 to 4 year old truck for about $15-18K less...hmmmm...now taking the difference in those prices, I myself, could replace just about everything on that truck. I bought a used truck.

There's a reason Backcountry doesn't bother to read those rags anymore...................

 

The article simply stated common problems associated with the 250r. Basically a heads-up for guys buying a 250r or servicing their own. I noticed nothing "slamming the 250r" in the article. Lets be realistic, a quad that was bought new for less than $3000 dollars at least 12 years ago, with no significant upgrades, is'nt worth a boatload of money. The STOCK 250r barely beat out the lt250 and Tecate years ago (this article was re-ran a couple of months ago).
The 250r is a nice quad stock and an awesome quad properly modded, would I give $3000+ for a stock one in typical ratty condition (after previously owning one by the way)? No way.