Secondhand two-strokes?

[Mumbles]

Hi ya guys,
Want to go and play with the boys when they go out for a ride, but have a budget of $2500 and would need to purchase safety gear with that money at the same time.
Can ya give me a rundown on what to look for when purchasing...
Like motor or suspension, and if there are any particular noises to or signs to listen for or check out?
We’re a very competitive bunch of lads so I need something grunty so to be able to give me an edge.
Also any personal picks of bike would be good I have no brand alliance for off road stuff.
I’m short ish and about 80kg. (currently looking at CR250s RM250s KX250s on trademe)
Cheers

[B0000M]

We’re a very competitive bunch of lads so I need something grunty so to be able to give me an edge.

Cheers

lol, legend! lol

yeah the bikes you are looking at should do the job just nicely

id suggst youd get a reasonable early 2000s one of those models for that money. someone else might be able to tell you specifics
welcome to KB Offroad

[crazyxr250rider]

when looking at a bike check the obvios signs of abuse, rusty frame and spokes,slop in rear suspention linkadges, leaking fork seals ,creaking back end/no dampening, worn chain and sprockets, ratly rough running engines (some 2 stroke bikes do sound hideous when they idle though even at new), ask if they used a high qaulity oil (fully synthetic or castor based) and whether its had a piston and ring change...

[Pierce]

Yamaha also know how to make a solid reliable bike so i'd add YZ250 in for the search too mate.

Like Crazyxr said, keep an eye out for a bike that's been thrashed. Linkages, sprokets etc. If it looks like it's had a hard life it probably has haha. Take it for a ride too, you can ussually get a good idea of how a bike is when you ride it.

Good on ya for going 2T too

[flyingcr250]

Yamaha also know how to make a solid reliable bike so i'd add YZ250 in for the search too mate.

Like Crazyxr said, keep an eye out for a bike that's been thrashed. Linkages, sprokets etc. If it looks like it's had a hard life it probably has haha. Take it for a ride too, you can ussually get a good idea of how a bike is when you ride it.

Good on ya for going 2T too

first thing i look for when buying a bike is the condition of the radiators and footpegs, if these are flogged out bent or in general disrepair the by my reckoning the bike has had a hard life.

[crazyxr250rider]

Yep footpegs tell the life story of a bike....

[crazyxr250rider]

If you were keen i could flick you my KX for $2500 cash and ill chuck in my old riding gear (helmet,boots,gogles,gloves,MX pants & shirt) offer only stands this week though thinking about tricking out the kxf or buying a new 09 but if i dont sell by word of mouth i wont bother....

[Mumbles]

If you were keen i could flick you my KX for $2500 cash and ill chuck in my old riding gear (helmet,boots,gogles,gloves,MX pants & shirt) offer only stands this week though thinking about tricking out the kxf or buying a new 09 but if i dont sell by word of mouth i wont bother.... PM sent mate thanks!! What year is it the 98 or 05?


Yamaha also know how to make a solid reliable bike so i'd add YZ250 in for the search too mate.

Like Crazyxr said, keep an eye out for a bike that's been thrashed. Linkages, sprokets etc. If it looks like it's had a hard life it probably has haha. Take it for a ride too, you can ussually get a good idea of how a bike is when you ride it. unless your a mumpet like me who hasent been on a 2T for 15yrs and wouldnt even notice half the stuff that has changed over the years

Good on ya for going 2T too only way to go.... :drool: (had a yz125 about 15 years ago and it went hard)


lol, legend! lol

yeah the bikes you are looking at should do the job just nicely

id suggst youd get a reasonable early 2000s one of those models for that money. someone else might be able to tell you specifics
welcome to KB Offroad

Thanks for the welcome and much need knowledge!

Now its time for :girlfight: before i get :buggerd: hope i can man up enough for some fun and dont get the :baby: tag

[Mumbles]

So I'm going to go have a look at crazyxr250rider 98 KX250 this weekend as he's put a price with gear (cheers mate) and i'm passing his way on my way to New Plymouth.
What I want to know is anyone out there willing to take a look at a bike if I find something outside Palmy that needs a once over in the next week or two? At this stage I've found a 2000 RM250 in Tauranga (15 hours on full rebuild NEW piston, rings, rod, sleve in cylinder, all bearings and gaskets $600 spent on fork rebuild (2 hours ago) weighted flywheel)
As with (I think) everybody out there I work Fn hard for my money and I have to share it with the wife and kids:angry2: so want the best BANG for my $$.
Cheers again
Nick

[Mumbles]

:woohoo: had a look at crazyxr250rider KX and decided it was a good deal (with some help from a few mates :hug:)
So I now got a dirt bike (still sitting at Ryans place waiting for a mate to go pick it up for me)

What sort of breakdown stuff should I have on me when going out on rides.... just for in case :crazy: happens you know like replacement break/clutch lever....?
The last thing i want to be doing is :crybaby: cause that will lead to :angry2:
Ta
Nick

[mattwood]

What sort of breakdown stuff should I have on me when going out on rides.... just for in case :crazy: happens you know like replacement break/clutch lever....?
Nick

ummm
-spark plugs, heaps and heaps of spark plugs.
-spare levers are handy as.

and just the tools to replace those parts, also spanners that fit the most common bolt sizes on your bike, probably 8mm and 10mm ones, some lock wire/cable tires.. and a good pair of pliars and a rag is always handy, thats all I take in my bag when im trail riding.

[Buddy L]

tools i take:
8,10,12mm open and closed ended spanners and a adjustable one.
Screw drivers flat and philps #2
plyers
i don't take levers (you don't need a clutch or front break) that can wait untill you get back to your car
and thats about it i think? on short rides
On long arse rides i would take levers
a chain link or two.
small cloth.
sparkplug.

[oldskool]

Everything what Matt said and I've found a roll of electrical tape handy too.
On the Tussock Buster I was glad I took along a tyre pando as well, as sure enough I got a flatty.

[B0000M]

ummm
-spark plugs, heaps and heaps of spark plugs.
-spare levers are handy as.

and just the tools to replace those parts, also spanners that fit the most common bolt sizes on your bike, probably 8mm and 10mm ones, some lock wire/cable tires.. and a good pair of pliars and a rag is always handy, thats all I take in my bag when im trail riding.

if youre going thru sparkplugs ur bike is jetted wrong. my cr gets a new plug very 12 months. usually the electrode is nearly worn out by then.

[mattwood]

if youre going thru sparkplugs ur bike is jetted wrong. my cr gets a new plug very 12 months. usually the electrode is nearly worn out by then.

yeah, just when i first got my bike.. first ever time riding a 2stroke, fouled heaps of plugs.. havent touched the jetting and its all good now, it doesnt foul plugs but it goes alot better with a new one every 2 or 3 months.

[Hazza]

tools i take:
8,10,12mm open and closed ended spanners and a adjustable one.
Screw drivers flat and philps #2
plyers


Be careful taking screwdrivers out riding with you.
I can image how nasty it would be to come off and get a flat blade in the back

[Mumbles]

Thanks lads :niceone:, most of what you guys have said makes sense.

Now another question....

What petrol mix you guys running? just looking at the manual and its recomends 32:1 but i know Ryan said he was running different mix depending on what type of ride he was on, so just drop me ya mixes and maybe a reason why with pros and cons...

[B0000M]

always 40:1 castrol tts, never had a failure, never fouls plugs, no wear on a 180 hour engine

[Azzman]

I used to use Castrol TTS 40:1

[CookMySock]

if youre going thru sparkplugs ur bike is jetted wrong.Or else you are using the wrong oil.


What petrol mix you guys running? just looking at the manual and its recomends 32:1 but i know Ryan said he was running different mix depending on what type of ride he was on, so just drop me ya mixes and maybe a reason why with pros and cons...32:1 is a bit wet. 40:1 minimum. I use Amsoil synthetic and they recommend 100:1 - use it if you dare - I have never had any problem with it over 15 years. The only thing is the raucous laughter and abuse you get if you tell anyone about it. I like the product - one or two kicks every time and it starts. Whatever you use, it should at least be a modern synthetic. Don't FFS buy some cheapo 2T oil from the servo, and if you have some in your shed, chuck it out right now before you are tempted to use it.

Steve