[Harkon]

I have a '13 450X and am looking for a 250X for my son. Gotta love the CRFX's.
There are a couple of '06 models available locally and a '05 model. I have a pretty good understanding of the 450X's and the different years and improvements over the years, is there anything specific in those years '05 and '06 that I should keep an eye out for? As I understand the 250X's have the same sort of valves service intervals that the 450X's do so part of the negotiation will be that an upgrade to SS valves in in the near future as none of the bikes have had this done yet.

Any insight anyone can offer here would be greatly appreciated. TIA

[mossman77]

I would not buy anything older than an '07. Changes were made to the carb and the valve seat material that year. I have an '07 and it runs great. No bog and the valves are still in spec. If you're having difficulty finding one in your area (I did), consider buying out of state and having it shipped. FYI, I bought mine 1,000 miles away and shipping was about $500, so be sure to factor that in. Maybe the seller will split the shipping cost with you.

[Harkon]

Thanks for the heads up.

[Harkon]

Went to look at the '06. It was in amazing condition from a visual aspect. Started right away, would not run with the choke (enrichening device) engaged. Even with the choke on, any throttle and it died.

He said he had it repaired and because it hadn't been ridden in so long, the mechanic charged him to replace the carburator. He said the job cost him $800. I'm not sure you can get a new carb for $800, never mind the labor to change it. Sounds fishy.

Either way going back to look again next week. Really too bad, it is in amazing condition otherwise.

[mossman77]

Did you mean to say even without the choke engaged, any throttle and it would die? At what altitude and temperature were you? Was the bike already warmed up when you got there (red flag)? If the engine was already hot and/or it was hot outside (80's and up) and/or higher altitude, then I can understand why the choke would kill the engine. The choke on these bikes actually richens the mixture. What was the asking price? How many hours? Did you ask about the valves and whether the top end has been rebuilt (yet)?

The carburetor was replaced because the bike sat for so long? That sounds odd, but it wouldn't surprise me to find that a mechanic simply replaced it as opposed to taking the time to clean it and rebuild it.

Really too bad, it is in amazing condition otherwise.

...but maybe only on the outside. You don't know what kind of mechanical condition it is in. He could have just polished it up and put new plastics on it.

[Harkon]

The bike was cold when I got there, and fired up very willingly. After a short time I pushed the chock in and it died. Restarted with the chock and it fired right up. Let it get quite warm and pressed the choke in. The slightest touch and it died.

He said the carb was replaced because the original carb was so messed up he could not get it clean. So he just replaced it. Said it got that way because it sat for too long with bad gas in it. I dunno, maybe? When time is money, maybe this was the least expensive route.

I'm going back to look at it tonight. He had it back at his mechanics and the mechanic said it was just water in the fuel. I'm not sure how water would get in there, or how it would idle fine but die with throttle, but there ya have it. He said he drained the fuel and put fresh gas in there and it runs like a top. I suppose it could have been old gas, but then one would expect it be a problem to get started.

I'll take a good look, and take it for a run. I am convinced it was a carburation issue so if it runs good now, I'll consider it repaired. Not sure I'll offer full asking price though, it's rich to start with and in this light,I think I'd like a bit of a buffer if everything's not completely right.

[mossman77]

He said he had it repaired and because it hadn't been ridden in so long, the mechanic charged him to replace the carburator. He said the job cost him $800. I'm not sure you can get a new carb for $800, never mind the labor to change it. Sounds fishy.

New carb for these bikes is a little over $500, so $800 isn't far fetched.

[Harkon]

That was $800 Canadian. So even at $500 it's like $700 in Canadian money. Plus freight / labor. It's pretty lean in the hourly charge, especially if he tried and failed to clean the old carb first.

Either way, I bought the bike. The rest of it is in pretty good shape. It's got a flat spot in the midrange and has no legs up top. Starts first stab at the button, idles good, and good throttle response, so I'm thinking this is mostly just a jetting issue. Just ordered a JD kit and RD fuel screw for this bad boy. I think it's close enough that some small tweaks and the kid will be blowing me away on my 450X. LOL

Does anyone know if the factory fuel screw on the '06 250X is slotted, or that silly D shaped thing. If it's slotted I can do all of this without actually pulling the carb, otherwise I'll have to pull the carb and that's a full afternoon.

[mossman77]

Does anyone know if the factory fuel screw on the '06 250X is slotted, or that silly D shaped thing. If it's slotted I can do all of this without actually pulling the carb, otherwise I'll have to pull the carb and that's a full afternoon.

Not sure, but you'll be pulling the carb to replace the jets and needle anyhow. Post back with the results once everything is installed.

[chippy]

Pulling the carb is not difficult. (I know it looks bad) Raise the sub-frame and access is easy. About a 20 min job.

[Harkon]

Thanks, I know what's involved, I've done it on my 450x a couple of times. Like everything, the more you do it, the easier it gets.

[Harkon]

Finished it yesterday. It was very lean. 130 main and 40 pilot. Went to 155, 42 and 4th position on JD red needle. RD flex screw at about 2turns. It runs like a top now. Got it done without removing the carb. Unfortunately I couldn't get at AP done without removing the carb but it runs pretty good as is. Not race ready but definitely trail ready.

The carb was definitely not brand new. The carb internals had a good bit of patina indicating some time in use. Everything is in good shape though and now that it's running right the boy is extatic with his new ride.