250r? 200x? TPC? CRF 450? Tell me what to do...

[McTrikerson]

...because I'm a child and have no capacity to commit to one thing.

I'm new here and posted an intro thread in the intro forum.

Any ways, I'm looking to get a new toy. There are many things gong through my mind, but I have questions.

Originally, I was on the market for a 250r because I wanted something that was decently well suited for motocross style riding. But THEN, I came across TPC trikes. I find them very attractive (despite the price) since I like to jump. To give you an idea of what a goon I am, I've attached a picture of me racing a 450.

I am wondering, though, how controllable the power is coming from a TPC trike (Using the hybrid 450) when the stock swing arm is left on? Is it necessary to get a slightly longer swing arm?

My guess is that it won't be a problem, since I've raced a crf450 and never had a problem, but I'm not sure what happens when the geometry is changed. I just want to make sure I don't have to be sitting on the handlebars when pulling the gas all the way.

I've also considered a 200x, in case I decide to be extra responsible in how a spend my money. However, I need to know how the 200x holds up to jumps. Is the frame as tough as the 250r's? Is the suspension capable?

Still, I've been wondering if I should just get a used CRF450, since I could spend much less money and have a machine that is just as capable as a TPC trike. In this case, I would probably also get a 200x to supplement my 3 wheel needs.

I'm posting this here because I'm interested in your feedback. So, thanks in advance!

[jb2wheels]

If I had all those options and clearly imaginary budget, I'd build a top shelf TPC.

But, for the $$, you could have 20 nice 200Xs or 10 nice 250Rs...

[cwolfe]

buy a 250r for the money you cant beat it and it loves to fly and your will love the 2 strokes abrupt power band. the 200x is not made for air and you will be picking the air box out of your !$#, or worse yet needing dental work from the bars after she bottoms out and she will if you are not the size of a twelve year old girl.lol!! stay away from dirt bikes they are very dangerous? but if you must buy one get a cr500 honda made them for satan himself.

[McTrikerson]

stay away from dirt bikes they are very dangerous?

Oh, come now! I raced them for five years. I mean, yeah I have friends who have received life changing injuries, but I attribute that more to the fact that they were racing, rather than the fact that they were on two wheels.

Any way, thanks for taking my silly question seriously and giving me real feedback! I've spent quite a bit of time on 2-strokes and I agree. They are abrupt and hard hitting. It's awesome when you are full-throttle.

[atctim]

Just an FYI - the 250R is much much lighter that a 450 trike conversion. A stock 250R (with heavy exhaust) comes in somewhere around 280 pounds. The 450 trike conversions weigh in around 330 - 350 pounds. Food for thought, but if jumping is your thing, you can get a nice 250R down to about 260 on a pretty easy diet!

[McTrikerson]

...but if jumping is your thing, you can get a nice 250R down to about 260 on a pretty easy diet!

Any tips on how to achieve that? Also, do you know much about the jump-worthyness of an '83 250r? That might be all I have access to.

[jakep53]

Oh, come now! I raced them for five years. I mean, yeah I have friends who have received life changing injuries, but I attribute that more to the fact that they were racing, rather than the fact that they were on two wheels.

Any way, thanks for taking my silly question seriously and giving me real feedback! I've spent quite a bit of time on 2-strokes and I agree. They are abrupt and hard hitting. It's awesome when you are full-throttle.

Thats like saying a trike is dangerous it all in the rider if you respect the machine and it's capabilities it's not dangerous!!

[DohcBikes]

250r, Jason Hall frontend, Works rear shock.

TPC's are overpriced and their welding skills are marginal at best.

If you ask hawaiirider he will tell you how to jump a stock 200x like 80ft.

Or you could wait till next summer to see some nice crf250f conversions that dont cost as much as a new 4x4 quad.

[atctim]

Any tips on how to achieve that? Also, do you know much about the jump-worthyness of an '83 250r? That might be all I have access to.

(This is totally just my opinion) First off - you don't want an 83R - parts are super hard to find. You want an 85 or 86 R. To loose weight, you'll want aftermarket: pipe and silencer, rear axle and hubs, open air box, and there are lots of things you can simply take off the bike that you don; have to have to loose weight. You just lost about 12 - 15 pounds by doing just that.

[cwolfe]

Thats like saying a trike is dangerous it all in the rider if you respect the machine and it's capabilities it's not dangerous!!

It was a joke i ride a bike myself it was a shot at people saying that trikes are dangerous. easy my friend!!

[jakep53]

It was a joke i ride a bike myself it was a shot at people saying that trikes are dangerous. easy my friend!!

oh sorry didn't realize it was a joke lol

[oldskool83]

200'x's are the most expensive way to go slow. they need too much work motor and frame and suspension to even get them close to where they should be. find a used 250R and go play, you will be lightyears and saved thousands.