Very hard decision

[Justin 250]

I love the 250F's and i would have one now but I keep hearing about how much they can cost it the motor went and I dont have the money to be paying 1500$ on repairs but the guys at yamaha said as long as you keep the filter clean and change your oil every 10 hours you would never have to touch the motor, is this a fact or is the motor a timebomb no matter what you do?? Also is there a lot to adjusting the valves? -Justin-

 

[whenfoxforks-ruled]

Normal basic maintenance 450r on a Top 3 b racer, keep the valves in spec,nothing stupid, and it was way cheaper than running a slower 250 2 stroke! I would be betting the lites are the same! About 60-70 hrs got a valve job and top end, 130 or so motos and practice, it still ran strong when it got stole, 2 stroke I am thinking 6 top ends, 2 maybe 3 cranks, clutch abuse about the same, tires are tires, every dirt racer needs a new set every race!

 

[lwsmithjr]

60 - 70 hours on a 250F (that is what you're asking about, right?) is a very long time. Most manufacturers recommend 15 hour intervals. 30 - 40 hours would probably be safe for most. Personally, going 60 - 70 would be asking for one of those $1500.00 repair bills.

From experience, two years ownership, engine maintenance only, not including oil changes:

'99 YZ250 (2 Stroke) $250.00 - one top end and an EG "Mo Betta" port job.
'03 YZ250F (4 Stroke) $2600.00 - two top ends, two bottom ends, Kibblewhite Valves

Both bikes had roughly the same # of hours put on them and the oil and air filter in the 4 stroke was changed after every ride. Current bike is a '05 YZ125. Total spent so far (1 year) is $475.00 on an EG144 Big Bore. A 450 is a different story though.

Having said that, money no object? I'm riding a 4 stroke......but I'm old and lazy!