Dirt Rider Magazine

Smasher.Brad

HAHA, jk. Just rode my buddies new to him 2007 Honda CR250R. DAMN does this thing have balls, I told him I want to take it for another spin now I know how she handles..balls to the wall! Video:

http://youtu.be/A_kvT6AUx_E

Pics..the one doin' the wheelies is the bikes owner. He just came off a TTR230 and hopped on this thing..he certainly can control it in the open, we'll see what he can do when we hit trails in the spring.. I have been told I'm not allowed to buy or sell anything because Christmas is around the corner..but after Christmas I am going to look at financing a new bike so I can have it in the spring time. We'll see what the local Honda Dealer can do for me in 250X's ;) I have rode a 4 stroke in similar size, that being a YZ400F, or maybe the 426? Either way that thing had balls..but this 250's top end is like no other! It had me grinning ear to ear, but I'll keep my 4bangers for the trails :)

Maple Leaf MX

Please brad warn the ppl watchin not to watch ur throttle hand twitch out it gave me a headache.

Smasher.Brad

My god Maple who cares? Everyone rides differently man! Sheesh :P

Maple Leaf MX

Haha im buggin ya. Looks fun u just go to some random toronto backtoads er wut?

hairscrambledny

You're lucky he didn't crack your camcorder lens when he took off! :)

It's always nice to try new bikes, plus it makes you a better rider. I think the 250X will be a good choice as a next bike but . . . only red and blue ? No orange bikes in the mix? Looking forward to reading your posts as you make the final choice.

Smasher.Brad

I know maple, you troloololol. And no man I'm not in T.dot.. good luck finding backroads there ! Im outside of tdot, 15 mins from Niagara Falls.

And haha Hair, I only let him do it because its a GoPro!! :D I am mainly sticking to red because of the experience we have had with the 230's. They are awesome and around here you mainly see Red. Popular bikes. I would LOVE to have a KTM, but the local dealer is an hour away, and shop prices around here are stupid expensive for those bikes, if something were to happen.. Im really looking forward to shopping! I was going to build myself a brand new mountain bike, but dirtbikes are my blood..so I think I'm going to go that way!

yz250f4ever

very cool brad! i hope you end up being able to get one (250X) not bagging on the 230 by any means but i am sure a 250X you would just die for. especially since you like to jump the suspention is leaps and bounds better.

Smasher.Brad

Thanks Alex! and no, I know I need a new bike, its just been money thats been holding me back. But I am going to look at financing one? Maybe I can do monthly payments and have myself a new bike by May or so, just when the nice weather comes back around for riding. But I have to do it all after Christmas! And that bike was hella fun, would love to ride it again(I'm sure I will..hehe)

Heres my buddies video, recorded on Drift HD helmet cam. Pay attention at 3:22 for the awesome..well, just watch ;)

http://youtu.be/ArppaoolvDk

Maple Leaf MX

Serious brad dont finance it. U will regret it and pay 1.5x the price said and done.

Kiwi450x

Yep, I'm with Maple. Don't finance it. If you can't afford cash, you can't afford it.

I know it's not hip and cool to think like that but it will stand you in good stead later on...

To be fair, when was younger, I financed everything, but I had to learn the hard way that it's a crap way to go about it.

Maple Leaf MX

Save ur cash brad and buy it b4 the season starts

Smasher.Brad

Shnit I didn't even think of paying double the price..hmmmmmm...listening to a flatlander and a kiwi..makes sense though, really does. I want to get it in the winter though because it will be cheaper, maybe JUST before the season starts so prices don't go up.. hm

Maple Leaf MX

And remeber u gotta tear it apart and regrease/inspect it before even starting it :)

Smasher.Brad

Oh I'm looking forward to some more maintanence in comparison to the 230, which is nothing..lol. I am going to try and buy new but there is this MINT 250X near me..its tempting to go take a look at it..

I know you guys don't live near me and won't take my bike so..take a look at this and give me your thoughts.

http://ontario.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-motorcycles-dirt-bikes-motocross-2006-CRF250X-Honda-W0QQAdIdZ425118753

Kiwi450x

The real question with that one is what the total hours are, if he knows.

What's a new one worth in Canaduh?? Just to compare the value.

On the face of it, that one looks pretty tidy for it's age though.

Kiwi450x

I can see the sense in buying during the off season, and I like your reasoning, I just balk at financing toys... The only things I'd borrow for now, is a house, and (possibly) a business. Boring I know, but it is what it is...

Maple Leaf MX

Yeah kiwis right (bout the borin part hehe)

The price sounds fair brad. I know ur guys bike prices remember im only a few provvies over??

CRWOODS

wwhd

hairscrambledny

I agree with Nick and Maple: no financing!!!!! And don't fall for that teaser rate low financing either - it's only 1 or 2 % for 6 months or so - after that it jumps up to 12 % or more.

What about leftover models?

You have a bit more options than some people becasue you have a pickup truck, which expands your shopping area. Make up a list of questions to ask every seller, then grill them over the phone to sift through the junk so you don't end up wasting your time and gas. Otherwise you'll spend money on gas that you could be using towards the bike.

hairscrambledny

I thought about my earlier post and realized we're in waaaaaaaay different places in our lives, so I'm going to modify my stance on financing. You want to stay out of debt, but you need to get out and enjoy life.

You may be young but at some point you're going to need to establish credit. When I was young (yeah, yeah, thousands of years ago . . .) it was always suggested to take out a $1k personal loan from the bank and pay it back early. I think it's still good advice, but in today's dollars, maybe a $3k loan isn't so bad. I mean, what are the alternative to establishing credit? A new vehicle? Student loans? A house? All are big, big bucks!

Let's assume your budget is $5k and your 230 is worth $2k. If you trade in your bike at the dealer you'd end up financing $3k. So . . .

Shop around for the best interest rates, but I firmly believe local is better, meaning your bank is the best bet even if the interest rate is another .5% higher. The dealer is not your friend and don't believe a word he tells you about great financing deals - read the fine print!

If you think you'll sell your bike privately and use the money to pay down a $5k loan - forget it! We've all been there and you'll end up spending that money on handguards, graphics, riding gear, etc. If you're really disciplined you may put $1k towards the loan, but I'm guessing not.

You seem to have a good head on your shoulders. Don't be in a rush and it will work out fine. :)

PaulB14

great advice Hair! I was thinking the same and about to post a response to the thread until I read yours. Brad if you need to build up a credit history this is a good way to go. I'm not sure if you have credit unions in your country, but that is the way I borrow money. All it takes to join our local credit union is to start a savings account of at least $200.00. Unless the dealer can give you a factory-sponsored low rate of 0 - 2% interest rate for at least 24 months, the credit union is going to give you the best rate. That has been my experience anyway, for what it's worth....

PaulB14

...oh and if you decide to finance anything, ALWAYS pay ahead on the loan until you are at least 3 months ahead (I prefer to be a full year ahead on any loan). This will lower the amount you pay in interest and give you warm fuzzy feelings every month when you get your statement

daggit

You might want to consider a 450X, It sounds like big jump but unless you weigh under 165 you will need the suspension of a 450, There is a lot more power but you will not be revving it like a 250, so you can actually have more throttle control with the 450. Just roll it on .

Smasher.Brad

Ok..

Kiwi: When I was looking last Summer, a brand new 2011 from the closest Honda Dealer that I trust was 7,199$ + tax(13%). I do not know if they still have the 2011, I might give them a shout this week.

Maple: Ya I hear ya, Canada is more expensive.. :( I have looked in the US, but I'd rather stay in Canada for a new toy..but we'll see.

Hair(2nd post): I have been told taking out a 1k or 2k loan is not a bad idea, by my parents, back when I was looking into trucks..never had too. I would be interested in seeing how much a dealer would give me on trade in for my 230..I have never thought about that part. Winter is just starting, which is why I have just started looking.. I am in No Rush, and I was going to try and do all this while KEEPING my 230. Because if the Summer comes, and I sold my 230 now, and don't have a 250..then..I'm a step behind! Very good advice, thank you :D

Paul: I joined a credit union a few years ago, they have been great to me! Never had to borrow money from them, but I have a savings and chequing. I have been thinking about opening another savings account and putting in money from each check I get from a job into it as a dirtbike fund..ya know? My truck is paid off, and I pay half insurance(my mom covers my other half, shes awesome :) ) The local dealer is like..50 years old, and she said this is the first time Honda has offered a discount on their bikes this LOW. I can't say anything on that because I haven't been in the game long enough..but she said Honda has never had to do this because they have a very reptuable name..which I agree with. Good advice on financing as well, I have always been drilled to pay ahead or ontime, don't let it fall behind!

Dag: I have considered a 450X..but I don't really want one. It will be too much for my ride style. I sat the 250X and could touch just on my toes, which is perfect. And there are ALOT more options open for a 250X in mod parts, compared to the 230.. :(

I have some research to do..I have 3 dealers, all Honda all within a 45min drive. The one I have been going to has been the best to me(including shop rates(we had tires but on there)), and I know the 2nd one is stupid expensive because they think they are kind shiz, 3rd one I have never contacted..but I might! My buddy said he will come with me if I want when going to check out used bikes, he knows just as much, if not more then me on bikes, and its always good to have 4 eyes!

Thanks for all the help peeps! Always good to see DR crew back working again..

pojp58

Nice Brad. Looking forward to seeing your new 250 and what you decide on. And the searching and deciding is a lot of fun to. So be patient and enjoy.

Smasher.Brad

Well I put some feelers out..

The local shop, who I am not a "fan" of shall we say(hes expensive) has my contact info and knows I'm looking for an as new as possible CRF250X. He just found that CR250R I rode the other day, 20 hours on it, for 4k. Not to bad(and its an 07).

The one Honda dealer 20 mins away says she can't order anymore 2012 250X's, just 13's at 8,900 a piece +tax(13%). The other Honda dealer at 45 mins away, I called him up and he has a brand new 12 on floor for 7900. Not much of a discount, seeing as thats Hondas price on their website.

I have decided the 230 will be going up forsale in the winter. As much as I don't want too, I need a base starting price and that will give me some coin to work with. I'm good with my money, so it won't be spent on my truck..haha. Other then that..we'll see what Christmas brings, Maybe its a new bike? Idk, in 7 days time will tell.

pojp58

Listen Brad, Call Honda East in Ohio and see what they got and what kind of deal you can make. There hard to beat and they don't fool around with any hidden cost.

TheFishGuy

You should never post a picture of your bike unless it's you doing a wheelie on it, Ive decided.

Smasher.Brad

Pop, I just took a quick look online and they have a new 2012 250X for 6k..sheesh, cheap down there!! Its a 5 hour drive..that part isn't cool..but I might just give them a shout and see if they have used or what not.

Haha Ok Tim, I'll do my best to only post those pics ;)

hairscrambledny

If you're willing to drive 5 hours you'll have lots more options. I looked at two dealers sorta near me - Troy City Garage (near the NY/VT border) and Valley Motorsports in MA - neither had a 250X in stock. Valley MS had an 09 Yamaha WR250F for $5k and a 2012 KTM 250XCF demo (100 miles) for $6k.

I also saw this 2007 on ebay but it's down in NC (plus it's an '07). It looks like a nice bike and there's no reserve. It ends in a couple of days so it should be interesting to see how much it goes for. It's at $2475 with 2 bids so far.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Honda-CRF250X-/321043615522?pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item4abfb0cf22

pojp58

Ill pick it up for you and meet you at the border. That is if you trust me.

Kiwi450x

The difference in prices is outrageous. For 2 or 3k I'd be over the border to buy a bike quicker than a rat up a drain pipe...

Kiwi450x

Be careful Brad, I don't know if I'd trust Pop either... LOL

Smasher.Brad

That would place me at 3.5 hours to land on ambassador bridge..hmm..tempting Pop. Too bad its not summer time and we could get some more people together for that ride we always talked about..lol

pojp58

We could still get some people together and have a ride but winter time is the best time to make that bike deal. Wait till after Christmas when the sales people have nothing to do and are not making any money.

Smasher.Brad

So I just decided to chat with my Mom tonight when I came home from rescuing a stuck car(snow up to the doors) in my Dad's Hummer(he drove..I did the dirty work, oh well). She quite seems all for me selling my 230 and getting the 250X. She asked some questions like what kind of work do I need to do(she knows the 230's require nothing). So I said some stuff, but mainly said I WANT the added work. I like wrenching. She kind of wants me to wait till I have a steady job before I sell. Told her about a few bikes I have found and shes impressed I found some deals..and she is ok with the idea of Driving 4 hours to meet Pop with a new bike for me ;) So we'll see what comes up first..but guess whos going job hunting asap? ITs been hard to find work around here in the field I'm going into(Residential Framing) as there isn't a lot of that happening now its winter.

Hey Paul, want some help? I'll come down and lend a hand :) haha

CRocky125

Come join me and be a HD mechanic if you wanna see some nice off road rigs :p

pojp58

When ever your ready Brad.

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