So I have a chance to get a 2 stroke 250 cheap(under $1k).

Now, as a kid I rode BMX in the dirt all the time, but as an adult I have only owned street bikes.

I keep getting told that teh 250 will have A TON of torque than I am not used to. And some say Dirt is more dangerous than street.

I dont see how since there arent other cars on the road, yet at teh same time I am sure I will not just be riding smooth trails.

So, what says you?

Who has experience on dirt and is a 250 a good bike for a 6'4" guy under 200lbs?

i rode and raced hare scrambles and motocross for almost half my life. a 2 stroke 250 is quite a torquey machine, but i would ride my buddies all the time and if i'm 6' 130lbs and i could handle it, i'm sure you can.

they are CAKE to rebuild too, which depending on how you ride it will be between 10 and 30 hours.

Thats what I though Stu, I also figure since I would be somewhat standing the majority of the time that it might be easier on my back.

Plus we have so many GREAT trails and other areas to ride around here.

Hmm, gotta think about this.

Sarge, I wouldn't suggest a 2 stroke 250 for someone of your.... advanced experience. I wouldn't want to read about a broken hip, busted ass, etc. If you haven't ridden a two-stroke bike in quite a while, you're in for a surprise. A solid 250 WILL whip right out from under you if you're not careful. I'm your height, and probably have 30 pounds on you, and they will throw me around pretty well. If you want to cruise the dirt, I'd suggest a 350-400 four-stroke bike. Even a 600 would be fine, their torque is built low, they pull great, and are a little more forgiving of someone used to low end grunt.

Ride it before you buy it bud, and wear your brain bucket. Wind 'er up in the RPM range, they don't make their power down low, you need to crank 'em up to get the power, and to keep 'em running right. Two-strokes are a young man's game, even at 36, I'm too old for that kind of thing, IMHO. I'd get squirrelly, think I could ride like a supercross star, and I'd wind up in traction.

go for it! you will have a blast. i've had a ton of 250 2 strokes and like stu raced hare scrambles and Motocross. I also have had a LOT of injuries but they come with fun.

a modern 450 4 stroke will dump you on your arse faster than dog snot, especially the kx, crf, yz, etc. a good starter would be something tamed down a bit.

sarge, dirtbikes are every bit as dangerous as road bikes. i've been helicoptered once, ambulanced at least 3 times (that i can remember, concussions change things) and gone to the ER by personal vehicle more times than i care to recall.

wrecking on a trail can be deadly. catch a stick in your ribs and say bye-bye. wear your gear. helmet, goggles, chest protector, kidney belt, riding pants, good quality dirtbike specific boots and knee braces if you can afford them, if not, knee/shin pads as a minimum.

Though I love two stroke bikes, a trail rider, they're not the best or even one I would recommend.

Their two stroke nature is crack it hit it hard and way more suited to "If you can climb it, it wasn't worth trying" instead of taking it easy "Oh there's a neat deer." Their torque is at the high end of the band which almost cries "Go Fast" and "Hit it hard."

Not to sound like your mom there Sarge but you'll screw yourself up on that thing worse than the Harley.

I'd suggest if you really want to trail ride to find yourself a nice small four stroke Street/Trail. Besides leaning them self more to hit it slow instead of fast, its good to have something that's street legal to go a little on pavement between trails. A Motorcrosser is really made to go in circles or up this hill a gazillion times and not as much a trail bike. Creeping over a log across the trail has some advantages over popping a wheelie and cranking it hard just as your rear tire hits.

Tj

Did you just call me old?




Yeah, that is my main concern as well. The older I get the slower I heal, and I KNOW my bones arent as strong as they used to be.





Always I wear a helmet..ALWAYS.

And if I did get the dirt bike I would also wear other padding.

The thing is, I just KNOW I will eventually want to try a few jumps and stuff, and then I might get hurt.

Maybe I will wait and look at bigger bikes like you said.

LOL, thats okay, I asked.

And I think you and the others are right. What I would REALLY like is a Honda Trail90.

always put on the gear. the time you don't it when your going to need it

It doesn't have to be bigger, I had a blast on my Honda XR200. A 200 or 250 four-stroke bike would be great for riding trails and bumping along logging roads. I love my XT350, it's got just enough umph to drag me around at 65-70 without too much effort, and it still has enough grunt to wander around the trails. When I upgrade in a year or two to a KLR650, this one will go to the wife.

2 stokes dont like to putt. If you want to trail ride and see some country get a four wheeler.

Oh yea hold on ,2strke 250s are primarly moto cross bikes if you can really really ride then its a woods weapon they dont like to putt they will foul plugs if they do. they are either on or off i have customers ( im a motorcycle mechanic)come back with thier shiny new YZ 250s or CRs saying it wont start and the plugs are fould because they arent staying in the power band riding in the woods.personally id get a duel sport XR 650
four stroke the KLR is ok water cooled kawi and the XR is air cooled tried and true honda much easier to work on if your going to do your own maint.( im a honda guy myself)kawis are cheap and you get what you pay for
and I dont like to work on them I do all day long matter of fact the KLR has recalls for wiring harness and exhaust muffler mounts make sure the recalls have been done at the dealership before purchasing they are not bad bikes Im just opinionated.

I have been riding dirt bikes for 10 years, 250 2-stroke, 250 4-stroke, and now 300 2-stroke. I would not recommend a motocross 250 2-stroke for getting back into the sport. I'm not saying you can't make it work, just that you would have an easier time on a different bike. I would recommend 1 of the newer 250 4 strokes, more torque than a 250 2-stroke, but without the hit.

Yep Yep I agree with jvellard If your going dirt only stay away from the 230 honda and yamaha though definately 250 the 230s are a bit weak cr250f or the yamaha or kawi 250s are really fun.

Personally, I thing street is way more dangerous than dirt, but that's just me.

Now I've done motocross racing along with trail riding quite a bit over the last 12 years. Ive owned 2 stroke 125s and 250s, along with a 250F. Ive also ridden some of the 450s out there. If you cant afford it, then by all means get the 250 2stroke. But if you can afford it, check out some of the 250Fs out on the market. They are pretty good all around bikes in my opinion. They are good for trails and the track, have a good power, etc. So in essence, i would get either a 250 2 stroke or a 250 four stroke...things that would affect my decision between the two: cost of maintenance, bike maintenance knowledge/experience, type of riding, cost of bike, and experience.

Hope this helps some...

Sarge,

If you get a good deal on that 2s, you could always re-sell it and pick up a 4s.....or just add the heaviest flywheel weight you can find to tame the hit.

If you put a flywheel weight on, a 2t 250 is great. it smooths out the hit quite nicely. it's still not a 4t, but it'll behave pretty well...

KTM 200 is right on time.. you can lug it or you can rip it... but pricey

for ecomony you have to solid, but not fancy options.... KDX 200/220 two stroke... BLAST to ride for fun, but you're not gonna win any harscrmable on it... or XR400 4T. I think the KHX is a btter bet... little lighter...LOT easier to start and maintain.

If you want a MODERN 4T look at the 03-05 WR450's nice, smooth four stroke delivery and luggable. Stay away from pre-'03.... they were "RIP YOUR ARMS OFF" tourque monster, and they CAN be a PITA to start. '03 -> has e-start