Hey all, longtime lurker here and finally have the ability to buy a used bike and get riding again..I grew up racing MX all over Michigan, and pretty much got out of it around 2000...So..I need some help...First off...Should I be leery looking for a used 4 stroke? I have a pretty strict budget of about $2500, and although I would feel more comfortable getting a two stroke I feel it might be a disadvantage now..Opinions?

Also, for the MI riders...Where are the places to ride now? The D14 schedule sure is a lot lighter than it was back when i raced..ideally, I have my goal to be a few MX races, and also a hare scrambles and enduro next year...And obviously need a lot of practice.....help! :worthy::worthy:

Welcome back! Well, a majority of the mx racers now ride 4 strokes for the torque, and more forgiving motor. Your welcome to go either way but I think go with what you have felt comfortable in the past. 2 strokes are still very competitive it is just the rider on it. There is a kid in our district who can whip the 450A class on a 105sx. Woods, even a lot of pros still rip on 2 strokes for example in Red Bull Romainiacs etc. 2 strokes are even popular around us very much. 4 strokes are great bikes just I just don't like the smoothness, and the costs (like my dad's recent 250f bill). But there are different strokes for different folks. Hope it all works out and check the where to ride forum for some local MI tracks:thumbsup: I would suggest that you check out a yz250. Rips on the track and can be easily tuned to fly in the woods!

The YZ i found isn't up to snuff.....Just got some pics pretty ratty....Found an 03 250sx and an 04 RM250 as well....Ahh decisions decisions :banghead:

Welcome back ZRX...like you, I was out of the scene for waaaaay too long. You said you grew up racing MX - sounds to me like you'd enjoy a two-stroke. Lots of used equipment available at basement prices.

Where are you located in MI? If you check the DNR website you'll get a look at the awesome trails we have. There are a bunch of super cool people from MI around here - just check the NORTH section and you'll find people to ride with. Don't buy into the 4-stroke kool-aid just yet - 2 strokes are a blast and there are tons around for a steal! Post up in the regional forums in the North section and you'll likely find some cool people to meet for riding!

zrx1200dude said:

The 03 ktm 250sx is scary fast and puts out almost fifty horsepower in stock form.

I'm in MI. I ride several public tracks and my local (northern) MI. trails I recently switched from a four stroke 450 to a two stroke 250 and I'm so glad I did!!! it's lighter and just as powerfull,not to mention the repair and maint. cost are much lower!! the sound and smell of a 2-stroke make riding fun again. cadillacmc.com has 5 races a year and is a great track hope to see you there next year!!

2500 will get you a very nice smoker:thumbsup: 1500-1800 gets you a good bike to start and the left over can make it competitive at an entry level. Welcome back!:ride:

+1 on finding a good deal for that price.check MI. craigslist going into winter it's a buyers market!! I saw an 07 yz 250 for 2800 a few weeks ago!!

Wow thats a steal...I will keep on it..I will check out cadillacs track too..I am in howell, went to college at Ferris and did a lot of streetriding up that way..Still have a lot of buddies there..Good excuse for a weekend trip :ride: