Thumper (xr) vs screamer (cr)

[96xr400]

Hi

A few years back i sold my 96 xr400 and am now getting back into riding. The 96xr400 was awesome, totally reliable, never cost anything on parts or servicing (didn't have it so long) and a lot of fun having that grunty engine for blitzing around/trail riding, Sandpit etc. 10+ years ago I used to ride mx'ers.
Looking for other bikes i've seen a CR250 which looks pretty tempting (around yr 2000).
Anybody care to pass comment about which bike type I should get?

[96xr400]

Just to add
Bike budget is around $2-2.5k
I've got kids and will sometimes ride alongside 50cc's. i'm guessing that's probably a better fit for an XR, but is it still feasible with a CR?
I appreciate the CR may be more costly for maintenance, but any indications on what i should budget/expect to spend maintaining a CR, how much and how often?
Finally, any main things to check over when looking at used CRs?

Thank you

[CookMySock]

I've never worn out or damaged any two-stroke engine (except one with a failed water pump) but I've upset a few four-strokes. Even the commercial law-mower people use two-strokes because they last longer.

I don't think you should worry about maintaining a two stroke. Just use the best quality fully-synthetic oil you can get, and accurately mix it at the correct ratio, and just ride it. Do maintain its' cooling system properly if it's water-cooled though. Yearly pump checks and coolant changes should sort it out - only use distilled water and a quality glycol in it.

Steve

[96xr400]

thanks steve. isn't there a requirement on 2 strokes to rebuild the top end every x hours? if so, how many hours and any idea of cost?

[Shane06]

it depends on type of riding..a top end of 2 stroke can be done for under $300 and would take a few hours and you can do it yourself. would last 60-70 hours of trail riding..for that budget you mite struggle to find a xr400 but you would get a decent cr or similar..i took my boy up to the park for the first time on his lt50 and it was ok following him around on the cr..looking at a bike for sale you should be able to tell if its been someones pride and joy or a beat up bike good luck buddy keep us informed

[B0000M]

if you're spending $300 on a top end rebuild for a cr 250, you're paying too much! lol, kits start at about $130 (mitaka) or about $230 (pro-x) and of course do the work yourself, its really not at all technical!

as for a bike for that money, id probably go for an older year model with less use than a newer year model with heaps of use to try to get something less worn out.

[CookMySock]

As above, but unless you are seriously wringing its' neck I don't see the need, except for cheap insurance.

Our B1 rep runs constantly in over-rev (18,000rpm) and after a year it's still solid. We won't touch it unless we are forced to, but I doubt we will be forced to for some time. If ever. Talking to the old skool minimoto boys - they rarely if ever replace a piston after years and years, and trust me we beat the piss out of them.

I doubt you will hurt it, unless some ancilliary part goes wrong and toasts it, ie water pump.

Steve

[CRF119]

Im going to say CR just because everything is better. Brakes, Suspension, Frame, Looks the list goes on. I wouldnt use cheep pistons or top end bearings stick with the knowen brands its not woth a cheap piston ruinning your cylinder. I use Pro X, Vertex or genuine. Piston will do 2 sets of rings unless it has damage. So really its going to cost next to nothing to keep going unless you are rapping it.

[99CR250]

Thanks for all your messages, I went & road a 99 CR 250, bloody awesome. I've done the deed. bought a screamer, & it howls! Loving it, although only been on some pasture so far. (ditched the old forum a/c, using 99CR250 now). Cheers

[Shane06]

awesome.hope to spot you up the bike park with your 50cc riders

[99CR250]

cheers shane, i'm most looking forward to getting up to the park without the 50cc riders! they can come up, all in good time, i gotta give this bike a run-in!

[B0000M]

good choice!