Posts
43
Joined
11/3/2018
Location
Globe, AZ
US
Edited Date/Time
7/27/2020 7:56pm
Looking at picking up a second bike fora little project/bike for buddies to ride. Options are a super clean 2012 yz125 looks close to brand new, 2001 cr250 looks Iike it’s taken care of for the most part, or an 07 rm250 which is also very clean. Here’s the catch though the Suzuki was rebuilt with a wiseco crank and I hear a lot of bad about them. Guy says it already has around 50 hours with the crank in it so it’s hard to say. Which would you choose and why?
The rm has 50+ hours on a rebuilt engine so it has what 200+ hours on the bike?
For 200€ of plastics+graphics+seat cover you can make it look sooo good.
The Shop
If it were for me to ride, my order would be RM, YZ, CR. If I am buying a used two-stroke more than a year or two old (unless it’s owned by someone I know), I’m looking for overall decent shape but assuming a full top to bottom engine rebuild and offering price accordingly. Two reasons. First, I don’t trust anyone’s work but mine. Second, I wouldn’t be able to ride it with a clear head not knowing it was fresh (since I’d know nothing about the time it was drowned in a creek, run with no oil in the gas and a quickie rebuild done, etc).
As far as the Honda, I know most people get wet in the shorts over the 01 CR250R (particularly the motor), but I personally think it’s one of the more overrated bikes in recent years. The much-bashed 02-07 is faster once the engine gets some basic mods and the chassis and suspension are better.
Just my .02. Flame away, lol...
Cheers Vital village.
Pit Row
YZ125's are still available and a dime a dozen. The clean CR/RM however isn't still in production, isn't dime a dozen, and will be something that will probably retain some value down the road.
You said it's a project bike... and sometimes friend bike. Build a project bike that's cool and different (not the YZ)
If you already have a yz250x i don't know why you would want a (older/worse) YZ.
And if your venturing into buying a bike that's that old, you'd have to expect to spend some money on it. If the rest of the bike is well looked after and doesn't need too much attention then rebuilding the motor is worth it.
If you like 125s then definitely just go with the YZ125, its the newest bike out of those 3 and the suspension is amazing on those yamahas too.
If you want a 250 and don’t mind spending a little to freshen it up then go with the RM and replace the crank and service the suspension. Don’t bother with the CR.
I had the 2004 RM250, and for what its worth, its a great bike, 2007 will be just as nice if you go that route. But make it fresh so that you can truly enjoy it if you go this route.
I u
125s are fun, especially the YZs. But your going to have to be more precise with your shifting. As long as you are ok with staying on your toes and being precise in order to make the most use of the motor then your going to enjoy it.
However, if you also want something to take out in the hills as well, and not just the track, then my personal preference would be a 250.
My bike is mostly a garage queen because of this.
A bike for your buddy’s, go with the YZ. Way easier locating parts.
That's if the RM isn't a time bomb. That is a really good 250...
But then again, everyone should have a 125 at some point, they are a blast to ride...can't go wrong with a newer yz125
You never mentioned price tho, that makes a big difference... unless i missed that somewhere?
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