that is true. it only took the OEMs 17yrs to replace the 250R! what bike do you think yamaha set in their targets when they made the YFZ? hint: the one that was dominating the tracks- the 250R. a YFZ is the closest thing NEW that you can buy that handles close to the 250R. it IS a better 250r replacement than hondas own 450R.....AND to whoever that called the 250R "old technology" go ahead. but why is it STILL the bike people compare things too? it is still the most copied frame on the planet. is it the fastest thing out there, no, but it can be made to haul.....it really shines in the handling dept...i have both 250/450r and can tell you that the new technologically advanced 450R still does not handle like a 250R, anyone that says is blowing up your hole. the only things i can give the to 450r is good use of aluminum subframe, best oem front shocks, and a smooth, reliable engine (the 250R has one too but a little more pipey due to being a 2 stroke) thats not bad for a 4stroke - but it does require more maintenace.

of the newer bikes, yes, the Z400 and clones are the best bang for the buck right now.

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I think the Honda TRX450R will soon earn its keep as being the best quad ever. Honda has been known for its very reliable power plants. Give them a little time and they will keep fine tuning this quad to be just what the old TRX250R was in its day. A trend setter nontheless. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

dude, i would like nothing more (well some things) than to see honda get the 450R RIGHT and in time to be a legend like its predecessor. But if had to sell a quad right now i would sell the 450 before i'd sell the 250. Its not really about nostalgia as it is about its just a better handling, better balanced machine.

 

Have you rode the 06 or 07 450R's yet?

 

Yeah and it feels like a D@mn old honda..[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

I agree... In the dunes, my original 250R handles much better and feels more stable/planted than all the 450R's I have ridden... The YFZ is close, but nothing matches the stability and light weight of the now 20 year old 250R.

 

hmm i can tell not many people on here have a cannondale lol, no one even said on thing about them, yeah they were not around very long but I think that they had the best quads out (that is after you do the updates in them) I have one and it is the best quad I have ever had great handeling, good suspension, and insane power. Also if you got bored with it then all you have to do is hook it up to your computer and make a few little changes and it is like a totally different quad. they have all the newest tech in them and and out perform anything out right now and just about anything from the past

 

Well I can't speak for the others but I'm 34 and have been into quads since Suzuki first intruded upon the ATC magazines with the World's first 4-wheeler.

The 250R is probably the most popular of all time, and for two decades was the best thing out there to race with. But when the 400ex came out a lot of racers started to switch over and were going just as fast on them.....

Of course the question was the "best quad ever" but it did not specify the best "race" quad ever.

I voted for the z400 not because it's new, but because I feel for all around 4-wheeling fun it just can't be beat in stock form.

The 2-strokes just cannot hold a candle to the new machines in the trials. The 2-stroke engine is just not the best in slow technical trails. On the dunes or wide open baja type terrain a 2-stroke is awesome. But a 4-stroke can be great at both and that makes them more well rounded IMO.

Not too many 450R riders I know would trade their quads for a 250R, but I guess some would.

 

i dont race ,but the FUN factor with my 250r is AWESOME !!! i could care less what the pros are FORCED to race on !! yes .. i said forced!! (current production machines). its about sales... not technology. dont be a follower ..use you own mind. my 87 mojave is an 11.1 ,10,750 rpm.,dual cam,4 valve,liquid cooled 4 stroke thats 20 years old . how bout that old technology(21hp at the crank...pretty good, that would be 37.8 in a 450 ). tell me about these high tech machines. my vote would go to the machine that suits your riding style the best!!

 

I agree