Hello all! If I buy a used 250r, what are the things I can count on replacing myself? I mean, what's going to go out, what are the weak points of the quad of that age? What are the most expensive replacements?

Thanks,

jason

 

3 wheel or 4 wheel?

What year?

Raced or not?

Sparky.... I'll check back later.

 

When I got mine ('86 TRX), I had to pull the motor and have the left case welded where they threw the chain, (and I should have gone ahead and rebuilt the top & bottom at the same time), new chain and sprockets, and rear axle carrier bearings.

I think you can count on needing a case saver, chain & sprockets, top end, and rear axle bearings. Other than that, it just depends on how much you want to spend, and if you want more speed or more reliability. All the a-arm bushings may need replacement, the front swingarm bearings too, possibly tires (and wheels), plastic, seat cover, radiator hoses, air filter, shocks, complete rebuild, porting, pipe, etc. etc.

 

A quad. Non-raced. I want something that's fairly stock in the engine department. I want the keep the original, smooth powerband. What is the life expectancy of some shocks that haven't been raced, but have been ridden a lot. are there problems with the stock rear axle and swing arm?

Thanks,

jason

 

The main things to check on a 250R are the axle bearings, the axle locknut, the frame and the left casehalf. The only reason why the axle bearings go is because most people overtighted the locknut. When you overtighten the locknut, it ruins the carrier and the locknut. The frames are just so old that they are going to crack, they are super strong but they have their limits. Check near the swingarm pivot and up around the steering stem. Take the plastic off and check everything over! I have purchased about 6 250Rs/motors in the last year and only one of they had damage to the case where the chain was thrown. It actually was the mount for the case saver that was broken. You should make sure that you have a casesaver always though! I have thrown a chain on my fourtrax more than once (even with a brand new chain!) and the casesaver saved me everytime. I would rather buy a new chain for $50 than a new case for $250. If you really check over the bike before you buy it not only will you be able to get it cheaper by finding imperfections, but you will know what it needs before you buy it.