Are older 2strokes bad?

MassMoto
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MassMoto 7/26/2018 10:05am
7/26/2018 10:05am
I have an 02 CR250. Thing still rips. It has newer plastics on it so that helps the looks of things. I feel as if people tend to appreciate the older 2 smokers and people who ride them too. Who cares what everyone else is riding as long as you get to ride!
1
queen of spodes 7/26/2018 11:47am
7/26/2018 11:47am
Kx125rider wrote:
They're obviously not better than new bikes but they're not insufficient either.
That was awesome. Please tell me there are more like this with other brands.
1
barnett468
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barnett468 7/26/2018 12:03pm
7/26/2018 12:03pm
My 1980 YZ250 goes way faster than I will ever be able to ride it.

5
crc245
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crc245 7/26/2018 12:03pm
7/26/2018 12:03pm
jamesdry wrote:
I feel like in the mx community these days everyone has the newest and best bike, making me feel like I myself need a newer bike...
I feel like in the mx community these days everyone has the newest and best bike, making me feel like I myself need a newer bike. Realistically are older bikes (early 2000’s) specifically 2strokes bad compared to new bikes. I have a 04 KTM 125SX and I kinda feel like the odd one out at the mx track as my bike is older however I had a strict budget when buying so I could not get the best and the most fancy bike. Just wondering what everyone else thinks about this.
1) Be happy you're at the track at all.
2) Learn to ride that 125sx proper and make it look like this the next plastics/graphics refresh, and you'll be the envy of every rider at your local spot:

3) Keep an eye on the PDS shock bolts.
4) Enjoy!
5

The Shop

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One-Hander
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One-Hander 7/26/2018 12:08pm
7/26/2018 12:08pm
Neville Bradshaw ran a 15 year old two stroke upfront against some of Europe's finest.

2
TJMX947
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TJMX947 7/26/2018 12:22pm
7/26/2018 12:22pm
crc245 wrote:
1) Be happy you're at the track at all. 2) Learn to ride that 125sx proper and make it look like this the next plastics/graphics refresh...
1) Be happy you're at the track at all.
2) Learn to ride that 125sx proper and make it look like this the next plastics/graphics refresh, and you'll be the envy of every rider at your local spot:

3) Keep an eye on the PDS shock bolts.
4) Enjoy!
KTM was ahead of their time when these bikes came out.

With all of the Cone Valve forks that have been purchased the last few years I would try to see if you could score a good set of AER forks to try to retrofit.
1
Bramlett321
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Bramlett321 7/26/2018 12:29pm
7/26/2018 12:29pm
TJMX947 wrote:
KTM was ahead of their time when these bikes came out. With all of the Cone Valve forks that have been purchased the last few years...
KTM was ahead of their time when these bikes came out.

With all of the Cone Valve forks that have been purchased the last few years I would try to see if you could score a good set of AER forks to try to retrofit.
That's not a bad idea at all right there. The only drawback to buying the older 2 strokes or any bike for that matter are the items that wear out after a very long time like bearing, brake cable, etc.....once you've replaced all those things you've essentially got yourself a new/old bike again.
1
gsxr6
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gsxr6 7/26/2018 1:25pm
7/26/2018 1:25pm
omalley wrote:
I was able to hold my own in 40+ B against 450’s on my 02 CR250R. I even nailed a couple decent starts. The difference to...
I was able to hold my own in 40+ B against 450’s on my 02 CR250R. I even nailed a couple decent starts.
The difference to me is that I have to be perfect on the 250, whereas on a 450 I could use power to mask mistakes. I can go faster on the new (KX) 450 with less effort, but it doesn’t mean I’m slow on the 250.

The more slippery the track the bigger the handicap because I’m searching for traction while they are driving forward.

As someone said above, passing guys on new bikes on something 16 years old is priceless.

I will add that in my opinion, some of the last two strokes (02-07 Honda’s etc) are the best handling bikes on the planet. I love my 250 in that regard.
Hoseclamp wrote:
My ride is an 02 cr250 and I also love the way it handles! I always tell my son its not the magic wand but the...
My ride is an 02 cr250 and I also love the way it handles! I always tell my son its not the magic wand but the magician holding it.
I too have a cherished 02cr250 and it is a woods weapon. Regularly hurt buddy's feelings on newer bikes on it. The magic handler lol like it better than my 14yzf450 and my 17crf450.
3
fins227
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fins227 7/26/2018 2:09pm
7/26/2018 2:09pm
Go to a vintage race those guys go fast.
1
Kx125rider 7/26/2018 2:21pm
7/26/2018 2:21pm
Kx125rider wrote:
They're obviously not better than new bikes but they're not insufficient either.
queen of spodes wrote:
That was awesome. Please tell me there are more like this with other brands.
I think theres only one other one and its only jarryd mcneil
1
jamesdry
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jamesdry 7/26/2018 2:51pm
7/26/2018 2:51pm
Just wanted to thank everyone for all the positive comments and help! Really appreciate it!
Braaaphole
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Braaaphole 7/26/2018 3:46pm
7/26/2018 3:46pm
jamesdry wrote:
I feel like in the mx community these days everyone has the newest and best bike, making me feel like I myself need a newer bike...
I feel like in the mx community these days everyone has the newest and best bike, making me feel like I myself need a newer bike. Realistically are older bikes (early 2000’s) specifically 2strokes bad compared to new bikes. I have a 04 KTM 125SX and I kinda feel like the odd one out at the mx track as my bike is older however I had a strict budget when buying so I could not get the best and the most fancy bike. Just wondering what everyone else thinks about this.
I don't care what anyone tells you. Look up and see what Jerry Robin did at Loretta's on a 1985 Honda CR250 against modern 4 strokes and decide for yourself if a 2004 bike is still capable or not. It'll make you feel a lot better about the bike you're riding.
Huey497
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Huey497 7/26/2018 5:20pm
7/26/2018 5:20pm
I just picked this thing up last night for $800. I can’t wait to get it all freshened up.

7
grimsy pro 7/26/2018 5:43pm
7/26/2018 5:43pm
I have a 2007 yz 250 and still out of my group is the fastest.everyone else has 2010+ 4 strokes One of whom has a 17 sxf 250. Ridden a mates 2011 yzf 250 and feel quicker on that but still have more fun on my yz.
1
BR8ES
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BR8ES 7/26/2018 5:44pm
7/26/2018 5:44pm
I almost always have the latest, etc.... but love seeing the old iron and people enjoying what they have to ride. No offense taken when I get passed either, happy as hell for them.
don'tknowwhy
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don'tknowwhy 7/26/2018 7:01pm
7/26/2018 7:01pm
Huey497 wrote:
I just picked this thing up last night for $800. I can’t wait to get it all freshened up. [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2018/07/26/277124/s1200_DA2BD917_0685_42D1_9E34_09B81990EA21.jpg[/img]
I just picked this thing up last night for $800. I can’t wait to get it all freshened up.

That, I'm sure I don't need to tell you, is a tremendous deal!!! Congratulations!!! Have you been looking for very long or did you get lucky and spot this the first few minutes it was posted? Enjoy!
jeffro503
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jeffro503 7/26/2018 7:10pm
7/26/2018 7:10pm
I will say....in a longer 20 - 25min long Moto.....I was faster on my 06' RM 250 , then I was on my 16' KX450. I could just ride it harder , longer.
1

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Mx746
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Mx746 7/26/2018 7:20pm
7/26/2018 7:20pm Edited Date/Time 7/26/2018 7:20pm
If Honda still supported the 02-07cr I’d have one on the stand
Huey497
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Huey497 7/26/2018 7:21pm
7/26/2018 7:21pm
Huey497 wrote:
I just picked this thing up last night for $800. I can’t wait to get it all freshened up. [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2018/07/26/277124/s1200_DA2BD917_0685_42D1_9E34_09B81990EA21.jpg[/img]
I just picked this thing up last night for $800. I can’t wait to get it all freshened up.

don'tknowwhy wrote:
That, I'm sure I don't need to tell you, is a tremendous deal!!! Congratulations!!! Have you been looking for very long or did you get lucky...
That, I'm sure I don't need to tell you, is a tremendous deal!!! Congratulations!!! Have you been looking for very long or did you get lucky and spot this the first few minutes it was posted? Enjoy!
My buddy works for a farmer who bought it new. I think it’s a 2003. It was ridden around the farm a little bit and has been sitting in the garage for the past couple years. So I got pretty lucky I guess!
2
don'tknowwhy
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don'tknowwhy 7/26/2018 8:40pm
7/26/2018 8:40pm
Huey497 wrote:
I just picked this thing up last night for $800. I can’t wait to get it all freshened up. [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2018/07/26/277124/s1200_DA2BD917_0685_42D1_9E34_09B81990EA21.jpg[/img]
I just picked this thing up last night for $800. I can’t wait to get it all freshened up.

don'tknowwhy wrote:
That, I'm sure I don't need to tell you, is a tremendous deal!!! Congratulations!!! Have you been looking for very long or did you get lucky...
That, I'm sure I don't need to tell you, is a tremendous deal!!! Congratulations!!! Have you been looking for very long or did you get lucky and spot this the first few minutes it was posted? Enjoy!
Huey497 wrote:
My buddy works for a farmer who bought it new. I think it’s a 2003. It was ridden around the farm a little bit and has...
My buddy works for a farmer who bought it new. I think it’s a 2003. It was ridden around the farm a little bit and has been sitting in the garage for the past couple years. So I got pretty lucky I guess!
Good for you. Enjoy!
Phillip_Lamb
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Phillip_Lamb 7/26/2018 9:35pm
7/26/2018 9:35pm
jamesdry wrote:
I feel like in the mx community these days everyone has the newest and best bike, making me feel like I myself need a newer bike...
I feel like in the mx community these days everyone has the newest and best bike, making me feel like I myself need a newer bike. Realistically are older bikes (early 2000’s) specifically 2strokes bad compared to new bikes. I have a 04 KTM 125SX and I kinda feel like the odd one out at the mx track as my bike is older however I had a strict budget when buying so I could not get the best and the most fancy bike. Just wondering what everyone else thinks about this.
Your 2004 make look old but i guarantee its still one of the fastest 125s. When KTM switch to a linkage they had to redesign the air box which restricted space and consequently air flow. In 2008 the 125 on MXA's dyno pushed 37/38 hp wheras the 2011 only reached 34.

plus ive seen guys in pro classes show up on a 2001 cr250 and smoke guys on 450s. Heck the yz250 is just a rehashed 2006 model
1
jamesdry
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jamesdry 7/26/2018 10:40pm
7/26/2018 10:40pm
jamesdry wrote:
I feel like in the mx community these days everyone has the newest and best bike, making me feel like I myself need a newer bike...
I feel like in the mx community these days everyone has the newest and best bike, making me feel like I myself need a newer bike. Realistically are older bikes (early 2000’s) specifically 2strokes bad compared to new bikes. I have a 04 KTM 125SX and I kinda feel like the odd one out at the mx track as my bike is older however I had a strict budget when buying so I could not get the best and the most fancy bike. Just wondering what everyone else thinks about this.
Phillip_Lamb wrote:
Your 2004 make look old but i guarantee its still one of the fastest 125s. When KTM switch to a linkage they had to redesign the...
Your 2004 make look old but i guarantee its still one of the fastest 125s. When KTM switch to a linkage they had to redesign the air box which restricted space and consequently air flow. In 2008 the 125 on MXA's dyno pushed 37/38 hp wheras the 2011 only reached 34.

plus ive seen guys in pro classes show up on a 2001 cr250 and smoke guys on 450s. Heck the yz250 is just a rehashed 2006 model
Thanks for the info, ill just ride and as long as im happy everything is will be good! this is what she looks like now:
2
BT747
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BT747 7/26/2018 10:53pm
7/26/2018 10:53pm
Great bikes. Still relevant today
mattyhamz2 7/26/2018 11:27pm
7/26/2018 11:27pm
Who cares how new your bike is? As long as you have a bike and are having fun riding it, that’s all that matters. Don’t get caught up in keeping up with the jones’s. 3/4 of those guys in new bikes, with new gear and the best suspension available to the public wouldn’t be any slower on your bike.

I sold my 14 yz450 in April to pick up an 05 YZ250 and it’s the best decision I’ve made so far with bikes. I’ve only ridden it twice, but I’ve had so much more fun those two times than I ever did on my 450.
3
jamesdry
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jamesdry 7/27/2018 1:39am
7/27/2018 1:39am
mattyhamz2 wrote:
Who cares how new your bike is? As long as you have a bike and are having fun riding it, that’s all that matters. Don’t get...
Who cares how new your bike is? As long as you have a bike and are having fun riding it, that’s all that matters. Don’t get caught up in keeping up with the jones’s. 3/4 of those guys in new bikes, with new gear and the best suspension available to the public wouldn’t be any slower on your bike.

I sold my 14 yz450 in April to pick up an 05 YZ250 and it’s the best decision I’ve made so far with bikes. I’ve only ridden it twice, but I’ve had so much more fun those two times than I ever did on my 450.
nice!
1stSSPZ
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1stSSPZ 7/27/2018 5:23am
7/27/2018 5:23am
They are all competitive in the vet classes! The older the rider, the more competitive thay are, lol! I am holding off the kids in the Over-30 class on my 04 RM250 (about to turn 62!)
3
Steve125
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Steve125 7/27/2018 6:00am
7/27/2018 6:00am
My newest bike is a 12 year old 2006 RM250. I'm having more fun than I ever did on the modern KX450F I had.
But I have even more fun on my Dinosaurs down below in the lower pic.
Don't feel like the odd man out on your bike, Classics are way cool.


2
TJMX947
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TJMX947 7/27/2018 6:00am
7/27/2018 6:00am
jamesdry wrote:
I feel like in the mx community these days everyone has the newest and best bike, making me feel like I myself need a newer bike...
I feel like in the mx community these days everyone has the newest and best bike, making me feel like I myself need a newer bike. Realistically are older bikes (early 2000’s) specifically 2strokes bad compared to new bikes. I have a 04 KTM 125SX and I kinda feel like the odd one out at the mx track as my bike is older however I had a strict budget when buying so I could not get the best and the most fancy bike. Just wondering what everyone else thinks about this.
Phillip_Lamb wrote:
Your 2004 make look old but i guarantee its still one of the fastest 125s. When KTM switch to a linkage they had to redesign the...
Your 2004 make look old but i guarantee its still one of the fastest 125s. When KTM switch to a linkage they had to redesign the air box which restricted space and consequently air flow. In 2008 the 125 on MXA's dyno pushed 37/38 hp wheras the 2011 only reached 34.

plus ive seen guys in pro classes show up on a 2001 cr250 and smoke guys on 450s. Heck the yz250 is just a rehashed 2006 model
jamesdry wrote:
Thanks for the info, ill just ride and as long as im happy everything is will be good! this is what she looks like now: [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2018/07/26/277154/s1200_IMG_7281.jpg[/img]
Thanks for the info, ill just ride and as long as im happy everything is will be good! this is what she looks like now:
That is a clean ass 14 year old bike my friend!

To be completely honest if this was my bike I would make sure my bearings/suspension is fresh. Set your sag (seek a competent tuner if you can't get the numbers, not sure how that PDS stuff works). Make sure the wheels turn true. Ride the wheels off it.

If you had money burning a hole in your pocket:

1) Wheel rebuild/cerokote hubs - $600
2) FMF Factory fatty/silencer - $350
3) Find someone to make a replica of those factory Red Bull KTM graphics from this era.
mx43
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mx43 7/27/2018 6:27am
7/27/2018 6:27am
jamesdry wrote:
I feel like in the mx community these days everyone has the newest and best bike, making me feel like I myself need a newer bike...
I feel like in the mx community these days everyone has the newest and best bike, making me feel like I myself need a newer bike. Realistically are older bikes (early 2000’s) specifically 2strokes bad compared to new bikes. I have a 04 KTM 125SX and I kinda feel like the odd one out at the mx track as my bike is older however I had a strict budget when buying so I could not get the best and the most fancy bike. Just wondering what everyone else thinks about this.
Sorry don’t take this this the wrong way. This is a ridiculous question.
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