250R or Dirtbike

[ATC crazy]

NO BIASED OPINIONS!! I am trying to decide whether to get an '85-'86 ATC250R or a YZ400-426, XR400, or XR600 Dirtbike when the $$ allows. Just because this a 3wheeler site and you like them better than DB's dosen't mean you should automactially vote for the R and visa-versa. I ride in tight woods 95% of the time, and the other 5% is wide open trails and dirt roads. Any machine I get will be geared down for my conditions so top speed is not everything to me. Please tell me the positive and negative characteristicts of each machine (except for the 250R 'cause I know them already) I am 6'4" 265lbs if that makes any difference and only Honda and Yamaha will do. I'm leaning towards the 426 right now but they're all a toss-up. I have had previous experience on DB's and 3wheelers before so that is not a problem. Also somewhere in the $1,200 to $1,800 range. Thanks in advance. ;)

[Billy Golightly]

Where are you gonna get a YZ426 for $1800:?: :shock:

[86waterpumper]

why in the world would you limit yourself to a 250r for tight woods riding? Of what you listed, obviously some of the bikes would do better, although I can't see why you would pick a yz426 motocross bike over the wr. I'm not saying that it is impossible to make a 250r or any 2 stroke trike do good in the tight woods, but I certainly didn't like mine for that purpose. The axle was too wide, tires too small in diameter, and I would have had to tinker with the motor way too much to get the powerband like I liked it. I do think that the atc250r is way better in the woods than say a tecate, but I still don't see it being really a great woods motor in stock form like say for instance the kdx motor is. This is why honda made a 350x, Two trips to the haspin woods, one year with a 86 250r, the next year with a 86 350x showed me that really fast. In my opinion that is the trike you need for the woods, that would need the least mods to do well, and you would still have 6th gear for winding out on wide open trails etc. Gearing down is great, I do it too for the woods, but the flywheel weight, porting, pipes, etc all have to work together really.

[ATC crazy]

Where are you gonna get a YZ426 for $1800:?: :shock:

I'm looking for used bikes or something that I might need to tinker on a little.

Waterpumper--I have always liked the R over the X's for some reason...even for woods riding. As for the bikes, I'm familiar with the YZ's and XR's. I dont think I've even seen a WR :?

[J.D.]

A WR is basically the same as a YZ except with Enduro equipment, lights, bigger gas tank, etc.

[NOS_350X]

i say go with a 426 if you can find one but i doubt you can for that price. The xr600's are a little too big for woods riding from what ive seen they are better for desert riding. the xr 400 is a good all around bike. I say you get a bike because you can ride then in more places than the atc.

[ATC crazy]

Oh, OK. So far Its the 426. I might use it for some Hare Scrambles or XC someday so the YZ would be better than the WR. I'll look into both anyways.

[86waterpumper]

right goku I wasn't sure exactly what options the wr had, I just knew it was their offroad model instead of mx. Things like headlights, kickstands, probably a bit cushier seat, as well as sometimes a bit different transmission ratios etc usually show up on enduro type bikes, that is why I said that is what I'd look at...it already has items more needed for the woods than the yz does, and at probably the same price, and in this case, the bike still has a engine that is probably just about as powerful as the yz...it may be a tad detuned to run long distances etc, but I bet not by much. I know that everyone wants the yzs and the crfs and such these days, but if he is riding woods he's riding woods. Ha ha call me an old fart if you want, but I'm the guy that rides enduro bikes in the woods and after a few hours it gets pretty funny. I laugh at all these dudes hunting a tree to prop up their mx bike, or having to go home early when it gets dark, or bitching because their banana peel seat has driven somewhere past their rectum on the last set of ruts. :D

[ATC crazy]

Don't get me wrong...I like the Enduros...We had one once. :idea: :idea: That reminds me...I might be able to get it back :-D It was a '85 XL600 in perfect condition. I'll try and if not...oh well. Thanks for the info again. ;)

[ATC crazy]

BTW, whats the top speed of the DB's...I'm just curious

[Manny55]

the YZ426 is one wicked dirtbike this is absolutely the right choice the 85-86 250r is nice but it dont stand a chance agaisnt the YZ426. Acutely instead of the YZ426 i think you should get the WR450f that is a bad ass bike.

-Manny

[Manny55]

oh i didnt read trailprotrailpro post that said 1200-1800 range lol welll then nevermind on the WR450z that is like 6400 lol.

-Manny

[ATC crazy]

Im also talkin' used Manny. And I haven't found a 426 or WR in that price range so... :rolleyes:

[Manny55]

ya if your trying to find something in between 1200-1800 then i would get the 85-86 250r. It would very rare to find any of those dirtbikes in there for only 1200-1800.

-Manny

[alcherny08]

In the $1200 to $1800 range, your only choice would be the R. The XR400 would be best for woods, but an XR250 would be better in tight woods because its lighter, easier to contol, and when it stalls, it kicks over on the first try with an easy kick. No top dead center stuff. The YZf bikes would be the hardest for tight woods. They flood easily, hard to start, and are made for racing. The XR600 is a good bike to general use, but is very heavy.

With the money you have, I would look at a used late 80s XR200. They will be very reliable, easy to ride, long travel suspension (I think like 8-10 inches), light, and if it floods, and easy kick while your sitting down will fire the bike right up.

I hope this helps and good luck! :D

[NOS_350X]

you must be a midget or suntin because the xr200 and 250 have like no power. I dont see how anyone but a chick could ride them there just week. there isnt any recomendation from me for the smaller xr's.

[ATC crazy]

I was thinking that too NOS....200cc aint enough for 265lbs. :D

[NOS_350X]

I was thinking that too NOS....200cc aint enough for 265lbs. :D
I'm only 125 and its not enough for me!!!