The bike buying conundrum

[motor_mayhem]

Since I have suffered the loss of my two toys I now have to ponder what I will replace them with. Unfortuantely the commuter is a forgone conclusion -
the EXC was underinsured and had a large excess on it and since I don't want to make myself broke again, the commuter will probably be something old, cheap
but reliable.

So then the other question is what do I replace the RMZ with? Will I ever get something as good? Is this the time to try a 250 2t / 250 4t
or do I stick with 450 RFS?

So I have tried to do up a bit of a chart on each of the kinds

450 RFS (thinking 200X CRF450)
+ good power that can pull you through a bad/hesitant decision trackwise
+ more linear power delivery - keep traction a bit better
+ less maintenance than a 250 RFS
+ generally better that 2T on petrol consumption
- less forgiving on maintenance compared to 2T
- uses more tires, chains and sprockets than a 250
- heavier and more rotating mass so often more difficult through the tight stuff

250 RFS (thinking 200X RMZ250)
+ more linear power delivery - keep traction a bit better
+ more agile than 450 4T, and easier to control
+ generally better that 2T on petrol consumption
- less forgiving on maintenance compared to 2T
- tends to require more maintenance than 450 4T as the engine works harder
- doesn't have the power of the 450 or the 250 2T

250 2T (KTM/RM/CR?)
+ has plenty of power like the 450* but less weight and more than the 250
+ more forgiving on maintenance
- less linear power - more effort to keep traction
- uses a bit more gas (i think)
- the minor nuisance of buying 2t oil and mixing gas

If anyone else thinks of anything I've missed or would suggest alternate bikes to what I have there or any other info, I'd be keen to hear it. I know there are probably threads out there already about this but I also know that opinions change from time to time.

[rossrc]

You forgot the 2T 300 3-stroke

[rossrc]

TBH a 300 enduro bike might be the best of all worlds - have you tried a 2T enduro machine? They're much softer power wise than a full blown MX machine

[kezzafish]

I found it a real trip and a steep learning curve going from the 450 MXer to the 300 2T. But now (after

riding it 15-20 times) i'm used to it and think it's a much better all rounder. Very different riding style and

it's taken a while to re-learn but i think now i can ride it harder for longer than i could the 450. The only

thing i recon it's worse at than the 450 is hillclimbing especially when loose/slippery. Added bonuses

include never worrying about it blowing up, dropping valves etc etc. Very easy maintenance/piston

changes. I wanted the 250 exc but couldn't really find one in my price range. after riding pornstar's 250 i

recon that is the dream bike, Feels more nimble and easy to ride. You want the latest model one you can

get too as they seem to get better every year on the power delivery tip

[morg_nz]

my cr125 is for sale, throw on a set of motard rims and it'd be a mint commuter!

[D3ALN]

You thought about a Wr450 or a YZf450 or a 250 if you like

[xen]

Fuckin sux to lose your bikes.. Ye you got a pretty comprehensive list, but you forgot FUN! 2T wins hands down
Definitely harder than a 4T to ride fast, and if you wanted to race I'd say keep with 4T.
Like Kezza says harder on hillclimbs where you don't have the low down torque you can just grunt up with, although a 300exc is gonna be pretty close.
But then I use a tried and true method with 2T just get your chainsaw on, rev to the moon and inch your way up, thats the way!

Try riding a few different ones thats the best way to decide

[Pornstar]

your welcome to have a blat on my scoot. the pipe needs a little TLC at the mo. thats another 2t factor, freekin mondo pipes begging for damage, but my old CRFs pipe got a beating too. meh

[That Guy]

In my opinion depends on what sort of riding you want to do and cash available....having had a short blat on porn stars 250 too I really rate those bikes- awesome machine. If it was trial/ bush/ a bit of cross country or enduro then for me definately thenewst 250 exc 2 stroke I could afford. If Mx duties too I'd go for a 4 stroke but that's just personal preference.

Not a 450 though unless you have the time to train 5 days a week and can keep up with Cooper/king/Coppins etc

[Stylo]

TBH a 300 enduro bike might be the best of all worlds - have you tried a 2T enduro machine? They're much softer power wise than a full blown MX machine

Agree you may want to try a 300t , all the power in the world and lots of torque plus you have a powerband which is the fun factor the 4t's DON'T have ....

Trickier to ride maybe but, is'nt that what it's all about ...? Shame they don't make 500's anymore...5 Cents

[motor_mayhem]

Hi All, Thanks for all the advice here. After much pondering, today I got a replacement for the RMZ - a CRF450 (08). In the end the reason I went with 450 RFS was basically because I have had one before so am used to utilising all their strengths and working around all their weaknesses, and I thought it would be more frustrating to have to relearn the strengths and weaknesses of the likes of 300 2T, though if an opportunity came to get one as my dual purp machine, I would definitely like to get one for that.