don't know if this subject has already been addressed or not.

everyone says that the 250R has the best handling of all, is the 400ex close? if so, wouldn't it be cheap to buy a used 400ex(maybe even with a blown motor) and then put a different motor in it, either a cr450f, yz426, or whatever you want. What do you all think? just some quick and simple opinions......

 

I have both a 250r & a 400ex(Wife's bike). I think my 250r out handles the 400ex. The 250r is 2" lower than than the 400ex. Which gives
the 250r better center of gravity. If you jump from one bike to the next, you can really tell the difference in the seat heigth. But maybe if
I spent more time on the 400ex and could get the suspension dialed in, I would like the 400ex better. But the 400ex just doesn't seem to
fly thru the whoops like my Honda 250r.

 

I think my 250r handles better than my bros 400, its feels so much lighter and the 400 feels bulky. The 400's oversteer is alot easier to handle than the 250rs though

 

the 250R has a 2" lower seat height, same width and length, is 50 pounds lighter, and has slightly more Horsepower...

you figure it out.... numbers don't lie!

BUT, in the EX's defense.... it is a much more reliable motor (4-stroke), and also more trial friendly without that jumpy powerband... lots more low end torgue than the 2-stroke... oil cooled, electric start, etc.

 

I dont feel that the 400ex is any more reliable then the 250r. As long as you treat a 2-stroke the way it wants to be treated it will last you a very long time. I know if you blow up a 4-stroke or break something inside the motor your going to wish you had a 2-stroke

 

I have both, the 250r is the best overall quad i have ever riddin. Yeah you put a crf or yzf motor in a aftermarket frame and they are realy good.

 

I went from a 400ex to a 250r. the difference is almost night and day. There is a greater abundance of power (stock) and is so much lighter. It really handles like a dream. 2-strokes are also a lot easier to work on. I only ride sand so a 2 stroke was the only way to go. The choice is up to you.

 

I used to have a Suzuki LT250R. That thing was a blast. It sat very low and wide, i could slide it sideways all day without coming close to 2 wheeling. The power was great on it too, i loved the powerband hit. However, I sold it and got a 400ex. The LT was very unreliable and was always broken. The 400ex wasnt quite as fast, but i havnt had any problems with it. So far ive put on works tripple rate shocks, 21'' holeshots, 18'' shredders, nerfs and handguards and soon to be hmf pipe. It handles so much better now than stock. The shocks are a blessing. I know suzuki's werent as reliable as hondas, but that was my experience with 2-strokes. The 400ex is much better in the woods and can be inches alone in first with feathering the clutch. If its power you want, i would get the EX and spend the money to make it go faster. If I had the chance to trade my EX for a R, I would pass.