02 CR80 vs 03 RM85

I own an RM85L, and they are really good bikes. I would get the RM, they are extremely trustable, durable, and very fun play-around bikes. My whole top end has about 35 hours on it, and it is still kickin! overall I think you should get the RM.

The RM is a power valve engine the CR is not. This basically means the RM will be easier for a less experienced rider to control. We had a CR85 and it was a great bike but not for a beginner level rider in stock form! We ended up going with an Eric Gorr built & ported 102cc, flywheel weight, etc... which made the bike even more of a beast without the flywheel and very usable in an aggressive way with it installed. The RM is a good solid bike that has won races and will have more usable power in the lower to mid RPM range.

IMO a beginner level rider on a RM85 will be faster than the same rider on the CR85 until the rider becomes more agressive. By then the way kids grow you'll be looking for a 125 class bike.