Crf 250r vs Cr 125

[honda400-4-ever]

Which one is better for sand flats and trails of all kinds?? What are the Pros and Cons of both bikes. Im 6 foot, 14 yrs old, and 160 lbs. Also what are the best years of the both. I also want to buy one used.

[LTR450_#67]

2 smoke pros: Cheaper rebuild, less maintenance and lighter....simple

Cons: Have to pre-mix fuel (not really a con to me), not as much torque.

4stroke pros: More usable power, gas n go

Cons: Heavier, expensive rebuilds, can be hard to start when it's hot an ya stall it.....more maintenance

I don't know bikes that well but what I have above is what I hear most often about each.

[honda400-4-ever]

whats the extra maintenance u have to do to a 4 stroke than a 2 stroke??

[rbgnwa45]

4-stroke

Every 16-20 hours or atleast when your bike starts sputtering & backfireing (maybe), take apart the head and shimmy the valves with like, a mirror, and some valve clearance tools, or something. It'll take 1-2 hours. Cam chain might be auto or need adjustment but not as often. There's not a whole lot else. Regular filter clean, oils changed. Sweet.

The pro's and con's depend on where you ride. If you ride on mountainous mofos, you'll want the engine braking, maybe, I'd rather be in control of braking and use roll so that I use less gas. If you plan on doing lots of jumps and don't want to remember to keep the engine revving in the air, buy a 2-stroke. Con's of a 2-stroke are oil mixing only. They should have offered oil injection so you could fuel up a few times at gas stations and whatnot, on the last years 2-strokes. It takes minutes to mix, the hassle is having to walk around Canadian Tire to get it, it's about $7 for 1 litre here. You might even spend less on 2st oil/fuel than on 4st oil changes. In a mag I read they totalled a years cost for a 250 2-st vs a 450, the 250 was cheaper by $2000 or something. For salt flats you'll want a 4-stroke. There is a lot of wind in those deserts, aren't there? You'll probably want more weight, like a streetbike (+gas mileage), just so you can go 100+ without getting knocked over from wind. I don't know if the lower COG on a 250 will compensate. I've also noticed on a lot of 2-st's that if you keep the rev's at about 4000rpm and not move the throttle, revs still build. On 4-st's they just stay still until it's told what to do. CR125's are underpowered after maybe 2001. If you plan on getting heavier (180lbs), buy a 250 2-st. It'll be cheaper.

[KXRida]

Originally posted by rbgnwa45
4-stroke

Every 16-20 hours or atleast when your bike starts sputtering & backfireing (maybe), take apart the head and shimmy the valves with like, a mirror, and some valve clearance tools, or something. It'll take 1-2 hours. Cam chain might be auto or need adjustment but not as often. There's not a whole lot else. Regular filter clean, oils changed. Sweet.

The pro's and con's depend on where you ride. If you ride on mountainous mofos, you'll want the engine braking, maybe, I'd rather be in control of braking and use roll so that I use less gas. If you plan on doing lots of jumps and don't want to remember to keep the engine revving in the air, buy a 2-stroke. Con's of a 2-stroke are oil mixing only. They should have offered oil injection so you could fuel up a few times at gas stations and whatnot, on the last years 2-strokes. It takes minutes to mix, the hassle is having to walk around Canadian Tire to get it, it's about $7 for 1 litre here. You might even spend less on 2st oil/fuel than on 4st oil changes. In a mag I read they totalled a years cost for a 250 2-st vs a 450, the 250 was cheaper by $2000 or something. For salt flats you'll want a 4-stroke. There is a lot of wind in those deserts, aren't there? You'll probably want more weight, like a streetbike (+gas mileage), just so you can go 100+ without getting knocked over from wind. I don't know if the lower COG on a 250 will compensate. I've also noticed on a lot of 2-st's that if you keep the rev's at about 4000rpm and not move the throttle, revs still build. On 4-st's they just stay still until it's told what to do. CR125's are underpowered after maybe 2001. If you plan on getting heavier (180lbs), buy a 250 2-st. It'll be cheaper.

You're supposed to check valves at 20 hours and shim if needed. Doesn't nessicarily mean they are going to need shimmed, but if you're planning on getting a crf the first thing I'd buy for it is a set of kibblewhite valves and a new head. You check your valves with feeler gauges. Mirrors?!?!?! I don't think so. Yes, regular filter changes (oil and air) are need, but shouldn't every bike get those?

In 2002 the cr125 received a newer "updated" motor. In it's class it was the least powerful motor compared to it's other counterparts. I will say I am a fan of honda's overall fit and finish on their bikes. Good suspension, handling, etc. Honestly if you were to buy a 125 I would recommend the yz or sx. If possible look for 05+ on both of them. The yz has to be one of, if not the best overall 125. Don't get me wrong, the other 125's are great bikes, but the yz takes the cake for me. I've owned them all. The rm was a good bike as well. Has to be ridden very aggressively though. The motor's are all top end and you can just about turn on a dime with the rm's.

Now to the 250f's which I'm currently on. Great bikes. I can't really say anything too bad about them. The power is there compared to a 125, easier to ride, can still be ridden just as aggressive as a 125, but if your just cruising along you don't have a clutch you hand off like a 125. If you're thinking about doing any racing, you'd probably want to look into a 250f or a 250 2t.

Yes, it "may" be a little more expensive you own a 4 stroke, but that's part of the game. The key to it is pro active maintainence. Replace it before it goes. It's easier to replace a set of valves, springs, and a cam chain instead of an entire motor. For the record, I can get an oe 13.5 piston and all gaskets for less than a top end kit for any of my 125's.

[reptikes]

The power difference is night and day! CRF250R for the win here.

[UNBROKEN]

125 in the sand will not last long . you will have to pin it to keep it going , a 250f will be better but will still be very hard on that bike which is already high maitence , if u plan on riding in the sand alot a 450 is what u want and ure big enough for a 450 so why not get a 450 ???

why not a xr650r???

[gcart2]

Originally posted by SmitTank789
why not a xr650r???

why not a cbr1000r:macho

[hondariderdylan]

Originally posted by SmitTank789
why not a xr650r???

please tell me your kidding:p

im not talkin bout supercross.......xr650r are good for desert racing.....

[UNBROKEN]

xr650r there big and very heavy not as good for trail riding , go 450

[hondariderdylan]

Originally posted by SmitTank789
im not talkin bout supercross.......xr650r are good for desert racing.....

he is asking about a 125 or a 250:rolleyes:

ya i know that im jus saying the xr would be a good desert bike and if hes lookin at a bike for desert and trail,the crf450x and crf 250x would be good

[416exfreak]

Originally posted by SmitTank789
ya i know that im jus saying the xr would be a good desert bike and if hes lookin at a bike for desert and trail,the crf450x and crf 250x would be good

Holy chit!!!

Some knowledge!

Congrats Smit! Keep it up. Your showing that you have a brain finally.

Originally posted by 416exfreak
Holy chit!!!

Some knowledge!

Congrats Smit! Keep it up. Your showing that you have a brain finally. thanks man ive been readin alot!

[rbgnwa45]

Mirrors so you can see what you're doing. I don't know what shimmying valves means, I've never done it.

"For the record, I can get an oe 13.5 piston and all gaskets for less than a top end kit for any of my 125's."

Probably because noones buying 125 top ends anymore :o . OE as in stock?

I do agree that if you ride 80% desert and sand, get a CR500 or an XR650. There's nothing wrong with those pigs unless you can't pick them up. If you even think weight will be a problem, get a 250 2st, that might even be a little heavy at 220ish. If you're worried about having too much power, get a KTM 200, kdx220, etc. Those are even lighter. If you are 6-foot, 14, and 160, being 14 and 160 don't really matter. You're 6 feet tall, and can ride anything.

[SRH]

cost of a used 01 cr 125 = 1200 2 top ends per 1 season= $300


cost of a 05 crf 250 used =2500 , 1 head or seats etc and a top end $600-1200

would james stewart beat your *** on a rm 80? probaly.... get the cr 125 and improve your riding

[SRH]

oh if you ride desert, pick up a used cr 500 93 and newer, there rideable, fast , fun , the older ones are beasts

[KXRida]

Originally posted by rbgnwa45
Mirrors so you can see what you're doing. I don't know what shimmying valves means, I've never done it.

"For the record, I can get an oe 13.5 piston and all gaskets for less than a top end kit for any of my 125's."

Probably because noones buying 125 top ends anymore :o . OE as in stock?

I do agree that if you ride 80% desert and sand, get a CR500 or an XR650. There's nothing wrong with those pigs unless you can't pick them up. If you even think weight will be a problem, get a 250 2st, that might even be a little heavy at 220ish. If you're worried about having too much power, get a KTM 200, kdx220, etc. Those are even lighter. If you are 6-foot, 14, and 160, being 14 and 160 don't really matter. You're 6 feet tall, and can ride anything.

The ktm 200's are great bikes. I had a 200sx and a 250sx. Powerwise there wasn't much difference so if you're looking for a more tamed down trail bike, I'd get the kdx (which I've also owned lol). I've owned quite a few bikes and if you're strictly hitting trails, get a kdx or a ktm exc. You will not beat those two bikes in the woods.

Yah the oem 13.5 piston for my yzf is $77. Not bad. Add in c clips, all gaskets and a bearing it comes to just under $100.

Keep in mind a bike is only as reliable as the rider. Yes freak accidents happen. Could they have prevented with the proper maintainence? In most cases, yes


Originally posted by SmitTank789
why not a xr650r???

The difference between an xr and an crf is night and day. I've ridden a few xr650's and would never take them anywhere near a wooded area. Desert... maybe

[JForestZ34]

I've been riding ATV's for a while and they all have been 4-strokes... I also had a rm250 but I sold it because I was just so used to riding quads I couldn't get used to riding the bike.. I should have gave it more time.. That thing ripped, I should have kept it.. Pre-mix isn't that big of a deal mix before you leave your house and bring plenty of mixed gas with you.. Maintenance wise I never did anything to the RM but that could just be because I didn't keep it that long...


For trail riding a 2-stroke is okay but your clutching the hell out of it.. They are more for open space riding or racing on a track..

I like 4-strokes because you can putt around all day and it's not a problem.. I could ride my 400ex ALL day without any problems... The only thing it didn't really like to much was sitting idling on a hot summer day..

Pick the one that suits you better that you would like to ride...


James

[SRH]

Originally posted by hondarider11
james stewart will beat anyones *** here on a stock crf50 buddy.

You can't look at the way this guy did kids. Get the bike you feel comfortable on and the bike that replaced the 125 not the 125. You will be much happier on a 250f. I got a cr250 and I am kicking myself after I rode a yz250f.

well ive ridden crf 250s, yzf 250s and ive owned a few cr 125s and a rm 125 w/ a 167 and i would rather ride the 2 strokes especially in the cost and ease of maintenence department

if you do decide to go with a 250f i wouldnt touch the honda or a kawi with a 10 ft pole...id get the yamaha

[Honda400exrox]

Originally posted by hondarider11
james stewart will beat anyones *** here on a stock crf50 buddy.

You can't look at the way this guy did kids. Get the bike you feel comfortable on and the bike that replaced the 125 not the 125. You will be much happier on a 250f. I got a cr250 and I am kicking myself after I rode a yz250f.

you must not be able to ride a 2 stroke or something? i got a cr250 and am glad i skipped the 125/250f stage they are both gutless bikes you gotta be bouncin them off the rev limiter to get the tiniest bit of power......its like riding a dead dog man....and to the thread creator....get a 250 2 smoke or a 450 then you will really like bikes.....just dont go balls out the first ride and you will be fine...some sallies will tell you that your gunna get hurt....every one told me that....just ride with a brain....best choice i ever made gettin a big bike....look at it this way, if your ridin in sand with something that already has no balls, and sand robs a lot of power then your basically gunna have no fun, or if your ridin in sand with something with some nuts it will be fun

[Honda400exrox]

Originally posted by hondarider11
james stewart will beat anyones *** here on a stock crf50 buddy.

You can't look at the way this guy did kids. Get the bike you feel comfortable on and the bike that replaced the 125 not the 125. You will be much happier on a 250f. I got a cr250 and I am kicking myself after I rode a yz250f.

you must not know how to ride a dirtbike at all then

to the topic creator....if your that big a 125/250f is guna seem real small get a big boy bike dont look back haha

[reptikes]

Originally posted by Honda400exrox
you must not know how to ride a dirtbike at all then

to the topic creator....if your that big a 125/250f is guna seem real small get a big boy bike dont look back haha

Thats just funny :p , i'm 180-185 lbs and i get more usable power out of the CRF250R or 450r than i do my buddies 01' cr250r (frest top & bottom end). Im used to that instant power when i just slightly jerk the throttle, i dont get that with the 250r. His 250r was powerfull untill i rode the 4-strokes. Thats my honest opinion.

[justin1022]

you shuodl get a 2003 for ranger there great in the sand and are cheap on gas

[buck440]

01 and up cr250r? why not:confused:

[CSR400EX]

Originally posted by reptikes
Thats just funny :p , i'm 180-185 lbs and i get more usable power out of the CRF250R or 450r than i do my buddies 01' cr250r (frest top & bottom end). Im used to that instant power when i just slightly jerk the throttle, i dont get that with the 250r. His 250r was powerfull untill i rode the 4-strokes. Thats my honest opinion.

x2. i owned a 97 CR250R just before i got my CRF450 and i can say that its way easier to ride the 450 than the 250. i have also rode a 250f and can actually ride harder on it compared to my 450. but if it was me, get a 250F, especially if its your first dirt bike

[KXRida]

Originally posted by Honda400exrox
you must not be able to ride a 2 stroke or something? i got a cr250 and am glad i skipped the 125/250f stage they are both gutless bikes you gotta be bouncin them off the rev limiter to get the tiniest bit of power......its like riding a dead dog man....and to the thread creator....get a 250 2 smoke or a 450 then you will really like bikes.....just dont go balls out the first ride and you will be fine...some sallies will tell you that your gunna get hurt....every one told me that....just ride with a brain....best choice i ever made gettin a big bike....look at it this way, if your ridin in sand with something that already has no balls, and sand robs a lot of power then your basically gunna have no fun, or if your ridin in sand with something with some nuts it will be fun

Funny that the 250f's are so underpowered. I race with 250 2t's and still somehow end up beating them... :rolleyes:

[UNBROKEN]

Originally posted by KXRida
Funny that the 250f's are so underpowered. I race with 250 2t's and still somehow end up beating them... :rolleyes:

thats because u know can ride ure bike to its full potential and they cant , but u already know that

[KXRida]

Originally posted by UNBROKEN
thats because u know can ride ure bike to its full potential and they cant , but u already know that

my point exactly... I'm slightly faster on my 250f than a 250 2t. I will say on muddy days where I need some extra power I'm a hell of a lot faster on 2t.