Vintage Dirt Bike Q & A

I thinking about purchasing another bike I prefer a 250. What year would this forum recommend. I'm thinking about a "79" only because, from what I've read/seen, there seems to be quite a few around. I've seen all different conditions from good to roaches. It seems as though most the major parts needed to rebuild/repair seem to be available. This is something I plan to do over the winter months. If I buy something, it will be a "I can't pass it up type of deal". So what I'm wondering is if you were to purchase another bike what year would you recommend. I'm not looking for a showroom restoration, but just a fun reliable bike to ride.

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74 CR250M, bought new in 74, still stock, except for the new 36mm Carb, and proform exhaust.

If you are looking for a reasonable "restoration" project the Honda CR250R 1979 is a great choice. OEM parts are still mostly available, and there is a lot of stuff from Red Racer, Vintage Elsinores and the like. Prices seem to vary from $600-$1,200 depending on condition. If you pick up something with stock shocks factor in replacing them with something after-market. Works performance are about $300. BTW the 1978 is nearly identical to the 1979, but you see less of them for sale. The 1980 has a better frame, but they changed the power curve of the engine to be more torquey.

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Michael Stiles
1979 Honda CR250R Elsinore | 2006 Husqvarna SM510R | 2007 Service Honda CR500R-AF

If I had to pick three CR250's that everyone should consider owning, I'd pick the '73-'74 CR250M, the '78-'79 CR250R, and the '83 CR250R. That pretty much covers the period of time from the dawn of MX enlightenment to the dawn of modern MX. All three bikes are a blast to ride. The '83 handles the best for obvious reasons and comes on like a modern bike, but the styling of the '78-'79 is awesome. The '78-'79 has the most parts available for it from reproduction houses, but you can still get a lot for the '83 from Honda. Pistons and stuff are available for both bikes from Wiseco, seat covers for both from Ceet and others. Either bike will put a grin on your face that will be hard to wipe off!

I agree with the above posters. A 1979 Cr 250 with minor modifications can be a blast to own and ride. I have owned or previously owned 10 78-80 CR 250's. Buy the most decent one you can find and afford though. Be very wary of the cheap $400 bike that only needs a little for it will need a lot. (bearings, seals, rings etc.)