'96 CR250 vs '97 YZ250

[aakrusen]

Right now I'm looking at two bikes. 1996 CR250 and a 1997 YZ250. Both are the same price and both seem to have been taken well care of. Lets assume that both bikes have the same amount of ride time and they are 100% stock (only because I'm not sure of that yet).
So which bike is better? Are there advantages of the older CR vs the new YZ? Was '96 a good year for the Honda? Did Yahama make any changes to the YZ in '97 to make it the better decission? Does it come down to brand preference with these two particular bikes? I was told to buy the newest bike you can afford assuming everything else being equal, is that true?

 

[yog22]

The bikes are not that much different. There are a few little advantages to both bikes, but I would go with the newer yz. Although a lot of people prefer hondas, they say that they seem to run better. I'm not really sure but I would go with the newer bike.

 

[76GMC1500]

Both bikes kick ass. The 97 YZ with a long rod kit and a FMF Rev pipe is the most ridiculous powerband you have ever ridden. The 96 CR is kind of a cult classic. Good motor, good suspension, last year of the steel frame...

 

[kx125412]

I've rode the 97 YZ and it was really fun to ride. It was light, fast and hooked up really well. It felt like the weight of a 125 with the power of a 250. I think in 97 they just about re-did the whole machine to make it easier to handle and made it a bit quicker. I've never really liked hondas so I would say get the YZ.

 

[MX86]

simply put, they are the best bikes for the years... with either bike you wouldn't be disapointed...

 

[rider3302]

I had a 95 cr (almost the same as 96) and the motor and susp were awsome. very solid,fast reliable bike. One of top 3 favorite so far. didn't ride a yz till 03 so ??? about the 97 yz.

 

[aakrusen]

I ended up buying the YZ. Thanks to everyone for the input.

 

[MX86]

got pics?