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My review of the 99 CRM250 AR

Discussion in 'Honda 250cc 2 Strokes' started by KICKERMAN360, Mar 22, 2016.

  1. KICKERMAN360

    KICKERMAN360 Well-Known Member

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    So I bought this bike, a 1999 CRM250 AR quite a few years ago. It was a project from the onset as it came with the wrong swingarm (as I later found out) and in a few pieces, namely the rear shock, air box and linkages removed due to the fact the geometry of the swingarm was incorrect. I never rode it until last weekend though because I had other dirt bikes but this weekend, only the CRM was running.

    A common problem is seizing of the swingarm which would explain why the swingarm was getting replaced but why it was replaced by one from a 1989 CRM250 (as deduced by the "Pro Link" stickers) is a mystery. Anyway, I easily sourced a replacement from Japan with linkages and bearings that came with it were in good condition (saving money there). The bike has the oil pump removed too so it was premix.

    IMG_2174.JPG
    The beast in it's final form (after the ride).

    The Ride: Killarney
    The Good:
    It was a good bike for the trip. Whilt all my mates complained that their arses felt like various objects had entered, the ever-comfy CRM proved to be the most luxurious bike of the trip with many people trying out the seat. Also, the fact it was a 17 year old motorcycle meant I had no problem laying it over for another scuff although it didn't appear to sustain any new ones at all. The bark busters I attached was probably what helped the most too. The power of the engine is quite interesting too. I never stalled the bike on the whole trip, although there was a close time when climbing a hill. Pumping the clutch helped but generally, the bike could easily tractor up the hill at a slow speed and do fine. It would kickstart relatively easily, but when flooded it was a pain to restart requiring at least 20 kicks with the fuel off. For an older bike, the suspension was pretty nice. Not as nice as new trail bikes, but much much better than the suspension on your typical motocross bike.

    The Bad:
    The bike's power delivery, while interesting, consumes the energy of the rider. It is hard to ride it fast as the throttle caters very much to low speeds. I never really got out of 1st or 2nd gear since there is much less power outside the power-band, but plenty of torque. It was possible to keep up with my mates on 450s but I generally let them go as I'd catch up at the bottlenecks on the course. It was great through technical and slow stuff though as the bike's power and throttle was perfect for it. Also, I found myself sometimes struggling to hit the rear brake or shifter entirely, and sometimes the pegs too as the stock pegs are quite narrow. Not uncomfortable with my Astars Tech7s, but a little small for my liking. I found the rear brake to be rather useless for the most part but I wasn't sure if the disc was too worn or the caliper was just in need of a rebuild. It appears to be the same as an older CR125 caliper so I'm sure with a freshen up it would be great.

    Other notes:
    The tyres were the ones that came with the bike. So in addition to being at least (and probably much older than) 2 years old, they were slightly worn. The leading edges were rounded which wasn't the best for such a challenging ride. But the traction of the bike at low speed helped there.

    2048_56f0103d42530.JPG

    The hill was much steeper (look at the clouds) but the CRM had no trouble maintaining traction and keep the bike moving. My foot was off to help with balance.

    tl;dr; The CRM250 is a good bike. Possibly the best value for money motorcycle at this event as a skilled rider could easily keep up with a brand new KTM. I don't really do enduro riding so blitzing the course definitely was something I wasn't doing, opting to make it out in one piece. But there were times where it could pick up serious speed. I would recommend one to anyone on a budget, but if you can't see yourself kickstarting a flooded bike when you inevitably fall, opt for one with electric start and maybe FI (so a 4 stroke). The (in many ways) most advanced 2 stroke production Honda ever made sure is an interesting bike though. It should find a new home shortly but it was a bike with plenty of character. Many people thought it was a great bike, actually, and my friend want me to keep it as they claim it's the only one that works! And right now, as far as offroad bikes go, they're kinda right!
     
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  2. Mclaren

    Mclaren Well-Known Member Contributing Member

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    Funny one has popped up in qld I was looking at and wondering what like as I never heard much of them more of a rmx250 fan
     
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  3. Mclaren

    Mclaren Well-Known Member Contributing Member

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  4. KICKERMAN360

    KICKERMAN360 Well-Known Member

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    I saw that build actually! He did an amazing job with it. Honestly, my plan was to buy a really decrepit pre-98 CR125 and modify the frame of the CRM to accept the tank and plastics because new plastics for the CRM is impossible to find. Really nice bike but I have enough trouble finding NSR parts! Plus, someone wants to buy it so off to a new home.
     
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  5. Mclaren

    Mclaren Well-Known Member Contributing Member

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    If it was rego I would buy few in qld atm so might go try them looking at Ktm exc250 2t but really like the crm and rmx
     
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  6. KICKERMAN360

    KICKERMAN360 Well-Known Member

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    Yeah, it's a shame Honda really doesn't have any decent enduro bikes. The CRF-Xs are so old now. I would be surprised if anyone buys them new. The CRM is probably the last proper enduro bike with some technology invested in it. The RMX is nice too but possibly outdated. I haven't really heard anything bad about them though. Seems like the 90s were the time where manufacturers went a bit crazy with bikes and ideas.
     
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  7. Mclaren

    Mclaren Well-Known Member Contributing Member

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    The best era in my opinion
     
  8. KICKERMAN360

    KICKERMAN360 Well-Known Member

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    And sold! For $500 more than I paid for it too. The buyer seemed pretty stoked although I did deliver it to him (on the way somewhere).
     
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  9. Patrick wood

    Patrick wood Member

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    Well maybe I should have offered less money cause the pgm shat itself a week later haha nah I still love it after cleaning the jets and changing sprocket along with cleaning the carbon off the power valves it runs much better and has a lot higher top end speed it does 150 plus with ease. So thanks for the great bike mate I am stoked
     
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