CR or YZ? Help me build a woods bike!

[woodsy]

Hi All - I am in the process of selecting a selecting 2 stroke MX bike to build up for woods use. I am currently looking at either a CR or YZ 250. I will be putting on a light kit for night use. Our area trails are of the everything type (tight, fire lanes, bad whoops, snow riding with screws ect...). I plan on making the bike street legal (meaning noise of 94 decible or less) for the purpose of maybe running Six Days of Michigan and other CCC events here in Michigan that require it...
I have been told that the YZ's are it in the suspension department - is this true?? How do they compare in the bottom end torque and midrange (are they comparable in delivery)? Which one corners the best in tight stuff (nimbleness)? I cant buy new so is there a particular year of either brand to steer clear of?? I have a habit of spending many hours in the woods - are either more comfortable for a 6'1" 214 pound man to spend hours on?? Which bike accepts woods riding mods easiest (larger tank, softer seat, lighting coil stator ect..)?
As always, all of your opinions are appreciated!!
Thanks
Woodsy

 

[Saratoga]

I have set up a 96 CR for enduros and my buddy set up his 01 YZ250. With that said I would recommend buying a bike already set up for enduros instead of changing a MXer You mentioned you cannot afford buying a new bike. Total up a tank, headlight, coil, flywheel, oring, sprockets, tires, steering dampner, bark busters, and suspension mods. Then compare that to a KTM or YZFE and you will find that for a limited budget a bike made for enduros is a good option. A used 96 or97 KTM 200EXC or 300EXC is ready to go. So is a 426 YZFE.

 

[stangmata23l]

Lots of people have set up MXers before for the woods but it has costs a lot of money. If you want to stay 2-stroke (which by the sounds of it you do) start off with like a RMX or KDX 250 and then Mod that out. They already have lights, the suspension is nice, they have the heavy weighted flywheel etc. Most even come with barkbusters. Add a pipe and silencer and maybe even do a little motor work and you'll have yourself a damn good woods bike. I love my RMX to death, and with my mods im running on the track with the MXers.

 

[tigerowner]

I agree, MX bikes also have a close ratio tranny wheres an enduro bike has wider ratios. Buy a used KTM exc, Suzuki RMX, Kawasaki KDX, or Husqvarna WR.

 

[DougRoost]

Yep. In fact the KTM 250 E/XC was on the cover of last month's Dirt Rider and was called the ultimate woods bike. Conclusion was financially it was also the way to go since KTM's already done the work for you and you're not paying to throw parts away. Wide ratio tranny, flywheel weight, larger fuel tank, spark arrestor, plusher suspension settings, 18" rear wheel, etc. are all there for you.

The other choices are also good but won't be as nice or fast as the KTM E/XC. And you can get it in 200, 250, 300 sizes (as well as 400 or 520 in 4 strokes). I'm personally getting a 200 E/XC since I love the 200 engine in the 125 chassis (I'm only 5'8").

 

[dirt bike dave]

I love my much modified '99 CR in the woods. It is well set up and very comfortable to ride all day (I am 6'0"). If you can find one that has already been converted for woods use, you will save some money, as a full conversion can get expensive.

If you tune the motor for low end and smooth power delivery, the tall first gear is very rarely a problem. The e-line lighting kit helps smooth the power and you get 2 x 100 watts of power.

I've owned dual sported KDX's and ridden KTM's, Gas Gas etc... and prefer the CR. The YZ is also supposed to make a good woods conversion - I think you could be very happy with either bike.

 

[woodsy]

Thanks everyone your opinions really help!!!
Woodsy