'01 vs '02 CR250

500guy · Aug 4, 2004

From what I have gathered so far the '01 had the "old" motor and the 2nd generation al frame versus the 3rd generation frame and new motor on the '02.

Any comparisions between the 2 would be greatly appreciated. I know 1st post and I am already posting likely in the wrong area...but at least I'm not asked a 2st vs 4st question :think:

john3_16 · Aug 4, 2004

The 02' feels much lighter...I'm not sure if it actually is lighter but it definitely feels lighter..

JTT · Aug 4, 2004

John is right, the "02 feels much lighter, but doesn't have a good a motor IMO

500guy · Aug 4, 2004

I bought it

Change in plans, I bought the '01 CR250, so now please tell me how much better the '01 is to help me justify it... :)

Mike's 2003 YZ250 · Aug 4, 2004

My friend has an 01 CR250 which he bought new. He has had very good luck with his and never had a problem with it. I have ridden it a few times as well a long time ago, its a nice bike and very powerful from what I remember. Good luck with it and have fun. :cool: Mike :)

Rcannon · Aug 4, 2004

I think the 01 had a far better engine.

Jumo 628 · Aug 4, 2004

Well... until it's untimely demise my 01 barked out great power. I rode my buddy's 02 and 03's and although the chassis and boingers were a mild gain, the motor never had the bottom grunt to really encourage me to upgrade. The 01's respond great to pipes, rad valves and especially the 265 kit.

They just have a better "grin" factor.. and isn't that what it's all about???

john3_16 · Aug 5, 2004

I've ridden both......I currently have an 03' CR250....I'd say the difference between the motors is just really fair to say that they're different....The 01' has a little more bottom while an 02' or 03' is a bit stronger on top and makes a bit more peak HP.....For the average rider, motorwise the 01' is easier to ride but in a flat out drag race an 02' or 03' will be a bit faster..

SpectraSVT · Aug 5, 2004

I've ridden both and I have pretty much the same impressions as everyone else. The ergos and ride comfort are better on the 02. The suspension is plusher. However, the lack of bottom with no hope for ever having it, bumps the 02 way below the 01 IMPO. I've ridden an 01 with a gnarly pipe and the bottom end is unreal and still has as much topend as my 03 YZ250. The bottom hits hard and has a slight drop off in the midrange then picks up again in the top end. Very impressive although a bit tiring due to the lack of rider comfort...suspension has midstroke harshness from hell. If the engines were closer, the nod would go to the 02 because of its great suspension but they are not so the 01 is my pick. Hope you like it too!

CR Swade · Aug 5, 2004

I've owned both and absolutely loved my 01. With that said, the 01 feels bigger, heavier and not near as plush as the 02. The 02 is a great handler and feels very light. The engine on the 02 is boring though. No real hit and it feels like you are not doing much until you notice the scenery blurring by. It has much better top end pull than the 01 did. Now the 01 had great low, w/ even better mid-range hit after the jetting was worked out. It was very fun to ride. To be fair to the 02, I just picked it up and have no idea what jetting is in it, but it seems to have the same rich, then lean condition as the 01. For woods, I look forward to more linear power and the lighter feeling chassis w/ the plush boingers. I say 02/03 for my work and the 01 engine for MX.

500guy · Aug 5, 2004

Much thanks for the input. I should be picking it up next weekend. It has a Bills pipe and the engine is stock. I am in northern CA and will be riding motocross (beginner to intermediate skill level) at around 500 ft elevation. Any jetting recommendations greatly appreciated. I also plan on taking the forks apart soon. Are the '01 and '02- forks the same? If so, any ideas on where to get shim stack info for the newer forks. Seems unanimous that the fork revalves (assuming that was it) made a significant difference. Sure I could send them off for revalve, but what fun would that be?

'01 vs '02 CR250

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