The definitive best pre 74 250 thread

[Slakewell]

As I almost took over the other thread regarding Feeling like Jim with 250 talk I think it deserves it own thread. So what is the best 250 and why? Must be a production bike.

1) KTM 250 , don't break very useable motor quality parts for the era.
2) Montesa VR light weight great handling ( once setup ) strong motor.
3) Yamaha YZ Very light weight power motor.

These are my opinions not fact. 

[mx250]

As I almost took over the other thread regarding Feeling like Jim with 250 talk I think it deserves it own thread. So what is the best 250 and why? Must be a production bike.

1) KTM 250 , don't break very useable motor quality parts for the era.
2) Montesa VR light weight great handling ( once setup ) strong motor.
3) Yamaha YZ Very light weight power motor.

These are my opinions not fact. 

Hmmmmmm,



 



What, no CZ's or Maygo's  ....and I only own a 'dull as'  MX250 .

We might get a decision at Crystal Brook this w.e. . But with MX bikes and the 'best of' I think you need to define a criteria and a factor weighting such as the type of track etc before you'll get close to a consensus (sorry if I've spoiled your fun).

As to your list, I'm not so certain of the Kattie being at the top of the list . It may or may not be 'in the mix' but the top of the heap? I know the Kattie was popular with the Bike mags with those classic 'don't worry about the quantity, just feel the quality' apologies, but I can't remember the Kattie winning anything here or oversea's at the time.

[Slakewell]

I can't remember the Kattie winning anything here or oversea's at the time.

It did win the 74 GP world championship if that counts for anything.

I maybe wrong but I think they won a state title in WA as well 

[Canam370]

I can't remember the Kattie winning anything here or oversea's at the time.

It did win the 74 GP world championship if that counts for anything.

Not as far as CZ owners go! 

[firko]

There's two ways I look at vintage bikes...with my heart, the bikes that I think are just plain cool, and with my head, the bikes that a clear clinical analysis tells me are the ideal race weaponS.

My 'heart' pre '75 250's are.....
*'74 Maico MC250
*'74 CZ250
*'74 Can-Am.
*'73 Yamaha MX250

My 'head' pre '75 250's are....
* '74 OSSA Phantom
* '74 Bultaco Pursang MkVII
* '74 Husky 250 Mag.
* '74 Yamaha YZ250 B

Being a lover of Frankenstein hot rods, I'd love to build the ideal racer using the best legal components available. I'd use a '74.5 LTR Maico frame and forks, the best handling bike in the category. I'd use the amazing Rotax 250 engine from the Can-Am, a Yamaha MX250 front hub, the best brake of the lot, and a Montesa Cappra rear hub, among the lightest and most beautiful legal rear hub. The Rotax engine is pretty good as is but amazing gains can be made with pipe,rotary disc and modern ignition mods. Add the plastic Can-Am tank, aftermarket plastic guards and a pair of Ohlins shocks and I doubt anything would match this baby on the track.

[Slakewell]

[Davey Crocket]

How could you not put a YZ250A tank and straps on your Frankenbike Firko?....dont know about the Ohlins either.

[Marc.com]

How could you not put a YZ250A tank and straps on your Frankenbike Firko?....dont know about the Ohlins either.

Just picked up a couple of sets of mint 14" Ohlins, when you have limited travel you want it to be the best quality limited travel.

[oldfart]

Do limited production bikes get a look in here  ie    Suzuki RH 250  1974

[mike1948]

Very close to first suggestion.

1/  74 Montesa Capra - crinkle cut barrel -  My first ride after 35yrs - great motor, good suspension, turned almost like a Maico, but faster.

2/  73 KTM - jock strap holding the tank on - Bought new in 73, excellent power, good handling with the power on, handled all tracks, probably the one I'd sell my firstborn for.

3/  73 Maico radial - made anyone look good - effortless handling - faster than made out to be, reliable, some say better handling/easier to ride than the 74.5. - I'll probably regret selling mine.

Mike

[Doc]

gets my vote simply for being most overlooked and underrated

[JohnnyO]

It's odd how no-one has picked the Honda Elsinore in their list.. it was by far the most popular '74 250 mx-er.
I think the '74 Bulaco Pursang rates up there with the best of them, they did a lot of winning both here and in the US.

[Slakewell]

One of the small niggles that shit's me regarding the nats , If you take this bike as is , and most were made and stamped as 74 models they don't pass because of the layed down shocks. Brad has his 74 400 sin bin at the nats with factory shock layout. Maico that were common as are NP , Husky Mag with 6" rear end NP but the Kato because there rare get knocked backed.
You can bolt the rear shock up near the seat and no one cares they still have good travel , just shits me is all

[JohnnyO]

The Maico and Husky have to be travel limited to 4", maybe someone should lobby to have the KTM made legal to use with the laid down shocks but limited to 4"

[Slakewell]

I have never seen a Maico or Husky with limited suspension nor would I protest I believe that if it came from the factory in 74 like that, it should run as is. The funny stuff with the YZ B is the rear end while no one says anything about 9" travel front forks.