If I was "Thinking" of getting a CR125.......

NorcalVet
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8/1/2012 10:51pm
,,, kind of sums it up here....also RC's last sweet 2 stroke !!

+1

I just picked up a low hr 05 RM250 for 2K. V3 reeds & PC pipe.... & Castor 927---- SWEET!!!
-- revalve, new plastics, new clutch & custom graphics-- almost new bike $2500

jeffro503
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8/1/2012 11:38pm
NorcalVet wrote:
,,, kind of sums it up here....also RC's last sweet 2 stroke !! +1 I just picked up a low hr 05 RM250 for 2K. V3...
,,, kind of sums it up here....also RC's last sweet 2 stroke !!

+1

I just picked up a low hr 05 RM250 for 2K. V3 reeds & PC pipe.... & Castor 927---- SWEET!!!
-- revalve, new plastics, new clutch & custom graphics-- almost new bike $2500

UhhGG!!....damn it Mike.....you just had to put that there huh? i might be looking at Suzuki's as well after reading that. Just always felt at home on the older Honda's ( why I bought a new 08' CRF450 instead of a 2010' ). But I gotta say.....those Zuk's are great feeling bikes.
Dno
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8/2/2012 3:10am
Jeffro, I dont think some of these guys get it. I had the same idea as you a year ago, to get a little cheap 125 and it had to be a Honda regardless of what the 'experts' said was a better bike. I always wanted a McGrath replica so I went with the last one he rode. Great fun!
8/2/2012 4:43am
Pick up a mid 90's steel framed bike and add some modern suspension. You can still find well looked after original examples or even better is one that has been recently restored. Parts are still readily available, they handle like a dream and the motors are fantastic. I have restored a 1995 CR125 (not at great cost either) and I love it, more so than my '05 YZ.

The Shop

burn1986
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8/2/2012 5:20am
Pick up a mid 90's steel framed bike and add some modern suspension. You can still find well looked after original examples or even better is...
Pick up a mid 90's steel framed bike and add some modern suspension. You can still find well looked after original examples or even better is one that has been recently restored. Parts are still readily available, they handle like a dream and the motors are fantastic. I have restored a 1995 CR125 (not at great cost either) and I love it, more so than my '05 YZ.
X2 on that!
Frodad78
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8/2/2012 7:59am
I have an 01 CR125 that I have been bringing back from the dead for the last few year, picked it up for 800 bucks. I grew up racing 125YZs and was pretty disapointed with the power at first. But, A rad valve, a PC platinum, +1 tooth on the rear, 02 powervalve swap, 05 airboot, modded the side panels for more air flow. It took some work but It was hauling ass before I blew the motor!!. My buddy has an 03 yz125 that I was riding while I got my CR built and I have to say its not much faster than the Honda. And I still prefer the handling and suspension on the Honda too. I've learned more building this sucker than i have in the last 10 years! Then again I'm just some 30 something noob that loves 2 strokes.

I just had some porting done and installed a new Wiseco top and bottom. She should be rippin here in a month or so!

Good luck man let us know what you decide on.

Oh there is some great info on Eric Gorrs Forward Motion Site, I got most of the mod info from his site.
NorcalVet
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8/2/2012 11:07pm
#2 vs #4.... I'd take RC on a 2 stroke outdoor's

jeffro503
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8/3/2012 12:44am
Great responses guys.....and thanks again for all the info. Been about 25yrs since i rode a 125......so learning something about some of these newer ones. Still trying to decide weather I should go the 125 or 250 route.

Side note : Have a buddy of mine that has a nice practice track up in the woods. he has a neighbor friend of his that has come out a few times and hung out while we were riding. He just picked up a big new KTM450. And then I just found out yesterday that he HAD a 2006 CR250 sitting in his garage that had about 5 friggin' hours on it.....and he fucking sold it!! $2500.00!!! I didn't know he had one.....and he didn't know I was looking at getting one! Pisses me off!

Dno.....Dude! Sweet looking bike! You have any more pics you want to share of that thing? Beautiful looking bike!
Dno
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8/3/2012 1:51am
Thanks Jeffro thats nice of you to say.
I did excatly what your thinking about and sold my crf250 for a 125 for the fun of it and to practise carrying speed. and in that regard the 125 is a real blast and lots of fun. it feels and sounds like your flying but sadly im not. The only advice i can give is that i sold my other bike and this is my only ride now and if I new that would happen i should have bought a 250, but if you plan on keeping your big bike then the 125 is the way to go.

sam111
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8/3/2012 3:39am
jeffro503 wrote:
UhhGG!!....damn it Mike.....you just had to put that there huh? i might be looking at Suzuki's as well after reading that. Just always felt at home...
UhhGG!!....damn it Mike.....you just had to put that there huh? i might be looking at Suzuki's as well after reading that. Just always felt at home on the older Honda's ( why I bought a new 08' CRF450 instead of a 2010' ). But I gotta say.....those Zuk's are great feeling bikes.
I Have been thinking about getting a 125 as a second bike too. I don't have much experience with Honda's, but I had a 2007 RM125 and then a 2008 RM250.

The 125 was practically standard and was the best handling bike I have ever ridden. It turned really well and the suspension was great, despite being bone stock. It had enough power, but you had to keep it singing because it didn't have much bottom end. At the time, one of my mates had a '07 KX125 and another had a '05 YZ125. I preferred the motors on both of those bikes, as they had more torque, so were much easier to ride. I did have a fair bit of trouble with my engine, but some of that was my fault.

The 250 was a really good bike. It handled well and had a real good motor. It was bullet proof too. I had a PC pipe and silencer for it, which I felt improved the power curve a bit.

One thing that bugged me was that the petrol tank and seat were narrow in relation to the frame and airbox on both bikes. I found that this made it hard to grip with my knees and it just felt weird. I got used to it though.

I have always ridden Suzuki's and, despite what people say, I have found they are reliable, well made and good to work on.
mxdude105
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8/3/2012 5:52am
I've got an '03 CR125 and I love it. I bought it brand new almost 10 years ago and I've held onto it. As some of the others on here have said, it is not the fastest tiddler out there. But really we're talking about 125's here, even the "fast" ones will get dusted by a modern 250F. The point isn't to go out there with a used 125 and set records; it's to have fun while saving money. With that in mind I'd recommend these bikes to anyone. Stone cold reliable, easy to maintain.
8/3/2012 6:39am


I just spent a little (more) dough on this one; air striker carb, boyesen rad valve, & a10oz fly wheel weight.

The only part that sucks is I haven't been able to ride it yet. I broke my right collar-bone on June 20th. I go for x-rays on the 8th, & I expect to be good to go after that.

I was thinking the same as you Jeffro503; it would be a lot of fun to buzz around on a nice 125 (144). I do have a spare cr250 kickin around i could horse-trade......
8/3/2012 6:41am
Looks like Dno & mxdude have the right idea. Nice clean bikes there, fellas!
jeffro503
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8/3/2012 8:26am
@ Dno......dang man , that is one pretty bike. It still looks like it's in great shape and you did an awesome job on the restore! What year is that bike anyways? OH.....and thanks for the advice! I'm not just pro 2 stroke......unlike some , I am pro 4 stroke as well.......I'm pro " Anything that feels like fun". Smile

@Sam.......I know exactly where you are coming from. And there isn't anything wrong with those Suzuki's. 4 strokes or 2 strokes. If you read that little article up above on this page that Mike36s put up......I think that sums up the RM line pretty well. I was only going to try and stay with a Honda because it is what I'm riding right now. This next Spring some time I would like to get an updated 450 of some type.....not sure on the brand though. I've ridden the 11' & 12' KXF 450's and really liked them a lot , and rode an bone stock 11' RMZ450 and really liked that one a lot as well. I loved the RMZ when it was still pretty new and un-touched before the owner did all his "personal touch" type stuff to it......after he did it.....I didn't care to much for it. I haven't ridden a Honda CRF450 any newer than a 10'.....but I would like to test ride a 13'. Don't think I'll be able to afford one of those though.

@ Mxdude105 and Bermshredder.........Another couple of sweet looking bikes! Bermshredder........looks like you put some $$$ into that bike man.....that is one clean looking CR! Heal up and and get some riding in on that thing!

And BermShredder........what year is that CR250 you speak of?
Frodad78
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8/3/2012 9:09am
Since we're at it heres my 01. Still undergoing some upgrades but this is after the initial rebuild.


Frodad78
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8/3/2012 9:11am Edited Date/Time 8/3/2012 9:12am
Looks like Dno & mxdude have the right idea. Nice clean bikes there, fellas!
THIS^^^^^
Frodad78
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8/3/2012 9:13am Edited Date/Time 8/3/2012 11:36am
[img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2012/08/03/DSC00852_648383.JPG[/img] I just spent a little (more) dough on this one; air striker carb, boyesen rad valve, & a10oz fly wheel weight. The only part that...


I just spent a little (more) dough on this one; air striker carb, boyesen rad valve, & a10oz fly wheel weight.

The only part that sucks is I haven't been able to ride it yet. I broke my right collar-bone on June 20th. I go for x-rays on the 8th, & I expect to be good to go after that.

I was thinking the same as you Jeffro503; it would be a lot of fun to buzz around on a nice 125 (144). I do have a spare cr250 kickin around i could horse-trade......
How do you like the airstryker carb? I thought about upgrading but I didnt have a baseline for jetting and was afraid I would blow the motor.

Great looking ride man.
tns
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8/3/2012 9:57am
i loved the old cr's so whilst out injured i bought this as a wreck and rebuilt it
jeffro503
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8/3/2012 10:00am
Frodad78 wrote:
I have an 01 CR125 that I have been bringing back from the dead for the last few year, picked it up for 800 bucks. I...
I have an 01 CR125 that I have been bringing back from the dead for the last few year, picked it up for 800 bucks. I grew up racing 125YZs and was pretty disapointed with the power at first. But, A rad valve, a PC platinum, +1 tooth on the rear, 02 powervalve swap, 05 airboot, modded the side panels for more air flow. It took some work but It was hauling ass before I blew the motor!!. My buddy has an 03 yz125 that I was riding while I got my CR built and I have to say its not much faster than the Honda. And I still prefer the handling and suspension on the Honda too. I've learned more building this sucker than i have in the last 10 years! Then again I'm just some 30 something noob that loves 2 strokes.

I just had some porting done and installed a new Wiseco top and bottom. She should be rippin here in a month or so!

Good luck man let us know what you decide on.

Oh there is some great info on Eric Gorrs Forward Motion Site, I got most of the mod info from his site.
Frodad.......damn....sorry i didn't see this post until now. If I end up getting a 125 ( or possibly a 250 ) Eric Gorr is definitely going to be at the top of the list of people I will get in touch with. Post some pics if you get a chance of that CR you rebuilt too!
PC
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8/3/2012 10:11am
Hey Jeff!

I picked up a brand new CR125 (Husky) last year as my local dealer was blowing them out for $3700otd. I bought it kind of as a novelty, but I have fallen hard for it. In fact, my yz250 and wr300 have pretty much sat dormant since I got it. There's is no finer feeling then not having to shut off the power for every corner and banging gears to keep the motor singing. You're not moving too fast, but it sounds and (more importantly) feels like you are hauling supreme ass!

When I get back in town I'll bring it out so you can ride it. I think it handles better than most Japanese 125's, most certainly brakes better (those Brembo's really work) and the power is on par with the YZ, which is always the benchmark. I just scored a low hour 144 top end for $300 and will install that when I get home, so now maybe I can clear all the jumps at mt view. And even if I cant clear the jumps I can hit the corners twice as hard. And for me, it's all about railing corners!

I never had a 125 growing up and its a damn shame cause I've learned more riding skills in the past year on this 125 than I have the last 8 years on bike bikes. If I could only keep one bike it would be the 125 without question.
Tracktor
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8/3/2012 10:22am
Do it!--->
jeffro503
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8/3/2012 10:25am
PC wrote:
Hey Jeff! I picked up a brand new CR125 (Husky) last year as my local dealer was blowing them out for $3700otd. I bought it kind...
Hey Jeff!

I picked up a brand new CR125 (Husky) last year as my local dealer was blowing them out for $3700otd. I bought it kind of as a novelty, but I have fallen hard for it. In fact, my yz250 and wr300 have pretty much sat dormant since I got it. There's is no finer feeling then not having to shut off the power for every corner and banging gears to keep the motor singing. You're not moving too fast, but it sounds and (more importantly) feels like you are hauling supreme ass!

When I get back in town I'll bring it out so you can ride it. I think it handles better than most Japanese 125's, most certainly brakes better (those Brembo's really work) and the power is on par with the YZ, which is always the benchmark. I just scored a low hour 144 top end for $300 and will install that when I get home, so now maybe I can clear all the jumps at mt view. And even if I cant clear the jumps I can hit the corners twice as hard. And for me, it's all about railing corners!

I never had a 125 growing up and its a damn shame cause I've learned more riding skills in the past year on this 125 than I have the last 8 years on bike bikes. If I could only keep one bike it would be the 125 without question.
Hey PC!!......good to see your reply in here! I didn't know you had bought a Husky. You may of mentioned it , but I thought you only had your YZ. Would love to take that little sucker for a spin.

BTW....when you getting back? You're still out on the road trip until the end of the month right? And don't forget the Burnt Ridge MX thing on Aug 25th if you are around. Need to remind Smoker as well.
PC
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8/3/2012 10:30am
I think I get back on the 25th.
I've got 2 Husky smokers and I freaking love them. I'll probably never buy another new Japanese bike again.
8/3/2012 10:46am
Tracktor wrote:
Do it!--->[img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2012/08/03/Cr125_31572.jpg[/img]
Do it!--->
Wow, to me that 95/96 CR is the best looking bike of ALL time. Nice job on that one. I have been looking for a 95/96 250 for a while, but the ones I have found are way too much money.
Frodad78
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8/3/2012 10:59am
Frodad78 wrote:
I have an 01 CR125 that I have been bringing back from the dead for the last few year, picked it up for 800 bucks. I...
I have an 01 CR125 that I have been bringing back from the dead for the last few year, picked it up for 800 bucks. I grew up racing 125YZs and was pretty disapointed with the power at first. But, A rad valve, a PC platinum, +1 tooth on the rear, 02 powervalve swap, 05 airboot, modded the side panels for more air flow. It took some work but It was hauling ass before I blew the motor!!. My buddy has an 03 yz125 that I was riding while I got my CR built and I have to say its not much faster than the Honda. And I still prefer the handling and suspension on the Honda too. I've learned more building this sucker than i have in the last 10 years! Then again I'm just some 30 something noob that loves 2 strokes.

I just had some porting done and installed a new Wiseco top and bottom. She should be rippin here in a month or so!

Good luck man let us know what you decide on.

Oh there is some great info on Eric Gorrs Forward Motion Site, I got most of the mod info from his site.
jeffro503 wrote:
Frodad.......damn....sorry i didn't see this post until now. If I end up getting a 125 ( or possibly a 250 ) Eric Gorr is definitely going...
Frodad.......damn....sorry i didn't see this post until now. If I end up getting a 125 ( or possibly a 250 ) Eric Gorr is definitely going to be at the top of the list of people I will get in touch with. Post some pics if you get a chance of that CR you rebuilt too!
No worries man just Scroll up a few posts I loaded a pic from the end of last year. Looks a bit different now but I'm still working on some other goodies so I'll wait on the most recent pics. It was a timebomb when I bought it!
8/3/2012 11:51am




@ jeffro503....this is the 2003 CR250 I spoke of. Got it from a friend who is a tech at our local Honda dealer. It's tight.

@ Frodad78....I installed the carb, rad valve, & flywheel weight after i broke my clavical, going nuts & needed to something to do. I'll update you when the doc clears me to ride.

& thanks for the positive comments guys, i just frickin' love to ride my bike & can't wait to get back on it!
jeffro503
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8/3/2012 12:09pm
[img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2012/08/03/DSC00861_192178.JPG[/img] [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2012/08/03/DSC00860_511091.JPG[/img] @ jeffro503....this is the 2003 CR250 I spoke of. Got it from a friend who is a tech at our local Honda dealer. It's...




@ jeffro503....this is the 2003 CR250 I spoke of. Got it from a friend who is a tech at our local Honda dealer. It's tight.

@ Frodad78....I installed the carb, rad valve, & flywheel weight after i broke my clavical, going nuts & needed to something to do. I'll update you when the doc clears me to ride.

& thanks for the positive comments guys, i just frickin' love to ride my bike & can't wait to get back on it!
DAMN!.....that is pretty much what I'm after right there.....adding some things for a personal touch. Damn nice looking bike man! You end up wanting to get rid of that thing this fall and if you aren't to far away.......let me know please!
Hando
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8/3/2012 5:05pm
the cr250 is one of the most underrated 2 smokers out there
MCfan4life
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8/4/2012 5:54am
96 Jeffro all the way Wink

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