2002-2007 CR250? Love/Hate about it? Video/Write Up to follow...

ginger969
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Boise, ID US
12/7/2017 12:40pm Edited Date/Time 12/20/2017 7:18pm
Hey guys!

Post photos, opinions on what you LOVE or HATE about these bikes! I'm going to be getting another one and at a quick glance plan to LIKELY do the following; (this is why I'm asking you all)

- PC suspension/exhaust
- Varner Motor work
- Lectron or PWK Carb
- A60 hoops on stock hubs
- Rekluse Torque Drive Full Clutch
- Close to OEM graphics/plastics w/ updated front fender/plate

I will be doing a personal write up, video "VLOG" type thing on YouTube as well covering everything from the day I got it and riding it in "purchased" form all the way up to the final clean up and improvement along the way. I've ridden a handful of the new 18 bikes (250 & 450) so I'm interested to see how they all compare (if they compare at all) in regards to smiles, fun, performance and cost.

Here's a pic of my last CR 250 Build (which was a bit overdone, as I'd like to keep this one much more OEM looking)



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Donovan759
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Pittsburgh, PA US
12/7/2017 12:48pm
Incredible looking bike. I love everything about it.
Jmicmoto13
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Troutman, NC US
12/7/2017 12:51pm
Donovan759 wrote:
Incredible looking bike. I love everything about it.
X2. Holy smokes she’s a beaut.
jbrass715
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West Plains, MO US
12/7/2017 2:09pm
Have you considered trying Chad Watts carb mods to the tmx?

The Shop

js451
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AU
12/7/2017 2:27pm

I just got an '02 about a month ago. I'm just doing mainly cosmetics but thought I'd share a pic of updated number plate/fender. Went for the all red look



I ran into trouble with the swingarm pivot bolt when replacing the swingarm bearings. I CAN NOT get it out
js451
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12/7/2017 2:30pm Edited Date/Time 12/7/2017 2:34pm

Interested to see what way you go with graphics/plastics. I like making them pretty first Smile
ginger969
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Boise, ID US
12/7/2017 3:25pm
jbrass715 wrote:
Have you considered trying Chad Watts carb mods to the tmx?
I personally detest the TMX and will not work with it haha PWK and Lectron are plug n play with no "gimmicks" in my opinion
ginger969
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Boise, ID US
12/7/2017 3:26pm
js451 wrote:
[img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2017/12/07/230157/s1200_IMG_2551.jpg[/img] I just got an '02 about a month ago. I'm just doing mainly cosmetics but thought I'd share a pic of updated number plate/fender. Went...

I just got an '02 about a month ago. I'm just doing mainly cosmetics but thought I'd share a pic of updated number plate/fender. Went for the all red look



I ran into trouble with the swingarm pivot bolt when replacing the swingarm bearings. I CAN NOT get it out
Yours looks beautiful man good work! should have kept the original swingarm decal hahaha jk jk...

if you don't mind what'd you pick her up for cost wise? thanks!
Presley155
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Littleton, CO US
12/7/2017 3:51pm
js451 wrote:
[img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2017/12/07/230161/s1200_IMG_2722.jpg[/img] Interested to see what way you go with graphics/plastics. I like making them pretty first :)

Interested to see what way you go with graphics/plastics. I like making them pretty first Smile
How did you mount the updated front fender and number plate? What mods did you have to make?
Mx286
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481
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Owensboro, KY US
12/7/2017 3:56pm
Love the chassis. Worst thing about the bike is the power valve. PR2 head work, Keihn carb, runs pretty good.

xr70
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La crescenta, CA US
12/7/2017 4:14pm
I love the CR 02 and up but I hate reedcase motor and the Rc valve !
xr70
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La crescenta, CA US
12/7/2017 4:17pm

So I built this one 02 with 01 engine.

1
Jack_Mehoff
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Golden, CO US
Fantasy
59th
12/7/2017 4:33pm
Last gen cr250 with 13 front end=best looking mx bike ever imo
H4L
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CA US
12/7/2017 4:55pm Edited Date/Time 12/7/2017 4:56pm
No need for an engine transplant unless your putting a CR500 engine in the 02-07 3rd gen AF chassis. Had an 01 CR2 with mods & in comparison to an 03 with PC mods the case reed engine has a stronger broader powerband
I still own the 03 CR2 since I haven't found a better combo of chassis, suspension & engine.
After about 6 months of testing in 2005 with different set ups I settled on this combo..
PC Cyl / head mods
JD ign. PC programmed map to compliment engine port work
VF2 manifold
Doma full exhaust
VP C12
13/50 gear combo
Mikuni feels stronger mid-top vs. Keihin PWK
07 Showa CR2 FC B-kit installed in 2011
Previously had the 03 CR2 suspension done by PC in 2005. The 07 boingers are a notch above.
Bermworm
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CA
12/7/2017 5:21pm
Mx286 wrote:
Love the chassis. Worst thing about the bike is the power valve. PR2 head work, Keihn carb, runs pretty good. [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2017/12/07/230184/s1200_923E9071_7ADD_4138_B33A_68468C2E0125.jpg[/img]
Love the chassis. Worst thing about the bike is the power valve. PR2 head work, Keihn carb, runs pretty good.

Yes and yes and sweet.
vetmxr
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NE US
12/7/2017 7:11pm
I buy every one I find close to me if they're not roached and aren't more than 2 grand. They are a great bike and I believe in 10 or 15 years will be very valuable. I have 5 of em. I used to see them all day for 1500 bucks.....now its 2500 bucks and in a few years will be 10 thousand dollar bikes. For guys with money.

Except for my Rm, my cr gets rode more than my 4 strokes. But I ride for fun now more than speed. I'd be afraid to flog those bikes, they look so pretty, like garage queens.
ginger969
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Boise, ID US
12/7/2017 7:28pm
vetmxr wrote:
I buy every one I find close to me if they're not roached and aren't more than 2 grand. They are a great bike and I...
I buy every one I find close to me if they're not roached and aren't more than 2 grand. They are a great bike and I believe in 10 or 15 years will be very valuable. I have 5 of em. I used to see them all day for 1500 bucks.....now its 2500 bucks and in a few years will be 10 thousand dollar bikes. For guys with money.

Except for my Rm, my cr gets rode more than my 4 strokes. But I ride for fun now more than speed. I'd be afraid to flog those bikes, they look so pretty, like garage queens.
If you might like to sell any to a good project cause lemme know Smile or shoot me pics of your collection ha 408 313-2406 sounds pretty rad swoopin them up!
H4L
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12/7/2017 8:11pm
ginger969 wrote:
If you might like to sell any to a good project cause lemme know :) or shoot me pics of your collection ha 408 313-2406 sounds...
If you might like to sell any to a good project cause lemme know Smile or shoot me pics of your collection ha 408 313-2406 sounds pretty rad swoopin them up!
Also have an 06 with about 10 hrs. on it & an 07 with 0 hrs. since new on both. I'd sell for the right price. Send me a PM if your interested.
pummel
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Salem, OR US
Fantasy
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12/7/2017 10:53pm
Just curious why the post is 04-07- isn’t the 02- 07 virtually the same bike?
crc245
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Yorba Linda, CA US
12/7/2017 11:44pm
jbrass715 wrote:
Have you considered trying Chad Watts carb mods to the tmx?
ginger969 wrote:
I personally detest the TMX and will not work with it haha PWK and Lectron are plug n play with no "gimmicks" in my opinion
Have you spoken to Varner regarding his motorwork, carb mods, intake (VForce) mods, and recommended exhaust? May be a good option to save some coin and let him have a crack at it before going nuclear with the short body Keihin/Lectron swap.


Great project, by the way. Would love to see one done up proper to match the 18' Geico bikes and let test riders bounce from 250cc 2T to 4T...
js451
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AU
12/8/2017 2:06am
ginger969 wrote:
Yours looks beautiful man good work! should have kept the original swingarm decal hahaha jk jk... if you don't mind what'd you pick her up for...
Yours looks beautiful man good work! should have kept the original swingarm decal hahaha jk jk...

if you don't mind what'd you pick her up for cost wise? thanks!
Thanks mate, it cost me $2750 Aussie dollars. It didn't come like that it came with a spare front fender so I couldn't help myself and went uncle Ronnie style for a weekend Smile
js451
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AU
12/8/2017 2:23am
Presley155 wrote:
How did you mount the updated front fender and number plate? What mods did you have to make?
If you push the bottom of the number plate (polisport fender/number plate) hard up against the triple clamp(stock triples) the two plastic tabs slide right over and I just marked and drilled the holes and bolted it on. That made it really solid so I just zip tied the top but will prob attempt some plastic welding as there's two plastic tabs that can be bolted to the existing plate bolt hole. Kind of flukes it but happy with how it turned out because I've seen others with ugly gaps, this fits nicely and is solid.



js451
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12/8/2017 2:26am
Once I get these frigging bearings in I'll prob install some vforce reeds and get it tuned. Looking forward to your build mate!

js451
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12/8/2017 2:32am
And I'm going to paint the wheels black or get them powder coated
Lastander
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12/8/2017 3:13am









Love my -06, what i hate is guys that put newer plastics on them.

Suspension is untouched for 11 years so its starting to be a little nervous out on the track
1
H4L
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12/8/2017 6:45am
jbrass715 wrote:
Have you considered trying Chad Watts carb mods to the tmx?
Have you had this done ? I've been trying to reach Chad since the end of summer with no luck. I believe he's no longer in business.
bonseff
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Frisco, TX US
12/8/2017 7:39am


Loved my '03 but there came a time I didn't want to have to ride it like a 125 and rev it to the moon to hit areas of the track where my buddies were lugging their kx's and yz's. But it handled like a cadillac. That motor though, totally meant for fast amateurs and pros.

jbrass715
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West Plains, MO US
12/8/2017 8:14am
jbrass715 wrote:
Have you considered trying Chad Watts carb mods to the tmx?
H4L wrote:
Have you had this done ? I've been trying to reach Chad since the end of summer with no luck. I believe he's no longer in...
Have you had this done ? I've been trying to reach Chad since the end of summer with no luck. I believe he's no longer in business.
I was talking with him a while back about doing cylinder, head, and carb work. He talked about the pros back in the day trying the pwk and hating it. He said for MX there is no better way then a modded TMX. I know he was moving to a new shop a few months ago but since my injury my project is sidelined until later after surgery. But I have 2 02 bikes with TMX carbs and both run really really well. They have also been fairly simple on tuning which is great. I can read all day on how dreaded they are but mine have all been great.
H4L
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12/8/2017 2:38pm
jbrass715 wrote:
I was talking with him a while back about doing cylinder, head, and carb work. He talked about the pros back in the day trying the...
I was talking with him a while back about doing cylinder, head, and carb work. He talked about the pros back in the day trying the pwk and hating it. He said for MX there is no better way then a modded TMX. I know he was moving to a new shop a few months ago but since my injury my project is sidelined until later after surgery. But I have 2 02 bikes with TMX carbs and both run really really well. They have also been fairly simple on tuning which is great. I can read all day on how dreaded they are but mine have all been great.
I'm in the minority & prefer the mikuni tmx as well due to the extra power it provides in the mid-top vs. the Keihin PWK. The Keihin will provide better off idle throttle response in comparison so it's a bit of a trade off.

I talked to Chad in June about doing the mods to the Mikuni, but he was super busy with prepping bikes for LL's. He asked me to call him at the end of summer when things slowed down. Unfortunately I've been unable to get a hold of him. Thnxz..

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