XR 200/250 best model?

[Scratch72]

Ok guys what is the best model XR200/250 model to buy it is to be used as a second bike something my father can come on a few rides with us not going to be used much but needs to be reliable. Would like an early 80s but do know that there are some to watch out for (not sure what years these are) also the later ones i dont know much about. My first bike was a double shock XR200 then upgraded to a 1982 XR250 frame which i put the 200 into wish i still had it. There was a thread on here somewhere about the XR models but cant find it:confused:. Cheers

[nzspokes]

I believe the 81/82 were the ones people wanted. The 83/84 RFVC motor didnt work out so well but after that they improved.

[Coldrider]

I believe the 81/82 were the ones people wanted. The 83/84 RFVC motor didnt work out so well but after that they improved.I had xr250a times 2, XR200RB prolink, XR250RE with the hand grenade head, but mine was thrashed in enduros for two years and never faulted. I think the XR250RG was OK onwards, they went back to single carb and oil cooler, that would be 1987.
edit the XR250RE and possibly RF had a smaller diameter (by one inch) rear wheel which can limit tyre choices.

[Lawrence]

here are some good links with info on the XR models.

http://www.motorera.com/honda/h0200/xr200r.htm

http://www.motorera.com/honda/h0250/xr250r.htm

http://www.4strokes.com/articles/honda/


I believe from 1986 to 2003 the XRs were pretty much unchanged apart from colour & graphics & few tweaks.

[grantman]

Mine is a 1990 XR250

Any of them are great if you can find a good condition XR
As posted they really havnt changed a lot for a long time.

I have had mine for 6 years now and only put petrol in it and changed the oil a few times
(regular oil changes is the key )

I got mine to follow my son around on a CRF50 ...then a CRF70 & now a CRF80 ....soon to be a CRF150
and the XR250 keeps on going ....one day I will upgrade

The XR loves the tight twisty trails, but my fav XR would have to be the XR400
My mates got one and its just so much fun to ride.

My advice would be look around for a good XR400

[barty5]

be careful of the 400s give the lower frame a real good check over they where really common to rust out badly other wise as long as its not a twin carb model 200/250 you should be ok good strong and reliable not nothing once they where disc brake and single rear shock changed much.

[Taz]

A DRZ400 would be a much better bike all round. Especially with electric start. Just sayin.....

[nzspokes]

A DRZ400 would be a much better bike all round. Especially with electric start. Just sayin.....

But they are much more expensive and a lot heavier. I guess electric start is good for girls.:violin:

[Scratch72]

But they are much more expensive and a lot heavier. I guess electric start is good for girls.:violin:

Yes the heavy bikes are out not bothered about electric start as will only be used as second bike, seems to be some good buys on trademe. Cheers guys for your input helps a lot.

[ktm84mxc]

Best years for the XR200's 1981-84{rb-rd} 1987-1995 some of these had a shorter rear shock fitted with only 200mm of rear travel, easy fix just fit the longer shock from a earlier model.
Best years XR250 1981-84 1987-2005 the latter years had an oil cooler fitted and disc brakes front & rear [from 1995] normally with a white tank this was changed to a red tank around 2000.
Avoid the 1985-86 twin carb models as these were a known problem machine usually caused by lack of servicing.
A Yamaha TTR250 from 1995-2012 is also a great bike with the bonus of electric start these can be had for 2.5-3g.
A DRZ400 is a big heavy bike the DRZ250/350 would be a better option.

[Tony.OK]

Yes the heavy bikes are out not bothered about electric start as will only be used as second bike, seems to be some good buys on trademe. Cheers guys for your input helps a lot.

Have I got a deal for you!

[nzspokes]

Non Disk ones are better, you learn to not need to stop. :facepalm:

[merv]

XR200/250 are great bikes and came with very good wide ratio gearboxes, something neither a DRZ400 or DRZ250 ever had. DR350 was OK from that point of view though.

Only thing about the XRs now is that old XRs are that - old!! So gotta look hard for a good one.

[barty5]

Another good option would be the old TT250 or 350 both ran the same cam set ups as do the yzf so you get very little cam noise unless the chain is worn ive had a few of each and found them to be very reliable little harder to find but a well balanced bike all round.

[Scratch72]

Another good option would be the old TT250 or 350 both ran the same cam set ups as do the yzf so you get very little cam noise unless the chain is worn ive had a few of each and found them to be very reliable little harder to find but a well balanced bike all round.



Yes one of each of these in ChCh im watching on tardme, adds a bit to get a bike up though.

[Scratch72]

Have I got a deal for you!

Ok what is it let me see this deal.:blink:

[barty5]

Yes one of each of these in ChCh im watching on tardme, adds a bit to get a bike up though.

daily fr8 do it for about $250 had quite a few brought up in the last couple a years.

[Tony.OK]

Ok what is it let me see this deal.:blink:

Haha..........am looking to upgrade so will be selling the mighty XR 4hundy, sounds like you're after something smaller though.

259740

[Taz]

Haha..........am looking to upgrade so will be selling the mighty XR 4hundy, sounds like you're after something smaller though.

259740

Very nice Tony.

[Voltaire]

I'm a Dad and I have a KDX 200, son had a 2000 XR 200, too soft and underbraked for me...but a good weekend trail ride all rounder. He now has the KDX and I just bought an old XR 400, bit taller but much the same as the XR 200 and better brakes, suspension, power.

[Pornstar]

where the heck is Nordeboy? He'd be all over this.

[Scratch72]

Haha..........am looking to upgrade so will be selling the mighty XR 4hundy, sounds like you're after something smaller though.

259740

Dam thats a nice looking bike but yes realy only looking for 200/250. Cheers

[Skiwi]

I own or have owned the XR250 models 1985, 1992 (bored to 285) 1995 and the 1987 XR200

I used them just as you propose to, trail riding, following the kids and the occasional hard out big rocks & tussock bashing runs, All have been bullet proof.

The 1984-1985s suffered from finickety carb adjustment and overheating, I threw on an oil cooler and switched to a single carb and it went fine.

I havent clocked up huge ks on them, but 90% has been off road and i love being able to park them up for months on end, then pull it out, couple of kicks and away you go. At $1500 - $3000 for a reasonable one they are exceptional value for money, ease of servicing and parts are also attractive to me?

Anything post 1990 should be a reasonable ride. It the budget allows it, later is better.

There is a noticeable step up from the 200 - 250 not just in power, but ride as well.

[Crabby]

I would be inclined to say ttr too, or maybe a klx300. I'd tend to spend a little more on the bike so theres more time riding and less time looking for parts and fixing stuff. Also nothing like modern bikes when it comes to suspension and brakes, a small amount of additional investment will pay off in enjoyment and reliability imo.

[Scratch72]

Ok heres another qustion for you whats the CRF230 like compared to the xr range, this bike in no way is about to replace my 450 Husaburg but will still be ridden by all

[Skiwi]

Ok heres another qustion for you whats the CRF230 like compared to the xr range, this bike in no way is about to replace my 450 Husaburg but will still be ridden by all

Between the XR200 and CRF230 I'd choose the CRF every time.
Between the XR250 (depending on year) and CRF230 I'd choose the XR ( the ride is nicer on the CRF, the power is nicer on the XR)