I've rebuilt four two strokes - a 60, an 85, and two 125cc's - for my kids, though never spending anywhere near what Kyle and Scott did. As they grew out of them and it was time to sell, I recovered all of my out of pocket costs, but very little if any of my labour. It was well worth it though because I knew that their bikes were fit to take out on the trails. Plus, when your winters are 6 months long, working on the bikes keeps you close to home and out of trouble.

@Sparaco487

4 жыл бұрын

Don't rebuild a 04 crf250r!i did and what a nightmare money pit..missed two practice sessions because it wouldn't start up unless bumped after my first practice

@garrettblaster

3 жыл бұрын

Well they get a lot of parts that are not really needed, if you were to just restore it to original you wouldn’t spend nearly that much money

@shanematis2902

2 жыл бұрын

You worked on the smallest engines they make, the cheapest too

@kevinmichael5284

22 күн бұрын

Im sitting here staring at this bike I just bought for my son it locked up the second time he rode it.reading your comment made me realize there's more than just laber there's quality time with my son .wish me luck

I agree. I buy old bikes (working on a non-running 2002 XR250R right now) and tinker with them just as a stress relief. I then turn around and sell them for a small profit. I have days off during the week due to being in law enforcement, so while the wife is at work and my kid is in school...why not?! So.....win win! My advice....add parts "smartly"....put only the parts on that it NEEDS to run. Enjoy the bike, and then slowly buy the parts you WANT.... You dont need the red hubs.....the decal kit....I mean....you added $2600 in parts you wanted to put on for fun. That brings the price down to about $4200...that aint bad. Buy a service manual and get the hands dirty!

@Abcd-hr9ot

5 жыл бұрын

I agree i also have days off midweek.i work on d older stuff i find a proper clean .full correct service n replace what is broke is d only way 2 make d a few bucks

@sgtthor7830

5 жыл бұрын

border411 I’m in the exact same boat brother

@motoben6520

4 жыл бұрын

@The Oscar Report So true we have over 10k invested in tools, not to mention the shop they are in, etc.

@5elevenfirewood195

3 жыл бұрын

Completely agree, that's what I'm doing with my98 cr keep it running and make memories that you can't buy with fancy parts, time and money isn't as important when it's a bike you really love

@backyardbraaapn1017

3 жыл бұрын

@@Abcd-hr9ot wtf?? Your grammar and spelling is HORRIBLE

When you buy a bike, putting money into it is a given as the price of admission. Stuff is going to wear out, no matter how well its taken care of. I bought my CR500 many moons ago for $2500, and put another $800 into it in short order (suspension revalving, bigger front brake & new tires) I enjoy the bike immensley, but I know that soon Im going to need a new chain & sprockets, brake pads and possibly a entire Hinson clutch system. Do I do this for profit? No. I do this because Im having fun blasting around on my stupid-powerful bike that I plan on keeping untill the bitter end.

Key to it all is how did the previous owner maintain the bike.

@mrvolts9262

5 жыл бұрын

shouldn't matter, if you buy used you should tear the motor down and rebuild it regardless of the previous owners claims of past maintenance

@dirtbikesicehockey4788

5 жыл бұрын

@@mrvolts9262 agreed I was just referring to what Kyle and Scott were talking about

@deborahchesser7375

4 жыл бұрын

And most don’t. I always did because it cost so much to even ride and race I had to do all my own work so I took care of my bike. Re-pack wheel bearings after water crossings etc.

@gmx0413

3 жыл бұрын

@@mrvolts9262 that's not right. That would defeat the purpose of buying a used bike for some people who are trying to get a decent bike for a decent price.

@gmx0413

3 жыл бұрын

@obglobgablob exactly

It depends on the bike. I bought a clapped out 98 YZ250 for $800 and put $1000 in to it. I rode it for two years and sold it recently for $2300.

@joel387ktm

5 жыл бұрын

jesus did you lube the person up who you fucked on that deal lol 2300 for a 20 year old bike

@mattheusabrahamvandijke8809

Жыл бұрын

How much time did you spend fixing it?

I just bought a 1988 cr125. The engine came dismantled in a box. Already in deeper than I thought, but it was only $200 and it brings me joy just to look at it in the garage (for now).😊👍

I enjoy working on bikes, especially if its a bike I particularly love, and I feel much more connected to a bike that I have repaired/built/maintained. I bought my 01 RM250 two years ago for $1800, and I just slowly work on it in my free time to keep it as fresh as possible. Didn't break the bank at all, tons of fun and stress relief working on it, and countless hours of joy riding it. Couldn't be happier with it.

Seriously helpful! I’ve been looking at bikes here lately to get back into the sport and after watching I’ve decided I’ll wait a little longer to get a newer bike.

Recently had to buy a bike for my buddy who's coming back from deployment soon. $2000 budget all-in. Looked at a few bikes from the 90s and early 2000s, and most of it was pretty rough. Then found a 1984 Husqvarna 400 2-stroke for $1600. Needed tires and a clutch cable. Awesome bike. Condition means way more than age.

I went through a 1998 yz250 and I'll never do it again. Took way too much time that I could've used for riding. I sold it and found another bike that had very, very low hours on it and had been well maintained by the previous owner. The idea of buying a newer, one owner bike for $4-$5k is a great one.

I have owned about 20 bikes in the last 8 years from buying and selling. And I have found a lot of very nice and solid bikes for about $2500 or less. You just gotta do research and know what your looking at. Great video though! I appreciate your channel.

Thanks for this discussion I own a CRF250RX 2019. However, I’m rebuilding a 2002 CR125R. I’m so happy you put this out there. I was never sure of my reasoning. However, one of the scenarios you discussed was exactly my case. I’ve got a bike and I’m enjoying the experience of building a two stroke from the ground up

Man you changed my perspective about that, I got a working condition but beat up bike and worked on it to make it look better and it was a lot of stress finding and waiting for the parts and at the end of the day I found couple newer and cheaper than the one I fixed so now After seeing this video I’m saving for a new one, thank you buddies!!!

Thanks guys for bring that great bike back to life. Great job.

This is a great series and I love the summary without rose colored glasses. It can make a lot of sense to get an old 2 stroke but you need to be ready to spend some time or money on it, and you should have a running bike ready to go while you’re working on it

@meoffjack4712

5 жыл бұрын

These guys are a joke

Recently bought, stripped and rebuilt my 06 250 sxf Payed 2100 for it and spent little over a 1300 for parts and a little bling (new plastic bit, seat cover etc) 3400 for a 250 where im from is pretty normal. And now ive got a clean, fresh rebuilt bike and invaluable knowledge because of it. A level of satisfaction knowing you rescued destined for the scrap too.

4:45 says it all. I rebuilt a terribly maintained XR650R. First time ever wrenching other than changing the oil on my car. I'd say for anyone out there- no matter how long it takes, work on a bike. I've learned so much from pulling things apart and putting it back together (sometimes unsuccessfully). Some things will be above your head, but it's so much more satisfying to ride knowing if anything goes out, I can fix it.

Right on! Nailed it! the only take away not really emphasised enough is priorities, rings and small end will most of the time be enough to keep a clapped out old field bike riding. My first bike as a kid was $150 Yamaha DT 50 and after some carb clean and sandpaper through the plug gap the thing ran for years. new clutch plates nearly cost more than the bike. it didn't look pretty but I still got to go riding, and learned a lot about maintenance.

This is so true! I’ve spent so much time working on old bikes, only to find it’s a lost cause, especially these new 4 strokes that tend to eat valves for lunch. In the end you are way better off finding something rather new or new altogether. Total investment including resale has to play a role if you plan to change out every couple of years.

I think that for the average person on a budget the important point is doing it with the right priorities in mind. First, get a bike that is in good enough condition. After, get what it needs to be reliable and in good working order. When the bike is running well and you can enjot it, you can progressively add the less necessary parts without falling too deep in the bling trap. A good mostly stock working bike is enough to have fun and to learn if you are on a budget. You can easily get into the sport for about 1/3 to 1/2 the price of a new bike if you can manage the mechanical work yourself.

@colten6996

5 жыл бұрын

Wide000 You didnt include tools cost. Not saying it would add too much, but if you are on a budget tools cost can take a toll on the time it’s going to take to rebuild

@nobodynoone2500

10 ай бұрын

@@colten6996 Tools are an investment.

11:15 dude i love this underrated/unpopular point of view that’s amazing to think about, either way you’re winning

i love working on my bikes its the most relaxing thing for me... open a cold one tinker learn something and when it starts up for the first time it is the most satisfying thing for me :)

I would agree with buying used and rebuilding because it will teach you how to maintain/ rebuild it in the future and build to your own spec

The last 2 bikes I have bought have been rehab bikes. A 2006 yz125 that was a complete tare down and rebuild and a 2013 yz250 that just needed a few minor thing. I race both of them. Building the bikes is part of the fun for me. I did the same thing with my kids bike and she helped me with every part. It's a hobby. I used to have new bikes every other year but I'm having more fun going this route and I build the bike how I want them before I ever fire them up. Besides saving money it's a nice way to spend time with my kid and teach her things.

I ask myself this all the time I once had a ktm 200 that was 10 years old I wrenched on it all the time and probably spent almost 3 times what I paid for it, Butttt!!!! Wrenching on motorcycles is something that I love it’s soothing to me and it was my work of art I made it my own. I now own a 2018 wr450 for super Moto and I do the same thing. Love your channel and the things you do

I agree border411. Just finished an '08 XCW200 build with my son and it's some the best time (and money) I could have spent: win-win. Now on to a hotrod '00 YZ125 (144 cc when complete). I enjoy spinning wrenches and riding and just had some major knee work done. Having a project bike in the garage has been a HUGE stress reliever and keeps me well connected to the community. I've built/owned ~ 100 bikes and have always approached it with the mind-set, do your research (don't mess with lemons), buy smart, and buy the newest and most bike you can afford. Then tackle the basics like fluids, suspension, bearings and seals. Most importantly, know what to look for (research), get comfortable negotiating, and always be willing to walk away. I agree with Kyle and his friend, if you factor in the time/labor component the project could go beyond the monetary value but I always ask myself do I enjoy the garage time - for me it's almost always yes since I spend it with my son (and his friends) teaching them how to take care of their steeds.

Agree with the thought process 100% it may even mean not going for the highest performance bike but one that is bullet proof. I went with the 350 exc cuz ima smaller guy and don't way a ton. And my power to weight ratio is probably better than some of the bigger guys on 500s. Saved my money and i'm able to have a bike that allows me to ride and not deal with added start up costs to get it running. love the channel thanks!

This is a fr a deep video , got me thinking about things now . Anyways great video! I started riding a year ago and fell in love with riding and also fixing it! just sold my first bike a 2004 drz 125l and just bought a 2004 yz 250 fresh rebuilt vforce 3 reeds , full pro circuit pipe and restyle plastic with Excel rims for 2300 and it's been just sitting in this dude's garage as mint as 2004 can be with the original stickers on it and I personally like buying used bikes because I think I have a good eye and patiences to find a good deal and also just love working on bikes so I choose to buy used

When purchasing a used bike the key is taking LOTS of time to shop around and purchase the bike that is in the BEST CONDITION you can afford and don't fixate on the MAKE/MODEL you want. If your picky on the particular make or model and don't take your time you'll miss out on a great deal on a used bike. They are out there but you'll have to put in the search time which will save you more time and $money$ in the long run. This also includes expanding your search area don't be afraid of travelling a bit further to make the right purchase.

Great video and food for thought. Now for the comment... Got my new Heather Blue Dirt Bike Channel t-shirt ... and it is AWESOME! Whoo! Keep up the good work haha.

Absolutely agree with you guys. Personally I bought a 2001 cr250 as a project bike. It isn't a money thing for me as I already have a running bike but it is something to do rather than watch TV or play games on the PC. I'm not expecting to make any money or come out cheaper ... its just something to do.

Glad this video ended up being fairly unbiased with good points for both sides of the fence. My own experience has been rather good with old bikes. Right now I've got a 1995 RM125, that I've put in about $1500 total (including buying the bike) and 10 hours or so and has been a blast to rip around on. The only "breakdown" I've had in the last year was a fouled plug. But, it was a good find. There is always that risk of getting a bike that will suck more money from your wallet and time from your life working on it than you expected or hoped for. On the other hand, I know a guy who had a newer bike, but still ended up putting a lot of money into it. It really depends on the bike and mostly, the previous owner(s). It all depends on how you want to look at it, and I think Scott covered that really well with his past and current experiences.

But you do have to agree, standing back from your bike, and looking at it, thinking: "I did that", is one of the things that money can not buy. And it's a great feeling, (1980 Yamaha XT 500 RestoMod, ETA: 2 years.)

@SeaWolfEntertainment

3 жыл бұрын

I have a 1983 XT550J but I am restoring my 1983 Honda Xl600R Dual Sport first.

When he looks out of the corner of his eyes and says "or a four stroke..." I died. Like the tone of the whole exchange was hilarious 😂

I love dirt bikes.. My son turned 20 yesterday.. We spent the day all day riding a new YZ250X.. He loves it.. Will be buying him a used bike..

I am a 16 year old teen who just happens to have a 2000 cr250r. I’ve owned this bike since I was 10, I first learned how to ride when I was 8 on a china 200 bike and never had the luxury to buy anything else other then a raptor 700r. I’ve trail riden my entire life, grew up with a mix of track and off-road riding and have competed on my 19 year old bike on Grand Prix’s like the lake Elsinore Grand Prix along side newer bikes such as the ktm’s and I am still able to dominate In races and trail riding. Every time something happens to my 19 year old bike like sprockets or chains or even clutches, I’ve done it myself. I certainly agree that if you are willing to sacrifice time and some elbow grease you can make something good out of an old bike. Just because it is old doesn’t mean it doesn’t keep up or is reliable. But if you do have the money for a new bike, don’t let that opportunity go to waste. Out of the 6 years I’ve owned my cr, I’ve never had to replace top end, bottom end or blown nothing motor wise other then a few chains, sprockets and some dents in my pipe🤷🏻‍♂️ if you are someone on a budget I would recommend buying an older bike and slowly upgrading it as you can afford through time. By the way Kyle, love your channel, you have great videos, keep on doing what your doing

I traded for a 02 cr250, my first 250 two stroke. When I got it I had no idea about linkage, fork seals, compression and nikasil on the cylider. It needed a top end, I bought a wiseco piston and had had the holes drilled for the bridge, and it was deglazed. I had a chip in my exhaust port that luckily was able to be saved with a dremel. It needed fork seals, I had that done, it needed every bearing besides the steering stem, I’ve never taken off a linkage before and it taught me a lot about how the suspension works and how to maintain it. Luckily so far that’s all it’s needed. I’m probably only a few hundred dollars invested overall because I bargain hunt. But I’ve made relationships with people who helped me with the knowledge I need to know when something needs to be fixed and every chance I get I try and help other people in the same way. In the past 6 months of owning this old Honda I know 10 times the amount about bikes than I did before and I think that’s worth the few hundred I spent on parts.

We have yet to LISTEN to this monster ripping the trails!

That's why a yz 250 is the best bike out.its a low cost bike,the same platform from 05-19.high performance from beginner to pro level..and parts are cheap and easy to find.

Building up a project bike is definitely NOT the cheapest way to go. However you can accomplish something worth doing, and worth having. I no longer work, and cant afford a new bike, so have an old kx250 in bits. This bike I am rebuilding for a fun hobby, and I buy the parts when I can affford them. This means it takes me a long time, but I am learning how to do a complete rebuild, and get a nice dirt bike when its finished. In the end it will cost more than I can sell it for, but the experience and fun doing it myself is great. Still much cheaper than a classic car, and I dont need to be a master mechanic!

Planning on rebuilding the top/bottom end of my 2002 yz250. I love my bike, and it still runs great after 15 years without a rebuild. Somehow... I'm the third owner, and it was raced for about 3 years by my buddies dad, who I bought it from. I'm looking forward to rebuilding my bike.

It’s 2022, and I bought a 2011 KTM two weeks ago. I’m having to do 50 hour maintenance before I can even ride it. I’d really like to ride it asap, but being “forced” to learn how to do this kind of work is worth it, for the future when I get a new bike and am able to start fresh. I also have 22 Honda 250F, which is proving to be a reliable workhorse for when my MX bike is down.

I agree with the assessment to a point. Could have been done cheaper but you guys did it right and didn't cut corners. I've done the old bike rebuild thing a couple times and you just never know until you get in there what you'll find. One thing is for sure though. If you want it to end the way yours did it will cost A LOT. Lol

Here's how I did it getting into dirtbikes at around 30 and on a budget: $1200 for a running 2000 CR250R Rebuilt carb $40 New crank + piston + Nikasil ~$700 Rebuild suspension ~$150 Chain guide + slider+ chain + sprockets (mostly cheap Primary Drive parts) ~$120 New tires (Artrax, Motosports budget tires) ~$100 Tusk bars + grips $50 Graphics $160 All in all I was under $3k into the bike. Additionally, I was able to ride it between those projects. I didn't have to get rims, hubs, a clutch, cables, etc. While it can get expensive, my advice would be to do a thorough initial inspection because that's where the savings are at. If the linkage bearings, steering stem bearings, and swingarm bearings are good, then you just saved over $200 in bearings and a TON of time. If the carb is in good shape you can buy jets instead of a rebuild kit. Ask when the last time the top end or bottom end were done and see if they have documentation to back it up. There's no way to entirely eliminate the risk that something is wrong, but asking the right questions and doing a thorough inspection can save you some time and money.

I agree 100% in the last year or so my primary bike has been a 2004 cr250 my total investment so far is $3500 and I could easily spend another $1500 and that's still isn't considering labor cost

Great talk! My bikes are usually pretty much done after one year. :D Every single joint just start to get loose and the firm feel of a new bike is only a memory. My advise is to start with a cheaper bike so you'll learn how to fix it by yourself and when you think you are more serious with this hobby, go for a brand new bike. Then you'll have more time for riding, less time in the garage.

You guys are awesome thank you!!!!

I understand your logic but I'm going to have to disagree with this one guys. This type of video says a lot about why riding dirt bikes has been on the decline for so may years. I don't think we should be discouraging a guy from rebuilding his 2 stroke in his garage for a few bucks, learning mechanical skills, and having the satisfaction of tearing a machine apart putting it back together. Our sport has gotten out of reach for a lot of people who otherwise would love to have any bike to ride.

@4.5.0.Garage

5 жыл бұрын

I agree, my favorite bike so far is the 86 it200 I'm rebuilding. It's about the passion of riding not about who has the best bike.

@bradgraham8272

4 жыл бұрын

i agree. i chose to buy a 2013 ktm 150sx over a newer 4 stroke 250 because i can afford to rebuild a 2 stroke and i have a somewhat newer bike with the newer tech. the bike has 2 different ignitions maps, decent suspensionand chassis, and one hell of a motor

@jwjb9918

Жыл бұрын

i love my husky wre 125 it's in bits has been for two years but I'm adimant I can do it and when I do ride freely and happy baby if I need help I'll ask a decent machanic

2 stroke vs 4 stroke jokes at the end cracked me up😂

Great video guys your the greatest you got that right two strokes forever

How do you spend all that money on a dirtbike. A full cr250 engine rebuild is 700$ max with every moving part in the engine. All you bearings are maybe 100$ for everything. Clutch is 150$. Chain and sprocket combo 150$ tires 80$ each. Plastic kit 130$. This is 1,210$ for everything. Now correct me if I’m wrong but you didn’t even need to do all this. How did you spend that money? Did you buy the most elite of everything? I’m 16 and got my yz250 of a trade for my smaller dirtbike and spent 700$ on a top end, clutch, tired, and bearings and now it rips. I’m just saying this isn’t much of an actually helpful budget build.

@swooleylast6939

4 жыл бұрын

My man i have a crf250r i need a engine rebuild they told me the total cost is $1200 thats it for everything

@bradgraham8272

4 жыл бұрын

yea you might be getting the top end rebuilt for 1200 but they arent touching the bottom end for that price. then if you need cams and valves its gonna be even more. that place is most likely only qouting you a piston replacement bud

@swapnifty8486

4 жыл бұрын

@@swooleylast6939 4 strokes have basically double the moving parts of a two stroke, gonna be more expensive

@9mm_burana101

4 жыл бұрын

I bought a non running 426 f and got it in good condition with 300-400 bucks. Used parts is the key to keep costs down. Newer and better carb for 100, used 05 cams with auto decomp for 60, plastics 100 and small bits for the rest of the money. Just the cams new are more expensive like 500 bucks.

@backyardbraaapn1017

3 жыл бұрын

@@swooleylast6939 that's because your stupid enough to ride a 4 stroke. They cost A LOT more

Any bike that works for its rider can be a great bike. That said, I recently sold an 08 KTM 200 XCW that fit that description. I shrugged off my local dealers suggestions about chassis changes etc in recent years and read the magazine articles about the latest and greatest bikes with a grain of salt. Two weeks ago I purchased a 17 350 XCF and am absolutely thrilled. I had an 11' once and this bike really is a vast improvement!I love old bikes too, but my suggestion is do research and find the newest bike you can afford!!

I’ve bought all my vehicles old and used, and put the work in on fixing them myself. I’ve bought 2 used bikes and fixed them up. I’m at the point now, I just want something new that someone else hasn’t touched. Maybe one day for a hobby I’ll buy an old broken bike again to keep me busy, but not today.

I am right there with him about the time. I detail vehicles and work on motorcycles and do yard work on the side. When I was younger I was way to cheep and now I do very good work but I’m not working for nothing anymore. And I also buy all my vehicles new.

Love how they change the colours on 11.51

I have a buddy like that. We both turn 50 this year and have been riding together since we were 4 years old...

when I was getting into bikes I wasnt sure if I was going to like it and my dad is a freak about them but I didn't want to spend a lot of money. My dad helped me find a 1999 honda xr400r for $1800 and I've ridden it for 6 years and it hasnt had a single problem. It was almost brand new when I got it so you just have to know what your looking for

What a great and interesting watch!

Buy what works for you I have a 2000 cr 250 and a 14 300 xc huge respect for both it’s not the bike it’s the rider .. they do not fall in the same category for compression but hey , they both get you on the trail .

I recently got a 2006 RM 125 that has factory connection suspension, 139 kit, excel wheels and talon hubs, new frame and subframe, etc. it’s been restored and a proven race winner. I’ve never had a bike and this is my first and I love the 2 stroke. I don’t think I’ll ever try a four stroke

Completely agree on the two stroke bit at the end. Scientifically proven! I lol’ed!!

You can have a bike that’s 2 years old and clapped out... age is just a number. It also isn’t that much time, get your parts and you can tear apart and rebuild a bike in a weekend easy.

@mpoonka

3 жыл бұрын

exactly, they acting like they are spending years of there life wasted on fixing there bike

Very good points. Making an old bike new again is about the same cost as buying a slightly used bike. Sometimes more. That's been my experience. One day I'll buy a bran new bike for the first time.

Great stuff Kyle but didn't that bike just need some fork seals and top-end job and maybe a few bearings replaced in graced done to Jordy of time would have gone into just waiting for parts. And also I know the bike had a damaged swingarm but that might not always be the case. Oh well keep up the good work and I enjoy the videos thanks Kyle.👍✌

for the most part 100 a month for financing and your on a decent new bike.

@backyardbraaapn1017

3 жыл бұрын

*you're

@robertatkins272

3 жыл бұрын

Only fools finance toys

@GoldCountryTrapping

3 жыл бұрын

Do not borrow money for a dirt bike........bad advice. If you need to borrow money for a dirt bike. You cant afford a dirt bike.

My experience with turning cars. Most times you never get your money back on restores. Best to buy the best item you can with the most money one is willing to spend. Also, sometimes a "beater" bike are so much fun. No worries and ride the beep out of them.

Love your channel and information you share, Thank you.... When looking for dirt bikes, how many hours is considered old when looking at the 3-7 year old bikes? Thanks again...😃

I restored an 87 Yamaha BW200. It was a money pit. It was a labor of love. After that I bought a 2021 YZ250FX. I found so many things wrong when I tore it down. My next purchase was a 2022 YZ125X. Same thing there are hidden things that was hard to find. I did all the work myself but I think the next bike with be new or maybe hours old. Not many people maintain their rides.

Almost $7000 for a 2003 Honda. Surely the average person would realize this is a terrible deal. Some will say it is basically a new bike but come on. Ok, it is a clean 2003 but nowhere near 2019 tech. it is worth no more than a clean 2003. If you get lucky enough to find one with minor issues then go for it. The truth is people lie about the condition of the bike to get rid of it. Most bikes on CL and FB are less than 10 hours. Yeah, right. A lot of them run, but the cylunder head is off and they just dont have time to put it back on, etc. Assume something bad is wrong. There are some good old bikes out thete but sorting through the lies and junk make it a chore

I've always account time versus value. I'd be okay to lose money.. just not my time. Thanks for pointing it out vividly.

i would die to have one. 23 years of age never had one and always dreamed of it. be great to have one get go pro and make some content. love this video answered lot of questions.

You don’t make much unless you do all the labor and find cheap parts, even then it’s tight. I do it because I love doing it though so it’s worth it to me. I rode IT Yamahas for a long time. Thanks for the vid

Good one guys 😃

I had a favorite motorcross bike when i was a kid. that bike is 20 years old now. And i wish i still had it. Money and time is worth it when you wish you had that bike back. As a second bike. For old times sake. Thats my plains for the soon future good vid

Flawless logic. Time is always a bottleneck. That said, knowledge is indispensable. Balance it up and ride !!! :)

My first dirt bike I bought used to fix up a bit and ride. I definitely spent more money than I planned on it. I nearly decided to sell it and cut my losses, but decided that I was too deep in and would regret losing the time I invested. It's a 2003 KTM 450 plated for $2400 and I'm about $3800 into it now. It has 150 hours and 3500 miles on it.

After looking for 2 months now this makes sooooo much sense. With inflation guys are putting new plastics and trying to get 4 k for a 05

WOW!! I just did a complete frame off build on a 1994 KDX 200 and had less than $1800 in everything.I've done 5 frame off builds and have never had over $2000 in my bikes.I still have them all and they are ready to ride.Mine do not have the bling I mostly clean,repair parts and use them.

Did you guys go with the 18" rear wheel? Also curious if you think going with a wider 110/100x18 in the rear would suit this bike. Currently rebuilding an 04 for woods/gp. Sorry if you've covered this in a previous video, I didn't find any info in previous videos or comment sections. Love the build, thanks for helping keep these old Honda's alive! Ride Red Andrew, WA

Brilliant guys!

I don't know about justifying the costs of rebuilding a older bike to just have fun on. I paid the same amount for a brand new KX250F 2018 leftover in April, as you guys put into just the parts. Granted it isn't a 2 stroke like I would have preferred, but it is brand new, and the latest technology. I just bought it for fun riding, otherwise I would have paid a couple hundred extra for the leftover KX450F. I don't have to worry about what I will find once I got the bike home, and started tearing into it. The only thing I missed out on is the fun of building the bike, but that got old years ago.

If you are mechanically inclined, and like wrenching I'd say its worth it. If your gonna pay to get all the work done, eh not as much.

I bought a 06 crf450 for $1500 two years ago. In that time I have put 50 hours on it, and only changed the oil, plug, 2 new tires, and checked the valves. At this point, it could catch on fire and I still would feel like I have had more than $1500 of fun on it.

Time is the factor along with Mechanical skills.

I feel it, I'm savvy enough to maintain something that's either new or, I know what it's been through. I'm not savvy enough to guess whats happened and rebuild it. I'm in the position where I spent a decent amount of cash on an 02 YZ 125. It looked clean and ran. But, a the end of the day I have now an 02 YZ rolling chassis

Good video guys..

Just finished a rebuild on a 2002 Yz250 and it turned out to be the best trail bike I've ever ridden. Every bell and whistle. Was it the best fiscal decision? Nope. Was it fun to do? Absolutely Can it keep up with...or beat any other 250? Sure. Is it better than a new bike? Probably not...but I sure can't wait to get back on it after riding a 2018 KTM 250 TPI. (Riding buddy has one.) That says a lot!

@doctorwho3120

5 жыл бұрын

YZs are great bikes.

ive got a 2003 ktm 250sx that ive had for 10 years. plastics look new and the whole bike still looks new and the damn thing runs like a brand new bike. it aint the age of a bike, its how well the bike is maintained. i bring my 2003 out on the trails and im ripping it up with brand new 450s and 350s and my old ass 2003 hangs with them easily.

The worst think its what hapends of older bike is then you cant get the parts for bike then is very hard to work on :( First think when i buy the 10 yiers+ older bike first need to watch if parts are available. This is rely good point of video :)

There are many incorrectly jetted 2-strokes out there for sale, cheap because they have no power. I am on my second 2T and got it for cheap. Jetted for stock, but had an FMF fatty gold lok. I rejected it and it absolutely screams and idles like a champ.

I am in school now at the age 46... I want a job that will give me time freedom to ride when I'm done with school..

If you live in a place that gets winter this argument changes. I am not luck enough to live somewhere that I can ride year round which causes about 3 months of down time every year. I typically use that time to do whatever repairs or mods I feel need to happen from abusing my bike all summer. I think anyone who is getting their son or daughter into riding can teach some invaluable lessons through fixing up an old beater bike too. My first bike was a 73 Bultaco that was given to me in milk crates, I learned more from wrenching on that bike than anything else I have owned (I still own the Bultaco and it still runs). If you plan out your project and accept the cost as whatever it is then you can complete a project fairly quickly as well. I recently rebuilt a PW80 I bought for my nephews for $200 and a couple rainy evenings in my shed, total investment in the bike is less than $400 and it’s now almost brand new.

I rebuilt my first dirt bike a week ago I've never went to mechanics School dropped out at 7th it took me 3 months to learn it's running great it's a 2001 RM 125 I paid $2,080 for it when I first got it 5 years ago I got a kid along the way so I just left it on the back burner I just recently wanted to ride now that bike is sitting at 5 grand and that's on the low cost if I wanted to sell it fast to me wisdom is everything

Plus tools you will or may need, will add to the overall cost.

Good video Kyle and it's true what you're saying. It comes to the point that you spend more time and money fixing than riding if you aren't careful. What's the point in that? None.

@colten6996

5 жыл бұрын

Dave Clark depends on where you live. I live in North Idaho, about 5 months of snow so that’s 5 months of doing nothing but time to work on the bike.

I agree buying the right used bike makes all the difference, your much more likely to fair well on your purchase if you buy a 2stroke. I would never buy a new bike. I must say that the availability of parts of even of outdated bikes is way better than it was in 70’ and 80’s. Having the Internet has made it much more possible than it use to be. I am in the process of building a 1985 Maico 500. Despite the fact that very few of these bikes were ever built. Getting parts is doable.

The p.o’s knowledge and maintenance skills are the biggest factor in buying a used bike. You could buy a 2016 that never had the oil changed or air filter cleaned and it may barely run if at all, or you could buy a 90’s two stroke that was always maintained and taken care of properly. I was in a position where I could’ve bought an 08’-12’ 250f that probably needed work and I wouldn’t enjoy it too much, instead, I bought a 99’ kdx that was literally in showroom condition even after hundreds of hours. The person I bought it from knew what they were doing and replaced parts and performed maintenance when needed. Most likely, you won’t be able to “out ride” the bike you buy, but I can always be better. The bike I bought had all sorts of bolt on modifications that made it more competitive and stronger, and it’s just perfect for my needs. I wouldn’t haven’t any other way.

I can't afford a new bike. To be honest, I'd prefer to have an older bike as a working project, and start off with getting it running, then add things I want, and replace other stuff that fails. I have a 1995 XR250R, and it is awesome. I brought it for $900, it was running, but needed a top end rebuild. I rode it for 6 months like that before I finally rebuilt it. Now it also has 31 hours on the top end, and a 2004 WR450F front end (which I put on for fun), not much else has been done to it. It's a great bike, and I can't wait for the next project!

In 2017 i bought a 2014 RMZ-450 with 20 hours, full Yoshi exhaust tricked out suspension and full Hinson clutch for $3500. Revavle 750$ D.I.D offroad wheels with tubliss $500 Handguards, graphics, skidplate etc.... $250. So a off-road race bike for $5000 with 20 hours, i have put 150 hours on it racing AA in the woods with absolutely no problems. If you do all your own work and have a good base to start with, it doesn't take time to fix it.

A major hurdle for us California riders is that many bikes, due to emissions regulations, cannot be ridden during the months of June-September in many OHV parks or at any time in certain BLM areas and state parks. I've probably put $6,000 in parts and labor in to my $2,000 2000 EXC 200. If it were any other state, I definitely would have purchased newer from the get-go.