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I'm looking at getting a 2001 RM 250 and wanted to know what you guys think about that bike. I've ridden on the street for years, but recently moved to Texas and am bitten by the trail/MX bug! What can I expect out of the 2 stroke maintenance wise? Should I cinsider a 4 stroke? Thanks!
Posts: 372
Casino Cash: $250
Sportbike: The Orange One
2strokes are a lot easier to maintain at least IMO they are
You can do top ends in 30-45min easy on a 2stroke. The 4strokes you have to change oil every ~5hrs and have to check your valves which can be a pain in the rear.
I wouldn't start off with a 250 2stroke quite yet - I think a 125 would be more than enough for most. I rode my brother's KTM 250sx and man, my arms grew 2inches just from me hangin' on
I also like my 250 4stroke because it's much easier to ride and power delivery is just so dang smooth
What kind of horsepower does a typical modern day 2 stroke 250 put out? the reason I ask is because I found the original spec sheet for my 76 Kawi kt250 and it put out a whopping 17 horse brand new.
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I'm also paying $1900 for the RM 250. It's a 2001 with quite a few upgrades, and from talking to the owner, the bike has been treated very gently. It seems like a great deal. Hopefully this link works.
Yeah, that looks pretty good for a first bike. I would definitely stay two stroke, especially if you aren't racing. As the proud owner of an '03 KTM125SX and an 04 200SX, I am a two stroke fan, the only reason I'm starting to think that I am going to have to move to one is the extra torque because of the extra displacement allowed for hardcore competition. I know that the RM handles excellently, if not without some headshake at higher speeds because of the steep rake. A RM250 shouldn't be a problem starting off, 125's can actually be peaky in their powerband once you get comfortable. I actually rode my dad's 1995 KTM 250 when I was on a sixty and didn't have a problem with the power. Either way have fun!
Get the RM. It will be a great bike, and you should enjoy it. 2-stroke maintenence, if you are mechanicall inclined, will be no prob. at all. Pistons, clutches, and jetting are all very easily accomplished in a very short time.
If this is your first off road bike and you are not planning on competing any time soon, take a look at some used Kawasaki KDX's. they are a great bike for beginner to intermediate off-roaders. Plus, if budget is any concern to you, you should be able to pick one up for $1500-$2000. I own one and am buying one for my 15yr old son.
We ride woods trails priarily, but look up this site and read up on this great bike. An RM, KY, YZ or CR is for MX striclty. It is not a play bike and will not perform in the woods. You have way too much power in one spot which causes a lot of wheel spin. Also, those 2-stroke MX'rs have a limited powerband and are really fast, but that's not what a beginner wants and not good in the woods.
You can use an MX bike in the woods or any trail. You don't have to wind out a 250 to make power. Just "lug" it a gear up if you don't want wheel spin. If all you do is woods then an MXer is not ideal. You might like the MXer and race it. A 2001 can still be raced in the beginner class without a problem. Either way the RM250 is a good choice for dirt ridding. Enjoy!
New to MX, what do ya think?
Dam Munky!
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