Rocky Mountain Dirt Riders

Guys,

Looking for some input, I am currently riding an XR250R and am looking to upgrade to something with a little more jam.

My Eye is drawn to red naturally for the CRF, I have heard great things about this bikes power and maintenance schedules. On the flip side my friends are pushing me for a WR which also has great reviews. Im not looking for extreme power but for a bike that will allow me to progress further as a rider then what Im currently riding.

Any input would be great!

GW

The yz250fx is a sweet machine if you considering a blue 250cc bike that is really ridable in single track off the show room floor.

The only difference between those two bikes is the colour of the plastic, and where you go when need to buy parts.

Both good starter machines i'd buy the one that cost less/needed less work/was in better condition. Nice to have a bike with lights etc. all stock.

As Axel pointed out though, you might find yourself wanting an upgrade in the near future if you get hooked on singletrack? Any KTM 200-250 xcw machine would also fit the bill, and Gas Gas has a great bike that can be had slightly cheaper than a corresponding KTM.

AJRJ wrote:The only difference between those two bikes is the colour of the plastic, and where you go when need to bUy parts.

And the number of valve adjustments/replacements required....

I think Im more partial to a four stroke over a 2-stroke. I will have to do more digging on the valve adjustments/replacements.

Thanks for the input

GW

I think the later models got better, but many of the early CRF250s had valve problems. Good call to do your homework on that issue before buying.

I can say for sure the 2005 250crfx had issues with the intake valves, although it was adressable with a set of kibble white valves and springs. Other than that I thaought the crf250x with the usual upgrades was a solid, reliable bike.

The older WR250Fs are pretty solid mechanically, if they were looked after, service with air filters and fluid changes, pads and drivetrain, GTG.
Bit of a pain to jet and check valves, but that's once to jet, and then infrequent valves, usually the exhausts may move once then set up for good.
Wheel bearings lasted me 7000km no problems.

I know where there is one for cheap, PM me.

I have been doing some research and watching some videos on maintenance and valve adjustments. looks to me like both bikes are the same amount of work and time to check and re shim. a lot of the guys on thumper talk are saying the WR is a lot easier access for other components (i.e. carb) and the valves are out lasting the rest.

Any one got some first hand experience on this?

Malcomzilla,
I know where there is one for cheap, PM me.[/quote] Ill let you know when I have made a decision. If I go look at one ill wanna ride it then, buy it, etc.

GW

I've checked and shimmed the valves on both bikes. Once you know how, it's a relatively easy job on both. And yes the early (i.e. pre 2008) CRF250's had issue's with the intake valves. Regardless, I wouldn't let the valves or maintenance on either bike scare you away. Unless you are an expert level rider, you're probably not going to ride either hard enough to worry about excessive maintenance and if you are an expert level rider, they are probably both the wrong bike to begin with.

Definitely no where near expert level. I'm bottom of the intermediate level I'd say. Still doing some digging but the toughest part is the loyalties to specific brands. Yamaha loves Yamaha and Honda loves Honda.

Any other details on these bikes that might swing a decision one way or another?

I appreciate the input!

Reading the notes and thought I would chim in. Both CRF250x and WR250f are great bikes and I would not be overly concerned about maintenance differences as they are pretty close and if you are not racing, should not matter. I am helping my son make the same decision on which to upgrade to. I have a WR450f so I had to make the same decision. Both of these 250's are set up nice for XC, trail riding and ok on a track. Lights, electric start, kick stand and being geared/set up for trail riding were most important. The rear brake light is helpful riding in the dust and giving that person behind a warning you have stopped.

For me Yamaha come down on price some over the Honda. Yamaha also has a nice trip computer/speedo/odometer that the Honda does not have. The Honda has a simple mechanical odometer. The Yamaha trip computer has been helpful for enduro rides when you know how long the course is and you have instant visability of how long/far you have gone or have left. It is also nice to know how fast you are going. I personally like a few other things about the Yamaha - taper bars, wide footpegs, and an actual on/off button.

Hope that helps.

I've got an older WR250F in great condition if you're interested, has been a great bike for me and solid mechanically. Prefer no test drives, but for a member I could arrange something.

I have a 2016 CRF250L. it weighs 320.

ttwest wrote:I have a 2016 CRF250L. it weighs 320 lol.

That's crazy. Newer Austrian 350 4T's are a full 100 lbs lighter.
What a time to be alive.....

I also had a WR250F and it was a great bike, very smooth power, all the trail friendly features. I don't think you can go wrong with either choice