How will a 1997 RM 250 do against todays motocross bikes?

Question

I'm thinking about getting a used 1997 RM 250, but I don't know how well it will stand up to to days bikes if I race it. I'm sort of a beginner so I know it will have enough power for me but will I stand any chance if I race it.

Answer 1

Rebuild the top end, (piston and ring) pipe it and you will have plenty of power. At the level of racing your currently at it is all in the rider not the bike. I have a 250 and a 450 and my 250 will run right with the 450's on the track, and good news for you this year the AMA is allowing 250 2 strokes to race against the 250 four strokes good luck. And don't listen to the dumb a-s-s who said get off the track I have raced for local titles and this is the reason the AMA set up different classes A,B,C and many more enter in a C class event and go have fun only about 1 percent of riders make a living racing so go enjoy yourself.

Answer 2

Motorcylce Riding is dangerous, let alone racing.

I hope you wear a helmet.

Answer 3

Or secondly, pick another style of racing like Hare Scrambles, Supermoto, grass track. An eleven year old dirt bike may not be the best idea, pooch the extra bucks and get something newer.

Answer 4

what do you mean not going to be racing competitevly your always competing against other fun or do you just mean your RIDING for fun if your your just RIDING for fun that would work but racing it would have to have a lot of mods

Answer 5

If you are just " racing " for fun and not competitively, then stay off the track.

Some of the racers out there might be there to win a title as well as just the race.

With you just poncing around having fun, you will not only get black flagged and loose your entry fee, but you will be a danger to the other racers.

If you want to take up racing full time, get a high end, brand new bike with a good sponsor. That way, you can " race " with the racers.

Answer 6

If you are just riding for fun it will be fine. If you were racing seriously you would obviously be at a disadvantage, more because of being on a 2 stroke than what year it is. That is still a fine bike that will handle anything you can throw at it.  

Answer 7

If you are intending upon racing you should purchase as up to date amodel as you can afford as obviously an older model will not stack up against the newer ones.  You would not want a crf230 if you are intending upon racing and as long as you take it easy you should be okay on a 250cc.  Also as long as size wise you are old enough and big enough.  

But I really wouldn't be purchasing one that old and expect to be competitive.  If that side of it doesn't matter then that is different.

Answer 8

The bike will be hold its own - you say you are racing for fun. the limiting factor will be the rider not the machine and I don't just mean you but also the other competitors.

Go for it and enjoy it

Answer 9

ok first of all bad idea beginner with a 250 that thing will through you on your @ss i say get a 125 are a crf230 thier more suitable for you but if your gonna race get a bike in the year of 200 and up