What to check when buying a second hand trailbike?

[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