I bought my 250ex a little over a year ago, & enjoy every moment on it. I got it so i'd have something to knock around the neighborhood on. But I am having way too much fun...but would like to make some performance upgrades.

I have limited mechanical knowledge, to go along with a limited budget. I want the most bang for my buck...but dont know where to put my $$$.

Should i go with some aftermarket tires, exhaust, filter, etc.?

I'm leaning towards an exhaust, but am having trouble finding a manufacturer. Any ideas?

 

K&N or Uni filter depending on where you ride. Dennis Kirk Offroad and Rockt Mountain ATV should have some pipes for your 250.

 

Here is what I did to ours:

DG Nerf Bars.

Maier plastic (light) skid plate.

ITP Holeshot XC tires, on ITP rims (we ride mostly dry desert). The rims have a greater offset, and make the bike 3" wider in back and 2" in front. Nice increase in stability (the balooney stock tires make the bike a little tippy and make it "push" a little in turns).

Vented airbox lid (UNI round vents), UNI foam air filter (gets rid of that restrictive stock wire insert) and an FMF MegaMax II muffler (8 discs + the quiet core), and a rejet. Perks the little engine up quite a bit!

TAG metals X-5 handlebars.

 

Filter/Jets/Pipe are the way to go.

As for suggesting? No idea I've only ridden on a 250EX once.

 

If you just like riding around in the roads like you said, i would get Exaust (hmf i think they make it for yours, cheepest but great pipe) a K&N air filter, and re-jet. that will give you a noticable boost in power.