What to check when buying a second hand trailbike?

[Jase W]

I'm in the market for my first trailbike, and im looking for an early 90's 250 4-stroke. What are the basic things that i should check/listen for when looking at one? I've got about $1500 to spend, will that get me one in decent nick? I'm not after anything flash - just something thats going to be reliable.

Cheers for all your help

[HCW]

Hi Liftback,
The old 4 strokes are pretty reliable old beasts, but also get neglected alot.
Check the oil condition and listen for any engine clatters / knocks etc. Their easy motors to work on but don't buy yourself headache.
Some other things to look for - Badly worn wheel bearings. Worn suspension linkage bearings. Leaking fork seals. Play in steering head bearings. Tyres, brakes etc.. None of these things are terminal but the cost of repairing them can add up.
Most older trailbikes have had a hard life and will probably need something fixing. Look at as many bikes as you can before you choose which one to buy.
Good luck and Have fun with your new bike.

[Jase W]

Cheers HCW :)

[geoffm]

What size are you looking for? I was thinking today that the Hyosung ans variosu Chinese Honda copies are pretty cheap for less than 250cc, and given I saw a twin shock XL185 for $900 today, I think they would be a better buy. Sure, Chinese build quality isn't flash, but a 10+yo thrashed trailie is not as good as it was when it left the honda works either, and at least has a warrenty.
Geoff

[Jase W]

nah im after at least 250cc. i think those chinese bikes are more than what i have to spend anyways...

[cheese]

Just becarefull and don't rush into a bike Like I did. I spent 2600 on a bike I was told was a 98, found out it's a 96, have to rebuild the rear linkages, had to put a new piston in, and need a new rear tyre. Plus other bits and bobs I need to do.

Best bet is to look at the bike, if it's not too sloppy with all the bits, and not blowing smole like thomas the tank engine, take it to a shop and get a once over done on it. Might cost you $50, but it could save you hundreds.

[kerryg]

I'm in the market for my first trailbike, and im looking for an early 90's 250 4-stroke. What are the basic things that i should check/listen for when looking at one? I've got about $1500 to spend, will that get me one in decent nick? I'm not after anything flash - just something thats going to be reliable.

Cheers for all your help

You've got a road bike so you probably know this anyway but here goes:

$1500 will not buy much motorcycle. You may well be better to wait until you've got a bit more to spend so that you've got more options

Bike parts are dear. If your bike is going to need tyres, chain, sprockets, brake pads...etc etc ad nauseum, factor those costs in. A $1500 bike may well need some of those things replaced, but will still probably only be a $1500 bike when they're done

Trail bikes will have had a hard life in many cases. Get it checked by someone who understands these things before committing yourself. Apart from chain etc as above you need to think about engine condition, suspension, steering head, wheel and swing arm bearings, hoses, rust etc etc

If you are going to take it on the road, be aware of the high costs and red-tape associated with compliance if it is currently de-registered. If it was never road-legal and you want to put it on the road, I'd say forget it. It will cost too much.

4 stroke engines are more complex than 2 strokes. Unless you're good with a spanner you'll probably need to get engine work done by a proper mechanic, whereas 2 strokes are pretty straightforward even for a layman to work on.

My 2cents

[Jase W]

Cheers for that. I have decided to wait untill ive got a little more dosh. All the bikes ive looked at have needed something, so its best to wait. I was told to give 2-strokes a miss due to the high maintenance, but all the ones that ive seen in this price range seem to be in better condition than the 4-strokes. Is it just because people are tending to buy 4-strokes these days? Would a 2-stroke be a bad choice for a first trailbike?

I dont intend to road register it, so thats not a problem (i just need to get a car with a towbar or a ute/van)

[MSTRS]

I'd say you were better off with a 4stroke. More moving parts but way more reliable, and with their torque, the power is more user friendly esp for a new trail rider.

[Jase W]

Sweet ill save the extra and get me a minta 4-stroke :D

[cheese]

The old 4 stroke pro's and cons.....

Old 4 strokes, you may have to do the piston when you first get it, but it will see you right for ages.

old two stroke, you'll be changing pistons ever 50 hours (like me....)

I'd go for an old XR250. If you can get one after 96 (I think) they had dry sumps on them. I may be wrong there though.... There is plenty of old Farm hacks around like that so you should be sweet. Have a look at trade me.

Important things about riding in the dirt.

Clean your air filter and oil it every ride!!

change the engine oil every 5 rides.

Get some good boots/gloves and a helmet.

[Jase W]

coincidentally, xr250's are all that ive seen going hehe. Havent really seen any beyond 89-92 though... they generally get quite expensive around 96

[MSTRS]

coincidentally, xr250's are all that ive seen going hehe. Havent really seen any beyond 89-92 though... they generally get quite expensive around 96
They can, but not always....If you are careful you can get a great XR250 for between $1600-2000. DO NOT be tempted into getting one with twin carbs tho (around mid 80's) - they all end in tears

[Jase W]

Sweet as, i've been staying away from anything earlier than 89-90.

[NordieBoy]

What's wrong with the pre 1980 XR's?
We don't need no steenking suspension.

You know what they say about long travel.
"Long travel - small ____".

[NordieBoy]

"Long travel - small ____".
...Chiropractor bills.

[Cary]

I was told to give 2-strokes a miss due to the high maintenance, but all the ones that ive seen in this price range seem to be in better condition than the 4-strokes. Is it just because people are tending to buy 4-strokes these days? Would a 2-stroke be a bad choice for a first trailbike?

Like anything, the more you spend the better the bike.

I like 4 strokes but if you can't find a good one how about a KDX200 or 220, if a mate of mine was getting into dirt riding thats what i would recommend, light, good handling and realiable, easier to fix, very good bike to learn on.

The 2 strokes are cheaper to buy new thats why 2nd hand prices differ.

[HCW]

Lets make things more complicated and suggest a Kawasaki KDX200. This is a great 2 stroke for a novice offroad rider. Lighter than a 4 stroke, mellow power band (torqueier than most 2 strokes) and a 6 speed gearbox. I had 1 and it improved my riding heaps (they're easy to ride fast). I can't say enough good things about these bikes and I normally hate Kawasaki's. $1500 should easily buy you a 1990 or newer. The normall wear and tear applies - bearings, tyres, linkages, chain and sprockets etc, they also flog big ends and main bearings so look (and listen) closely at possible purchases.
P.S Stay away from the imports. Easy to spot as they have steal petrol tanks.
KDX200 - Highly recomended.

[Kickaha]

KDX200 - Highly recomended.

I second that, I've ridden a few of them, awesome bike for someone getting into off road and not as high maintenence as a moto cross bike and easy enough to get a bit more HP out of when you get to grips with it and want more power

[grantman]

Hi Liftback
I have just brought a 91 XR250 from trademe for about $1500

I was looking for quite a while to find it.
There are still some good ones around if you take time.

you need to look at heaps of them so you will know what is a good bike/price and who is dreaming.

(mine was from a dad that used it to ride with his kids on family days.....thats the type of bike you want to find )

funny enough that is what im going to use mine for! :)

Good site for XR photos and to see what year they are
http://www.bikepics.com/honda/xr250/


1978-80 twin shock models
1981 - 83 Pro link models (had one of these)
1984 -1987 RFVC models some with twin carbs (very bad !!! )
1988 to 95 ( good redesigned engines )
1996 to 2002 very simular engine ...redesigned suspension)
2003 > CRF models watercooled beasty
(From memory sorry)

Happy to help if you have any questions
as for trademe ...go and see the bike before you bid

good luck