I have a 90' XR250. I love this bike and put a couple of hundred into it already for a chain, bark busters, grips, new seat cover, etc.

I can tell I will quickly outgrow the performance and suspension the bike currently offers.

Here are the three thoughts I have for possible upgrades:

1. 1996 or newer XR 250 - this offers the newer suspension and newer engine not to mention all around newer components vs. my 1990. From my research the 1996 XR250R was redesigned from the ground up.

2. Big Bore kit for my bike - go up to a 280cc. Spend more $$ on suspension work.

3. Get a XR400 - not sure what year but preferably 1992 or newer. I am really intrigued by the XR400 and the incredible reviews it gets here and on the web. This would be my preference.

I would love to minimize my spending to less than $600. I think I could sell my current XR250 for $1100. So, I would have around $1,700 to spend on a different bike.

Any thoughts?

I am really curious of the handling and power improvements of the pre 96' bikes compared to post 96' XR250s.

Thanks!

deeman said:

Hi im trailanywhere , ive had a 400 brilliant power i loved it but it was a bit heavy and harder to start than 250 some times, ive had ktms 2/s & 4/s ive gone back to xrs, 250s handle brilliant light etc but lacked the poke i like so 280 it fmf tail pipe, now wheelies 1st 2nd 3rd of the thottle good for getting over fallen trees. Check out old tbm mags about xr250 verses xr400 in the woods. Hope this helps.

I finally gave up my 250 four stroke, and bought a 1998 XR 400. Ill tell you what this is the best bike ive ever rode in the woods. If I were you id try to find the latest XR 400 you can, dump some gass in it, and go riding.

I have owned and operated both a XR250 and a XR400. My current ride is a highly modified 1998 XR400r. Depending on what kind of riding you like to do and your skill level, the XR250 is a bulletproof trail beast. The power is there when you need it but will never surprise you. For a guy that facilitates a lot of tours here in Asia, older XR's are the dominate ride for customers. Some may complain of weight, but when I hop off my 400 on to the 250 it feels so light and just..fun. If your riding areas are more open or if you enjoy re landscaping your trails(with lots of throttle:P) I'd go for the 400. Same bulletproof motor but a lot more torque for lofting the front wheel and pulling up hills. Either bike, you'll have a blast.
Note- the earliest XR400 you can get is a 1996 model and I would suggest trying to get a 98 or up because the 96-97s had some issues that didnt get resolved until the 98.