Which is better a 250R or a 400EX?

 

DIFFERENT STROKES FOR DIFFERENT FOKES. I like my R

NoShwagg

 

what do ride on (MX,trials) I like them both my modified 87 250r will kill the stock 400ex I rode but if it had as many mod's it would be a = test

 

I have both right now and for a beginner rider, the 400EX is easier on throttle control (no 2stroke powerband). Also, when the power band kicks in at the tack off of a jump, you better be hangin on, if not, you going to be so far back on the quad, wheelie city. The reason I say this, is my friend who is a beginner rider (damn good rider, but still a beginner) rides and has started to race my 250R and this is what he is running into. Hope this helps

 

I've ridden both and I like the 400EX better. I like the smooth power. I don't like riding on the pipe and I don't like the hit. You can be riding just below the powerband, give it a little throttle and bam, the powerband hits hard, kicking you in the pants. When it hit, I felt out of control.

It is all a personal preference. I have an entire season of riding on my 400EX and I couldn't be happier. If I had that much time on a 250R, I'd probably like it just as well. Ride them both and see which engine you like because they will have similar handling.

 

I have yet to ride a 400ex for any length of time but I love the power that my 250r has. I guess it all depends on what you prefer. The 400ex has alot more torque and hooks up better but the R gets up to speed better and faster.

 

I think one thing everyone is forgetting to mention is two-strokers, in general, are much higher maintenance machines... I'd say if your just gonna race the thing, nothing else, then get a 250R... but if you want to beat around in the woods, and maybe race also, get a 400ex. With a two-stroke, you have to ride up in the R's, or else you'll foul a plug or some other bad thing, whereas on a 4-stroke, you can haul a$$ or just putt around (but who puts around? hehe)

 

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I would have to totally disagree with that. I ride my R however I want, often time with buggies who any who has experience knows dont go very fast in the woods and mountains of OH. Anyway I can ride all day like that, for that matter the whole season on the same plug. It all in properly tuning your bike. Oh yea, and as for so much more maintenance, that is just simply not true. Put rings in it once in a while, very easy. Easier that adjusting the valves on an ex. And spend an extra few minutes mixing some oil into your gas can. Anyway for 5 extra minutes mixing gas the it is definitely worth it. Keep in mind also that by adding a few easy bolt on mods you can have a fast R, it will cost you a lot more money and labor to make an ex as fast, and when it really comes down to it you could still always make the R faster. Thanks Dave

 

Although I will not disagree with the relative ease of making a 2-stroke fast and I love the power of my 250R, I will disagree with the maintenance issue.

I have owned plenty of both over the years, and still own 2 4strokes and 1 2stroke. To keep a 2 stroke operating at peak, it needs more attention than a typical 4 stroke. The biggest issue for most is when the 4 stroke gets a little out of tune or worn out, there is not much of a problem. These kind of problems will manifest themselves much differently in a 2 stroke. Fouled plugs, burnt pistons, seized engines, poor perfomance, can all happen relatively easily in an improperly tuned 2 stroke.

As far as a 250R or 400EX.... It all depends, a brand new bike is awfully nice, so is a 4 stroke that's performance is right up there with a 250R. Handling wise, stock vs stock, I prefer the 400EX by a small margin. Both are very capable racers, both are very fun. The 400 is a very forgiving bike, and will make a marginal rider appear good.
The feel of a strong 2 stroke can't be beat, but the solid pull of the 400 works well in just about any terrain as well, is very controllable, and very tractable.

You can't go wrong with either, so the choice is really yours.