250T Two Stroke Advice

I just got a 2005 KX250, great bike.

I can compare my 03 CR250, with my neighbor's 05 YZ250.

His is stock except for a S/A, big tank, different bars,and aftermarket pegs (Ti doesn't hold up well to impacts from rocks).
My CR has a Keihen carb, 07 base gasket, PC pipe and FMF S/A, bars, forks revalved for me. It also has many, many more hours on it than his bike (which is still on the stock piston).

The YZ feels lighter, more willing to change direction, and feels more compact. The CR is more stable, on straightaways and in corners. The YZ drops into the corner better, the CR holds it's line better.

Front suspension of the YZ is more supple, absorbs the bumps better. Rear suspension is fine on both.

YZ is snappier, and has better low-end power. The CR has a harder hit, and makes more top-end. Midrange is a wash. The YZ's motor is a little bit smoother, with slightly less vibration. In a drag race, I win. For trail riding, his is easier to predict, but neither are slow.

Working on the CR sucks, as the perimeter frame is always in the way.

If you're a die-hard Honda fan, the CR has tremendous potential. Excellent chassis, and with the right port work it makes huge power, or can be smoothed out. But- it's not there out of the box.

The only brand that has the potential of the YZ is KTM. They're the only ones that can easily be converted over to wide-ratio transmissions using factory parts. Both can be made into 300cc machines, both have huge aftermarket followings.

Of those choices, without a doubt either of the 05's. They were both great bikes in all areas. Couldn't go wrong with either. If you are looking for a good handling bike I'd stay away from the 07 kx.

Everybody is brand bias, myself included. Its human nature. I for one am a Kawi fan and have prefered them almost always against any of the other brands year to year since the late 80's. I have an 07 KX250 but have only ridden it about 10 or 15 min. to break it in prior to having surgery. My impressions was that this thing handles pretty sweet and I can't wait to ride it. I aired it out a little as well and the suspension for stock felt as good as some revalves I've had. I'm going to run the suspention stock for a little while just to see exactly what changes I want in a revalve. I can't say for sure but my first impression of the 07 KX was that it seems like it is going to be awsome.

You said these are usd bikes you are looking at. Can you take a spin on them?

Bought an 03 cr 250 in the crate in 2007.

Move the clip up two notches, buy a pc shorty silencer and a 50 tooth rear sprocket.
I recently bought a works pipe but don't like it. Silencer with stock pipe and 50 rear is the ticket. Motor isn't as smooth as my 02 yz 250 but does everything else worlds better and the thing is bombproof. Personally I'd do the blue or red and I"d do the red again in an instant.

I absolutly loved my 05 yz250 when I had it. the thing would turn under pretty much any other bike out there, had really good "air manners" and was an absolute rocketship. I definatly wouldnt have any second thoughts about buying another if my ankle would let me.

While we are talking about 2003 CR250's...does anyone have the MXA test on that model & year that I can take a look at?

Take this for what it's worth as I am a professional practice rider, but I quite like my 03 CR250. I wish I could ride a new(er) YZ250 to compare power but overall my Honda has served me well.

The guy above who said to go 50T on the rear is right, I went 49T and it is still geared kinda high for the woods riding we do and the tracks we ride. One thing I was surprised at was the improvement in throttle response from a Boyesen Exhaust Flange - it was quite noticeable and worth $75 for sure.

I put stiffer springs front/rear, X-ring chain & new sprockets and the thing runs along just fine.

(Just my $0.02)

I would buy the best conditioned bike.

I own an 05 RM250 and I love it for what it is. A hard hitting awesome handling bike. I have a powernow inlet wing V force 3 reeds stock expansion chamber with an FMF turbine core silencer and Mike Weisner suspension front and rear. It hits hard in the middle and revs to the moon and it turns better than any bike out there. That being said the YZ250 with the aluninum frame is a great bike. Handling is very neutral and the engine is flat out amazing. It pulls hard over an incredibly wide RPM range and pulls over the top nicely. It's not nearly as agressive as the RM though. The suspension is excellent bone stock. Buy either the RM or the YZ. You can ride the YZ bone stock and love it but if you are willing to spend a little on fine tuning the RM I think it ends up being a better bike.

I am not that brand biased. I have owned all the jap brands and races a KTM once and thought it was fast as hell but handled a little odd.

I would go for the '05 YZ250 myself. I had one and it was a fantastic bike. I loved that thing. My current ride? A 2006 RM250. I liked the Yamaha more. Just my opinion...

As long as its a two stroke any brand will work

Do yourself a favor and get a stock 05 or 06 YZ250. The late model YZ250's are the best two stroke 250's ever built. Avoid modified bikes like the plague, especially big bores.

i have a 2003 Honda CR250R bought new in 2003. no trouble or problems. my bike is fully modified. and can hold its line with a 450. i beaten alot of 450 riders. so i see no problem beating 250F riders.