Well I would like to get back into motorcycle riding but I have one problem. My last bike was when I was 13 and I have outgrown it (add 11 years) let's just say I now bottom out the suspension on the old one, no problem. The deal is now that I am 270 lbs, I need a bike with a little pop so I figure 250 cc or bigger. Now I would like to go 4 stroke as I do like the large torque band and the relative quiteness. Here's the deal I do like the new YZ426 and huskys but they are a lot more than I would like to spend. What I am looking for is a motorcycle from the early to mid 90's that is somewhat inside my budget (under $2500) that I could throw a leg over and ride. Any ideas for you guys for a bike?

Oh yes I failed to mention that I would like to do a lot of logging road/trail riding and would like to load the bike onto my dad's jet boat.

[ 10-22-2001: Message edited by: LCexplorer ]

yz400F's are a few years old now, they're still a pretty good bike. I have the 426 and it kicks ass. You should be able to pick one of those up for a reasonable price

XR400's are nice reliable bikes.

Lots and lots of aftermarket stuff for them

Look for the models with the oil cooler on the head tube behind headlight.

Can't remember when they started putting the oil cooler on but all my friends say to go with this style.

Get a XR 400!!!!!!! That is the bike I want to buy sssooo bad. If I can find a way to gain some weight, lol, then maybe I will get one, but I know they are killer bikes. I rode one a few times and most of my friends ride them and love them. Good luck with getting a new bike though!!!

Coool thing about the XR 400 is you can dual sport it. and it's freeway legal.

My buddies regear the bikes for the highway ride from the bay area up to the cabin in Alta.
OPnce they get their they pull the trail gears out of their back backs, put them on and hit the trail.
If the XR400 was a 6 speed that would be even better.Probably wouldn't have to do the gear change.


I've been sving for an XR 400. <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

i say xr600, easy to find in your price range and a very capable bike.

Xr 600's are good bikes.They're heavy but they are still fun and plenty of torque for hauling around a big guy.For $2,500 you should be able to pick up a clean 1990-1996 model.

Man at 270, your gona need a XR600 <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">
The part that I wanta hear about is why its going to be loaded in a juet boat??

Another good bike for you might be theXR650L, it came street legal from the factory (take alot of crap off and lose 15 lbs) and it has electric start.

At 270 lbs a XR400 will run out of steam on fire roads for sure....

Why not a CR500?? they really are the same loudness as the YZ426.....

Thanks guys, it helps lots!
I finally figured that either I got to lose some weight (slim down to 250 or so <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> ) or get a 600cc.
As for the jet boat thing, well that's for those logging roads on the other side of the lake, oh and not to mention the wild game over there as well! <IMG SRC="smilies/bender.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/bender.gif" border="0">

I know you're looking for a 4-stroke but might I suggest a CR500. I'm 6'5" and weight 250. I've owned several bikes, a KDX400, KDX250, YZ490 and a TT600 but my last bike, a 91 CR500, was by far my favorite. I sent the suspension to Moose Racing and they did a great job setting it up for my size and riding style (scrambles and hill climbs). Yes, it was a little loud but damn, there's nothing like grabing a handfull on a 2-stroke 500. Just my .02