Well, I bought my girlfriend a 1998 cr125, and have been riding it as well until we could afford a second. I have ridden 250's side by side with the 125 and like the available power (that can also get you in trouble quicker).
But since I don't know much about the brands (reliability, aftermarket support, ease of maintenance, etc), I just wanted to ask how a 2000 suzuki rm250 would compare to another brand, like a comparable honda cr or yamaha yz? (all 2 strokes)
I found a great deal on one, and hope to be upgrading from the 125 I've been riding on, but was curious if it would be the best choice. Keep in mind the major reason I am looking at this specific bike is price (I can get it cheap!)
Just for the hell of it, I though I would include this just in case it helps...
1) your physical size (both height and weight are important)
5'11", 160 lb, lean, in shape
2) How physical / aggressive are you?
I snowboard and ride a street bike on a local track. I understand risk. I would say on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being psychotic, I am a 5-6
3) what do you plan to ride- MX/SX tracks, woods, fields with friends or ?????
I plan to ride on the local trails (New Mexico, plenty of open dirt trails, washes, hills, w/ the intermittent jumps) with my friends and girlfriend
4) Do you have any riding experience?
Been street riding a year, have had dirt bike experience as a youth riding a friends bike, feel comfortable with the mechanics, could definitely work on technique
5) Do you think you will race ?
Nope, racing street bikes will be expensive enough...
6) Are you mechanically inclined and will you be doing your own bike work?
I can learn to do pretty much anything; I work on my other bike, never done engine work (a 2 stroke could be a good learning experience)
7) Do YOU have a preferance to a brand/ motor choice (2 or 4 stroke)?
I have a CR 125 (got a good deal), I have a suzuki motorcycle, so I like honda and suzuki I guess :)
I honestly don't know much about 4 stroke dirt bikes.
8) Do you have a dealer close by your home that you might use and what brand(s) does he carry?
No dealers for me.
9) How much do you plan to spend on a bike?
Weekends (Sat and Sun), and the occasional weekday afternoon
10) Do you live in California?
For a while, but not anymore :)
11) anything else that you think would help form an opinion
Not that I can think of.