Trying to rationalize a 2013 yz250f
 

They are going cheap and with a smart carb would be a great trail bike. What do you guys think?

Thats because the '14 is all new. I've thought about this on and off a few times. I've ridden a few and like them, but the hot start issue is a killer for me. If APT can come up with a 4stroke carb that solves this, they will sell a million of them. It still is not as flexible as a 250 2stroke, and not as good on technical trails, but they work real good when its slick and make the perfect amount of power for most situations.

I used to have a hot start issue with my sons 06 250f. I put engine ice in it and got rid of the plastic radiator guards which were replaced by some free flowing aluminum ones and seriously made a huge difference.

The hot start issue was so bad I almost left the bike out in the woods for someone to take I was so mad.

That in my rear view mirror the bike makes great power with an aftermarket pipe and a flywheel weight makes it rather torquey.

I can't make my GG250f with a mega bomb and 4.1 exhaust with yz exhaust cams perform as well though...odd.

All that being said I have often thought my sons would make the perfect woods bike if set up properly with its power delivery. I figured the 13's handle better, are lighter, better suspension components...just may have to make a 5-6000 dollar mistake to put my mind at ease. The problem is I love my 300.

I need another kid to justify the purchase...damn.

Have you put the YZ high comp piston in the gasser yet? That could be the missing element.

I've ridden a 12 y250f, they are a great trail bike/woods weapon I think Yamaha sell more for this purpose than for mx, add 3 teeth to the back and a revalve and they are the (IMHO) the best 4t in the bush. The 12 has a different piston to earlier years with greater bottom end and the SSS forks need only a shim shuffle and your off! The biggest bonus is no efi which (IMHO) is a valuable bush bonus. Hot start or tip over is the only down side I can see.

Hello Maintenance!
 

I sold my 07 yz250F and bought a Gasser. I dont miss it at all. It was a great bike because I didnt keep it long enough to have to perform valvetrain and valve seat replacement on top of the already expensive top end maintenance. Whew. But then, some people would rather ride a 4t and deal with it than ride a 2t. Matter of preference, of course. Theres a reason mx racers ride 4t. They are definitely easier to ride for long periods of time.

On a side note, after owning an EC300, a buddy let me ride his 07 250F and I had the most fun I'd had in a long time (at that time) because it was so light and maneuverable. They can make good trail bikes. It just felt like I was wringing the snot out of it to get it to go! Apples and oranges, I realize.

Now I have a 200 2t, and would much rather ride it than a 250F.

I realize the new ones are better but here is my experience. Got an extremely low hour '09 YZF 250, because I wanted something very light and with good suspension. Spent a fair amount of cash on tires, gearing, gas tank and various protection bits. Valve adjustments didn't bother me, not that hard and in the woods you're not banging the rev limiter all the time anyway. But flame outs and tranny gearing were still bothering me... looked at a WR gearbox, simple enough, and carb mod or replacement, and realized it was possible I still wouldn't be where I wanted.
So I decided to cut my losses and get something that came ready made for the single track I spent at least half my time on. 2011 Gasgas ec 300, and I haven't looked back. Save your money!

Yes, same old story with the 4stroke costs, but the Yamahas do last a very long time when used in the woods and not on the track. I know of two that are almost XR like. Probably the only one I'd buy. Can you put a WR lower end with the estart and WR trans in the YZ frame with a YZ top end? Stash a small LioN battery and use the 18" rear wheel and you might have something.

I have a buddy with a YZ 450 with WR cases with the e start. I don't know what was involved with the modification. I've ridden it a few times, the suspension has been valved and it sucks up the sand whoops at speed. It's still heavy and he has hotstart issues at times, hence the e start. He has run it for a bunch of hours with just very basic maintence without any problems. I wouldn't want a 450f, a 250f Yamaha in a gasser frame as a second bike, maybe...

Yeah, even a light 450F seems heavy from the big power and rotatating mass. The 250F is nice though. I think I can go pretty well on one from my test rides, just don't want one for my only bike and I don't want two bikes anymore. Too much work keeping everything in shape, one reason why I'm selling both of mine and getting one of something else.