I’m having a tough time deciding what to do. Here is the situation:
I’m 28 years old, 5’11” and 190lbs. I’ve been riding off and on (mostly off) for several years. My first bike was a 1983 CR250 money pit, and I’ve had three 125s since then. I have one good summer of racing experience in the beginner class on my last bike, a 2002 CR125. I had lots of fun, posted some decent results for me (no wins, but several “podiums”), and improved a lot that summer. I got burnt out, though, sold my bike and “retired” early in the summer of 2004. I recently came out of retirement (I love the sport and just can’t quit) and bought a 1997 CR250 from the original owner. The bike has been very well cared for, is in excellent condition, and came loads of aftermarket parts and accessories. Some of these aftermarket parts included a fresh 300cc kit (with no exhaust valve) and a Gnarly pipe. The power is very strong and abrupt down low and is hard to control. I really don’t like the power delivery at all. A dealer that I trust told me that converting it back to a 250 would help greatly in this area, and suggested I find parts on that auction site to make the conversion. I have the stock bore cylinder (with exhaust valve assembly) and head, but I figure only the exhaust valve is salvageable. I’ve found the new parts from other outlets for about $500. Also, the suspension is sprung very stiff and needs to be resprung and revalved for me. I figured this would cost an additional $500. So, that’s $1000 I need to spend on this bike.
My friends that I ride with all ride 125s/250fs, so my CR250 isn’t in their class (we could run the age-group class together, but I’m still in a no-win situation). Maybe this is just my experience talking, but I feel much more comfortable and confident on a 125/250f class machine, and I’m considering selling or trading the CR250 and going back to that class. I have ridden my CR250 some, my friends YZ250F a lot, and borrowed a CRF450 for a week-long MX camp. I have the most fun and feel the best on the 125. If I were to switch back, I believe I’d go for either the 2006 YZ125 or 125SX. I’m rather large for a 125/250f, and with my size I’d be at even a greater disadvantage on the 125 versus the 250fs, but really I’m in this sport to have fun and mix it up with my buddies. Besides, I don’t know how much the power difference would really make at the local beginner/C class level. I would need to have the 125 resprung and revalved for me, so that is another $500 on top of the price difference.
At this point, I’m inclined to switch back to the 125.
So, here are the questions: If you were me, what would you do? Would you spend the $1000 on the older bike that you might or might not like or get used to after it was done, or would you spend $3500-$4000 on the new bike that you felt better on now? If you were to choose the 125, would you choose the Yamaha (possible better suspension and handling) or the KTM (better motor)?
Any answers, advice, or direction you can offer would be greatly appreciated!
I’m 28 years old, 5’11” and 190lbs. I’ve been riding off and on (mostly off) for several years. My first bike was a 1983 CR250 money pit, and I’ve had three 125s since then. I have one good summer of racing experience in the beginner class on my last bike, a 2002 CR125. I had lots of fun, posted some decent results for me (no wins, but several “podiums”), and improved a lot that summer. I got burnt out, though, sold my bike and “retired” early in the summer of 2004. I recently came out of retirement (I love the sport and just can’t quit) and bought a 1997 CR250 from the original owner. The bike has been very well cared for, is in excellent condition, and came loads of aftermarket parts and accessories. Some of these aftermarket parts included a fresh 300cc kit (with no exhaust valve) and a Gnarly pipe. The power is very strong and abrupt down low and is hard to control. I really don’t like the power delivery at all. A dealer that I trust told me that converting it back to a 250 would help greatly in this area, and suggested I find parts on that auction site to make the conversion. I have the stock bore cylinder (with exhaust valve assembly) and head, but I figure only the exhaust valve is salvageable. I’ve found the new parts from other outlets for about $500. Also, the suspension is sprung very stiff and needs to be resprung and revalved for me. I figured this would cost an additional $500. So, that’s $1000 I need to spend on this bike.
My friends that I ride with all ride 125s/250fs, so my CR250 isn’t in their class (we could run the age-group class together, but I’m still in a no-win situation). Maybe this is just my experience talking, but I feel much more comfortable and confident on a 125/250f class machine, and I’m considering selling or trading the CR250 and going back to that class. I have ridden my CR250 some, my friends YZ250F a lot, and borrowed a CRF450 for a week-long MX camp. I have the most fun and feel the best on the 125. If I were to switch back, I believe I’d go for either the 2006 YZ125 or 125SX. I’m rather large for a 125/250f, and with my size I’d be at even a greater disadvantage on the 125 versus the 250fs, but really I’m in this sport to have fun and mix it up with my buddies. Besides, I don’t know how much the power difference would really make at the local beginner/C class level. I would need to have the 125 resprung and revalved for me, so that is another $500 on top of the price difference.
At this point, I’m inclined to switch back to the 125.
So, here are the questions: If you were me, what would you do? Would you spend the $1000 on the older bike that you might or might not like or get used to after it was done, or would you spend $3500-$4000 on the new bike that you felt better on now? If you were to choose the 125, would you choose the Yamaha (possible better suspension and handling) or the KTM (better motor)?
Any answers, advice, or direction you can offer would be greatly appreciated!
