2001 RM250 vs. 2001 CR250....

[Micahdawg]

I might be able to purchase either one of these bikes for $2000. What I don't know is if either person will go under the $2000 mark.

Anyway, I know very little about either bike other than general info. Can any of you offer impressions of these bikes? I think the RM will have less riding time so it may be in a little better condition, but both bikes have been maintained very well.

Also, I'm a taller rider, so if anyone knows which one is roomier?

Micah

 

[500guy]

I had the '01 CR250 and have a '03 RM250, but don't have any time on a '01 RM250. I would buy condition alone, with a preference toward the CR. That year RM did not fare well in the engine department. $2K is a fair price but not a steal, so take your time and buy the best condition bike or walk away....lots of great deals out there if you are patient.

 

[jonesy]

I have an 01 rm250, and this thing has alot of motor. One of my riding buddies had an 01 cr250, it was a nice bike as well, although it didn't have as much jam. Both are reliable bikes, given proper maint. The RM has a very abrupt power delivery, so it can be a bit of a handful on tight trails. Both are fairly roomy, comfortable bikes. If you aren't sure, just go with whatever you like the looks of better.

 

[Studboy]

Go with the bike that is in better condition and feels the most comfortable to you.

 

[Micahdawg]

Thanks for the replys. For the RM I have heard rumors of the 01 engine not being so hot. But does anyone know what exactly makes it undesirable? Is there some fancy power valve set up or something? Because it seems like when I talk to actual owners they seem to agree that the bike is very fast with a very abrupt power band.

Micah

 

[ETS]

I have a 01' rm250 and a riding bud has a 01' CR250. Two completely different animals. The RM motor is a hyper run and gun but runs out quickly on the top end. The CR is alot more mellow and pulls steady all the way to the top end. I'm quicker, he's faster. I prefer the RM in the woods because it is a much quicker handling motorcycle. The CR feels kinda like a pig. Has a lot smoother pull over a longer period but I prefer the quickness and sharper hit. I haven't compared the two on a track the RM will still outhandle the CR but the CR's motor is easier to set up for jumps. The 01' to 05' RM's handle so quick you either love it or hate it.

 

[Micahdawg]

ETS, is there a major gearing difference between the CR and RM you are referencing. I bought my 97 Rm250 from a friend who purchased a new 2001 CR250 (this is the CR I could buy). I rode it several years ago when he jsut got it and agree with you....it didn't feel faster. The smooth transition in power felt "Blah" to me. Whereas my RM250 was a torque monster and way up on the fun factor, but I know it would have lost bad in a top end race. And it's not that my RM was so bad on top...the CR was just better.

I can see the CR being an easier bike to ride, and the speed will help on the jumps (a big plus to me, cause my RM was hard to get speed up for jumps). However, the other 95% of the time I'm woods riding, crossing creeks, climbing hills, etc... DO you think that an increase in gearing for the CR would help out significantly (like a 51-53 tooth rear).

I'm sure both would be fine, but I'm already unskilled enough at jumping that I probably don't want a hard bike to jump for the 5% of the time that I attempt a motocross track.

Micah

 

[ETS]

I would rather have the RM for the 95% tight trails and crossings and such because it seems to go where you put it. I would live with a little extra throttle control or running a gear higher than normal on a mx track. My RM doesn't have any trouble getting the speed up for a jump, in fact it will do it instantly out of a corner, just stab the clutch and it will rocket. The CR was slower and more linear out of a corner and you could hit the jump face with steady throttle and know it wasn't gonna loop out. Once you learn control on the takeoffs then the RM is great. I'm probably a little biased but the CR just doesn't fit my style and I'm tired of Honda riders that believe the honda is the best machine bar none. I've owned a few hondas and they haven't been any better than the kawi or suzuki's I've owned. In fact two out of four honda's I've owned have had stator problems. Anyway, It all depends on your riding preference. Cut and thrust or roll the power with more stability. The RM will reward you if your aggressive and be a handful if your not.

 

[MXSparx]

and its ALLOY not alley. :bang: