that's what the honda fanatics claim, but it only ever seemed to happen with hondas. The wr250f owners kept chugging along happily (and slowly). I'm not in danger of buying *any* 250f, and am just reporting what I have observed and what these former crf250 (x and r) have told me. If you had a better experience, then that's awesome.
i work for AHM but ride huskys. just saying what ive personally seen inside these motors and case history/field inspections. yep- the wr205f is a killer motor...most bomb proof ever.
My miscellaneous thoughts on the previous posts: GasGas chassis size--they are definitely on the small side but like any bike, they can be set up for any rider's preferences. Mine no longer feels small, but it took some work. CRF250X power--enough to get the job done but not quite enough to have fun with. CRF250X valve longevity--it's no internet myth, at least on the older models. Ease of working on Huskys--in general, they're a pleasure to work on.
Ever considered a Yamaha WR250F? Great woods bike, decent to work on(no Husky on the up scale, yet no Honda on the down scale) Good power(once the "free mods" are done) Priced ok. They are also very reliable and easy to ride.
I'm a 250X fan. I have an 05 that has 300 hours on it? Countless races and trail riding. I also own a 450EXC and WR250 Husky. The X is still my go to bike. First performance. I opened up my airbox, rejetted and installed a high comp piston, when the original needed replacing. I have gotten countless dead engine holeshots with this bike in hare scrambles. Yes it feels slow, but it puts every once of power to the ground, without needless wheelspin. I have beaten plenty of 450's and two strokes to the first corner. Of course if that corner is two hundred yards away, it gets out horsepowered in the straights. But 1st through 3rd gear trails is where this bike shines. Set your suspension up correctly and it handles great. Yes it's kind of heavy, but you don't notice it when riding. It feels as light as my WR250. Yes, it's no 125, but it's not a big heavy pig either. If you're tired, picking it up, is where you will notice it. Yes it's a pain in the ass to work on. Thankfully, it doesn't need much. You can do valve checks in less than an half hour. Oil changes are simple. Air cleaner a cinch. Carb changes a royal pain. But once you get it done, that's it. I run the same settings year round, with plenty of snow riding. I have never had the dreaded bog. I have had my head and valves redone once. Not too bad, considering the time and hard riding this bike has seen. I'm on my third piston. Nothing else has failed mechanically other than crash damage stuff. Oh and the bike is QUIET. I run the stock muffler because I like them quiet. I have some property that is within the city limits and I can ride this bike without pissing off the neighbors. Plus it's great in a race. The competition doesn't even know you're there, until you pass them. And if you're into long trail rides or enduros, it gets great gas mileage. Easily 60+ race miles on the stock tank. I bought a 3 gallon tank for CO one year and was getting 150 mile range on that tank, at altitude. Plus it is heavily supported in the aftermarket. Anything you want is easily found and available. I can't say that about my WR250. Yea, I like the bike. I'm riding it for one more year and will replace it with a new fresh one. If I could only own one bike out of the three in the garage. The 250X would be it. Oh and in case you think I'm biased, I did race my WR250 yesterday.
I have a Honda XR400 which is super quiet compared to any other off road bike I have owned. The valve train sounds like a sewing machine. The Stock pipe was switched to a Q series FMF which feels like more power and a even more mellow sound. I also have a KTM 200exc, which has been my favorite bike because of the weight, 209lbs! Its like riding a mountain bike that you don't pedal. Its easy to work on and parts are super available! Growing up on 2 smokes I never thought I would turn to the dark side.......but..... I just got a 09 TE310 which I really feel like the perfect compromise between the two bikes. Its light, good bottom end and revs like the 200. Except it actual hooks up under hard throttle. Plus its FI so its good to ride everywhere. Oh yeah, No hassles form the forest service Nazis. I am making the final selection on which 2 bikes stay and which one goes on Easter weekend, but right now it looks like our house will be riding red for 2010.
