Hey Newman and other vintage gurus...

DrSweden
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DrSweden
Edited Date/Time 1/27/2012 5:39am
As a lower of smokers, I was supposed to buy a newer YZ250 in addition to my 250F, but recently I feel an urge to start searching for a vintage thing to ride around on instead.

So my question here for you lads what bike would you suggest me to buy, and why?

I don't know if 125 or 250?

My demands are:

I want it to be "competitive", meaning I'm a B-rider and at one point the bike could be a factor, so old "crap" from the seventies are out of the question, and I might ride this bike on a regular basis. I also might consider to put on newer suspension parts on since my previous experience with vintage stuff was that old forks can be a nightmare to restore, and why go threw the trouble when you can via Ebay find a modern setup for shit money?

I hear good things about the CR250 from 86, but putting a new up-side down fork on that one would feels like a sin...

Well, I'm pretty clueless here, and I don't know what to search for. Maybe a CR pre aluminum is good enough. Not vintage, but old enough to fill the purpose to annoy people if ridden fast, and still modern in performance...
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UpTiTe 2/3/2011 8:45pm
2/3/2011 8:45pm
If you're a B rider and you want to be competetive against new bikes, don't get a vintage bike. If you're a B rider who wants a bike that will be competitive at Vintage races AND be fun and good to ride, 82 RM 125.
DrSweden
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DrSweden 2/3/2011 9:00pm
2/3/2011 9:00pm
UpTiTe wrote:
If you're a B rider and you want to be competetive against new bikes, don't get a vintage bike. If you're a B rider who wants...
If you're a B rider and you want to be competetive against new bikes, don't get a vintage bike. If you're a B rider who wants a bike that will be competitive at Vintage races AND be fun and good to ride, 82 RM 125.
Problem is that in Sweden, there's no such thing as vintage races. The sport is rudimentary...
FreshTopEnd
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FreshTopEnd 2/3/2011 10:14pm
2/3/2011 10:14pm
Get and 86 or 87 cr250. Why would you put upside down forks on it? Although RJ ran them off and on, so it wouldn't be that odd.

Or get a 92-96 CR250r
themrtoad
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themrtoad 2/4/2011 3:30am
2/4/2011 3:30am
DrSweden wrote:
As a lower of smokers, I was supposed to buy a newer YZ250 in addition to my 250F, but recently I feel an urge to start...
As a lower of smokers, I was supposed to buy a newer YZ250 in addition to my 250F, but recently I feel an urge to start searching for a vintage thing to ride around on instead.

So my question here for you lads what bike would you suggest me to buy, and why?

I don't know if 125 or 250?

My demands are:

I want it to be "competitive", meaning I'm a B-rider and at one point the bike could be a factor, so old "crap" from the seventies are out of the question, and I might ride this bike on a regular basis. I also might consider to put on newer suspension parts on since my previous experience with vintage stuff was that old forks can be a nightmare to restore, and why go threw the trouble when you can via Ebay find a modern setup for shit money?

I hear good things about the CR250 from 86, but putting a new up-side down fork on that one would feels like a sin...

Well, I'm pretty clueless here, and I don't know what to search for. Maybe a CR pre aluminum is good enough. Not vintage, but old enough to fill the purpose to annoy people if ridden fast, and still modern in performance...
Hello Doc,

Buy any CR125 from 1991-1997. They are absolutely a blast to ride. Good engine and a feels as light as a bmx.
I loved my 1997 CR125 and absolutely hated my 1998 CR125. I also really liked the 1999 RM250. If you installed a rearspring from 1998 the suspension was really good, and if you can find a bike with a good working clutch that's a keeper.

The Shop

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DrSweden
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DrSweden 2/4/2011 8:27am
2/4/2011 8:27am
Good input guys. Honda seems to be the right approach. I had an 91 CR125 some years ago, and it was pretty nice for the age.

I notice the CRs pre 96? have 18" rear wheel, is that something to keep or would the bike accept an 19" as in geometry and travel?
motogrady
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motogrady 2/4/2011 8:37am
2/4/2011 8:37am
Over here, most agree anything after 1974 is not considered Vintage.
6 inches travel in the front forks, 4 inches in the back max. Air cooled with drum brakes.

After that I think there's there's a few , Evo, PostVintage for the newer stuff.
neverwasfastenuf 2/4/2011 8:56am
2/4/2011 8:56am
UpTiTe wrote:
If you're a B rider and you want to be competetive against new bikes, don't get a vintage bike. If you're a B rider who wants...
If you're a B rider and you want to be competetive against new bikes, don't get a vintage bike. If you're a B rider who wants a bike that will be competitive at Vintage races AND be fun and good to ride, 82 RM 125.
The 1982 RM125z was not near as good as the 1981 RM125X. However if you are looking for a 250 the 1982 RM250 was the bomb.
newmann
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newmann 2/4/2011 9:07am
2/4/2011 9:07am
There are soooo many different bikes to choose from and they all have different personalities unlike the bikes today. Every year things were changing. Every year mfgs. were going their own separate ways trying to get ahead of the competition. What are your preferences for a bike, vintage(74 and earlier), post vintage/ evolution(75-81 air cooled ,drum brakes), ultima class(water cooling, linkage, drum brakes no power valves) or later disc brake bikes? Short travel, long travel? 100, 125,175,200,250,360, 400, 420, 440,450, 480 or 500cc? Too many choices!! I've got friends who are all about the CZ's, another who only rides Spanish stuff, others choose only Maico's. I've mostly got Honda's from 73-91 models.
neverwasfastenuf 2/4/2011 9:10am
2/4/2011 9:10am
newmann wrote:
There are soooo many different bikes to choose from and they all have different personalities unlike the bikes today. Every year things were changing. Every year...
There are soooo many different bikes to choose from and they all have different personalities unlike the bikes today. Every year things were changing. Every year mfgs. were going their own separate ways trying to get ahead of the competition. What are your preferences for a bike, vintage(74 and earlier), post vintage/ evolution(75-81 air cooled ,drum brakes), ultima class(water cooling, linkage, drum brakes no power valves) or later disc brake bikes? Short travel, long travel? 100, 125,175,200,250,360, 400, 420, 440,450, 480 or 500cc? Too many choices!! I've got friends who are all about the CZ's, another who only rides Spanish stuff, others choose only Maico's. I've mostly got Honda's from 73-91 models.
Hey newmann, can't remeber for sure was it the 85 CR 250 that had the killer strong yet smooth power from top to bottom?
burn1986
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burn1986 2/4/2011 9:38am
2/4/2011 9:38am
DrSweden wrote:
Good input guys. Honda seems to be the right approach. I had an 91 CR125 some years ago, and it was pretty nice for the age...
Good input guys. Honda seems to be the right approach. I had an 91 CR125 some years ago, and it was pretty nice for the age.

I notice the CRs pre 96? have 18" rear wheel, is that something to keep or would the bike accept an 19" as in geometry and travel?
I don't think the 18" rear matters (Honda went to the 19" in '95 I think), only looks a little fatter. I've had several mid 80s CRs (84, 85, 86, 87 cr125 and cr250, 87 cr500) and 93 cr125, 94 cr500. I liked the 86s the best, even though I thought the 84 cr125 had the best motor.
queen of spodes 2/4/2011 9:51am
2/4/2011 9:51am
burn1986 wrote:
I don't think the 18" rear matters (Honda went to the 19" in '95 I think), only looks a little fatter. I've had several mid 80s...
I don't think the 18" rear matters (Honda went to the 19" in '95 I think), only looks a little fatter. I've had several mid 80s CRs (84, 85, 86, 87 cr125 and cr250, 87 cr500) and 93 cr125, 94 cr500. I liked the 86s the best, even though I thought the 84 cr125 had the best motor.
Didn't Honda go with the '19 in 1989?
Bret
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Bret 2/4/2011 9:58am
2/4/2011 9:58am
Think back to when you were just getting into the sport. Think about the bike(s) you lusted after. Get one of those and you will have fun.
AZ35
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AZ35 2/4/2011 10:00am
2/4/2011 10:00am
81-82 RM125
82 RM250

86/87 CR125 or CR250

Can't go wrong with any of those choices. Great bikes and plenty of parts available.
Rocket Launcher 2/4/2011 10:07am
2/4/2011 10:07am
At first I thought this thread was about Paul Newman and the vintage Rolex Daytona he was famous for modding....sorry, wrong forum.
newmann
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newmann 2/4/2011 10:25am
2/4/2011 10:25am
neverwasfastenuf wrote:
Hey newmann, can't remeber for sure was it the 85 CR 250 that had the killer strong yet smooth power from top to bottom?
My 87 CR250 has some pretty smooth power, almost electric. Only thing I do not like about this bike(and a lot of the late 70's-80's)is the layed back handlebar mounts.



I'll sell you this sweet low hour 81 YZ465 for a lot less than it costs to restore a beater. Lots of power, 12 inches of travel and the best drum brakes you could get. The 81 models corner really well also. You could mix it up with modern bikes on this one.

Mxfreak_24
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Mxfreak_24 2/4/2011 10:35am
2/4/2011 10:35am
How much do you want for that 465 Newmann?
burn1986
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burn1986 2/4/2011 11:28am
2/4/2011 11:28am
Newmann, do you have a list of all the bikes you currently own. That 87 CR is totally sweet. How much for that one?
mosslander
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mosslander 2/4/2011 11:29am
2/4/2011 11:29am
Well brother ! I think 92 and forward cr250 is the best choise becouse of spares and parts are hard to get for the older ones

here in SWE but I am really weak for the new husky 144.

Pit Row

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burn1986
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burn1986 2/4/2011 11:38am
2/4/2011 11:38am Edited Date/Time 2/4/2011 11:43am
queen of spodes wrote:
Didn't Honda go with the '19 in 1989?
I'm pretty sure it was 95, but I'll have to check for sure. I know that 89 was the first year of the upside down forks for the 250 and 500, and apparently they were pretty bad.

I would have to agree with Mosslander on the CRs from 93 to 96 (and up to 97 for the 125).

Man, I could go on and on about bikes that I would recommend. I've had 2 suzukis - 91 RM250 and an 83? RM465. Both were some of the best bikes I've had. If I was going to buy a 250, it would be a suzuki. The 125 would be a Honda 86-97, or a KX 94-97.

Are you getting the Husky 144?
motogrady
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motogrady 2/4/2011 12:16pm
2/4/2011 12:16pm



Newman's right about this one.
newmann
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newmann 2/4/2011 12:29pm
2/4/2011 12:29pm
burn1986 wrote:
Newmann, do you have a list of all the bikes you currently own. That 87 CR is totally sweet. How much for that one?
The 87 CR came from the original owner in Houston. He took really good care of it and never thrashed it too hard. He had to get rid of some things when he got laid off after 18 years with the dealership he worked at. I cleaned up the water pump housing, new brake lines and put a new shock bumper on it, that's all. Pretty fun bike to ride, almost four stroke like power just without the farting noises. He made me a pretty fair deal knowing it was going to a good home! I'd almost feel guilty letting it go. As far as how many bikes, too many. I have about twelve I want to build and probably twelve that I need to let go of. Shit everywhere.....

Dr. Sweden, just get a few different ones. They all offer something different!

ATKpilot99
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ATKpilot99 2/4/2011 12:57pm
2/4/2011 12:57pm
burn1986 wrote:
Newmann, do you have a list of all the bikes you currently own. That 87 CR is totally sweet. How much for that one?
newmann wrote:
The 87 CR came from the original owner in Houston. He took really good care of it and never thrashed it too hard. He had to...
The 87 CR came from the original owner in Houston. He took really good care of it and never thrashed it too hard. He had to get rid of some things when he got laid off after 18 years with the dealership he worked at. I cleaned up the water pump housing, new brake lines and put a new shock bumper on it, that's all. Pretty fun bike to ride, almost four stroke like power just without the farting noises. He made me a pretty fair deal knowing it was going to a good home! I'd almost feel guilty letting it go. As far as how many bikes, too many. I have about twelve I want to build and probably twelve that I need to let go of. Shit everywhere.....

Dr. Sweden, just get a few different ones. They all offer something different!

Very nice stable you have there.
newmann
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newmann 2/4/2011 1:49pm
2/4/2011 1:49pm
Actually, the stable is a disorganized clusterph#%k. LOL Fortunately this was a while back! It's coming around now, plumbing is finished, electrical is done and drywall is going up.

neverwasfastenuf 2/4/2011 3:50pm
2/4/2011 3:50pm
newmann wrote:
Actually, the stable is a disorganized clusterph#%k. LOL Fortunately this was a while back! It's coming around now, plumbing is finished, electrical is done and drywall...
Actually, the stable is a disorganized clusterph#%k. LOL Fortunately this was a while back! It's coming around now, plumbing is finished, electrical is done and drywall is going up.

If you ever need to adopt someone let me know!
wow123
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wow123 2/4/2011 4:40pm
2/4/2011 4:40pm
hmmm be patriotic get a husky

my old 79 CR390 was a blast 4 stroke like power
couldn't turn tighter than a passenger ship though
bigborefan
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bigborefan 2/4/2011 5:40pm
2/4/2011 5:40pm
88/89 KX250 had one hell of a motor, and a pretty good chassis as well.

96 CR 250 was great, it worked for McGrath.
FreshTopEnd
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FreshTopEnd 2/4/2011 6:17pm
2/4/2011 6:17pm
newmann wrote:
The 87 CR came from the original owner in Houston. He took really good care of it and never thrashed it too hard. He had to...
The 87 CR came from the original owner in Houston. He took really good care of it and never thrashed it too hard. He had to get rid of some things when he got laid off after 18 years with the dealership he worked at. I cleaned up the water pump housing, new brake lines and put a new shock bumper on it, that's all. Pretty fun bike to ride, almost four stroke like power just without the farting noises. He made me a pretty fair deal knowing it was going to a good home! I'd almost feel guilty letting it go. As far as how many bikes, too many. I have about twelve I want to build and probably twelve that I need to let go of. Shit everywhere.....

Dr. Sweden, just get a few different ones. They all offer something different!

Now Joe, better let me know if you're considering letting the 87 go.

My engine came yesterday. Not quite as shiney as the picture looked. Couple of months to go I hope.
tydog
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tydog 2/5/2011 4:36am
2/5/2011 4:36am
Joe, seems that there is a pretty cool Suzuki missing from your pictures.
ThePipe
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ThePipe 2/5/2011 6:51am
2/5/2011 6:51am Edited Date/Time 2/5/2011 6:53am
Any Vintage 2 stroke is better than 4 stroke junk
machine
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machine 2/5/2011 6:53am
2/5/2011 6:53am
FreshTopEnd wrote:
Get and 86 or 87 cr250. Why would you put upside down forks on it? Although RJ ran them off and on, so it wouldn't be...
Get and 86 or 87 cr250. Why would you put upside down forks on it? Although RJ ran them off and on, so it wouldn't be that odd.

Or get a 92-96 CR250r
YEP

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