2003 CR250 observations

[Faded]

Originally posted by whitesands26
if he's that much lighter than you and you're still able to pull a taller gear...The bottom end power deficit is NOT that much different...

Spectra, is the gearing on both bikes the same? I doubt it, maybe that's where the difference is...

 

[SpectraSVT]

I think stock for CR is 14 48 correct? My YZ has 14 50. But he changed his rear sprocket to a 50 tooth for more pull out of corners. So gearing is the same.

 

[SpectraSVT]

Whitesands...I was a pretty slow when I bought my YZ so I was intimidated by what everyone said about the YZF450. And the CRF450 is too small. I burned a hole in my riding pants while sitting and melted pants sticking to your legs is not the best feeling. Knees hung too low.

 

[Faded]

Originally posted by SpectraSVT
I think stock for CR is 14 48 correct? My YZ has 14 50. But he changed his rear sprocket to a 50 tooth for more pull out of corners. So gearing is the same.

Stock is 13/48 = 3.69
Your Buddy's 13/50 = 3.85
Your 14/50 =3.57

Are you sure your running a 14/50?

 

[motometal]

lots of variables here, folks. May be an apples to oranges comparison. Don't forget potential differences in internal gearing, and suspension, rear tire, etc.

Kind of a useless debate, really. It all comes down to how you ride the bike, and some bikes fit some people better than others. I've owned and ridden a lot of 250s, and can honestly say in comparison this bike rips. Low end is nice to have, and this bike has "some", but more importantly, that arm stretching midrange hit is just a clutch lever tweak away!

 

[Studboy]

The YZ250 does have 14/50 stock gearing. But I'm sure that the internal gear ratios are different.

 

[strublized]

I have an 02 CR250 and it also has a rattle noise. It sounds like the noise is coming from the RC valve to me. I also believe that the RC valve is proportional. I have not had any problems with the bike and like a lot. I still have the stock gearing and would like to try a 50 rear sprocket next time I replace the chain and sprockets. I also have the Eric Gorr Mo-Better mod done and it has made a great improvement. Jetting seems to make the largest difference these days for me. I would also like to try a DEP pipe some day, but the stocker is probably as good as any.

Have fun,
Matt

 

[motometal]

what main jet are you running?  I'm still running a 400 with Sunoco 110 (non-oxygenated).Pretty sure I could go leaner yet, especially on a humid summer day.

 

[Milk]

Motopuffs is fast on that CR250!! :)

 

[markthomps]

Amen on the "some bikes work better for some people" comment. Have a fast buddy who switched last year from a KX on which he could do no wrong, to a new '02 CR, properly set up. He just could not ride the CR the way he's used to riding, never mind that I thought it had great power and better handling than my '00 CR250. But at least I no longer had to worry about him coming past me during a race anymore (I nail the starts and then manage to work my way backwards; he's the opposite). So he traded in the CR and got an '03 YZ250. Now he's back to his old speed (damn). I should've tried harder to convince him to keep the CR.

 

[2-stroke diehard]

I'm a beginner and it wasn't enough bike for me. I would say its a PERFECT beginner bike. Motor doesn't have any hit at all so its easy to keep the rear wheel from breaking loose.

LOL your bike had problems. A good running '03 CR250R will sling a beginner off the back! My bike with PC Works pipe/UNI filter is violently strong in the midrange, great top end too, although the low end is little soft. I bought the bike slightly used and the previous owner did a great job of rejetting it. I am going to be adding the RAD3 soon to help out low end a bit though. If I still want a little more down low, I may get a 9 or 11 ounce flywheel, although I love the MX personality of the bike and don't want to lose that. (I am going to get some kind of enduro bike for woodsy riding).

The handling/braking are awesome, the bike feels light as a feather, and I never feel like I need more power. Just a little more throttle response down low, and I consider the bike finished. I will have mine for many years. :aj: But no doubt I will add some more late model 2-strokes to my collection as they start becoming cheaper and cheaper, especially if I get a chance to pick up a KTM300 2-stroke, which already has an enduro powerband and is better in the woods than any converted MXer would ever be.