Big Red 250es vs 200x/250r/350x for trail riding and woods - Pros/Cons

[afdfirefighter]

I know this has probably been discussed in bits and pieces in other threads but I'd like to compare the big red to the 200x/250r/350x in the trails and woods more than anything. I have two big reds but considering trading one one for something more for just trails. I love the full suspension and reverse but trying to convince myself I need something like the 200,250 or 350. Any info or experience would be appreciated.

[rg97]

200x is the least expensive option. it is very smooth but may lack in power sometimes
250r is a well out together 2 stroke but its not my first choice because of cost and maintenance
350x is very smooth, torquey, and will take you everywhere you go. my #1 choice, but can be pricey compared to the baby X

[Zach]

between all my buddies the only bike one of us doesnt have is the 200x, not sure how big you are but a 200 for a decent sized guy is a bit small and like RG97 siad you will notice that lack of power sometimes. I just sold a 200m and Yamaha 225DX and by chance ended up with a beautiful Big Red 250es. I love it but could understand wanting something different for trail riding. My best friend has a fairly built 250r also a 250sx and a very mildly built 350x. Usually the 250sx is reserved for his wife or it just stays home altogether. He prefers the 350x over any bike he has for trail riding. Im over 300lbs and his 350x will take me anywhere up any hill with more speed and power than even I need. I am in the market for a 350x myself for that very reason. My vote is 350x

[afdfirefighter]

between all my buddies the only bike one of us doesnt have is the 200x, not sure how big you are but a 200 for a decent sized guy is a bit small and like RG97 siad you will notice that lack of power sometimes. I just sold a 200m and Yamaha 225DX and by chance ended up with a beautiful Big Red 250es. I love it but could understand wanting something different for trail riding. My best friend has a fairly built 250r also a 250sx and a very mildly built 350x. Usually the 250sx is reserved for his wife or it just stays home altogether. He prefers the 350x over any bike he has for trail riding. Im over 300lbs and his 350x will take me anywhere up any hill with more speed and power than even I need. I am in the market for a 350x myself for that very reason. My vote is 350x

I'm 5'10 175 so the 200x may not be too small of a machine for me but the lack of power may steer me away from it. It does sound like the 350x is going to be what I look for if I try to trade my Big Red 250es for one or sell mine and buy one.

200x is the least expensive option. it is very smooth but may lack in power sometimes
250r is a well out together 2 stroke but its not my first choice because of cost and maintenance
350x is very smooth, torquey, and will take you everywhere you go. my #1 choice, but can be pricey compared to the baby X

When you say lose power, do you mean climbing hills more so than just general riding? I forgot the 250r was 2 stroke and I think I would definitely like to have a 4 stroke.

[dougspcs]

Since I own both the 250ES, the 350X and the one you didn't meantion..the 250SX, I'm sure I can bring some insight to the table..

They have alot of the same strengths..but each has it's own characterstics as I'm sure you grasped.

To start the 250ES: it's obviously the utility of the three machines, truely an unstoppable monster. I find it the best choice when I want to do some advanced rough terrain riding. Mud, rocks, water, logs...nothing can stop this machine. Slow it down maybe, but the auto-clutch make is easy for the rider to get off the machine offer and push the machine and throttle control it out of whatever obstacle is attempting to hold it back.

The 350X: this machine has alot of the same great riding character but is lighter and more agile. The 4stroke engine gives a level of slow, tight spaces control the 2strokes struggle to give. It is at home equally on the straight open trail, climbing hills, and slow tight quarters like navigating thru trees. However when faced with an obstacle that requires the rider to get off and push, the manual clutch controls make it nearly impossible for a single person to 'drive' the machine out of a mud hole simply because your hands aren't free to push at the same time. Also the open disk brakes and chain drive system don't stand up well in muddy conditions..

The 250R is just the 350X on steriods. Faster and more than a bit twitchy..on tight, close trails a real handful to control since all it want to do it go fast. Not a personal choice of mine.

I intentionally left the 200X out..not because it's not a great little trike, but at 250lbs and being as I already own the 350X it just doesn't offer me anything! Not disrepecting this great little trike..just not for me.

The one you missed!!! The 250SX: while is has the same 250ES utility bones, is has a bit of a sportsters heart. Lighter and more nimble than the 250ES, but still having all the protective mechanics such as auto-clutch, enclosed brakes and drivetrain. It really is the best of both for the mixed terrain rider, a real sport-utility.

My advise to any 3wheeler owner with mixed riding interests is to make room for the 250SX, 350X, and 250ES. All three of these great machines..then let your riding mood dictate which to ride. No one machine stands out as being the better machine!!

[afdfirefighter]

Since I own both the 250ES, the 350X and the one you didn't meantion..the 250SX, I'm sure I can bring some insight to the table..

They have alot of the same strengths..but each has it's own characterstics as I'm sure you grasped.

To start the 250ES: it's obviously the utility of the three machines, truely an unstoppable monster. I find it the best choice when I want to do some advanced rough terrain riding. Mud, rocks, water, logs...nothing can stop this machine. Slow it down maybe, but the auto-clutch make is easy for the rider to get off the machine offer and push the machine and throttle control it out of whatever obstacle is attempting to hold it back.

The 350X: this machine has alot of the same great riding character but is lighter and more agile. The 4stroke engine gives a level of slow, tight spaces control the 2strokes struggle to give. It is at home equally on the straight open trail, climbing hills, and slow tight quarters like navigating thru trees. However when faced with an obstacle that requires the rider to get off and push, the manual clutch controls make it nearly impossible for a single person to 'drive' the machine out of a mud hole simply because your hands aren't free to push at the same time. Also the open disk brakes and chain drive system don't stand up well in muddy conditions..

Lastly the 250SX: while is has the same 250ES utility bones, is has a bit of a sportsters heart. Lighter and more nimble than the 250ES, but still having all the protective mechanics such as auto-clutch, enclosed brakes and drivetrain. It really is the best of both for the mixed terrain rider, a real sport-utility.

I intentionally left the 200X out..not because it's not a great little trike, but at 250lbs and being as I already own the 350X it just doesn't offer me anything! Not disrepecting this great little trike..just not for me.

My advise to any 3wheeler owner with mixed riding interests is to make room for all three of these great machines..then let you riding mood dictate which to ride. No one machine stands out as being the better machine!!

Good call on the SX. I guess when I think of a lighter ATC and more trails I think 200,250,350 not neccesarily the 250sx. But yes this is a great machine and like you said, you can drive it from the side which I have done quite often with the Big Reds AND more importantly I don't lose reverse. Very good point on the disc brake and the chain also. I am spoiled by such a low maintenance machine with the Big Red that the 250sx is prob the best route for me. I am not shutting the door to the others but you did bring up some very good points here. Thanks man.

[afdfirefighter]

Well I had a guy call me and want to trade this 250sx for my Big Red and some cash. The cash hasn't been discussed so I am very nervous but this thing is nice! Don't have a lot of cash laying around but I want to make the deal work.

[rg97]

Your BR would have to be near mint to trade for that. Impeccable shape.

[afdfirefighter]

He has two identical actually. He has seen pics of my Big Red and says he would need some cash. Not sure how much yet.

[ezmoney1979]

Well I had a guy call me and want to trade this 250sx for my Big Red and some cash. The cash hasn't been discussed so I am very nervous but this thing is nice! Don't have a lot of cash laying around but I want to make the deal work.

WOW, that thing is WAY, WAY too nice to take to the trails. Collector quality for sure! There are only so many nice ones left, but plenty of beaters, keep that in mind.

[afdfirefighter]

If, and I mean IF, I can afford this deal I already know I won't ride it hardly. Nervous to see how much be wants.

[oldskool83]

That is a very nice bike. I ride woods but I am on a 84 built 200x. I never liked the size of the 350x...but now my 200x is 250R sized however I still think it feels small between the legs where the 350x seemed wide. I do not try and climb big stuff or work the bike more then I know it can be used for. I picked up a 250 2 stroke dirtbike for all them big hills.

[NeverLift]

That SX looks great. How did the plastic welding work for you?

[Taiser]

I have all those machines except the 350x. My 200x (now an autox ) is without a doubt the BEST trail rider!!! That's for the heavy bush trails I have in my area that is. The "r" has way too much power for the narrow trails, is loud and just not really comfy. You have to pay constant attention to the gear your in AND the maintenance required and the price it cost to run makes it a bit much for a good trail rider. Out in the open areas though, I LOVE IT!!!

The Big Red is fine, but geared too low and is too heavy to throw around the trails easy. The 200x is the best of all worlds. Nice and light, easy to throw around the corners, comfy as all heck and has enough jam to climb pretty much anything. Don't know why some people say it's underpowered... even with it's original engine I never had issues with it. Same engine as all the other 200's out there and I haven't met a hill any one of those couldn't climb. More of a gearing issue when I can't make it up something... usually the tires just start digging and spinning in the soft stuff...

I would LOVE to find a 350x, but I might as well be looking for a unicorn around here... I'm debating on going the same route I did for my "r" and building it piece by piece off e-bay, but that's not cheap! So between my airplane costs and wanting a new motorcycle this year I might have to hold that thought for a while or my better half might start looking at the castrating shears...

[nicker71]

[QUOTE=Taiser;1293681]I have all those machines except the 350x. My 200x (now an autox ) is without a doubt the BEST trail rider!!! That's for the heavy bush trails I have in my area that is. The "r" has way too much power for the narrow trails, is loud and just not really comfy. You have to pay constant attention to the gear your in AND the maintenance required and the price it cost to run makes it a bit much for a good trail rider. Out in the open areas though, I LOVE IT!!!



The Big Red is fine, but geared too low and is too heavy to throw around the trails easy. The 200x is the best of all worlds. Nice and light, easy to throw around the corners, comfy as all heck and has enough jam to climb pretty much anything. Don't know why some people say it's underpowered... even with it's original engine I never had issues with it. Same engine as all the other 200's out there and I haven't met a hill any one of those couldn't climb. More of a gearing issue when I can't make it up something... usually the tires just start digging and spinning in the soft stuff...


I'm with raiser on this one. I've owned them all listed except the 250sx, and my auto x hands down easily beats them all in slow highly technical trail ridding, creaking, muding, stuff like that.
I liked either 2nd or 3rd gen R for the faster XC trail ridding with the 350x being close behind that.