Posts
93
Joined
6/11/2016
Location
Phoenix, AZ, USA
CR 250 or RM 250?
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Only $10 for all 2026 SX, MX, and SMX series.
Not to complicate things more, but don't rule out a YZ either, I'm currently on one and its a great bike as well, comparable to the RM handling wise in my oppinion and parts are also cheap.
I have an 02 CR. I absolutely LOVE it. I think the engine runs fine, I put a PWK on it, with v-force. Bike handles good, you can make it look modern super easy, and Honda quality is top notch!
The Shop
DeCal Works Huge Plastic Inventory of UFO and Polisport kits.
Luxon 4-Post Bar Mounts
$189.95 - $239.95
The RM from '04 onwards is widely regarded as the best handling dirtbike on the planet (TBHDBOTP)
I love my 2006 CR but the RM is a great bike as well. I have not ridden the newest models of RM's but have ridden several older versions and they just never felt settled to me, corners like no other but a very busy bike. Some guys will love that and others not so much. Suzuki has a better stock motor but the honda has more potential and is easy to hop up and can be amazing in the hands of a good tuner. The Honda is a very good handling bike, very steady and predictable with proper suspension setup, mine never suprises me and does everything well. The suspension is a push, pretty good with either brand and all the suspension guys can dial these in to perfection. Honda has the edge in reliability I would say, Suzuki unfortunately has very expensive OEM parts but the aftermarket helps. I dont know, pick a color, if I found an immaculate CR or RM I would snap either one of them up in a second.
I've had an older rm125 and the build quality wasn't up to much. When I got the CR straight away you can see how much better it's put together
RM's can be had for cheaper and yes they do have expensive OEM parts. What it really comes down to is condition of the bike IMO.
best thing probably is price, im from spain and i bought mine for arround 1700$.
a friend of mine had a cr 250 2007 and sold it to buy a rm 250 because honda is more agressive motor.
i ride and i think bike is amazing but motor need some work to do.
Sorry for my english, im spanish.
I know nothing about the RM's. The CR handles pretty sweet
You're almost certainly going to have to go 50/50 on the race gas.
You're going to have to drill holes in your piston for the exhaust bridge. If the previous owner didn't do that, you might find you're missing nikasil on the jug.
The stock mikuni carb sucks huge. It's super sensitive for jetting in different weather conditions. Swapping it for the PWK is supposed to be a good fix but I couldn't be bothered with the hassle and expense.
The airbox design is a complete joke, and you're gonna have to take on an aftermarket fix if you want to sleep well at nite.
The rear brake master cylinder is tiny, gets hot and blows. I had to keep a master cylinder rebuild kit in my toolbox.
I'm still a 2stroke guy, and will never go back to a Honda for all those small hassles that add up.
Pit Row
What you're after (handling, cornering, HP, parts cost and availability)
What kind of riding you do
How much extra money you have to spend on upgrades or maintenance
How good you are at jetting (if you go red)
I have an 04 CR250. Its a little confusing at times as far as getting it to run the way I want, but it's my favorite bike I've ever owned hands down. Its cozy and handles great. From my understanding, cant go wrong with either.
That's what a clapped out one sounds like when you try to kickstart it.
My current fave! Ditch the mikuni for a pre-jetted PWK from JD jetting and you are set with one of the best bikes ever!
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