XR250R

[CosmicCowboy]

My neighbor has a XR250R that he's offered to sell me for $300. Catch is, it keeps jumping timing. This would be my first dirt bike so....is this worth it? Bike could probably use some love cosmetically, as there are some scrapes on the frame and the seat is torn up.

[falcofred]

What year?
Jumping time as in cam chain needs to be replaced, cam chain tensioner in question, cam chain sprockets suspect?
Are you willing to perform a diagnostic on this problem and spend the $ to repair it?
First dirt bike?
Do you have anyone to ride with, anywhere close by where you live to ride it?
Just because it's cheap doesn't mean you should buy it.

The XR series is generally bullet proof, and require very little maintenance. Good sturdy trail bikes.

[CosmicCowboy]

What year?

Doh. That would have been helpful. 1998.

Jumping time as in cam chain needs to be replaced, cam chain tensioner in question, cam chain sprockets suspect?

That I do not know.

Are you willing to perform a diagnostic on this problem and spend the $ to repair it?

As far as diagnostic, I have no problem with that. Money to repair....depends on how much it will cost.

First dirt bike?
Do you have anyone to ride with, anywhere close by where you live to ride it?

Yes to these. My only hesitation in this matter is that it's not street legal, and I wouldn't mind being able to ride to some of these spots.

Also probably important is I doubt he has a title for it.

[Lon]

Some states allow street titling and registration of OHV motorcycles; check local laws.

Some states also do not even title OHVs when used exclusively off-road.  For example, in NH, I think you need the MSO and an inspection to get a street title (and thus a street registration) for a previously-OHV-only motorcycle.  Again, check local laws.

[CosmicCowboy]

Bad news. Was looking at info online and got confused by the bike having a rear drum brake. Went back over and checked the frame. Bike is an '88. I think I'll probably pass on this. Doesn't seem like it will be worth the work needed. Oh well.

Thanks for the responses.

[Dragonknee]

Offer him less and buy parts as you can get them. It could be something simple. If it isn't , part it out and make more money and buy something else....win win either way. I done this many times and always come out ahead...

[CosmicCowboy]

$300 is his bottom dollar for the time being. After it sits in his garage a few more months, that might change.