Tell me all you can about the 2004 CR250R....

Socket946
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2018
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USA
Edited Date/Time 8/21/2014 2:42pm
Is it part of the "good" years of newer CR250's? It looks like I am going to pick it up on Saturday, any specific things to that bike I need to look for or can see visually wrong? Bike from pictures is VERY clean, and visually well taken care of.....
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Tonycar107
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10/24/2013
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Lehigh Acres, FL, USA
4/22/2014 6:55pm
I had an 02, Supposedly the worst one out there. I also had an 01, supposedly the best one out there. Right now I have a yz250/325 smoker supposedly one of the best. The yz is a better overall package than both of them, but not by much. The 01 motor is a little bit better, however the rest of the 02 is better. People are idiots, I'm glad I didn't listen to them.
1
TX_187
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381
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6/17/2010
Location
Deer Park, TX, USA
4/22/2014 7:56pm
I've had an 03 and 04 when they were new and just picked up an 02 as a project. They're sweet bikes in my opinion. Check the RC valve and make sure the cables are nice and tight. If you can push them against the case, they need to be tightened. The stock carb can be a little tough to dial in with elevation and temp. A lot of folks replace it with the keihin air striker, which has a lot of solid reviews. Other than that, pick it up and give it hell man. Post some pics when you get her home.
mx965
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Nashville, TN, USA
4/22/2014 8:03pm
When/If you rebuild it. This is very important, the piston needs 2 holes drilled in it for lubrication between the bridge of the power valve and piston. I blew my 02 up and could not figure out why. I did my research and talked around and found out that this was likely the problem. My buddy also has an 02 and has had the same problems some aftermarket pistons come with the holes already in them but if you buy OEM it does not and that's what i used. Like said before also make sure your RC valve is in spec as well.
Socket946
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2018
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Location
USA
4/22/2014 8:54pm
mx965 wrote:
When/If you rebuild it. This is very important, the piston needs 2 holes drilled in it for lubrication between the bridge of the power valve and...
When/If you rebuild it. This is very important, the piston needs 2 holes drilled in it for lubrication between the bridge of the power valve and piston. I blew my 02 up and could not figure out why. I did my research and talked around and found out that this was likely the problem. My buddy also has an 02 and has had the same problems some aftermarket pistons come with the holes already in them but if you buy OEM it does not and that's what i used. Like said before also make sure your RC valve is in spec as well.
I learned wiseco's don't have them drilled either while helping my dad with his 500AF.

The Shop

JW381
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Location
Harrisburg, OR, USA
4/22/2014 9:33pm
Tonycar107 wrote:
I had an 02, Supposedly the worst one out there. I also had an 01, supposedly the best one out there. Right now I have a...
I had an 02, Supposedly the worst one out there. I also had an 01, supposedly the best one out there. Right now I have a yz250/325 smoker supposedly one of the best. The yz is a better overall package than both of them, but not by much. The 01 motor is a little bit better, however the rest of the 02 is better. People are idiots, I'm glad I didn't listen to them.
Couldn't have said it better myself.

I didn't have an '01, but I did have a YZ250. The motor is stronger, but when geared the same, the difference isn't as much. But the CR is better just about everywhere else. The suspension might be just a tad more prone to bottoming, but that can be fixed.

As someone said, the motor is a rocket, I actually run a little but fatter jetting to a) get some extra oil circulating in the cylinder area, most notably the exhaust bridge (more on that in a sec) and b) to smooth out the power a tad. It's an extremely rideable bike that you can be aggressive on and attack with, making you feel like a pro.

So, some specific notes:
1. Putting an '05+ cylinder base gasket on is a really inexpensive mod to tighten your squish band and add a hair of low-end response.
2. Check the RC valve cables, and also start the bike with the cover off and check for full range of motion. Apparently there's a Chinese motor that can be bought for pretty cheap if your servo goes out.
3. You'll get the most peak HP with the stock Mikuni, but most just run the Air Stryker. Just easier to get dialed in.
4. The piston drilling - MX965 is right, this can be done, but it HAS to be done to a forged piston only. OEM (which CamP will tell you is the best) are cast pistons and cannot be drilled. I run a regular cast OEM with 32:1 full-synthetic at a safe jetting and I have no more problems with the exhaust bridge. This CR motor has a somewhat poorly designed exhaust bridge that is prone to heating and cracking, which is a spendy fix. If you do go the route of drilling a forged piston, make sure you check Thumpertalk for the pictures on exactly where to drill.
5. Other than routine maintenance, I think that's it. Check your clutch components when you get it, there's good ways to check and make sure your crank seals are keeping air/oil out of the cylinder, which will throw off the jetting.

I would bet good money that once you get it set up and working well it'll be one of your favorite 250s you've ever got to ride. I love mine, it's comfy and fun as hell.
JW381
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4/22/2014 9:58pm
Sorry, couldn't help but post a pic of my '04 Cool

Big Lenny
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4/22/2014 10:06pm
My '02 with '07 plastic, never even take tools with me, pretty bullproof...

nakedmonkey
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Location
San Clemente, CA, USA
4/22/2014 10:08pm
Socket946 wrote:
Is it part of the "good" years of newer CR250's? It looks like I am going to pick it up on Saturday, any specific things to...
Is it part of the "good" years of newer CR250's? It looks like I am going to pick it up on Saturday, any specific things to that bike I need to look for or can see visually wrong? Bike from pictures is VERY clean, and visually well taken care of.....
I currently race the 2004 CR250 in MX and some trail riding and have a blast on it.
They have NO low end stock :> so we did a couple of things to make it easier to ride. These mods give it a bit of low end and a broader power band all the way through.

V force reed
FMF Fatty pipe
6oz flywheel weight.
Oversize front brake

have fun with it.
JW381
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Location
Harrisburg, OR, USA
4/22/2014 10:27pm
Socket946 wrote:
Is it part of the "good" years of newer CR250's? It looks like I am going to pick it up on Saturday, any specific things to...
Is it part of the "good" years of newer CR250's? It looks like I am going to pick it up on Saturday, any specific things to that bike I need to look for or can see visually wrong? Bike from pictures is VERY clean, and visually well taken care of.....
I currently race the 2004 CR250 in MX and some trail riding and have a blast on it. They have NO low end stock :> so...
I currently race the 2004 CR250 in MX and some trail riding and have a blast on it.
They have NO low end stock :> so we did a couple of things to make it easier to ride. These mods give it a bit of low end and a broader power band all the way through.

V force reed
FMF Fatty pipe
6oz flywheel weight.
Oversize front brake

have fun with it.
It's true that they have very little low-end, but I think it's deceptive at the same time. The electronic power valve doesn't really tear your arms out of your sockets like most 250 motors (from my limited experience) but I find that when I'm in a drag race scenario on the track that the motor hooks up and pulls well. Looking to add a flywheel weight someday soon-ish.
Big Lenny
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Compton, CA, USA
4/22/2014 11:31pm
Socket946 wrote:
Is it part of the "good" years of newer CR250's? It looks like I am going to pick it up on Saturday, any specific things to...
Is it part of the "good" years of newer CR250's? It looks like I am going to pick it up on Saturday, any specific things to that bike I need to look for or can see visually wrong? Bike from pictures is VERY clean, and visually well taken care of.....
I currently race the 2004 CR250 in MX and some trail riding and have a blast on it. They have NO low end stock :> so...
I currently race the 2004 CR250 in MX and some trail riding and have a blast on it.
They have NO low end stock :> so we did a couple of things to make it easier to ride. These mods give it a bit of low end and a broader power band all the way through.

V force reed
FMF Fatty pipe
6oz flywheel weight.
Oversize front brake

have fun with it.
JW381 wrote:
It's true that they have very little low-end, but I think it's deceptive at the same time. The electronic power valve doesn't really tear your arms...
It's true that they have very little low-end, but I think it's deceptive at the same time. The electronic power valve doesn't really tear your arms out of your sockets like most 250 motors (from my limited experience) but I find that when I'm in a drag race scenario on the track that the motor hooks up and pulls well. Looking to add a flywheel weight someday soon-ish.
I run a Boyesen exhaust flange, a storm racing spacer under that, V force, and 1 tooth up on the rear sprocket, 280mm EBC front rotor and I alternate pipes between stock and PC/304 combo...very easy to ride and deceptively fast...
Rmartin508
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122
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Location
Dickinson, TX, USA
4/23/2014 12:15am Edited Date/Time 4/23/2014 12:24am
They are great bikes. Change the carb to the Kehin airstryker order it straight from JD jetting and it comes pre jetted and with the rest of the kit with it, then set up your suspension, put a boyesen exaust flange, V force reeds, over sized rotor the stock bfront brake sucks,and a pipe of your choice. I have ran pro circuit and fmf both with either silencer short or lon I couldnt tell much a diff and the bike will be a great reliable bike. X5 on checking the RC valve cables. If they are not tight the bike feel as if it needs a new top end. They do lack power on the bottom but the handling and the rest of the bike can make up for it. They dont seem to vibrate to bad also. Keep in mind mine is an 03. I think all the changes came into 2005. It got a new cylinder, swing arm and shokm was 10mm longer. it can all be swapped but, I doubt most of us on hear can feel these changes. I ride over 30 B and enjoy the hell out of mixing up with the 450s on mine. I do want to send the cylinder to Gorr and have him do some porting head work and cut the base. I have a friend who has an 07 with basically the same bolt ons as my 03 and they are very similiar. Not having to much in the power of the engines.
4/23/2014 12:47am
Love my 04! Great bike! With alittletweaking, there as good as anything out there.
Rmartin508
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122
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Dickinson, TX, USA
4/23/2014 1:11am Edited Date/Time 4/23/2014 1:16am


Here is my 03. Gonna change the back grounds though too much going on. Gonna go with just more of plain look white with black numbers only. Liek the front plate. TJ didnt give me much of a preview when i oredered them.
Rmartin508
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Dickinson, TX, USA
4/23/2014 1:15am
JW381 wrote:
Sorry, couldn't help but post a pic of my '04 B) [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2014/04/20/51370/s1200_20140403_185216.jpg[/img]
Sorry, couldn't help but post a pic of my '04 Cool

Liking the black wheels with the black hubs..
Stonedmason
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Location
Baton Rouge, LA, USA
4/23/2014 5:20am
Eddie sanders is coming out with a big bore kit for these late model cr s . It should rip .
bents
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CA
Fantasy
4/23/2014 5:20am
I currently race the 2004 CR250 in MX and some trail riding and have a blast on it. They have NO low end stock :> so...
I currently race the 2004 CR250 in MX and some trail riding and have a blast on it.
They have NO low end stock :> so we did a couple of things to make it easier to ride. These mods give it a bit of low end and a broader power band all the way through.

V force reed
FMF Fatty pipe
6oz flywheel weight.
Oversize front brake

have fun with it.
JW381 wrote:
It's true that they have very little low-end, but I think it's deceptive at the same time. The electronic power valve doesn't really tear your arms...
It's true that they have very little low-end, but I think it's deceptive at the same time. The electronic power valve doesn't really tear your arms out of your sockets like most 250 motors (from my limited experience) but I find that when I'm in a drag race scenario on the track that the motor hooks up and pulls well. Looking to add a flywheel weight someday soon-ish.
Big Lenny wrote:
I run a Boyesen exhaust flange, a storm racing spacer under that, V force, and 1 tooth up on the rear sprocket, 280mm EBC front rotor...
I run a Boyesen exhaust flange, a storm racing spacer under that, V force, and 1 tooth up on the rear sprocket, 280mm EBC front rotor and I alternate pipes between stock and PC/304 combo...very easy to ride and deceptively fast...
Lenny, do you run a flywheel weight? Does anyone? If so, what weight do you run?
Socket946
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2018
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USA
4/23/2014 6:04am
Bike has the raw looking PC pipe and 304 shorty. I'll look to see what carb it has (How can I tell?) and also see if it has the boyesen exhaust flange, if not, I'll order that as well.
4/23/2014 6:39am


I love my 04. It's the first big bike 2 stroke I ever bought and rode. But I just returned from a riding trip in Alabama and I rode my buddies yz250 while I was there and it felt like a 500 compare to my bike. I just put a new piston and rings in it the weekend before but my buddies dad was messing with the power valve so I think that's where I'm losing a lot of power. I don't know much about motors so I hope I can get it tweeked before this weekend
Big Lenny
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Compton, CA, USA
4/23/2014 7:11am Edited Date/Time 4/23/2014 7:12am
bents wrote:
Lenny, do you run a flywheel weight? Does anyone? If so, what weight do you run?
No, but after seeing some on here do I think I'm gonna look into it, I've ridden older CR's with more bottom but they rev out quicker than mine on top, I kinda like the low end hit because there's no surprises and once those motors start moving you're gone...I rode 3 different CR's one day 1 with a Varner motor, 1 with a Morgan motor, and mine, all fast but with the case reed motor mine was more comfortable and easier to ride...I see DC706 and I had the same idea for the stator cover...
notme
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CA
4/23/2014 8:50am
I had read a few years back about the airbox to boot seal was prone to leaking, not sure which year. You may want to look into a seal kit.
Maybe someone else can chime in.
BroFoSho
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Tucson, AZ, USA
4/23/2014 8:52am
Socket946 wrote:
Bike has the raw looking PC pipe and 304 shorty. I'll look to see what carb it has (How can I tell?) and also see if...
Bike has the raw looking PC pipe and 304 shorty. I'll look to see what carb it has (How can I tell?) and also see if it has the boyesen exhaust flange, if not, I'll order that as well.
Is this Biff's bike?

I've had a chance to ride some CR's ranging from 86 models to 07s.
They are pretty fun bikes!
If you get it and desire more out of the bike talk to Short and he can tell you what to do. His 05 is a beast and a blast to ride (granted, you can't run pump fuel through that motor)
Big Lenny
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Compton, CA, USA
4/23/2014 8:54am
notme wrote:
I had read a few years back about the airbox to boot seal was prone to leaking, not sure which year. You may want to look...
I had read a few years back about the airbox to boot seal was prone to leaking, not sure which year. You may want to look into a seal kit.
Maybe someone else can chime in.
Yeah, the stock bracket is flimsy and flexes on the '02 and PC racing made a nice anodized one for the fix...I have that too..
4/23/2014 9:35am Edited Date/Time 4/23/2014 9:36am
Bonz is pretty well regarded when it comes to getting the airbox taken care of. http://www.mxbonz.com/index.htm
The superseal on the DT1 air filters works well to get past the stock nubs on the sealing surface. http://www.dt1filters.com/

I've been told that the Boyesen exhaust flange works well, but didn't try one on my 03 CR250. http://www.boyesen.com/exhaust-flange-3.html

I did run a PC pipe and silencer, 05+ base gasket and 2000 CR250 Keihin carb on my 03. Ran great. Compared to my friend's 05 YZ250, it had a little less bottom end, similar midrange, and more top end power. Not as snappy of a motor as his, but in a corner to to corner drag race, I'd beat him most of the time.
4/23/2014 9:55am
All I know is that I want one. I've been looking for a clean early-2000s CR250 for a while.

It's so difficult to find one without fender holes and black plastic with skin graphics.
TX_187
Posts
381
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Location
Deer Park, TX, USA
4/23/2014 10:10am
Ran my 02 at the track for the first time this weekend after putting it back together and noticed it was spitting quite a bit where the pipe and silencer meet. Didn't seem very bad at all out of the silencer. Any ideas? Jetting?
Socket946
Posts
2018
Joined
8/25/2013
Location
USA
4/23/2014 10:14am
BroFoSho wrote:
Is this Biff's bike? I've had a chance to ride some CR's ranging from 86 models to 07s. They are pretty fun bikes! If you get...
Is this Biff's bike?

I've had a chance to ride some CR's ranging from 86 models to 07s.
They are pretty fun bikes!
If you get it and desire more out of the bike talk to Short and he can tell you what to do. His 05 is a beast and a blast to ride (granted, you can't run pump fuel through that motor)
Not his. Bike is in the valley. I don't plan on pump, looking at either T4 or VPR, but NOT u4.4.

Plan on talking to short for sure. Smile
Big Lenny
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Compton, CA, USA
4/23/2014 10:22am
TX_187 wrote:
Ran my 02 at the track for the first time this weekend after putting it back together and noticed it was spitting quite a bit where...
Ran my 02 at the track for the first time this weekend after putting it back together and noticed it was spitting quite a bit where the pipe and silencer meet. Didn't seem very bad at all out of the silencer. Any ideas? Jetting?
I think that's normal, well not normal but I put a little sealant around mine and slid that grommet back in place and you can see where you can put 2 zip ties around it, just zip and clip and your troubles will be over...Wink
Socket946
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4/23/2014 10:47am
This board is amazing. Lots of great information here.
Carlos Z
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Phoenix, AZ, USA
4/23/2014 11:13am
JW381 wrote:
Sorry, couldn't help but post a pic of my '04 B) [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2014/04/20/51370/s1200_20140403_185216.jpg[/img]
Sorry, couldn't help but post a pic of my '04 Cool

Nicely done. Love it.

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