Hey, I'm thinking about getting a YZ250, my buddy just got a 02 Raptor and I now need something faster than my 450 Foreman to keep up with him, this time I think I'm going to take the 2-wheeled route...Does anyone know the topend speed of a yz250? Should it keep up with the Raptor or 400EX?

 

If you know how to ride it and not scared the question will be can they keep up with you. Answer= NO CHANCE

 

If your main concern is top speed the YZ250 wouldn't be the best choice unless you want to make some gearing changes. It has a close ratio gearbox which may not be the best choice if you ride a variety of terrain. You might want to look at the KTM EXC250 or 300. They have a wide ratio tranny and are tuned a little more mild than a Motocross bike.

The 2002 KTM SX250 puts out 50 horses at the rear wheel so the EXC is probably more like 44 but that's not bad on a 225 pound bike. As long as you get your skills up on the bike and stay away from deep sand you shouldn't have a problem taking a quad. I ran my slightly modified KDX200 against a slightly modified Raptor and the Raptor pulled away from 3rd gear on. We were in wet sand and all I could do was spin while he hooked up and walked away. On the trails it was a different story though.

Just keep in mind that if you are on a bike you will find youself wanting to ride on different terrain than the quads in many cases so you may have to find some new friends.

Good luck

 

Get a raptor.

 

mudmunster, I believe you're right. I'm probably going to get a Raptor, or 400EX...most likely the Raptor.

 

If your worried only about Top speed then the Raptor is your only choice. I went last summer and looked at those KTM's and those sure are nice but are expensive. I liked the 300 and 380.
Chet