Take A MotoCross Bike and Convert to Enduro?? | Some things to consider

[@hairyyeti21]

I know alot of guys who just put bark busters on a mx bike and ride them the way they are and love them...

[@Jeremy-dw2jt]

👋🏻 I didn’t even put the bark busters on.... yet 😂

[@4N2IN0JA]

14’ YZ250 just paid it off! 🥳 If only I knew the 250x would come out soon after I bought mine 😥 I still love my bike though!

[@EquiNoxM]

Bradson Vogel was it worth it to finance a yz250 was thinking of the same but scared of ruining it before I pay it off lol.

[@4N2IN0JA]

EquiNoxM my first 05 YZ250 lasted 9 years before it blew up. I’m hoping this one last at least the same. I should have kept my old bike but I was young and dumb and didn’t want to fix it myself. The good thing about financing is my credit is really good now. It helped me just finance a new 2017 cbr300r, my first street bike 😁

[@brandonmorelli5145]

I didnt do bark busters say i just did some hand guards for rock protection and ran my mod bike from when i raced mx 2010 yz 250f. Absolutely love it for the trails we ride

[@solarshooter]

I think you're right about this topic in general terms, that the KTM will always be a better enduro weapon, but I think there are also a couple big holes in your argument that might really tip the scales back in favor of the race bike conversion from a cost perspective. Fair disclosure: I converted and ride a 2006 YZ250, so I'm a bit biased. First, I don't think you limited the mods to just the bare essentials. If you asked me, it would be suspension, flywheel weight, gearing, skidplate, handguards. That's it. You don't NEED a kickstand, large tank, 18" wheel, new pipe, etc etc. Those are nice to haves, and most people would be limited by their own skill long before any of these other features. For instance, I go further than some of my buddies who ride nice new KTMs. Second, most of these used bikes already have a lot of the critical mods, so when you talk about a $3k bike, if you do a good job of shopping around you can find one WITH all the expensive mods already done. Really adds to the bargain. Third, most people I know who bought new KTMs STILL had to pour a bunch of money into them. Carb work or a new carb to fix the crappy Mikuni they now come with, suspension work to fix the crappy 4CS or Xplor, real handguards instead of the flimsy plastic ones they come with, skid plate, new gearing ANYWAY, etc, etc. So comparing the cost of a modded bike to a stock KTM isn't apples to apples in the real world. Fourth and final point, I think there is real value in learning to tune and maintain your own bike. By having to alter and tweak the machine, you learn how to turn the "knobs" of the performance of the bike. By dealing with lack of estart or some of the other niceties, you learn how to ride in a more fundamentally sound way. I think converting a moto bike for enduro is a great way to learn these principles, and most people I ride with who've gone that route end up being better riders with more reliable bikes. Certainly, I know a fair number of guys on new KTMs every other year who are always having problems and failing to make it up trails. The rider and owner matter more than the bike. Just my thoughts. Thanks for the vid!

[@tomnekuda3818]

Really good points....

[@brianmorrison9066]

I recommend getting your head recut. My yz250x was .117" now it is .0425" It idles lower amd more consistant, runs cooler and it felt stronger all over especially down low. It was the best mod for the dollar. Lile 3x the gain of a pipe at 1/2 the cost. What pipe doesn't cost something? This is a idle to over rev mod. I recommend RK tec although RB mods did mine.

[@jarodholstein4650]

I love the points, We had bought a crf450r that was absolutely decked out for enduro trail riding. Everything mentioned has been put on it, 18” wheels, 58 tooth sprocket, LOTS of time on carb adjustments, rebuilt suspension, and bark busters. It was one of those deals where you’re getting a bike that was built and focused on more for mx performance than trail riding. This is where the KTMs and Husky bikes come in because it was already made for that although being a little pricey, it has the engine performance that you’d want on a trail bike instead of having everything you need for a trail bike with an mx built engine.

[@wantlesssquid6886]

Those are great points, I ride a klx140 and have enjoyed it a ton as I love riding a ton. I ride nearly every day and I feel like Mx bikes are way more powerful that enduro bikes allowing you to just do more stuff overall. Thanks for the tips l!

[@55tmilam]

Spot on!

[@user-gp5qq3ls4b]

Dude, you tune your suspension, put a smaller wheel on the back and you can also play around with the gearing. It is never gonna be better than the new bikes BUT you can't deny that at the end it's 80% the rider and 20% the bike. So by the thing depending on your budget and just RIDE IT!

[@Toldea34]

Well, not quite. I have done the same thing and found the same issues. I do have a lot of fun and am glad I have the bike, but the necessary performance you want for serious single track and hard core trail riding is not there. I have had multiple bikes, ridden serious Moto-cross and desert, and single track. I would totally agree with Kyles conclusions from first hand experience. Have you tried an upgrade/conversion? People I have talked to before who have the 80/20 idea in mind usually are not receptive to the possibility but, if you were to do what Kyle has done and had the experience along with a receptive perspective, you would know.

[@daerrickjohnson1349]

Although I agree with you somewhat. Having a good bike will make you ride longer and not hate it every time you go out. I have a 125 with suspension setup for the track and I know I’d be dead in an hour on the trails. While my ktm250 is 5 times as easy to ride because of the soft suspension and bottom end power, staying in 2nd-3rd gear all day

[@user-gp5qq3ls4b]

@@daerrickjohnson1349 If u have the money buy a new trail bike, if u don't get your hands on a bike and ride it. It is gonna give you a smile at the end of the day. All I am trying to say is that it's better to have a bike to ride, instead of nothing.

[@enduronorthnz6437]

its like gordon ramsay trying to cook a good meal with a blow torch and a box cutter , it aint going to do the job very well is it

[@pik2490]

@@daerrickjohnson1349 not easy riding a 125 in the woods, but it makes you better.

[@galph8035]

But instead of just another KTM out on the trail you have a beautiful CR that’s customized to you with all of the after market parts. Built not bought. To each their own though

[@SS-gy1cx]

@@ThatWasPrettyFunny so much truth in this.

[@husqvarna199]

I got YZ250F 2018 and did a conversion to "Enduro" riding. 1.Suspension Revalve + Springs - soaking up the rocks and obstacles more easily with less effort = more traction 2.GYTR heavier flywheel - the engine is more manageable and less prone to stall 3.18 inch rear wheel - better traction and smother ride as you said This 3 mods makes the bike 85% Enduro ready! In my country the bikes are pretty expensive, so in the winter I ride with the stock suspension and 19 inch rear in more sandy tracks and in the summer I ride more in the rocky terrain. It's take me 30-60 minutes to convert the bike into "Enduro". I also think that the gearing is more a matter of preference, I owened a WR250F 2016 before and I really like more the gearing on the YZ250F, the big change is in 1-2 gear for enduro riding, and the gearing in the YZ250F is better for me. The only things I think you need to change in the bike to get a 100% "Enduro" ready 1.Electric start 2.Better clutch basket (inner and other), the clutch tend to overheat more than WR250F clutch All those parts I mentioned will not cost more the 1000$. In my country it is not allowed to ride with a motocross bike outside motocross track, but in countries that it is allowed it is much cheaper to buy another set of suspension and you got 2 bikes in 60 minutes work that working great in both terrain

[@sailingyemaya9781]

Half the fun is modifying the bike

[@Micscience]

Don't forget the adventure of wrenching on a dirt bike and the experience and knowledge you gain.

[@yamahaxs6501]

and that's really what this is about. Doing mods to your bike to make it work for what you do is half the fun of the sport for me.

[@alankmyta8840]

I'm not sure if i would call that list a "Conversion list", Looking at the mandatory side, most of that is to just get the bike running and not to convert it to a woods bike. bearings, seals, cylinder etc.. would all be needed to be done if it was to be used as a MX bike. That's more of a "cost to restore a older MX bike" list. Make a separate conversion parts list of what is actually used to convert it to a woods bike, skid plate, hand guards, flywheel weight, etc. That will be a more accurate "Conversion list" . From what I see on the list that are actual conversion parts on the mandatory side plus i added the flywheel weight, I total $783.00 this does not include suspension re-valve. The rest are luxuries or to get the bike back in good running order. my $0.002. Ive also been down this road.

[@mikeyfaulknor9970]

I have a very similar setup on my 2003 cr250. This is a fantastic hobby to have. There’s just something so satisfying about building the bike yourself, being able to diagnose issues, fix them, and then pass your buddies on the newer ktms and huskies. My cr does everything great and as a rider you have to be able to adapt to the machine. Not every bike will ride and stop like a new one off the showroom floor. However if you know what you’re doing on the bike you should have no issues at all.

[@MollyDogsm]

99% of people buying mx bikes change the sprocket, adjust the suspension clickers, install hand guards and ride. You bought a lemon.

[@chapekfabrication2975]

Rode my yz426 like that for years

[@ElectroBraap]

True but true enduro is quite a bit different than just trail riding. I think people also just deal with what they have.

[@GregHuston]

You CAN ride any bike anywhere, but you'll ride longer and faster on an XC style bike compared to a MX bike.

[@chapekfabrication2975]

@@GregHuston desert tank, boom

[@MotoMatsalleh]

This video makes sense for those who are gonna want a truly elite Enduro...need a woods toy? Barkbusters and a new plug in the pocket

[@justinpeterson8754]

Spend $9k on a new bike and if you keep it long enough you’re replacing bearings, rebuilding the top end, etc. The only way to avoid maintenance is to get a new bike on a regular basis. Having done a motocross conversion, I know you can do it a lot cheaper than what Kyle paid.

[@liamheinzel8213]

Agreed!! If your spending US$3500 to convert a mx to enduro, your doing it wrong....

[@nickpowellbmxmx8771]

Agreed how about a fly wheel wait that whould smooth out the power

[@MorrisOutdoors98]

As I'm actively putting together a build list for a 2003 rm250 project to convert

[@Adrian64yt]

this video is based on the opinion of a person who is constantly riding new bikes every year and raffling off the old ones, I dont think he does any regular maintenance, lol. KTMs are super pricy on the maintenance side of things so im willing to bet over 5-10 years youd be over half the cost of a new ktm in maintenance costs

[@yamahaxs6501]

This is to make a perfect enduro bike, and I'd say 80 percent of the mods are optional. A lot of folks wouldn't need to pay any labor costs(I do all my own work except suspension). The main advantage to this is that from day one you can ride the inexpensive bike on trails/desert and do the work over time, spreading out the cost. When you buy that brand new enduro, it's all up front money, and if you don't have it, or want to spend it, this can be a great option. I like working on my own bikes, so costs being similar, I would still go this route.

[@jkontons6340]

100% agree. I have been there and done that with jeeps. Also, you better love that bike because you will never get your money back if you were to sell it.

[@godiloveopium2384]

I picked up an old 95 cr125 for 1300 and I regret nothing. She works awesome on the trails. She always says, "What's costum suspension?" Everything time I jump the thing or hit a pothole, but it works fine. I really think you are exaggerating the mandatory cost for a bike like that. I think that having fun is important, and I'm having a blast not being broke and brapping up hills.

[@jasonluhmer4792]

its a 125 they always run good in the woods

[@64bruceb]

Did this with a YZ450F and tried to ride it in the woods. Bought used and before the first time taking it out, had to replace the water pump. Then by the 3rd ride I had to replace the clutch basket and all the other hard parts in the clutch. I had to reject and replace all the rubber parts in te carb. Was $1000 in parts by that time. Rode if for more than a year and determined that it was probably a bad ass MX bike but it sucked in the woods. Got to where the suspension need to be rebuilt and revalved and I gave it up as a bad cause. I was already in it for almost $4000. Traded it in on a new 300XC and could not have been happier to see the MX bike gone. And the 2012 300XC came with it's whole set of issues with the starters. But once that was sorted it's been a fabulous bike. So I learned, never expect a used dirt bike to be "cheap", never expect and MX bike to be great at anything but MX and never buy a bike without electric start.

[@575ban]

I bought a yz450f too and expected it to be OK at trail riding. How wrong was I. It was the worst bike ever for learning how to trail ride. I converted it to supermoto, it was rubbish at that too. MX bikes are designed for motocross, and that's where they should stay. I know ride a 300 exc and it is bliss, love it 😍

[@ullrrover7520]

I'm very happy with my yz450f. got it for 1500 and with less than 1000 in upgrades it's a good woods bike. flywheel weight, geared down, bark busters, etc. 2 things I wish I could do to it is a 6 speed gearbox and electric start.

[@thomaswebby2431]

I bought a 2018 rmz450 and ride it fine in the woods haven’t even done anything yet lol

[@sethjeffreys3055]

All true ! Unless its a yz250 2T these engines are so smooth.

[@zaccrandell6893]

If you're on a budget I think you can do quite well for yourself with some hand guards and an upgraded tank, neither of which are hard to find used.

[@katanensis]

my 2 cents... I bought a brand new beta 500rrs (I rode bikes for the last 30years but never offroad), and went out on trails here in socal and had lots of fun. Then for whatever reason, I decided I wanted to try a 2 stroke, so I bought a 2002 CR250, adjusted the suspensions, added a flywheel weight, sprokets, handguards and skid plate. I went out with the CR250 and I had the same exact fun I had with the beta!!! Did all the same routes with the same challanges and didn't felt any worse than with the beta at any time! Result? My beta is up for sale :) Reality is for 99.9% of the people it doesn't make a difference what they ride, Unless you are not a very high level competitor I don't think it will make any difference.

[@traileater]

A conversion can work for some, and just spend what you can, just ride and have fun.

[@yoboo6167]

Anybody else remember when you just rode the only bike you had in the woods or at the track and just had fun? Its 80% the rider and 20% the bike 😉

[@JLosey8642]

Totally agree with this. I have a 99 YZ400F I converted. Has worked well for years, but not the best bang for your buck. The professional suspension tuning was best improvement.

[@mikecortese5994]

Raced a 2006 rm250 in harescrambles for years, while a ktm xc is purpose built and works really good in the woods it's not the same as a 250 moto bike. Think it really comes down to preference. The bell and whisle are nice but at the end of you really don't need a hydro clutch, e start, and a wide ratio trans

[@bernhard8540]

Time really doesn't count as price though if your doing it to enjoy the hobby and you do your own work...

[@TheYesmanHD]

i saw the honda and clicked so fast :D

[@vincedaugherty9687]

Kyle, I definitely agree here. Can moto bikes be good in the woods, heck yeah! But so much easier and in the long run cheaper to just get the bike that is made for what riding you do. I started with KXs, ended up on Husky's. Was a no brainer

[@A1soldiersaint]

Dito... Only exception to the rule MIGHT be a YZ250 two stroke, as it only needs a few things to be a YZ250X. Then again, the YZ250X may not cost you that much more soooo I think we are back to... Buying an enduro / XC bike to start with.

[@nickbryant2035]

A lot I agree with here but the statement around you might as well buy a brand new euro bike is silly. If you are an average guy wanting a reliable bike that is fully capable off-road you can find them for 2500-3500 all day

[@DirtBikeChannel]

I didn't say buy a new bike. I said buy a 2-5 year old bike

[@nickbryant2035]

Dirt Bike Channel I have a 2005 and 2006 yz250s that I prefer over my 2016 ktm I had. The trick is knowing how to work on them and not buying a basket case that is too far gone to be worth the investment

[@liamheinzel8213]

@@nickbryant2035 agreed!! Honestly, converted my 2015 yz250 into an hardenduro weapon for less than AU$500. Homemade skid plate, flywheel weight, handle bar ends, folding levers, just soften everything 2 clicks. Bam!! perfect setup (stock 8L tank last ages and 19 inch rear just run tall profile tyres!!)

[@GregHuston]

I've converted 2 MX'rs and bought a 3rd already done. This video is SPOT on! Currently I have a YZ250F and it's good with a WR transmission swapped in, BUT that took me a lot of work to do it. The only reason I spent the time on the 250F was because the bike was cheap with hardly any riding time on it and came with a lot of "Farkles". At the time (4 years ago) I couldn't find an Enduro bike that was under $3000 that wasn't totally clapped out. New condition MX bike for $2400? Not a total bargain as I had to rebuild the carb (sat for years) just to ride it and respring the suspension ($200). I added a FWW for $125, skid plate and rad guards for $150 and spent another $200 for an 18" wheel, then after a couple seasons decided to swap in a WR trans ($150) and then a new piston and rings and gaskets for another $300. After the extra $1125 I now have close to what probably would've been the 2006 yz250Fx. In hindsight I should've spent that money on a $3500 KTM 250XC-W.

[@tylergardner4244]

I’m happy if I’m on two wheels with a motor. I really don’t care what I’m riding, yes it is a little bit more fun to be on a race bike, but I’m the type that can have fun ripping around on a clapped out xr 50 as well. there are levels to this hobby, but It doesn’t matter what you have, get out there and have fun.

[@OVwaterwatcher]

That is the most honest assessment of this type of build I've ever heard, I've had several motocross bikes set up for desert and they all have shortcomings and comprises. Over the years I've sunk so much money into my old YZ450F its silly and it's still a finicky, easy stalling, overheating moto bike.

[@richardm713]

I love my 01 cr250 it's a beast

[@davidnobilese6124]

This is exactly why people wonder what’s taking me so long to build my woods specific cr125... but I do fall into the category of someone who can’t afford a nice enduro type bike up front but can buy a few parts per paycheck

[@pik2490]

Hmm... Cr250 - $1500 Tusk rear rim / spokes - $130 Bark busters - $80 Chain and sprockets - $120 Skid plate - $100 Tires - $120 Suspension revalve - $800 CR woods build TOTAL - $2850 A brand new KTM 250 XC- $9500 am I missing something here?

[@jacobbieler1876]

where r u getting a rear wheel for 120 bucks for

[@jordanellis2644]

I found a brand new 2 year old 250 SX on a dealer floor for almost half the price of a new XC. I had the suspension re-valved. I added an 18" rear wheel (that I had from my dead xcf), 13 tooth countershaft sprocket and an XC ignition. I did add a Lectron carb and flywheel weight but those were not necessary. Also put on all the usual protection needed and I LOVE the bike. It is very light and absolutely rips. I ride gnarly Southern BC enduro and all you see around here are 300xc's by the hundreds. All in all reasonably inexpensive but it was done mostly to have something a little different.

[@osamabinlagging3511]

All i did was add a fly weight and bark busters to my yz250f and she runs like a champ 😂

[@zakjohnson1705]

I know this video is old but I had to comment. I bought a 97 cr250 for about 700$. And throughout the last 4 years I prob put at least 6k into it. Probably more to be honest. But I absolutely love my bike. It has more aftermarket parts than oem. But everyone loves it just like I do. Im going to try and keep it forever.

[@liamheinzel8213]

Mx to enduro conversion. Best 2 stroke platform yz250 flywheelweight heavier the better, steel skid plate, handle bar ends, folding levers, soften the suspension 2 clicks on everything (stock 8L tank lasts forever if jetted right) dont let people tell you that you need an 18inch rear!! Just use tall profile tyres. Thats all you bloody need under $500 Au

[@philippday9195]

off-road and enduro bikes have made a steady reemergence here in the States over the last 10yrs... thanks mostly to KTM offering a broad line-up... the used market is finally getting reasonably priced vs new... found a three yr old Beta 350 for close to half the cost of showroom new... and i was fully prep'd to buy the '19... I win, LOL

[@WJamesBeoch]

I can hear the violins playing all across the dirtbike universe. LOL!

[@55tmilam]

Back in the day I won plenty of hare scrambles on my cr250! Didn’t even put bark busters on it!

[@jamespolucha6911]

I bought a 2003 Honda CR250R for $1200 and ride it in the woods, single tracks every where with no changes and it’s fine I know how to ride, I have 7 years on the same top end also

[@OntarioFreshwaterFishing]

For me, if I were to do this the Number one thing I would do is find a way to better cool the bike. Motocross bikes weren’t meant for slow speed or idling, gotta find a way to keep it cool when you don’t have the speed for airflow

[@bernhard8540]

We used to ride motocross bikes when we were younger all over the place making our own trails before Enduro was cool so its not like the mx bikes can't run enduros just fine just change the gearing and ride .. it doesnt have to be perfect to have fun so in the end it doesnt have to be so expensive its about having fun and enjoying a hobby and making friends through life.. so you don't have to have a fully " Enduro ready" ktm or husky etc... to ride Enduro style trails.. anything is capable in the right hands and besides most people can't push even a 250 to its full potential let alone a 8k bike

[@relentlesschaos95]

I’ve got a 2000 RM250 that I got for $1200 and I’ve only ridden it on single track trails here in utah. It’s mostly stock and does really good.

[@playaa_from_the_himalaya]

2019 and dirt bike channel still bashing the OG250. You guys spent a lot on this bike by taking it to the shops; and yet still blew the piston 😵 lot of us own this bike and don’t have issues like yours did. Yes you will end up spending money on an older bike but man not crazy money like you guys did over there. Also you will end up spending money on any dirt bike you purchase (new or old) “suspension revalve, radiator guards, aftermarket seats/tanks/heavy duty bark busters, exhaust, just to name a few that don’t already come with new stock dirt bikes, and for some folks that can afford lectron carb, rekluse auto clutch; $$$ list goes on for a new KTM, Husky, Beta, Sherco too. Love your channel and I get you are looking out for people to not make the mistakes like you guys did with this bike, I support that. But man kinda glad someone will win this bike and we don’t have to hear you bash the CR anymore 🤣 hopefully they will appreciate it more than you guys at the channel do 🙌🏾

[@dr.hugog.hackenbush9443]

What is there to convert? Put a skidplate on it, some bark busters/handguards & go. If you can ride moto with it, you can ride anything with it. Ive been riding, by this guy's measure, a full-blown moto CR500 in the woods for well over a decade.

[@trevor866]

Bought my yz450 for $2000. Spent $1500 on some engine repairs and , skid plate, bark busters and a weighted flywheel. Works great for single track and quite a bit of the right technical stuff. I don't ride any hard enduro but between the trails and the track the bike works fine. Only thing I need to do is upgrade the clutch system to a hydraulic pull which save your hands pretty good.

[@hawkpantera9425]

You are correct,, it's always more expensive than what you think. It's best to buy brand new if you can,, Or something that was hardly used...

[@NewtoneMusicSchool]

Where is the love for the YZ250X?

[@wirth315]

I can live with 250cc's... but 300 cc would be PERFECT... What I can't live with is: No electric start, no 6 speed trans, no 2.5 gallon tank, no lights, OTHERWISE I'd be riding one. LOVE Yamaha... Just need a REAL offroad effort from Yamaha on the 2 stroke. The FX 4 stroke is great. Give us the same updates to the 2 stroke. :-)

[@MichaelAbramo]

@@wirth315 I love my X. Honestly after a year, an electric start isn't even on my wishlist. Just a stator that can run lights. If we're talking big changes, then the same frame and swingarm as the YZ250F, case reed induction, and maybe a counter balancer. Electric start is a nice to have but not essential on the X

[@codenamenoob4973]

Or KTMs XC models or husqavarna's FX models as well. They both do exactly what he's trying to achieve here, a bike that is great at enduro and Motocross

[@MichaelAbramo]

@@codenamenoob4973 half the bikes he's ever had have been XC's... Kyle knows. The CR was an experiment

[@nseric1233]

I spent about a grand to make my yz250 an awesome woods bike, this includes a big tank and flywheel weight. I don't count what I spend on suspension on any bike as im heavy and every single bike made needs suspension work for me. The big difference is a yz is a better woods bike than a cr, I like Hondas but those 2 strokes need a bunch of work so they have some torque, all a yz needs is a flywheel weight, the yz's suspension is also fine for most stock, its the plushest 2 stroke mx bike made lol. IMO if you run tubliss there's no need to change the 19 inch rear wheel, with it you wont get flats and will have lots of traction too. This was a cool project bike but you went way over the top with mods, you don't need half the stuff you added.

[@johnhead8567]

I know you loved the yz250x and the KTM 250/300 xc's you should try the new gasgas xc300. I got one in January. Absolutely love it. To me it's a good cross between a yz250 the way the engine sings up on the pipe and a ktm300 the way it's got your ass down low when you need it. Plus the kyb suspension is amazing right off the shelf. Hydraulic clutch, electric start, 100% happy with my decision. Plus it's about $1000 cheaper than KTM. Definitely a good bike to put in the review to compare to all the rest.

[@raymond80hr]

john head i have a 2011 xc i am on my 8 year with the same top end 👍

[@wirth315]

If a new $9,000 or $10,000 KTM, Husky, Sherco etc... or $9000 Yamaha or Honda Offroad bike isn't in your budget... There's another option to buying an OLD motocross bike... Buy a new non current motocross bike or a Low hour motocross bike and CONVERT it! That's what I've been doing for the past 10 years! Although... after watching Kyle dial in the Husqvarna TE-300i... I'm planning on buying a 2020 TX300i as I have inside info. they will be TPI as it's listed on the dealer order sheet that went out to dealers 3 weeks ago! I'm just assuming the KTM XC300i will be released as well, so I'll have a dilemma between Orange vs White. Main reason for pulling the trigger on a NEW 2 stroke off road bike... At 52 years young I want / need an Electric start 2 stroke, so I might as well get EFI, a larger 2.5 gallon tank, 6 speed tranny, lights, map switch etc... All of which Yamaha has failed to give us with the YZ250x. Back to my Point. You can build an Awesome woods bike from a motocross bike, without spending what Kyle did by not buying such an OLD bike such as his CR250 build. Here's the gist of my Conversion: I took a slightly used not OLD Motocross bike (2013 Yamaha YZ450F with 11 hours) I scored for $3700 and converted it for woods riding for an awesome Woods Weapon! Offroad mods and aprox cost of $2,400 including $1000 rekluse clutch that many wouldn't prefer. So for around $6000, I have a low hour better than new, bullet proof Yamaha YZ450f that I converted to an X... that performs amazing for woods riding and even does great in tight single track. I'm a 225+ lb rider, so the suspension feels great for me for trail riding. If I was riding motocross, I'd of course need stiffer springs. But, with just a few clicker adjustments front / rear, the stock Kayaba SSS Suspension feels great for everything off road I've put it through. I'm a semi fast woods rider so the motocross gearing and 5 speed trans with a 2 tooth larger rear sprocket allows me to ride 2nd - 3rd gear most of the time... while 1st gear is still a bit tall in the super tight single track... as long as I'm not stuck riding behind slower riders, It does great, without having to ride the clutch or slip the rekluse constantly. With the 51 tooth larger rear sprocket the bike will still hit 65-68 mph on the open straights. MODS: $250 18" Rear Wheel, $200 Steahly 9 0z flywheel weight, $135 Pro Moto Billet kickstand, $1,000 Rekluse Radius CX clutch, $100 Acerbis hand guards, $50 Seat cover, $100 Skid pan, $130 X-Ring Chain, $75 Sunstar Black 51 tooth sprocket, $170 Michelin M12 tires, $180 GYTR Spark Arrestor for riding State owned parks. Other odds / ends but nothing else pricey. Tuning: I used my Yamaha tuner to create my own Custom map for the EFI to basically richen the EFI +2 at 4000 RPM, +1 6500 RPM at all 3 throttle settings and retard the ignition -2 at 4000 RPM and -1 at 6500 RPM at all three throttle settings. (I left the 9000 RPM at 0 or stock for both) This has really smoothed the HIT down low considerably while still pulling strong and revving smoothly without falling flat on top. MOST important, as this has all but eliminated the slow speed flame out I was experiencing after adding the GYTR spark arrestor. I tried every Tuner map available but finally creating my own map was the solution to riding a 450F beast in the tight twisties. I've done several 2 hour rides (Scrambles) and have used 1.4 to 1.5 gallons of my 2 gallon tank. So, I have no need to add a larger tank. For you dessert riders needing to go 3 hours, you'll definitely need a larger tank. I've got 36 hours on my 2013 YZ450F(x) with zero a problem. Valves at 22 hours were spot on. I plan to check them again at 50 hours. Oil change post Rekluse install at 5 hours with Motorex and the oil was still clean and very clear! So I now do 10 hour oil changes which is still overkill but cheap insurance. I also did most the above to a low hour 2013 YZ250 that my buddy is still riding in the woods. I made every 2 hour race without running out of gas with the stock tank. YZ's are a much better platform than Kyles CR250 for a woods conversion. The Yamaha suspension is amazing and the Keihin power jet carb runs clean and revs smoothly with a few easy jet mods and tweak of the air screw in all temps and midwest altitudes. So... If your budget allows for a modern offroad bike then by all means buy one... If your budget does not allow then find a low hour motocross bike, and slowly and surely dial it in to your liking. Braap on!

[@robh3267]

I would say one of the best mods you did to make it more trail ridable is the Rekluse it made my bike much easier to ride most people that speak negatively about the Rekluse have never even had one.

[@juggernautz]

If you already own a bike then the cost isn't so much but some of the mods in the list like the clutch & clutch related parts, flywheel, suspension upgrade and new wheels are not necessary. Tires yes, try riding on a wet road or turn to fast with dirt tires on the street. Never ride thru grass on the road! Main item is getting it registered and reducing noise. Cops hear a 2 stroke and they light em up!!

[@JS-qf9bb]

If it starts ride it

[@jonny621]

hello if you would like to connect a light, it is possible without modifications, just pull two cables from the rc valve… exactly on the right side there are cable lugs

[@charles1206]

Might as well hold off and wait for a used kdx200/220 or WR

[@bongzonthebeat]

I would definitely say taking any of these kinds of bikes say if you cant get ahold of good suspension like an old 80’s-90’s bike not as popular with any suspension upgrades or afford the other things definitely do sprocket gearing. Sprockets and gearing is great for any dirtbike if you want to get top speed over low crawling torque or vise versa low top speed but gobs of low end torque for trails or hills etc. Pretty much any hill climber bike has gearing so to any wanting to change a bike to faster top speed or better low speed crawling, gearing is the answer!

[@anythingwithplanes]

I watched this video. spent a ton of money on a yz250f. gave up. Bought a yz450f with much less problems and so far ive had great success

[@tracyholcomb4805]

honestly, i find that buying old, used motocross bikes is really about the fun of building up a bike thats capable of what you want to do. Also, i find it way more challenging to ride slow, hard enduro on an 05’ yz250f. It really helps to build your ability to ride at a quicker rate of speed because its a four-stroke. They’re very easy to stall but like i said, it helps you get faster in some situations. I’ve also ridden moto bikes all my life and when I tried out a real enduro/trail bike, it was soo soo easy to ride. love moto bikes and enduro bikes, whatever you like, just stick with it.

[@michaelharold1366]

I do think there are some holes in the way the info was presented, but it’s not 100% inaccurate. The cost of a used bike does go way past the cash you hand over to buy it. That’s very true. I’ve done it with my 03 WR250F. 2500 for the bike, and 2000 in stuff that it needed. However, I still want a new 300 XC-W …. And I want it because the new stuff is cool!

[@Jacare1973]

I don’t understand how you spent that much on that bike. I built a 09 CR500AF, porting, head shaved, decompressor on head for easier starting, oversized acerbis tank, 18” excel talon rear, fan kit with antigravity battery, higher output stator to recharge the battery, left hand rear brake, rekluse auto clutch, Mitas ef07 double green gummy tire, 38mm air striker carb, skid plate, rad guards, hand guards, extra fuel tank mount & tank, hand saw, water bladder holder, rear fender tool pouch, front & rear disc guards, crf250x coolant catch can, higher pressure rad cap, larger sun star aluminum rear sprocket for less that what you spent on that 250. My bike is a offroad weapon now. Only thing I admit I would love is electric start on it.

[@markgunnison]

I don't disagree with your points. However, my buddy bike is a 2006 KTM 250SX that I have converted to trail riding. Aside from not having e-start, it is almost identical to my 2014 KTM 300XC and maybe more fun to ride. I'm sure I have under $3k into the 250 while I have over $6k into the 300. The 250 does have a top speed of 60mph or less due to gearing but riding in PNW mountains we rarely get out of fourth gear.

[@patelbv]

I think I'm an exception. My '94 YZ250 was purchased with: California street legal plate (not possible on 2 strokes anymore), 3.4 gallon desert tank, 2 sets of rims - one set has an 18" rim, skid plate, handguards, FMF turbine core muffler spark arrestor, kickstand, baja deigns lighting kit w' light/cylinder, and when I did the bearings the shops kept telling me they were in good condition already. Over time I installed a wide ratio transmission when I did the bottom end, had the suspension sprung and valved, and a woods ported millennium cylinder...the bike is great as-is, but if I wanted more, maybe I'd get a flywheel weight and lectron next. recreational rider in California deserts, forests, pavement, and original purchase price was just over 1.5g

[@seanwahl1000]

Suspension and hand guards (depending on where you're riding) is all you really need.

[@billclinton4344]

And a new set of Dunlops

[@jeffbrownell279]

I converted a 2015 sx250 into a dedicated single track bike.It had a 300 kit,the expensive rekluse,larger tank and knarly pipe already on it at purchase.Still have 7k in it with suspension,gearing,ergonomic mods.It is a cool build and fun to ride but you are definitely correct on the down sides.I started out with a better base than a cr250 which definitely helped.

[@mfoauto]

I also built an 2002 CR250 into a woods bike. Have a lot of similar mods, but also some fancier stuff too. I added up my build and purchase price and I’m right around 8k too! Sometimes shaking my head at why I put all this work into an old motorcross bike, but I tell you what, I’ve got a one off bike that stand out in the trails.

[@Panellll]

We're not all jarvis. Spending 3k on a bike that somebody else already kind of set up for trails vs buying a 8k+ bike thats meant for trails is a better value in my mind. Spend that 5k you save on tires and gas and learn to ride it.

[@coltonwilson6137]

Electric start is nice in some situations. But I’d rather have a kickstarter

[@SD-ir1vf]

I have 2007 CR250R. The biggest improvement I’ve made to it is the steering damper. Any other bike I would still have to do the same thing. Things like brush busters skid plates and larger tank are cheep. You will have to rebuild the suspension on any bike eventually. I’ve rebuilt my suspension twice already. Most people don’t care they just ride with a clapped out suspension.

[@Nordspets]

Just bought a kx450f for like $1200 and ordered parts, including maintenance stuff, for about another $1000. Still cheaper than most enduro bikes here in sweden, especially in such a good condition. Still on the list is a kickstand, fly wheel weight (or rekluse clutch) and suspension revalve , and I’m all set for the woods!

[@randyclmbs]

Good video, thanks. On this same note, I bought a used 07 TE450. Motor was solid, however, EVERY set of bearings outside of the engine we're replaced in 4 months. Then 100 percent of the factory electrical, shorted and was also completely replaced. Message here is that used is a crap shoot for how previous owners maintain their bikes.

[@jimmystevens9028]

just did it to a 2017 ktm 450sxf, headlight/tail light kit and i got it plated LOL. i ride 90% trails/woods/dirt roads and 10% pavement, some trails dont allow bikes, so with this i skip around those trails. but ill be ridding lots of older dirt roads way up in the mountians. i absolutely love this bike. were i live ktm's are rare. i had to travel 3 states to get this one. i looked for 6 months for an exc or xc but couldnt find one unless i went new. i almost bought a new one thats 1 state over. but decided to go with a mint used one for $4000.

[@sslusshy]

They didn’t have enduro bikes and trail bikes back in the day so that’s what they did, I ride a motocross and like the tougher suspension

[@adambailey9970]

I road a 2006 lx450f for 10 years on single track and Desert and only made small changes. Then I bought a 2017 ktm xc and still spent thousands of dollars to get it where I like so it all depends on what you’re looking for out of your bike. It’s more of just get out and ride and have fun

[@crooney82]

It depends on what kind of enduro riding you are doing. Where I ride it’s a lot of soft sand and 10-20mph in the woods so a moto bike with a heavy flywheel is perfect. Throw some bark busters and a kick stand and send it. The stiff suspension is great in those conditions. If you are in tight rocky desert riding not so much.

[@anthonygoodwin4325]

Your Soo right man I've rebuilt my 03 kx250 twice already because I ride it in the woods and blew it up the first time now I've rebuilt it from the bottom end up and it falls flat on it's face so it's back in the shop again not only that I'm at 5600$ not including this next shop bill but in all honesty I'm looking for the yz250fx or crf250rx for a new bike because at this point I'm just going to take the kx250 to the track and ride it that way I stead of dumping more money into something that's not gonna do what I need it to do and why throw money away when you could be on the trails riding a newer bike with less problems

[@bobbybecker8834]

Now if everything on the bike is in working order,(wheel bearings, swing arm bearings, fresh top end, etc.) Most people can just get away with a fly wheel weight, some crash protection, and proper sprocket ratio to have a decent trails bike. Now what he said is it wrong, but it's hard to say you'd be putting I over 4 grand worth of "necessary" parts to make this thing a trail bike. Theres nothing in these old mx bikes that a youtube mechanic couldn't fix it install on their own to avoid labor costs. If you dont enjoy wrenching then you are better off just buying a 2 or 3 year old trail bike instead.

[@jessiplourde9121]

My mid nineties yz does just fine for me

[@connorhubbard6439]

Also, for people looking for a budget woods bike, the older itms are not bad at all. I've ridden many 05, 06, 07 and up models and they are really good especially for the prices

[@walterconn5637]

Not a bad deal if you want to learn how to wrench, but I completely agree. Thanks for giving your insight.

[@jahanwatson2423]

You clearly haven’t been to a gncc or an actual enduro race man, plenty of people ride regular bikes that are set up for woods

[@anthonysaldana05]

Dude these bikes go for $1200 to $3000 in Cali all day on Craigslist and OfferUp damn near done and there just as clean as your bike Kyle ? Why pay a mechanic for labor doesn’t make sense do the work yourself way over thought it seems like you wasted more time spinning your wheels on the bike instead of riding it lol. these New bikes nowadays are way over rated just saying!! Save your money guys eBay is the cheapest way to buy your parts i built my sons cr125 for under $3500 and it came out DOPE straight WOODS bike for sure RIDE RED

[@robh3267]

You can do a lot with older bikes but as far as newer bikes being over rated you should actually ride some newer bikes before making that statement because it doesn't matter what you do to older bikes they are no where near as good especially in the suspension off road bikes seem to get better with every new model when ever I've ridden a friends newer bike I realize how much more work it is to ride my older bike even though it was a great bike when it came out and I've done many upgrades it just doesn't compare and sorry but a CR125 is a horrible woods bike no matter what you do to it ride a newer enduro bike and it will be quite obvious.

[@anthonysaldana05]

Rob H The best thing about the older bikes green sticker the shitty thing about newer bikes red sticker doesn’t make sense to spend $9000 to $12,000 on a new bike that you can only ride so many months out of the year we ride all year around out here in California so green sticker is the way to go around here!! I laugh at all these guys that talk about how much money they spend on their bikes that are red stickers and just sit there in their garage half the year and make videos and spin there wheels about this and that on these bikes LOL maintenance is a must anyways on any bike New or old just saying when your out ride beating the shit out of these bikes on the trails. So I Taught my son to fix up at clapper that’s a Green sticker so he can have fun and ride year round!! Braaaap

[@JourdonGulick]

What all did you do to the cr125? Looking to convert a 02.

[@rotabom]

The bigger reason why guys, like myself, do this, is because we love THE BIKE, and we are saving them, and breathing new life into them. We do this because of the love for bikes primarily. Guys who are motivated primarily by riding, and just want the best tool to enjoy the riding, shouldnt bother with doing this. Leave these old girls to us enthusiasts to poor our money into, because we enjoy the process and love the object

[@No_Budget_No_Problem]

I'm having fun building up a 1999 YZ 250 for enduro

[@mattsmith8217]

Here in the Midwest of the US their just aren’t a lot of enduro bikes to choose from, basically the only real option is from Ktm. I’ve seen a few gas gas bikes (my dad owns one), I think I’ve seen like 1 beta, then there use to be some huskies but now they are just ktms so it’s pretty common for me to see people rocking motocross bikes out on the trails

[@wvangus82]

Speaking of enduro bikes, I found a 1992 Suzuki RMX250 in a guy's barn a few weeks ago. It's been sitting for about 12 years. I flashed 370 bucks in the guy's face and brought it home. Upon further inspection, I noticed it had a LOT of aftermarket stuff on it from back in the day. This was someone's race bike, for sure. People around here don't have the cash to build their trail bike up like that. I threw some new gas in the tank and kicked it four times and it started up and idled! But, it was too good to be true. As soon as the bike got a little warm, it died, and wouldn't start back. And no first gear. It needs the cases split to fully inspect and repair the transmission and a new top end. I might as well rebuild the whole entire engine. Looks like I have my work cut out for me!

[@jmeezy4050]

i man handled a crf450 through the woods for 2 years before I got some sense and bought an FX350. I regretted all my time on the Honda.

[@clint.garage.6092]

Wow....after this virus lockdown I am looking at a 2015 300exc with a stand and all the bling and bolt ons done ready to ride for 5000nzd so maybe 3000usd. It has done 129 hrs but has been well maintained and kept fresh along the way.

[@hrbestalkinme3690]

Put handguards on and youre done. Anything beyond that is money you coulda spent on gate fees and tires

[@incofriganel]

I got a 2004 crf250x its a great bike for the riding that I do. Definitely more off road centered

[@nathanalagiozidis3192]

I own a 2015 YZ250F, the only thing I did was put hand guards, front light, brake lights, skid plate, all up costed me all up costed me 750AUD... and i couldn’t fault it... the only thing is not having a 6th gear, but I don’t plan on doing 120kph on trails. Nothing wrong with mx bikes on trails, just don’t buy a lemon lol

[@coreypierce4888]

All you really need to do long dessert rides is a big tank. So assuming the engine is good and you pay full price at ims. The total conversion cost is 325. I have 4 moto bikes that run harescrambles in florida. All we do is hanguards, and my dad likes the rekluse.(because hes lazy not because he needs it)

[@monocogenit1]

Money adds up quickly with any project... Good video.

[@lightburn14]

I agree if you can get a deal on a used newish enduro and you like orange or white go for it. Seem like great bikes (i hope to win the husqvarna to find out). I like yamaha and working on the bike here and there with family so I did this: '16 yz250 4400+360 tax Stator led headlight 240 Kickstand 100 Skid plate 100 Hand guards 100 Fww 110 WR Gearset 400+300 labor Turbinecore 2.1 200 Misc 300. Approx 6600 total New 19 KTM 250xcw tpi stock local 9700+800tax = 10,500 I saved roughly 3.5 to 4 grand and love it on the trails. You could save more buying a not so beat up 06 newer yz250. It was more for the project aspect. The money savings was a welcome bonus.

[@goinhot9133]

Really, skid plate, bark busters, bars (if ur particular), grips, maybe flywheel weight if you can’t figure out how to use your clutch. is all you need, and that’s being generous. I’ve raced on way less, infact I had a bike blow up on the line, they held the race while we went to a buddy’s trailer and grabbed his ragged pit bike (kx100)., still done okay. Top 5 I think.. biggest upgrade would be suspension. But other than that, your skills are way more important than some bells and whistles. Kailub russle beat all the 450 factory bikes on a STOCK 150xc at GNCC. Just goes to show you don’t need the bike to be perfect, humans are extremely adaptable.

[@HustonActionTV]

It’s all very subjective. You can have fun on any Bike if you take the time to learn it

[@guilhermefigueiredo5031]

great work and honest review

[@ethanhallam1748]

I ride a yz 125 and I do enduro

[@joeguinta1669]

Ethan Hallam ...what year bike? I have a 2006. Did you do any mods at all? Do you see other bikes like yours in the enduros?

[@ethanhallam1748]

Joe G it’s a 2017 and has v force reeds

[@jasonnoble7814]

Find an old gasgas they are cheap and usually come with upgraded parts, then refurbish it...

[@Toldea34]

I agree with all of your talking points on the project. I have had a similar experience with similar conclusions. Reading the comments here makes me think your summary point should be that it is better to buy a purpose built bike for your riding. Seems many of the posters are feeling like you are putting the cr250 down, when all you are saying is it is a great track bike, not an enduro/trail bike. And, everyone, he is not telling you to buy a new bike!