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250: rm, cr, kx, yz 1998-2002, best one??

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Posted by: binthedirtnow---------------------

Can you guys give me your opinions on the strngths and weaknesses of this range of bikes? I'm shopping for one, but I'd like to get the one that handles great, brakes great and has the widest useable power spread. Please share your experiences with me.....
B.


Posted by: jrm---------------------

I just sold my 2000 CR250 to get an '05 CR.

The 2000 was a great bike. Very reliable, great engine that could be lugged or shreiked. Good suspension, and the bike was light. Most mags named it bike of the year in 2000. Never had a single reliability issue with the bike.

I don't think you could go wrong with a 2000 CR. You can get one in excellent shape for around $2500 or less.


Posted by: SpectraSVT---------------------

2002 YZ would be very similar to whats currently out right now. Its a great bike. 2001 YZ got bike of the year I think. I've also ridden a 2001 CR250 and like that alot. Great power and handled great. I've briefly ridden a 2000 Rm 250 and that wasn't as fast (narrower powerband) but it handled crazy and it was fast if you kept it in the midrange. My buddy just picked up N-styles 2001 Rm250 for $1300. Don't know anything about the KX's.


Posted by: binthedirtnow---------------------

Great info !!! Keep it comin' !! Any more opinions?? Where's the RM riders and the KX riders?? I need your opinions too because I want to make a good choice. Any opinions on problematic bikes are also welcomed - it might be easier to just know what to stay away from. I'm looking for a green sticker(CA) bike that has a good motor,good handling, and good brakes - no odd power characterisics. I like bottom and mid power in a motor with enough on top that the bike will keep revving if I want to run it a little higher, but I prefer the power band in bottom-mid-upper mid, with a little flattening out on top end to tell me I better shift. I don't want a bike that has no power on the bottom. I want to shoot big roosts if I desire without maxing out the rpm's to get the neccessary power. I hope this helps.
B.


Posted by: JayP0629---------------------

i own a 02 yz250, my buddie owns a 02 kx250... my other friend owns a 03 cr250... i rode all 3 before i made my decison to buy, the cr was really nice , but stock didnt handle like i wanted it to also powerband was low and high only i wanted a powerband that was long... the kx didnt seem as fast as the yz or cr and seemed smaller for some reason.... kx was def the easiest to ride more like a beginner mx ... the yz came with all the xtras and was much more touchy and better all around then both in my view...so i went with the blue...it has aftermarket graphics, pro circuit platnium pipe..., renthal bars...rental gold series chain , renthal sprokets... upped to 50 tooth in the rear.... twin air filter...triple trap pegs... cycle one suspension front and rear.....


Posted by: joshp---------------------

Quote:
Originally Posted by binthedirtnow
Great info !!! Keep it comin' !! Any more opinions?? Where's the RM riders and the KX riders?? I need your opinions too because I want to make a good choice. Any opinions on problematic bikes are also welcomed - it might be easier to just know what to stay away from. I'm looking for a green sticker(CA) bike that has a good motor,good handling, and good brakes - no odd power characterisics. I like bottom and mid power in a motor with enough on top that the bike will keep revving if I want to run it a little higher, but I prefer the power band in bottom-mid-upper mid, with a little flattening out on top end to tell me I better shift. I don't want a bike that has no power on the bottom. I want to shoot big roosts if I desire without maxing out the rpm's to get the neccessary power. I hope this helps.
B.


I don't think you have to worry about power with any modern 250 out there. I have an older 1993 250RM and the previous owner said he had no problems keeping up with his friends that had up through 1998 bikes. However; bikes that were 2000 and newer could pull on him. I don't really need that much power as I don't plan on being in competition. Could be the aftermarket exhaust on the bike but this particular 250RM doesn't really have a smooth power band. It goes from decent power with a tiny, tiny, tiny throttle to whiplash power with just a tad more throttle. I really haven't been able to get a feel for the bike; that was just a test run. Once I take it out to a more open area I could give you a more accurate statement. Personally I thinik the bikes amazing, but my previous 2 stroke bike was from the mid 70's so...


Posted by: binthedirtnow---------------------

Thanx all for your responses. I'm actually making notes opn your opinions to help me decide on a bike. Go ahead and keep 'em comin'!!!

About that rm, it might be that your pilot circuit is not jetted properly. I recently got to ride a 2002 ktm 200exc, and it was starved for gas until you raised the throttle to get on the needle, then it just went "ting, ting, ting" and took off. Now I knew that wasn't right because it's an enduro bike and my kx 125 carburates more cleanly than that (smother transition thru the circuits). Well, we adjusted the guy's air screw and the bike suddenly had great throttle response. That's all it took!! So, you might have a look at some of the jetting links on this site, they are very good. I used them to jet my kx and it is really responsive - it has great throttle response all the way through the rpm band.
B


Posted by: joshp---------------------

I've also heard bad things about KX's having engine problems. Someone had said stick with Suzuki, Yamaha, and Honda.


Posted by: ETS---------------------

The RM is a hard bike to beat since it doesn't have much resale. You can pick up 01' - 03' pretty cheap and they out handle any bike out there. The motor is pure midrange especially on the 01'. I put a flywheel weight on my 01' and recently had Eric Gorr port it for more low end. Best money I ever spent. It has more lowend and pulls smooth with more overev than I had before. I run mine in the singletrack and it's great now. I've had a 01' and 03' KTM and didn't care for either bike. The 01' 520 had the worst suspension of any modern bike Ive owned and the 03' 450 didn't like to start. Only when it wanted to. A riding buddy also has a 01' CR250 with a flywheel weight and it has a smooth motor that keeps pulling. But it feels like a tugboat in the tight trails compared to the handling of the RM. If want bike that will respond to the slightest input then the RM can do it. It can also be twitchy without a steering stabilizer. Rm's are cheap if you keep yours eyes open. I gave 2300 last july for my 01' that was purchased new last april. The guy rode it twice and sold it cheap. KX is also a great bike and I've owned a couple. I had a 99' yz400f and it was a great bike. Rode it hard for three seasons and never checked the valves. Just changed the oil. It does feel kind old and heavy compared to the 2strokes and newer fourstrokes.


Posted by: binthedirtnow---------------------

Any more opinions or even gripes?? Keep it comin'... I'm building a tally sheet, votes, opinions and such - all from you guys. Thanx a bunch more...
B.


Posted by: Chili---------------------

You're putting a whole lot of effort into a process that is just going to tossed aside when you have to deal with real world circumstances. Given you're only asking about 98-02's I would assume budget is an issue so buy the newest most well cared for bike you can find in your price range regardles of the color.


Posted by: bclapham---------------------

your best bet would be to get Eric Gorrs book- all questions are answered in there, and it will also help you to assess the condition of a used bike.


Posted by: binthedirtnow---------------------

Quote:
Originally Posted by Chili
You're putting a whole lot of effort into a process that is just going to tossed aside when you have to deal with real world circumstances.


Chili: please elaborate...... What do you mean...

Also, are the bikes really that close that I should just look fir the best deal, or is there one that should be avoided??
B.


Posted by: adrenaline420---------------------

Iv owned a 2000 CR 250, and i thought it was a good bike. Then I rode 2002 YZ 250 , and that bike was awesome. It handled just like my old CR, and it felt lighter, and it had more power. I loved the YZ so much I bought the 04 YZ 250. What a great bike!, second choice would definatly be the CR 250. I also driven my friends 01 KX 250. dont like the bike at all. suspension, handling , power just wasnt near as good as the YZ or CR.
2 STROKE 4 LIFE


Posted by: binthedirtnow---------------------

I found a 2002 cr 250 supposedly with low hours and stock. Is this a good deal? I think it is, but around here it might be sold in the time it takes me to drive over to look at it.
B.


Posted by: YZ165---------------------

Don't quote me on this, but I think the YZ won every "bike of the year" for all of those years. Well maby not all, but close to all. It's a solid bike no matter how you slice it. Hope that helps, YZ165


Posted by: Chili---------------------

What I meant was I would buy a mint 02 RM before I would buy a beat 2000 CR because the Honda faithful had supplied me with a list of what's great about the bike. I feel each of the bikes are pretty dang close and I would be more concered with how much abuse it had taken and how well it had been cared for by the previous owner. FWIW I think YZ165 is correct and the YZ was near the top of the moto rags shootouts through pretty much the entire span of years you listed. Bclapham offers sound advice as well in that Eric Gorr's book gives you a detailed list of strengths and weakness for all of these bikes. As for the price of that CR, each market is different so it's hard to compare pricing.


Posted by: binthedirtnow---------------------

Well Chili, I think maybe you've given me the best advice of all - "all the bikes are pretty dang close" - and I think your right about finding a well taken care "whatever" as opposed to a specific make. I got a great '02 kx 125 by doing exactly what you've said, for a great price I think because people may think one brand is drastically better than another, so the market gets skewed by that phenomenon. OK, I saw a 1999 rm 250 for $1500 also. Might look into that, too. I'm a good mechanic so do you think I can use that ability to get a bike that has a lot of potential but just needs a little maintenance for a better price?
B.


Posted by: john3_16---------------------

All things being equal (well maintained, good price, and you like it) I'd go with the Yamaha 98'-02 and the Honda 00'-02'...After that I'd go with the Kawasaki...If you go with the KX the first thing you need to do is trash the transmission oil cap (soft rubber and it'll break at an inconvenient moment) and put an aftermarket unit in there or a cap from one of the other brands.

Performance wise, a well maintained Yamaha wouldn't be a bad choice.


Posted by: joshp---------------------

Quote:
Originally Posted by binthedirtnow
Well Chili, I think maybe you've given me the best advice of all - "all the bikes are pretty dang close" - and I think your right about finding a well taken care "whatever" as opposed to a specific make. I got a great '02 kx 125 by doing exactly what you've said, for a great price I think because people may think one brand is drastically better than another, so the market gets skewed by that phenomenon. OK, I saw a 1999 rm 250 for $1500 also. Might look into that, too. I'm a good mechanic so do you think I can use that ability to get a bike that has a lot of potential but just needs a little maintenance for a better price?
B.


Well two things. One goes back to my earlier comment about the RM I have. It got a great review; the negative it got was the power comes on too hard too fast. So I guess that was a problem they had in that year.

Also I think you live near me because I believe I saw that bike (99 RM you're talking about) on the internet. The one thing I would say is check to see if it has had the top end done. Also if it's the same bike, the seller talked about how the bike needed cosmetic repair and the seller didn't post a picture. You'll definitely have to go check it out.


Posted by: binthedirtnow---------------------

Yeah, it might be a total beater - if it has too much wrong with it, I won't get it. I'm really picky about the way my bikes are working so I'd rip the thing apart either way unless I was certain that it was all gone thru already. I'm not in such a hurry as to buy junk, but I can usually tell if a bike has potential with a little bit of tlc - I don't really consider a top end too bad because I can do that very easily. I see a lot of stuff for sale that I won't even bother to inquire about - usually too many mods - I like to stay away from that stuff, I preffer close to stock so I can pick the mods myself. Anyway guys thanx a bunch for all your input.
B.


Posted by: joshp---------------------

Quote:
Originally Posted by binthedirtnow
I found a 2002 cr 250 supposedly with low hours and stock. Is this a good deal? I think it is, but around here it might be sold in the time it takes me to drive over to look at it.
B.



Yeah that's a crazy price for our area, unless it's not the best shape.



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