Fast fun and reliable this once mighty motocross racer a bit anachronistic in today's world of KMS, CRF's, WR"s.
Makes a great Reliable trail riding bike.
A few add ons from XR's only like shock work and small motor adjustments make this a long distance trail bike that can wisk you along for 12 hours or more a day. Unlike the high revving vibration machines of more modern bikes this is a REAL THUMPER that soothes as you ride, When the KTM rider is numb from the knees to neck the XR4 will glide past the resting race bikes, in search of more trails.
Out of production since 2003 these bikes are now gaining in value due to the low availability of good clean stock.
Here in Laos a mint bike will fetch over 5 Grand, almost the cost of a new one when they were introduced.
However Stateside I just picked this 2003 up for a song, prices range from 1,200 to 3,500 depending on witch model.
Of course in the US only the R model was imported therefor not possible to register or ride on the road. Which really makes these bikes a bargain in the states. The one in the picture came with the original owners manual and had the original tires on the rims!
Singapore and Cambodia also have quite a few of these on the roads. However you will find these are mostly higher mileage bikes, which means and air cooled engine running in a hot climate. Better order a Wiseco piston kit when you pick up one from these countries.
If you find one of these while driving around, well just take it apart and put the bits in the trunk. Like I did when running down the East Coast of the States, near Boston Massachusetts. TheY can be found on Craigslist on your I phone, and the Google maps will lead you to the address. If you happen to have a wad of green backs with you? I found this bike and made the purchase in a matter of hours such a good deal!
So buy only clean stock and low mileage bikes. Is my recommendation.
They motorcross racer whom I bought this bike from has 2 CRFs which he rebuilds every 60 hours of running time! Well that is not surprising for motors designed on formula one technology. My experience is the XR4 will go initially up to 70K before the first rebuild, I have 2 motors running at over 200 k on them, I am also the proud owner of a mountain of cam chains, the least reliable part of the motor. In all the years of piloting this trusty steed with only one breakdown that had me sitting in the bak of a Hyundai porter, The result of a worn out stator.
The beast will keep on running while drinking huge amounts of oil if you happen to miss that overhaul before a long trip. The oil control rings will go first and fast, leaving plenty of blue smoke in your wake. I have limped home burning a liter of oil ever 100ks and still running!! A new piston and rings and off again in a matter of hours! For minimal outlay < Around $200> or just throw in a set of rings on the side of the road for about >$50< I did this at a tire shop in Luang Namtha in a few hours> made great friends and sipped some sweet Lao Kao as well.
Parts are easily available from the many Microfiche parts stores on line (stateside). Like any bike parts nothing is cheap. Which leads one back the golden rule of used buying. Condition Condition Condition.
That great asking price,.. can seem pretty expensive when She needs 2 Grand in parts plus labor to get her into the condition that you want!
Happy Trails
Midnite Mapper
Never stop exploring
