Modifying a 250 X9 (Honda SL) for more performance, any tips?

[freewheel]

Hi there, I've a Honda engined X9, with a sports exhaust on it, but other than that, standard. The bike sounds fruity now with the pipe on, but like anything, there are times when you'd like just a wee bit more "go".

Am I on a highway to nothing in trying to imagine a sportier air filter, a bigger jet in the carb, and any other mods to up the response? Or should I just buy a 500?!

[Dave Milnes]

You can do a lot with the Honda 250.
Malossi do larger valves, high performance camshaft, you could fit a Malossi variator and set of drop gears as well as messing with jetting etc.
The end result would be fairly expensive and probably still not all that fast. Interesting as an experiment if money is not a problem, but in the long run, the same money would go a long way towards a 400 or 500 X8/9.

[freewheel]

Hmmm, I suspected as much. What about putting a better air filter on? Or removing it and putting a simple gauze/foam K&N style on? Anyone tried that?

[Dangerous_Dave]

Since you're onto a sports exhaust, would you have an exhaust for a 250 for sale? Would it fit an EVO?