PRINT this listing2004 HONDA CRF 250R DIRT BIKE RUNS GOOD LOW RESERVE!!!Harold Zeigler Ford Lincoln2525 Bypass RoadElkhart, Indiana 46514Call Us Today!(888) 829-1453Ask Us A QuestionYear: 2004Type: Off-roadVIN: JH2ME10314M001361Mileage: 111Title Status: ClearCondition: UsedEngine: 250 CCInspection: NoneExterior Color: RedStock Number: --Body Style: DIRT BIKEFor Sale By: DealerSub Model: CRF 250RWarranty: Vehicle does NOT have an existing warrantyMake: HondaModel: CRFVehicle Description2004 HONDA CRF 250RDIRT BIKELOW RESERVE!!!MUST GO!THIS 2004 HONDA DIRT BIKE WAS TAKEN IN ON TRADE AT OUR DEALERSHIP. THIS BIKE IS IN DECENT SHAPE AND RUNS GOOD. WOULD MAKE A GOOD TOY FOR SOMEONE. WE HAVE SET THIS A T A LOW RESERVE IN ORDER TO JUST MOVE IT. PLEASE CALL TRAVIS DAVIDSON AT 574-312-1127 WITH ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE. I CAN ARRAINGE SHIPPING AT THE BUYERS EXPENSE IF THIS IS REQUIRED. WE DO REQUIRE A $500 DEPOSIT WITHIN 24 HOURS OF PURCHASE AND THE REMAINING BALANCE AT CLOSE OF SALE. THERE IS NO WARRANTY ON THIS BIKE. GOOD LUCK AND HAPPY BIDDING! Big Red's Little MotomonsterEvery year, one or more classes of motorcycles vault to center stage. While tarmac terrorizers are experiencing a new wave of open-class sportbikes, in the moto world, 2004 is undoubtedly the year of the 250cc mini-Thumper. New challengers from Honda and a dual-badged Kawasaki/Suzuki are looking to lay waste to Yamaha's revamped YZ250F, which has enjoyed three seasons as the only mid-sized Thumper on the moto block. Honda's much anticipated CRF250R broke cover in this country more than a year ago and won its debut moto during last year's all-Japan national motocross series, where Team Honda's Ernesto Fonseca beat YZ250F-mounted Chad Reed, no less. Finally, the Red Riders are unleashing the CRF250R to regular moto Joes.Sure, Honda's 250cc four-stroke may be late to the party, but is well dressed for the bash and comes with lots of personality. Although it shares some architecture with the CRF450R, the tiny, jewel-like, 52.7-pound 249cc engine was not developed in tandem with its bigger sibling. In fact, CRF250R development started after CRF450 development ended. Nonetheless, the 250 showcases the latest Thumper design-think. It follows the 450's lead in featuring a compact, weight-saving single-overhead-cam design. Its bump stick directly actuates a pair of titanium intake valves and a forked rocker arm to open steel exhaust valves. A forged, 12.9:1, slipper-style piston does its business inside a Nikasil-lined cylinder. A flat-slide, 37mm Keihin with a throttle-position sensor takes care of mixing chores. Lightweight and efficient, a twin-sump lubrication system, which has its pump built into the vertically split cases, has separate oil supplies for the power-producing components (crankshaft, piston and valve train) and the power delivery components (clutch and 5-speed transmission). More important from an everyday standpoint are the CRF's internal, auto-decompression system that makes for simple kick starting, a gear-driven counterbalancer to quell the little Thumper's vibes and rubber-mounted handlebar to ease fatigue.The long-awaited CRF250R bristles with trickness, even sitting still.The CRF has all of the right moto stuff, beginning with Honda's fourth generation, twin-spar aluminum frame and ending with all of the latest CR-model updates. Most notable are the high-zoot, low-stiction, twin-chamber, 47mm Showa fork, frontline Dunlop 742 and 756 intermediate-terrain tires front and rear (respectively), Renthal aluminum handlebar, non-slip seat cover, redesigned bodywork, and quick-adjust clutch perch. There's also the trick, stick-type coil built into the spark-plug cap, dual-aluminum-pistoned front calipers, an integrated-reservoir rear master cylinder, fat axles, 12.4 inches of travel at either end, and a removable, semi-round-tube rear subframe.Honda's original specs listed the CRF at 208 pounds dry, but were revised to 206 at press time, two pounds less than Yamaha's claimed weight for the YZ250F, but two pounds more than the KX250F's published numbers. The release date for the CRF250R is late November, two months after the Kawazuki debuted and a full three months after the Yamaha was available. At $5799, the Honda is $200 more than the Yammie and Kawazuki. On another note, an off-road version of the CRF, the $5999 CRF250X, which is equipped with electric starting, lighting and a larger fuel tank, among other amenities, will hit dealers in February.Enough with the technical mumbo-jumbo, how's the little Thumper perform? Honda invited us out to SoCal's Glen Helen Raceway on a busy Thursday to sample its latest moto weapon. There, under the Big Red Bigtop, we found former pro moto wrench, and current media technical coordinator, Eric Crippa and crew at our beck and call, in-between assisting a couple of the major off-road glossies with 250cc four-stroke shootouts.Flicking it with the greatest ease, testers commented that the CRF250R felt 125-like.Before the Honda guys folded up their tent, we garnered first impressions from four riders of varying skill levels, each of whom spent time in the CRF250R's saddle. From the fast guys to the slower ones, here we go.Expert motocrosser Steve Drew, who has helped us test bikes in the past, gave the CRF a good thrashing. Drew, who works in the White Brothers R&D department and is making a name for himself in Supermoto competition, was on hand to test prototype exhaust systems for Kawasaki's KX250F. The first thing he noticed about the Honda was its relatively soft low-end power delivery. "You gotta keep the revs up, especially coming out of the corners when approaching a jump," said Drew. "It just doesn't have that initial pop."Drew's quick fix for this little problem is as easy as going to a two-teeth larger rear sprocket, effectively shortening the gearing for a little more snap and acceleration off the bottom. On the up side, he thought the motor's mid-range and top-end hit were awesome, the brakes and clutch superb and the general feel of the bike top-notch. Once the rear preload was dialed in for his 6'2"/195-pound self, he found the suspension to be real plush. Drew, who mainly races a CRF450R-based supermoto bike these days, says he's planning to buy one of the new-fangled 250cc four-strokes to practice his motocross skills: "They're just a lot of fun, corner well and make me feel like I'm going real fast."Honda support rider Daryl Ecklund was at Glen Helen trying to figure out which bikes to order for next year. The 18-year-old moto kid currently rides a TMR-modified, big-bore CR125. He was all bright-eyed after his brief flog on the CRF. "It's like a full factory bike," he beamed. "Faster than my modded 125 and the suspension is so much better ââ?â?? it's just no contest. The four-stroke didn't feel heavier than my 125, but the engine braking caught me off-guard a couple times. I like my 125 a lot and didn't think I'd like the CRF, but I'm really surprised. I'm pretty sure I'm gonna go with the four-stroke." At 52.7 lbs., the CRF250R motor is 11.6 lbs. lighter than that of the CRF450R.Jay Clark was at Glen Helen changing Dunlop tires and helping the magazine guys with their track-testing duties on the new 250cc Thumpers. A 5'7", 175-pound intermediate Vet MXer, Clark is a long-time Honda man who currently rides a CR250R. He was instantly at home on the CRF250R, feeling it was as skinny as his two-stroke. He believes the motor is "way faster" than any stock 125 and the fourth-generation aluminum frame a bit more rigid than his Gen 3. Clark didn't have many negatives. "Badmouthing any of the new bikes is like finding faults on a Supermodel. If anything, I'd like to see a bit more grunt off the corners."Would he buy a four-stroke? Clark's ridden the current crop of 450s, but feels that their exorbitant power lulls riders into a false sense of confidence. He's still not sold on the 250cc Thumpers and will keep buying two-stroke 250s until they cease to be produced. Sagely, he called the CRF250R a "great first effort." Indeed.And then there's me, a 39-year-old, 5'7", 145-pound Vet Novice. An avid trail rider, I prefer western-style off-road grands prix to hard-core, jump-infested motocross races, but like to moto for practice and training. For what it's worth, I'm much faster on a quad and even more competent as a sportbiking canyon scratcher.After purchasing a first-year YZ400F, my biggest gripe with four-strokes was their finicky starting procedures and the torque with which they needed to be kicked from their towering seats. For a guy with a 30-inch inseam, that's a tall order. Failing to start my stubborn Thumper on the side of a hill during the first lap of a grand prix until the third go-round, I promptly sold the YZ and bought a KX125, which, I figured, even if it landed on top of me, could be started by hand, or with my teeth. I promised myself not to buy another four-stroke unless it had electric start.Although I now own a DR-Z400S (you guessed it, a four-stroke with electric-start), I've only ridden a couple moto Thumpers since my frustrating YZ. Imagine my relief when the CRF fired up reliably on the first or second kick during both of my riding stints and a paranoid test session where I started and shut it down at least ten times in rapid succession.The CRF250R attacked and powered up slippery hills like a natural-born killer. 2001 AMA Western 4-Stroke National Champion Spud Walters demonstrates.Starting fears kicked, I found the CRF250 to be super-skinny and fit like the proverbial batting glove. Drew and Clark concurred. Honda worked hard to make it so. The company brags that the ergonomics were optimized by adapting the handlebar, seat and footpeg height to place the rider's legs at the narrowest section of the frame. The brake pedal and shifter are also said to complement the riding position. The CRF's handlebar mount moves 3mm fore or aft to match rider preference. Finally, the new slim-line radiator shrouds, seat, fuel tank and side panels seal the deal.At my pace and without any other bikes with which to compare, the CRF's motor didn't leave me wanting. It suffered silently plonking around while I re-learned the track, got me out of corners with all the gusto beckoned, performed second-gear starts with aplomb, cleanly revved to the moon, clutched easily, shifted well and didn't vibrate obtrusively. True, in order to get major thrust from this mill, it had to be ridden like a 125, which is not a bad thing, considering that many 250cc four-stroke converts are coming from the 125cc ranks. No complaints from me on the chassis that couldn't be dialed away with the twist of a screwdriver on the easily accessible compression and rebound adjusters. The front end stayed planted. No infamous Honda headshake from the new frame. The brakes proved powerful and progressive. Like all Hondas, the CRF250R demonstrated superior fit and finish throughout.From my brief ride, I realized that there's another area where the CRF-R will shine, especially when compared to the current crop of 125cc tiddlers, general off-road riding. Sure, Honda wants to sell a boatload of CRF250Xs, but many CRF250Rs will see more action on trails than racetracks.According to off-road media coordinator Ray Conway, Honda envisions the main customer for the CRF250R is any motocrosser who would consider a 125cc two-stroke motocross bike. (Sounds like Ecklund, eh?) The Honda man also thinks that it would work well in moto classes that are open to any size engine displacement, such as the Vet, Senior and Women's divisions. (Clark would probably agree with that.)The CRF250R will accept the off-road-spec CRF250X's electric start, but this swap necessitates sourcing the X's starter, battery AND engine side cover, a prohibitively expensive proposition.In closing, Conway said, "This bike should also be very popular at closed-course grand prix races." Think he might have been playing to his audience, me? No doubt. Sorry, Ray, but after getting smoked in off-road grands prix when riding my 125 against bigger, faster steeds, I don't think the CRF250R is speedy enough to be my ultimate GP weapon. Nonetheless, Honda's latest motoscalpel is magic on the track and will be awesome on trails - enough of a combination to make me compromise on my ultimate grand prix mount. That said, if I can get my hands on a CRF250R, I just might become a Red Rider this year. Photo GalleryAdditional InformationWarranty This vehicle is being sold as is, where is with no warranty, expressed written or implied. The seller shall not be responsible for the correct description, authenticity, genuineness, or defects herein, and makes no warranty in connection therewith. No allowance or set aside will be made on account of any incorrectness, imperfection, defect or damage. Any descriptions or representations are for identification purposes only and are not to be construed as a warranty of any type. It is the responsibility of the buyer to have thoroughly inspected the vehicle, and to have satisfied himself or herself as to the condition and value and to bid based upon that judgement solely. The seller shall and will make every reasonable effort to disclose any known defects associated with this vehicle at the buyer's request prior to the close of sale. Seller assumes no responsibility for any repairs regardless of any oral statements about the vehicle.Terms & Conditions ***THE BUYING PROCESS*** Regardless of where I live, how does the buying process work if I am financing my vehicle through Harold Zeigler Ford Lincoln? If you are interested in financing options through Harold Zeigler Ford Lincoln, contact Travis Davidson at (888) 829-1453, get approved, and work out the details of the transaction. Contact Travis Davidson, eBay Manager, at (888) 829-1453 and leave the standard $500 deposit to secure your vehicle during the buying process. Depending on where you live and how you will take delivery of the vehicle, the loan paperwork will be sent via FedEx to be signed and returned or handled in person at the dealership. Once all the necessary documents are received, the loan will be funded within a few days and you can start making arrangements to take delivery of your vehicle. We will gladly arrange to have you picked up from the local airport during regular business hours or we can arrange shipping to your front door on a fully licensed, bonded, and insured carrier. All necessary paperwork and any taxes collected will be forwarded to the proper agencies to license and register your new vehicle and license plates are mailed directly to you. Transaction Complete! I live out of state, how does the buying process work if I am paying cash in person? Cash Purchase from Out of State Contact Travis Davidson, eBay Manager, at (888) 829-1453 and leave the standard $500 deposit to secure your vehicle during the buying process. We contact each other via email and/or phone to finalize the transaction and exchange basic contact information. You send certified funds for the remaining balance due plus any applicable shipping charges, warranties, and applicable fees. Once we receive the funds, any necessary shipping arrangements are made and in most cases, your vehicle is picked up the following business day. Your new car is now on its way to you, typical delivery time is about a week and a half. We will also be happy to pick you up at the airport if you decide to fly in and drive your vehicle home. We send you duplicate copies of all the paperwork, one for you to keep, and one for you to sign and return. When we receive the signed paperwork, we send out all title documentation. Transaction Complete! I live out of state, how does the buying process work if I am getting financing from my local credit union/bank? Contact Travis Davidson, eBay Manager, at (888) 829-1453 and leave the standard $500 deposit to secure your vehicle during the buying process. We contact each other via email and/or phone to finalize the transaction. We fax all required paperwork to your bank, including copies of the Purchase Order and title documentation if necessary. Your bank sends certified funds for the remaining balance due. When we receive your funds, we ready the car for shipping- Your new car is now on its way to you, typical delivery time is about a week and a half. We will also be happy to pick you up from the airport if you decide to fly in and drive home. We send you duplicate copies of the paperwork, one for you to keep, and one for you to sign and return. Transaction Complete! What if I live out of state, but want to fly in and drive my new car back home? No problem! We do this all the time. Please make arrangement to fly into South Bend, IN (SBN). Please let us know about your travel arrangements ASAP so we can have the paperwork prepared and arrange to have you picked up in your vehicle at no additional charge. Please contact Travis Davidson, eBay Manager, at (888) 829-1453 for more information or questions. ***Shipping & Transport*** NEED A SHIPPING QUOTE? CALL KRISTEN AT 774-272-3457, SHE CAN SHIP ANYWHERE IN THE US, SHE IS FULLY INSURED AT NO EXTRA CHARGE AND SHE DELIVERS TO YOUR DOOR. SHE OFFERS BOTH OPEN AND ENCLOSED TRANSPORT AS WELL. This is a third-party shipping company and is in no way affiliated with Harold Zeigler Ford Lincoln. We provide this shipping contact information as a convenience for our clients. Please contact Travis Davidson, eBay Manager, at (888) 829-1453 for more information or questions. Terms of Sale: ***DISCLAIMER*** This vehicle is currently for sale in our inventory and may be sold before the auction is ended. Therefore, we reserve the right to end the listing if the vehicle is no longer available for sale. Please do not bid on this auction unless you are serious about owning this vehicle. All non-paying high bidders will be reported to EBay, and negative feedback posted. Please be advised that you are bidding on a pre-owned vehicle, which has been previously driven and has been subjected to normal wear and tear, both cosmetically and mechanically. We attempt to recondition all vehicles prior to offering them for sale. We describe all vehicles as accurately as possible; however, there is no possible way to include every minute detail and imperfection. Since this is a pre-owned vehicle, we may or may not have all keys, books, floor mats etc... Vehicles with books, records, and/or manuals may have pictures of those items in their auction listing; call Travis Davidson , eBay Manager, at (888) 829-1453 for specifics. If you are not sure about something, please ask. Do not assume anything not listed is included. Odometer mileage is posted at the time of listing, but may vary do to local test driving, demos, in-transit repairs, or road testing to insure satisfaction. While our vehicles are scrupulously inspected prior to purchase, we can't guarantee that some minor parts of the vehicle may have been re-painted, i.e., side door, rear quarter panel, bumper, etc. It is possible to miss minor paintwork at time of inspection if the paintwork has been done by an expert, which many are these days. Minor paintwork can be due to small fender benders, parking lot accidents, vandalism, insects, and even weather. All deposits are non-refundable, due to removing them from market, re-listing fees, and possible loss of sale. We reserve the right to cancel bids for excessive negative feedback. Harold Zeigler Ford Lincoln does not guarantee the validity and duration of the manufacture's warranty. These are pre-owned vehicles and they are sold in 'AS IS' condition. However, many vehicles are still under factory warranty or an extended warranty may be purchased, call Travis Davidson at (888) 829-1453 for more details on warranties. It is agreed by all parties in relation to any transaction involving this vehicle, won through eBay or not, that the proper venue for any legal proceedings will be conducted in Elkhart County, Indiana. THERE IS NO RETURN POLICY Please contact Travis Davidson, eBay Manager, at (888) 829-1453 for more information or questions. THANK YOU FOR VIEWING AND BIDDING ON THIS AUCTION!Fee and Tax Information: ***FEE AND TAX INFORMATION***All vehicles are subject to a one-time $169.50 Administrative fee. This fee includes Documentary & Prep fees. For specific tax and fee information for your state please call Travis Davidson at (888) 829-1453.See our other listingsDisclaimer:This auction is a legally binding contract to buy this vehicle. All vehicles are sold as-is unless otherwise specified. I have done my best to accurately describe this vehicle. It is up to the buyer to come see and further inspect the vehicle before the end of the auction. --> 2004 HONDA CRF 250R DIRT BIKE RUNS GOOD LOW RESERVE!!!Year2004TypeOff-roadVINJH2ME10314M001361Mileage111Title StatusClearConditionUsedEngine250 CCInspectionNoneExterior ColorRedStock NumberBody StyleDIRT BIKEFor Sale ByDealerSub ModelCRF 250RWarrantyVehicle does NOT have an existing warrantyMakeHondaModelCRF
2004 HONDA CRF 250R
DIRT BIKE
LOW RESERVE!!!
MUST GO!
THIS 2004 HONDA DIRT BIKE WAS TAKEN IN ON TRADE AT OUR DEALERSHIP. THIS BIKE IS IN DECENT SHAPE AND RUNS GOOD. WOULD MAKE A GOOD TOY FOR SOMEONE. WE HAVE SET THIS A T A LOW RESERVE IN ORDER TO JUST MOVE IT. PLEASE CALL TRAVIS DAVIDSON AT 574-312-1127 WITH ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE. I CAN ARRAINGE SHIPPING AT THE BUYERS EXPENSE IF THIS IS REQUIRED. WE DO REQUIRE A $500 DEPOSIT WITHIN 24 HOURS OF PURCHASE AND THE REMAINING BALANCE AT CLOSE OF SALE. THERE IS NO WARRANTY ON THIS BIKE. GOOD LUCK AND HAPPY BIDDING!
Big Red's Little Motomonster
Every year, one or more classes of motorcycles vault to center stage. While tarmac terrorizers are experiencing a new wave of open-class sportbikes, in the moto world, 2004 is undoubtedly the year of the 250cc mini-Thumper. New challengers from Honda and a dual-badged Kawasaki/Suzuki are looking to lay waste to Yamaha's revamped YZ250F, which has enjoyed three seasons as the only mid-sized Thumper on the moto block.
Honda's much anticipated CRF250R broke cover in this country more than a year ago and won its debut moto during last year's all-Japan national motocross series, where Team Honda's Ernesto Fonseca beat YZ250F-mounted Chad Reed, no less. Finally, the Red Riders are unleashing the CRF250R to regular moto Joes.
Sure, Honda's 250cc four-stroke may be late to the party, but is well dressed for the bash and comes with lots of personality. Although it shares some architecture with the CRF450R, the tiny, jewel-like, 52.7-pound 249cc engine was not developed in tandem with its bigger sibling. In fact, CRF250R development started after CRF450 development ended. Nonetheless, the 250 showcases the latest Thumper design-think.
It follows the 450's lead in featuring a compact, weight-saving single-overhead-cam design. Its bump stick directly actuates a pair of titanium intake valves and a forked rocker arm to open steel exhaust valves. A forged, 12.9:1, slipper-style piston does its business inside a Nikasil-lined cylinder. A flat-slide, 37mm Keihin with a throttle-position sensor takes care of mixing chores. Lightweight and efficient, a twin-sump lubrication system, which has its pump built into the vertically split cases, has separate oil supplies for the power-producing components (crankshaft, piston and valve train) and the power delivery components (clutch and 5-speed transmission). More important from an everyday standpoint are the CRF's internal, auto-decompression system that makes for simple kick starting, a gear-driven counterbalancer to quell the little Thumper's vibes and rubber-mounted handlebar to ease fatigue.
The long-awaited CRF250R bristles with trickness, even sitting still.
The CRF has all of the right moto stuff, beginning with Honda's fourth generation, twin-spar aluminum frame and ending with all of the latest CR-model updates. Most notable are the high-zoot, low-stiction, twin-chamber, 47mm Showa fork, frontline Dunlop 742 and 756 intermediate-terrain tires front and rear (respectively), Renthal aluminum handlebar, non-slip seat cover, redesigned bodywork, and quick-adjust clutch perch. There's also the trick, stick-type coil built into the spark-plug cap, dual-aluminum-pistoned front calipers, an integrated-reservoir rear master cylinder, fat axles, 12.4 inches of travel at either end, and a removable, semi-round-tube rear subframe.
Honda's original specs listed the CRF at 208 pounds dry, but were revised to 206 at press time, two pounds less than Yamaha's claimed weight for the YZ250F, but two pounds more than the KX250F's published numbers. The release date for the CRF250R is late November, two months after the Kawazuki debuted and a full three months after the Yamaha was available. At $5799, the Honda is $200 more than the Yammie and Kawazuki. On another note, an off-road version of the CRF, the $5999 CRF250X, which is equipped with electric starting, lighting and a larger fuel tank, among other amenities, will hit dealers in February.
Enough with the technical mumbo-jumbo, how's the little Thumper perform? Honda invited us out to SoCal's Glen Helen Raceway on a busy Thursday to sample its latest moto weapon. There, under the Big Red Bigtop, we found former pro moto wrench, and current media technical coordinator, Eric Crippa and crew at our beck and call, in-between assisting a couple of the major off-road glossies with 250cc four-stroke shootouts.
Flicking it with the greatest ease, testers commented that the CRF250R felt 125-like.
Before the Honda guys folded up their tent, we garnered first impressions from four riders of varying skill levels, each of whom spent time in the CRF250R's saddle. From the fast guys to the slower ones, here we go.
Expert motocrosser Steve Drew, who has helped us test bikes in the past, gave the CRF a good thrashing. Drew, who works in the White Brothers R&D department and is making a name for himself in Supermoto competition, was on hand to test prototype exhaust systems for Kawasaki's KX250F. The first thing he noticed about the Honda was its relatively soft low-end power delivery.
"You gotta keep the revs up, especially coming out of the corners when approaching a jump," said Drew. "It just doesn't have that initial pop."
Drew's quick fix for this little problem is as easy as going to a two-teeth larger rear sprocket, effectively shortening the gearing for a little more snap and acceleration off the bottom. On the up side, he thought the motor's mid-range and top-end hit were awesome, the brakes and clutch superb and the general feel of the bike top-notch. Once the rear preload was dialed in for his 6'2"/195-pound self, he found the suspension to be real plush. Drew, who mainly races a CRF450R-based supermoto bike these days, says he's planning to buy one of the new-fangled 250cc four-strokes to practice his motocross skills: "They're just a lot of fun, corner well and make me feel like I'm going real fast."
Honda support rider Daryl Ecklund was at Glen Helen trying to figure out which bikes to order for next year. The 18-year-old moto kid currently rides a TMR-modified, big-bore CR125. He was all bright-eyed after his brief flog on the CRF. "It's like a full factory bike," he beamed. "Faster than my modded 125 and the suspension is so much better ââ?â?? it's just no contest. The four-stroke didn't feel heavier than my 125, but the engine braking caught me off-guard a couple times. I like my 125 a lot and didn't think I'd like the CRF, but I'm really surprised. I'm pretty sure I'm gonna go with the four-stroke."
At 52.7 lbs., the CRF250R motor is 11.6 lbs. lighter than that of the CRF450R.
Jay Clark was at Glen Helen changing Dunlop tires and helping the magazine guys with their track-testing duties on the new 250cc Thumpers. A 5'7", 175-pound intermediate Vet MXer, Clark is a long-time Honda man who currently rides a CR250R. He was instantly at home on the CRF250R, feeling it was as skinny as his two-stroke. He believes the motor is "way faster" than any stock 125 and the fourth-generation aluminum frame a bit more rigid than his Gen 3. Clark didn't have many negatives. "Badmouthing any of the new bikes is like finding faults on a Supermodel. If anything, I'd like to see a bit more grunt off the corners."
Would he buy a four-stroke? Clark's ridden the current crop of 450s, but feels that their exorbitant power lulls riders into a false sense of confidence. He's still not sold on the 250cc Thumpers and will keep buying two-stroke 250s until they cease to be produced. Sagely, he called the CRF250R a "great first effort." Indeed.
And then there's me, a 39-year-old, 5'7", 145-pound Vet Novice. An avid trail rider, I prefer western-style off-road grands prix to hard-core, jump-infested motocross races, but like to moto for practice and training. For what it's worth, I'm much faster on a quad and even more competent as a sportbiking canyon scratcher.
After purchasing a first-year YZ400F, my biggest gripe with four-strokes was their finicky starting procedures and the torque with which they needed to be kicked from their towering seats. For a guy with a 30-inch inseam, that's a tall order. Failing to start my stubborn Thumper on the side of a hill during the first lap of a grand prix until the third go-round, I promptly sold the YZ and bought a KX125, which, I figured, even if it landed on top of me, could be started by hand, or with my teeth. I promised myself not to buy another four-stroke unless it had electric start.
Although I now own a DR-Z400S (you guessed it, a four-stroke with electric-start), I've only ridden a couple moto Thumpers since my frustrating YZ. Imagine my relief when the CRF fired up reliably on the first or second kick during both of my riding stints and a paranoid test session where I started and shut it down at least ten times in rapid succession.
The CRF250R attacked and powered up slippery hills like a natural-born killer. 2001 AMA Western 4-Stroke National Champion Spud Walters demonstrates.
Starting fears kicked, I found the CRF250 to be super-skinny and fit like the proverbial batting glove. Drew and Clark concurred. Honda worked hard to make it so. The company brags that the ergonomics were optimized by adapting the handlebar, seat and footpeg height to place the rider's legs at the narrowest section of the frame. The brake pedal and shifter are also said to complement the riding position. The CRF's handlebar mount moves 3mm fore or aft to match rider preference. Finally, the new slim-line radiator shrouds, seat, fuel tank and side panels seal the deal.
At my pace and without any other bikes with which to compare, the CRF's motor didn't leave me wanting. It suffered silently plonking around while I re-learned the track, got me out of corners with all the gusto beckoned, performed second-gear starts with aplomb, cleanly revved to the moon, clutched easily, shifted well and didn't vibrate obtrusively. True, in order to get major thrust from this mill, it had to be ridden like a 125, which is not a bad thing, considering that many 250cc four-stroke converts are coming from the 125cc ranks. No complaints from me on the chassis that couldn't be dialed away with the twist of a screwdriver on the easily accessible compression and rebound adjusters. The front end stayed planted. No infamous Honda headshake from the new frame. The brakes proved powerful and progressive. Like all Hondas, the CRF250R demonstrated superior fit and finish throughout.
From my brief ride, I realized that there's another area where the CRF-R will shine, especially when compared to the current crop of 125cc tiddlers, general off-road riding. Sure, Honda wants to sell a boatload of CRF250Xs, but many CRF250Rs will see more action on trails than racetracks.
According to off-road media coordinator Ray Conway, Honda envisions the main customer for the CRF250R is any motocrosser who would consider a 125cc two-stroke motocross bike. (Sounds like Ecklund, eh?) The Honda man also thinks that it would work well in moto classes that are open to any size engine displacement, such as the Vet, Senior and Women's divisions. (Clark would probably agree with that.)
The CRF250R will accept the off-road-spec CRF250X's electric start, but this swap necessitates sourcing the X's starter, battery AND engine side cover, a prohibitively expensive proposition.
In closing, Conway said, "This bike should also be very popular at closed-course grand prix races." Think he might have been playing to his audience, me? No doubt.
Sorry, Ray, but after getting smoked in off-road grands prix when riding my 125 against bigger, faster steeds, I don't think the CRF250R is speedy enough to be my ultimate GP weapon. Nonetheless, Honda's latest motoscalpel is magic on the track and will be awesome on trails - enough of a combination to make me compromise on my ultimate grand prix mount. That said, if I can get my hands on a CRF250R, I just might become a Red Rider this year.
This vehicle is being sold as is, where is with no warranty, expressed written or implied. The seller shall not be responsible for the correct description, authenticity, genuineness, or defects herein, and makes no warranty in connection therewith. No allowance or set aside will be made on account of any incorrectness, imperfection, defect or damage. Any descriptions or representations are for identification purposes only and are not to be construed as a warranty of any type. It is the responsibility of the buyer to have thoroughly inspected the vehicle, and to have satisfied himself or herself as to the condition and value and to bid based upon that judgement solely. The seller shall and will make every reasonable effort to disclose any known defects associated with this vehicle at the buyer's request prior to the close of sale. Seller assumes no responsibility for any repairs regardless of any oral statements about the vehicle.
***THE BUYING PROCESS***
Regardless of where I live, how does the buying process work if I am financing my vehicle through Harold Zeigler Ford Lincoln?
If you are interested in financing options through Harold Zeigler Ford Lincoln, contact Travis Davidson at (888) 829-1453, get approved, and work out the details of the transaction.
Contact Travis Davidson, eBay Manager, at (888) 829-1453 and leave the standard $500 deposit to secure your vehicle during the buying process.
Depending on where you live and how you will take delivery of the vehicle, the loan paperwork will be sent via FedEx to be signed and returned or handled in person at the dealership.
Once all the necessary documents are received, the loan will be funded within a few days and you can start making arrangements to take delivery of your vehicle.
We will gladly arrange to have you picked up from the local airport during regular business hours or we can arrange shipping to your front door on a fully licensed, bonded, and insured carrier.
All necessary paperwork and any taxes collected will be forwarded to the proper agencies to license and register your new vehicle and license plates are mailed directly to you.
Transaction Complete!
I live out of state, how does the buying process work if I am paying cash in person?
Cash Purchase from Out of State
Contact Travis Davidson, eBay Manager, at (888) 829-1453 and leave the standard $500 deposit to secure your vehicle during the buying process.
We contact each other via email and/or phone to finalize the transaction and exchange basic contact information.
You send certified funds for the remaining balance due plus any applicable shipping charges, warranties, and applicable fees.
Once we receive the funds, any necessary shipping arrangements are made and in most cases, your vehicle is picked up the following business day.
Your new car is now on its way to you, typical delivery time is about a week and a half. We will also be happy to pick you up at the airport if you decide to fly in and drive your vehicle home.
We send you duplicate copies of all the paperwork, one for you to keep, and one for you to sign and return.
When we receive the signed paperwork, we send out all title documentation.
Transaction Complete!
I live out of state, how does the buying process work if I am getting financing from my local credit union/bank?
Contact Travis Davidson, eBay Manager, at (888) 829-1453 and leave the standard $500 deposit to secure your vehicle during the buying process.
We contact each other via email and/or phone to finalize the transaction.
We fax all required paperwork to your bank, including copies of the Purchase Order and title documentation if necessary.
Your bank sends certified funds for the remaining balance due.
When we receive your funds, we ready the car for shipping- Your new car is now on its way to you, typical delivery time is about a week and a half. We will also be happy to pick you up from the airport if you decide to fly in and drive home.
We send you duplicate copies of the paperwork, one for you to keep, and one for you to sign and return.
Transaction Complete!
What if I live out of state, but want to fly in and drive my new car back home?
No problem! We do this all the time. Please make arrangement to fly into South Bend, IN (SBN). Please let us know about your travel arrangements ASAP so we can have the paperwork prepared and arrange to have you picked up in your vehicle at no additional charge.
Please contact Travis Davidson, eBay Manager, at (888) 829-1453 for more information or questions.
***Shipping & Transport***
NEED A SHIPPING QUOTE? CALL KRISTEN AT 774-272-3457, SHE CAN SHIP ANYWHERE IN THE US, SHE IS FULLY INSURED AT NO EXTRA CHARGE AND SHE DELIVERS TO YOUR DOOR. SHE OFFERS BOTH OPEN AND ENCLOSED TRANSPORT AS WELL.
This is a third-party shipping company and is in no way affiliated with Harold Zeigler Ford Lincoln. We provide this shipping contact information as a convenience for our clients.
Please contact Travis Davidson, eBay Manager, at (888) 829-1453 for more information or questions.
Terms of Sale:
***DISCLAIMER***
This vehicle is currently for sale in our inventory and may be sold before the auction is ended. Therefore, we reserve the right to end the listing if the vehicle is no longer available for sale.
Please do not bid on this auction unless you are serious about owning this vehicle. All non-paying high bidders will be reported to EBay, and negative feedback posted.
Please be advised that you are bidding on a pre-owned vehicle, which has been previously driven and has been subjected to normal wear and tear, both cosmetically and mechanically. We attempt to recondition all vehicles prior to offering them for sale. We describe all vehicles as accurately as possible; however, there is no possible way to include every minute detail and imperfection.
Since this is a pre-owned vehicle, we may or may not have all keys, books, floor mats etc...
Vehicles with books, records, and/or manuals may have pictures of those items in their auction listing; call Travis Davidson , eBay Manager, at (888) 829-1453 for specifics.
If you are not sure about something, please ask. Do not assume anything not listed is included.
Odometer mileage is posted at the time of listing, but may vary do to local test driving, demos, in-transit repairs, or road testing to insure satisfaction.
While our vehicles are scrupulously inspected prior to purchase, we can't guarantee that some minor parts of the vehicle may have been re-painted, i.e., side door, rear quarter panel, bumper, etc. It is possible to miss minor paintwork at time of inspection if the paintwork has been done by an expert, which many are these days. Minor paintwork can be due to small fender benders, parking lot accidents, vandalism, insects, and even weather.
All deposits are non-refundable, due to removing them from market, re-listing fees, and possible loss of sale.
We reserve the right to cancel bids for excessive negative feedback.
Harold Zeigler Ford Lincoln does not guarantee the validity and duration of the manufacture's warranty.
These are pre-owned vehicles and they are sold in 'AS IS' condition. However, many vehicles are still under factory warranty or an extended warranty may be purchased, call Travis Davidson at (888) 829-1453 for more details on warranties.
It is agreed by all parties in relation to any transaction involving this vehicle, won through eBay or not, that the proper venue for any legal proceedings will be conducted in Elkhart County, Indiana.
THERE IS NO RETURN POLICY
Please contact Travis Davidson, eBay Manager, at (888) 829-1453 for more information or questions.
THANK YOU FOR VIEWING AND BIDDING ON THIS AUCTION!
Fee and Tax Information: ***FEE AND TAX INFORMATION***
All vehicles are subject to a one-time $169.50 Administrative fee. This fee includes Documentary & Prep fees. For specific tax and fee information for your state please call Travis Davidson at (888) 829-1453.
This auction is a legally binding contract to buy this vehicle. All vehicles are sold as-is unless otherwise specified. I have done my best to accurately describe this vehicle. It is up to the buyer to come see and further inspect the car before the end of the auction.-->
