Definitely agree that was pretty cool to see I was not expecting that and think it was a huge addition for a true stock comparison! Though idk what's wrong with the red one although never really been a huge fan of the red two strokers 🤣 Respect though!
I purchased an 02 RM250 new 20 years ago and it is the best motocross bike I have ever owned. I still own it and ride it, it is going to be with me until my sons get it when I’m dead and gone👍🏼
Couldn't have killed it without your help and expertise my dude. It was an epic day, glad you were okay from that crash and really looking forward to what we can do in the future!
Definitely give you props for getting back up and keeping on riding I could have been a lot worse. I almost broke my spleen in half cuz my 80 bogged out on me before pretty much just like that other than it was kind of more of a double and bad landing
Awesome work Greg !!! I cant believe you restored 4 bikes all together. Your fingers,hands and lower back must have been aching. Good idea keeping the bikes close to stock using the same products. Big pat on the back. Adam…watching from Australia.
Yeoo! Thanks Adam! True story, I thought it was my brother commenting at first because his name is Adam too hahahaha. I have to say my fingers got the worst as they are still callused from putting on the graphics! Glad to have you on board from Australia, that's really cool. I appreciate the positive comments. Cheers man!
I only got onboard after the last bike rebuild start video and subbed even though the RM had trouble starting. Great video Greg and it proves that everyone has different opinions, styles, likes etc.....but one thing is clear.....2 strokes are fun, cheap, and make you a better rider, all of which mx, enduro, trials are about....having fun! I got out of bikes 20 years ago riding 2 bangers and then bought a WR450F and it made me a lazy rider and got bored with it in 12 months.....went back to 2 strokes.....just so much fun. Great video 👍👍👍
Right on dude! You couldn't have said it any better, they are simply awesome machines. I'm familiar with the older WR250F's and I know those are literally like tractors so I can only imagine how that 450 was! What two smoke did you end up picking up?
@@GregHitchko ended up restoring an Suzuki 1978 RM125C and a couple of PE175s, 81 and 82, plus retro fitted another PE175 engine into a blown up 1985 RM125F.....I like my air cooled bikes and fiddling with them. Will get a more modern 2 banger sooner.
@@mmazz30 that is so cool! If parts are hard to get for the models that I built, I can't imagine for those bikes. My brother had a 77 RM125 back in the day as his first "big bike." Really wish we didn't get rid of that thing....
Hahaha dude YES!!! That is seriously so rad to hear, I love that shit because Cameron is the one that got me so jacked up on doing rebuilds. Keep me posted on them, Jerry, I'm jealous of that RM125 you've got there! Very cool community everyone is building behind these bike builds.
@@GregHitchko Yup yup!!! I dropped my DT250 in the snow last week setting up a photo shoot and busted the clutch lever so I took the one off the KDX and stuck on it. But it's sunny and dry north of Seattle today so I'm about to swap it back and ride the KDX to my buddy's house he's got a tiny track there LOL ua-cam.com/video/fWFU1xePKz0/v-deo.html
My dad had a kdx 200 for 10 years, It lasted all ten without any motor problems, except in those ten years he had to change his water pump seal twice. Then went on to sell it still running for twice what he got it for. I saw it up on the market not to long ago and it turns out that it still hasn’t needed a rebuild
Hands down 4 of the top 10 dirtbikes of all time not just because of the era and GOATs who rode them but also because of their looks and sound ! Well done ! My favorite one is MC's Honda not just because it's the King's bike but also because of the Woody logo! The best Honda logo EVER
Thanks for the feedback my dude, totally agree with you on all accounts! The woody graphics are by far my favorites ever. I had a n 01 CR125R with those graphics.
Super happy for you dude! For me the Kawasaki and the rm is my favorite just by the look. I feel like there is a comeback for them, and if the general public demands them, well see the manufactures wake up. Hope you figure out the Honda aswell.
Thanks mate! How badass would it be if these manufacturers caught on and decided to reproduce their two strokes. That would be the day. Have to keep making noise like this!
@@GregHitchko I love all those bikes ...and the fact you REBUILT them all is truly amazing. I really like that Suzuki...been drawn to the 250 cc two strokes Zukis... lately! Love it! Do you still have them all?
@@DariusBarazandeh Yessir, I still have them all! With the CR blowing up, I'd like to do a second version of the shootout. I think that zook has me jumping ship from my beloved green machine haha
Great video. Grew up racing two strokes and you guys just helped me off the fence about getting another one. Now the hard part. Congrats on getting all those bikes back on the track. They all looked great. Personally I'd choose the Suzuki.
Dude that is so awesome to hear! Just trying to share the stoke for two strokes and keep them alive. If I were to race, I'm a big fan of that RM, and the YZ is a close second.
Good job Greg and crew. All the bikes turned out really cool. To bad for the ole Honda. As a fellow Vet rider riding and racing in that era…. Very refreshing video. Thanks the viewing pleasure.
I actually had the pleasure of owning a 2007 kx250 two stroke, and I’m only 17, the old 250 two strokes are INCREDIBLE! I traded mine for a quad but I definitely plan on buying another one very soon! I miss my kx250 so much!😭
@@GregHitchko yes A 92 CR500 every thing is brand new again on it and has been sitting Sents 2004 cases never opened !! Bike problably only has a bout 25 hours on it senses new !! It's treated like a top fuel Dragster !! Aways the best you can buy!!!!
All excellent bikes. I mainly rode Hondas, but they all have something good about them. I just love two strokes, plain and simple. Thanks for an excellent video at one of my favorite tracks!
sadly, a sleeve usually always fails because the clearance needs to be more since the sleeve gets way hotter, typical sleeve failure. however, such a GREAT Video! thanks Greg!!
It really is such a bummer! I should have double checked the piston to wall clearance and ring gap BUT I trusted that it was fine since the shop who put the new sleeve in said they matched it piston and rings I gave them. Lesson learned to always double check things, even when a shop says that it's good to go!
Wow, what an awesome comparison! I went to to the dealership to get a klx 140 pit bike and a quad for my daughter. They were out of 140 so I asked for a 112 and I ended up with a 2023 KX 112 supermini. I feel like I won the lottery! This 2 stroker rips power to weight! Just under 25 HP with 170 wet weight. That equals FUN! The best part is I am a vet at 46 and super tall at 6' 6", but I ride anyway! Long live the 2 stroke! I had a 1990 CR 500 back mid 90'S. Brings back memories. Awesome content guys!! That was a GNarly endo!!
First off, AWESOME name haha. Second off, that is great move on your part! You would have been left with wanting more if you went ahead and purchased the 140. They are simply no comparison. Funny you say that because we did the same thing with my wife. We were looking at the 140s and decided on the KX100. Good stuff! And damn, I thought I was tall at 6'3" on a dirt bike haha. I appreciate the comment and kind words Gregory. Enjoy the new bike and quad with your daughter!
There we go. Thanks for the link not sure why youtube didn't show this instead of the other video, here's what happened,. Thanks Greg and congrats on the beautiful bikes you built. Can't wait for more.. I've got a bunch of bikes and want to start a channel with my son, on building and riding.
That was super rad 🤟amazing to see the bikes and riders on them hitting the track and getting there perspective 👌what an amazing project and Fantastic job you did greg massive respect 🙏
Very much appreciated my dude! Really happy with the way it turned out and truly hope it brings value to everyone. With the Honda failing, this will not be the last of this project, working up something for a "part 2".
Cool that this was filmed with Utah locals, at my local track, Mesquite MX Park, which is in Littlefield, Arizona. Mesquite is the neighboring town, which is actually in Nevada. My dad actually broke both of his legs on that track, ironically on a 2002 CR250, with the same graphics, just with his number of course not McGraths. It was back in like 2004. That bike is dangerous lol. This week I took my bike out to Warner Valley and rode it for the first time, aside from breaking it in, which I did in some fields by my house. It’s running awesome, has a ton of power. I just need to fine tune my Lectron, get it dialed in. I was born and raised in Utah, spent half of my life (26 years) in Salt Lake/Utah Counties, the other half in Southern Utah. I’ve been back and forth between north and south my whole life, currently living in southern Utah again, just somewhat finished rebuilding my ‘03 RM125, unfortunately I wasn’t able to do a restoration quite like these bikes got, but I’ll slowly add the cool expensive shit as I go, I just got the basics, Lectron, funny enough I got the Nihilo frame tape too, ASV F4 Pro levers, top end, UFO plastics, SKDA graphics, FMF Factory Fatty, I’ve got that cheap wheel set; KKE Wheels, stuff like that. I’ll slowly add shit like triple clamps, titanium bolts, anodized parts, a phathead, raptor pegs, you know, the rich guy shit 😂 once mesquite opens here in a week or so I’ll be there doing motos and drills hopefully once a week at least. I’ve ridden my whole life, but hardly had any track time, and overall haven’t had a ton of seat time. I want to get pretty serious about it, maybe spend a season training, and then start racing toward the end of the season, or maybe travel up north after our season is done, and do some racing during the summer up there. Next year im going to enter the Loretta Lynn’s qualifiers at both Mesquite, and Bunker Hill, in Delta. If anybody is in the area and wants to do some track days together let me know. I don’t really have anybody to ride with.
You the man HE! Thank you for the kind words and truly glad you enjoyed it. Brings back some memories eh? I think I may just be a suzuki guy now. No wonder why we couldn't keep up with you back then when you had the RM! Yayayaya. But seriously, I was like, how is that dude sooo fast. Now I know why!
2 strokes are the greatest. As someone who grew up in the 80s when racetracks smelled like premix they are true race bikes. Cant believe no one in this test had 250 experience. I grew up riding 250s and skipped 125's. I was starting to race open class - 500s when they cancelled that in the mid 90s.
You’ve got that right! I had a 2003 YZ250 in 2005 after I had a couple CR125’s. That was such an insane bike. Wish I still had it. After that I switched to four strokes. I was young and followed the trend, no denying that they were easier to ride as well!
Thanks Lebro! I really appreciate those kind words, little by little building that foundation. Glad you're enjoying it and finding value my man. That's all I can ask for.
This is a great year for 250 two strokes. Ive personally have had 3 of these in the last 5 years riding motocross. I actually have helmet cam footage of the 3 i had on my channel(not a youtuber just upload for memories) and my personal choice is the 05 suzuki rm250. Once set up has amazing suspension and has a great powerband, even uses the same piston as a yz250 which is a good bike as well.
That is awesome Chad! How cool is it to be able to go back and forth between the bikes and feel the differences. They are actually similar but their differences make the biggest impact. Can't wait to tweak that RM a little in the suspension department and see how it does. Actually looking forward to doing that with all of the bikes!
Love this video man I’m still old school if you aren’t mixing gas you aren’t hauling ass I’ve got a team Chevy trucks replica I just got done with such a sick bike
Couldn't have said it better myself! In "stock" form, especially in the suspension department, it's tough to get it really dialed unless you tweak it for you.
Amazing job, congrats! It's a shame wich happenned with the Honda but nonetheless, the video is a blast! I have a RM '08 100% stock and It's the best purchase I've ever made.
Great video. Owned two of the bikes shown, Red and Green. And only choosing from those two bikes are hard. Would probably say I like the Kawa the most overall. But the Honda is a really great bike. To bad it blow up for you, and glad that he did make it without injury. Great video, definitely a new subscriber here. Love those old 2-strokes so hope to see more of them. Thanks🎉🎉🎉
I love this video I’m saddened by the the CR I personally have a 2003 cr250 with a billetron and I had to richen the old girl 2 full turns on the metering rod and about 3-4 turns on the power jet. And she’s happy now but I can say it was insanely lean out of the box. Please give an upon on the CR! Rad video! Thanks 😎
Thanks for that awesome feedback and insight to your situation with the your CR250 and Billetron! I still think I need to go richer on the other bikes with the billetron as well but obviously no big deal since it literally takes minutes. Love how easy it is to adjust. I will for sure keep you updated on the Honda, I'll have a whole video for it. Plan is to get and OEM cylinder back on that baby without a sleeve. So definitely more content to come!
Thanks my man! Definitely so much fun to be had on these two strokes still. Have to keep them alive as they start to become more obsolete! Enjoy that 03 RM!
Question for you. I’m looking into purchasing a rm 2003 125. It has a new top & bottom end also new restyle kit. What’s your opinion should I purchase? Or hold out on it?
Currently in the proccess of getting my RM250 fixed, has some work to do as sadly it was a little clapped but hope to get her going again as it’s been a dream and I’m working hard to make it come through
The good thing about that is that you're reviving a sad bike, that's what's up! It's up to you and everyone to bring these bikes back to life and keep them alive so that's awesome dude. Pumped for you to get it back up and running again!
@@GregHitchko yup, the case has some crack in it which worries me but I hope I’ll figure it all out, I would choose an RM over a new bike, it’s all about feel not just how new it is, I love the bikes you build and honestly they give me some more motivation to build my own!
I live with a guy that was a pro moto guy. Built a bunch of 125,s and says we are all going to relearn how to turn. Now he wants to trade them for a RV to park out in NV. So we have something to look forward to Desert style. I love him but he drives me crazy. I’m a 60 year old that loves the tough enduro shit. Him a full on let’s hit the whoops all day. Lmao
Haha! This is great Mark! The two strokes really make you relearn how to turn, I know I had to teach myself how to turn them again after being on the fourstrokes for so long. Enjoy the desert! Such fun riding out in those type of conditions.
Right on! Hit up the next video in the series. The behind the scenes, "what really happened" video has the raw sounds, and first impressions of all of the bikes!
This turned out awesome. Keep up the good work. Can't wait to see what's next. Can we get more vapor blasting videos? They're always so satisfying. I'd like to see a comparison of the HTMR vs the victor bared v3 products. I'm curious which works better and is a better value.
Thanks my dude! There will be more vapor blasting for sure. I'll see what I can put together in the future. It really is so satisfying to see the before and after.
Badass work man. You definitely killed this series and I hope it helps you get even more traction in the UA-cam bike building world because it would be awesome to see more big content like this for you. Really interesting hearing all the perspectives of the different riders. I thought it was especially intriguing that they all seemed to think a modern 4 stroke "feels heavier" than the 2 strokes even though they're pretty similar in weight. I'll take that suzuki now please 🤤
Hey now, you know that you're going fight me for that Suzuki right?? 🤣 But thank you Jonathan, it's been great to have you along for the ride! Luckily with the Honda failure we've got some more content to produce with these bikes. Starting to think of a "part 2" version of these bikes to do. So going to hang on to them for a little longer. For me at least, it has to do with the engine braking, just them feeling more "free" in the motor compared to a four stroke. Very interesting to compare them for sure. Maybe bring in a four stroke into the equation in the future.
@@GregHitchko definitely. Would be cool to see a old school vs new school shootout. Maybe even show laptimes and come up with a series of tests? Thanks for the reply, looking forward to seeing what you do next 🤟🏁
@@GregHitchko I got some tips for setting up the Honda, my dad and I restored an 02, And it’s a beauty machine to ride, I have it back in our house and it’s for sell, check Brian D Mobley he has a video for the RC valve setup I used that same settings and the 02 works pretty good
@@GregHitchko the only problem on the Honda it’s the Mikuni Tmx that’s is a nightmare to jet, even worse here where I live with the humidity and the hot weather, for the Honda to work perfect just needs reeds, pc exhaust, a different carb and some suspension 🤙🏼
I have a 97 rm 125. Broke the lip that holds the 2 bearings behind the water pump propeller. Currently waiting to get my pockets together so I can buy a new casing for that. Just got a new wiseco piston kit and a water pump rebuild kit because I had some coolant making it’s way into my motor eventually throwing the top from running lean I believe
Ahh damn! Yup that will for sure make the bike run lean. Hopefully it isn't too bad on you for the parts to get it back up and running. Good luck dude!
I wish I could post a pic for you of my current 2001 RM250. I raced a bit 2000-2005. started on 2001 rm125 finished on 2001 rm250. I still have the original one owner rm125 as a basket case but its still all there. I purchased a blown up 2001 rm250 last spring (spring 2021) full frame off restoration and pro action gold valve re-spring and valved for my weight. Oh and I swapped the KYB front forks out for the SHOWA that came on the 2001 rm125. Suzuki did that at some point anyways. I got back out with a local track membership to ride when I want and even got out for some gate drops. Even won the first race I entered in 15yrs even if it was 30+ B I'll take LOL. So this winter doing both rm125 and rm250 frame off. It will be sweet in a few months when we can pull up with the little and big brothers all spiffed up. Long Live The 2-Stroke. Thanks for the Video......................................having built bikes and knowing the work involved I sure do appreciate the effort put into getting this up onto UA-cam
Thanks my dude! So rad to hear your story, and even more rad that you still have that RM125! I think in 2002 is when they went with the Showa forks on the 125, not really sure why they didn't switch to those Showa forks earlier on the 250 as well. 2001 was when I got my first bike, an XR100 but quickly jumped to the 90 CR125 and 01 CR125 because I was still super tall for that XR! Must have been so awesome to grab that win, I grabbed a moto win and took second overall in the Utah state championships last year on my KX250 in the 30+C class, so I'm right there with you on that feeling haha. Keep me posted on both of your rebuilds, I am trying to figure out some upgrades for these bikes and I plan to start with suspension to get those working better.
My friends and I got bored with 4 strokes a few years ago and have went through many two strokes. New and old, my favorite is my 2006 rm250. Only one I havent ridden is a kx250 no one has really wanted to rebuild a kx that I know.
That is so rad Ben! Definitely aligns with the way I feel about all of these bikes as well. Thanks for sharing that input, super cool to hear other people's opinions on them. Cheers
Great Video Greg. I’m looking forward to the Honda investigation. I am currently doing a 2003 CR250 and exactly the same thing happened. Apparently a sleeve barrel is a no go on the CR, the piston seized in the sleeve. I was panicking at the cost of a barrel as they are silly money on eBay. Turns out the Honda main dealership can get then in a few weeks from Japan £300 🤷♂️ easy. Good luck with the next episode 🙏💪
Thanks John! No way! That is super interesting to hear that you basically had the same issue. Relieves me a little bit of the installation guilt but you still never know. Glad you were able to find a cylinder, they are SUPER rare for the 03/04 right?! My plan is to find an OEM cylinder as well, I wanted to go that route in the first place but there were zero available at the time I needed it. That's why I went a full resleeve. Makes for interesting content for sure! Keep me posted about how your experience goes with the new oem cylinder!
It's a 2 stroke, not much to them, with the right tools it's a few hours work even splitting the cases and doing a full bottom end if needed.. haven't seen the video so idk what happened, but 2 strokes are as easy as it gets.
Shouldn't be too bad of a fix, from what it looks like, it is just the top end, fingers crossed. Going to be grabbing an OEM cylinder to replace the one in there with the steel sleeve. Thanks man, keep everyone posted with a video on it in the near future!
Just got a 2022 yz250, have just come across from yz450f and I gotta say I love the feel and performance of the yz250 way more than the yz450f in retrospect the yz450f made me a lazy rider have to discipline myself to stand up again on the 250, and the stroke is more exillerating to ride the 450f is kinda boring and uneventful, almost puts me to sleep riding the 450f whereas the 250 gets my adrenaline going and works my whole body ! Over all after riding both for a long time yz250 all day!
Thanks my dude! SO funny you mention that because there were people blasting off guns near by. I didn't noticed it when we were doing the discussion but I was made aware afterward by my wife haha.
Great video man love all your videos and builds and with how much time and work you put into your channel you definitely deserve a lot more subscribers I always get excited when you post because its gonna be a sick build or great information and always high quality and good editing
Hells yeahh, I always appreciate the feedback my dude! It really does help to make sure that I am moving in the right direction with the things I am doing or not. Super pumped to bring value to you and others, that's the goal. Always try to keep it real too. We've got some cool things to come with the behind the scenes footage from the shootout so you guys can really see how it went down, and investigation of the honda!
Sick video!!! Shout out to Luke it was badass to see you in the video! I think it was awesome all the way around definitely the best comparison video that I have found and was pretty much exactly what I was hoping to see. I would have like to see just a little more riding unedited is part of it but that's it. It bums me out that they arent making as many like they used to although it seems like they're coming back a little bit in popularity. I've always been a huge fan of the Yammy's as far as two strikes go and have been that way since starting to race on my YZ 80 it was pinned or nothing and was never jetted right at all but probably made me better for it. I swear tho that my 85 that was actually jetted right would smoke pretty much any 125 around at least that I raced messing around but for 4 strokes it's Red all day I. Went form 85 to a ,00 250 and loved that thing till I blew it up after years of abuse. Always wanted to ride basically any 250 03 and up but haven't been able to yet sr with most of the other brands. I am glad that Yamaha out of all them is at least still making new bikes. Thank the Lord baby Jesus! MVP guys for the video I would love the chance to ride all of them it would be cool to see how KTM and the Huskies compare. Also it would be cool to see how the results are after each bike is tuned or upgraded in the areas that are agreed that are lacking and to see how they compare on and off the track as well would be pretty cool! Thanks again guys for the vid and I definitely hit subscribe!!! Anyone reading this should as well 😂
Haha Scooter Bob you are the man! Thanks for taking the time to leave such an awesomely honest review/comment.You talking about your 80 and 85 made me visualize you hauling some arse on them lol. So cool you know Luc too! Such a rad dude. Glad to have along for the ride with the channel, we try to make it a good time here. The part 2 shootout video was such a blast too after getting the suspension properly set up and fixing the Honda. Cheers my man!
i have started mx about a 1 and a half year ago and i got myself a Suzuki RM250 fromm 1997 and i love her. i was allways a 2 stroke guy, i just love hte ring ding ding, or with the bigger bikes rong dong dong 🤣 just put in a new piston. the biggest size out there. now i hope she gets back to her nasty power. if i ever have enough money, i would love to rebuild her comletely form ground up. but for now she has to go to the track as is. i go about once or twice a week and it is just great. 2 stroke will never dye!!! i would also love to get a 2022 or 23 yz 125, they are great, i had the chance to testride a 2022 125 and also a 250. nice video. great bikes!
with the wrench rabbit rebuild kits the bottom end bearing is actually made in china/ taiwanese and they are known the fail 2 of my mates have had failures with the kits with factory motorcycle mechanics installing them and the outcome being a blown up engine with in 2 hours of run time so keep it in mind, great builds :)
That's great feedback on those wrench rabbit kits! Aside from the Honda, so far so good. I hear both good and bad about them. I guess each situation is different. Thanks dude!
That's what I've been hearing as well. If you want to use a hotrods crank at least use oem bearings. It's usually better and cheaper to get your OEM crank rebuilt with a quality rod like OEM, pro-x or vesrah (all made in Japan).
I'm a AA woods rider and mid pack A rider in moto, I ring my poor 125's neck and I've never had a wrench rabbit kit fail, I've always counted on Hot rods crank... I use a different connecting rod that's much lighter but the main crank and bearings have never failed me, I get as much time out of them as I do OEM. I do a bottom end every other top end so i keep them fresh, but definitely no failure in a couple hours. Something must of been wrong, I freeze my bearings using dry ice or nitrogen (make sure the ice or nitrogen doesnt touch the actual bearing) to slide them in a bit easier and let them expand.. otherwise I've seen people not get them seated correctly and they don't last long. If it wasnt a error putting the bearings in, maybe he was unlucky with some sort of issue from the factory?
@@yamahakid450f Thanks for the awesome feedback and insight my dude! Yes, I have heard horror stories about them but bad word spreads wayyy faster than a positive story, so I am glad you shared your ability level, type of riding, and your positive experience using these kits. I am looking forward to diving into it and seeing what's going on. A few people have already commented on the video about having poor experiences with sleeves in their CR's specifically, so I'll be looking to grab and oem cylinder soon. Luckily it's not locked up but we will see what's going on when we open'r up. The next time I rebuild a bottom end, I really want to try that dry ice trick, seems to be the way to go instead of throwing them in the freezer. Thanks again!
This is awesome I really been wanting to find any of these bikes for a project. Unfortunately everyone selling them appears to be smoking crack based on asking prices
HAHA dude right?! It was a struggle to find good prices for these bikes, but looking at the market now, it's gotten even worse. Good for the industry though that people are scooping these up and buying parts for them!
If the Suzuki had the Yamaha engine it would be the best bike. That Suzuki feels so planted in the corners and gives you the confidence to go fast while Cornering, although the stock motor revs out too quickly and feels slow
It would be really cool to be able to do that, shit they are basically the same cylinder pretty much! A little top to compliment that bottom and the zook would be killer.
I have the KX 250, but mine is ten years older than yours. Definitely choppy in the rear end on roots or breaking bumps, but I adjust my ride style to that, and I love the rip your arms off low-end power of the Kawasaki coming out of corners.
I subscribe because of the work you put into this video! I just found your page! But man yess sirrr…chad reed was my idol growing up..I wore the number 22 every year I played baseball! Yea ima yammie man! But I’m curious about the ktm 250…it’s different and I like the orange(being a Clemson fan)
Right on Justin, that's awesome man, I greatly appreciate the sub. This project was a blast, I know where I can improve next time for sure. CR22 was the main reason why my personal number (226) has 22 in it lol. I originally ran 122 but once I started racing, 122 was already taken, so 226 was the next best option. Reedy/Bryner combo lol. I'm curious about the KTM250 SX as well. Would have been really interesting to compare that but 4 bikes at one time was just enough haha
Such an insane project! Can't believe you built all of these, filmed, interviewed and edited. The hardwork definitely paid off. Very impressive 🎉
Thank you loveee, I couldn't have done it without your support and love through out the whole project. I'm truly so thankful of you ❤
Definitely agree that was pretty cool to see I was not expecting that and think it was a huge addition for a true stock comparison! Though idk what's wrong with the red one although never really been a huge fan of the red two strokers 🤣 Respect though!
@@scooterbob7885 Haha you are the man Scooter Bob, thanks for the kind words. This Part 1 shootout was hectic but a blast at the same time.
How does this guy only have 4k subscribers??
He put a ton of work into the builds and channel!
Haha thanks my dude! Slowly building that foundation. I appreciate the kind words.
Here 2 years later and he almost at 14k subscribers 🤘
I purchased an 02 RM250 new 20 years ago and it is the best motocross bike I have ever owned. I still own it and ride it, it is going to be with me until my sons get it when I’m dead and gone👍🏼
WOW that is so badass that you still have that bike from the day you bought it. Who knew how valuable and in demand they would be today. Very cool!
Same here got one for my brother brand new low hour just an fmf full system the power is amazing
Greg killed it with this video.! What a day to be apart of. Thanks for doing this for the Moto community!
Couldn't have killed it without your help and expertise my dude. It was an epic day, glad you were okay from that crash and really looking forward to what we can do in the future!
Definitely give you props for getting back up and keeping on riding I could have been a lot worse. I almost broke my spleen in half cuz my 80 bogged out on me before pretty much just like that other than it was kind of more of a double and bad landing
Awesome work Greg !!!
I cant believe you restored 4 bikes all together.
Your fingers,hands and lower back must have been aching.
Good idea keeping the bikes close to stock using the same products.
Big pat on the back.
Adam…watching from Australia.
Yeoo! Thanks Adam! True story, I thought it was my brother commenting at first because his name is Adam too hahahaha. I have to say my fingers got the worst as they are still callused from putting on the graphics! Glad to have you on board from Australia, that's really cool. I appreciate the positive comments. Cheers man!
Mad respect. Pics of these bikes together are poster-worthy. ‘05 truly is a stellar lineup in supercross.
Thanks my dude! Such an epic era in moto and supercross!
mcgrath man what a memory had a poster in my room signed by him. late 90's haha how cool
That is so badass, still have all of my posters too!
I only got onboard after the last bike rebuild start video and subbed even though the RM had trouble starting.
Great video Greg and it proves that everyone has different opinions, styles, likes etc.....but one thing is clear.....2 strokes are fun, cheap, and make you a better rider, all of which mx, enduro, trials are about....having fun!
I got out of bikes 20 years ago riding 2 bangers and then bought a WR450F and it made me a lazy rider and got bored with it in 12 months.....went back to 2 strokes.....just so much fun.
Great video 👍👍👍
Right on dude! You couldn't have said it any better, they are simply awesome machines. I'm familiar with the older WR250F's and I know those are literally like tractors so I can only imagine how that 450 was! What two smoke did you end up picking up?
@@GregHitchko ended up restoring an Suzuki 1978 RM125C and a couple of PE175s, 81 and 82, plus retro fitted another PE175 engine into a blown up 1985 RM125F.....I like my air cooled bikes and fiddling with them.
Will get a more modern 2 banger sooner.
@@mmazz30 that is so cool! If parts are hard to get for the models that I built, I can't imagine for those bikes. My brother had a 77 RM125 back in the day as his first "big bike." Really wish we didn't get rid of that thing....
Awesome job Greg!!!
Thanks to you and your buddy Cameron I now have a RM125 and RM 250 in the garage I will be rebuilding UGH LOL!!
Hahaha dude YES!!! That is seriously so rad to hear, I love that shit because Cameron is the one that got me so jacked up on doing rebuilds. Keep me posted on them, Jerry, I'm jealous of that RM125 you've got there! Very cool community everyone is building behind these bike builds.
Those ‘old’ bikes are all 15 years older than my newest 2 stroke. Love seeing them kept alive! Amazing video.
Hell yeah my dude, definitely have to keep them alive. WAY more to come. I appreciate the support.
Great stuff! I was never on this level and at 56 frankly my KDX 220 is just fine. But what you did here needs to be done and I appreciate it. Peace.
Thanks Christopher, my brother had a KDX200 growing up and I wish we still had that bike!
@@GregHitchko Yup yup!!! I dropped my DT250 in the snow last week setting up a photo shoot and busted the clutch lever so I took the one off the KDX and stuck on it. But it's sunny and dry north of Seattle today so I'm about to swap it back and ride the KDX to my buddy's house he's got a tiny track there LOL ua-cam.com/video/fWFU1xePKz0/v-deo.html
@@KingCast65 that is so awesome! But I've definitely been there done that before with dropping my bike and snapping the clutch lever off haha.
My dad had a kdx 200 for 10 years, It lasted all ten without any motor problems, except in those ten years he had to change his water pump seal twice. Then went on to sell it still running for twice what he got it for. I saw it up on the market not to long ago and it turns out that it still hasn’t needed a rebuild
@@LooseCannonRacing those bikes are epic man! They are beasts and run forever. Plus they are so sweet in the trails
Awesome video… great sound and cool to hear feedback from the riders.
Thanks Chris! Really glad you enjoyed it man.
Greg this is just so epic. Well done again.
Much appreciated Billy, stoked you enjoyed it! Thank you 🙏🏼
Hands down 4 of the top 10 dirtbikes of all time not just because of the era and GOATs who rode them but also because of their looks and sound ! Well done ! My favorite one is MC's Honda not just because it's the King's bike but also because of the Woody logo! The best Honda logo EVER
Thanks for the feedback my dude, totally agree with you on all accounts! The woody graphics are by far my favorites ever. I had a n 01 CR125R with those graphics.
Super happy for you dude! For me the Kawasaki and the rm is my favorite just by the look. I feel like there is a comeback for them, and if the general public demands them, well see the manufactures wake up.
Hope you figure out the Honda aswell.
Thanks mate! How badass would it be if these manufacturers caught on and decided to reproduce their two strokes. That would be the day. Have to keep making noise like this!
Amazing work guys. Fantastic
Much appreciated Darius 🙏🏼
@@GregHitchko I love all those bikes ...and the fact you REBUILT them all is truly amazing. I really like that Suzuki...been drawn to the 250 cc two strokes Zukis... lately! Love it! Do you still have them all?
@@DariusBarazandeh Yessir, I still have them all! With the CR blowing up, I'd like to do a second version of the shootout. I think that zook has me jumping ship from my beloved green machine haha
Great video. Grew up racing two strokes and you guys just helped me off the fence about getting another one.
Now the hard part. Congrats on getting all those bikes back on the track. They all looked great.
Personally I'd choose the Suzuki.
Dude that is so awesome to hear! Just trying to share the stoke for two strokes and keep them alive. If I were to race, I'm a big fan of that RM, and the YZ is a close second.
@@GregHitchko my last two stroke was an 06 YZ 250. Great bike.
Good job Greg and crew. All the bikes turned out really cool. To bad for the ole Honda. As a fellow Vet rider riding and racing in that era…. Very refreshing video. Thanks the viewing pleasure.
Thanks Brett, much appreciated man. Stoked you were able to relate. We will get the Honda going again for a part 2 for sure!
I actually had the pleasure of owning a 2007 kx250 two stroke, and I’m only 17, the old 250 two strokes are INCREDIBLE! I traded mine for a quad but I definitely plan on buying another one very soon! I miss my kx250 so much!😭
Where are you located I am planning on selling my 03 KX
Dang dude that's awesome that you had the KX250. Find a way to trade back for it haha!
@@GregHitchko I wish! My mom would scream at me, done scared her enough, but! If I see it for sale again, I’m buying it back😂😂
@@JKauffman52 I wanna buy my 07 back, but thank you so much for the offer!
@@KentuckySquids hahaha that's awesome dude!
That RM is just beautiful.
Dude I hear you, Shane! It rides just as good as it looks.
Long live the HONDA CR500 two stroke ! Great Video!!!! I just bought a Honda 2022 CRF 450 RL Dec 8 2022!!!
You lucky dog you! Those new 450s look so bad ass, do you have a CR500 in your stable as well?
@@GregHitchko yes A 92 CR500 every thing is brand new again on it and has been sitting Sents 2004 cases never opened !! Bike problably only has a bout 25 hours on it senses new !! It's treated like a top fuel Dragster !! Aways the best you can buy!!!!
All excellent bikes. I mainly rode Hondas, but they all have something good about them. I just love two strokes, plain and simple. Thanks for an excellent video at one of my favorite tracks!
sadly, a sleeve usually always fails because the clearance needs to be more since the sleeve gets way hotter, typical sleeve failure. however, such a GREAT Video! thanks Greg!!
It really is such a bummer! I should have double checked the piston to wall clearance and ring gap BUT I trusted that it was fine since the shop who put the new sleeve in said they matched it piston and rings I gave them. Lesson learned to always double check things, even when a shop says that it's good to go!
@@GregHitchko Never sleeve them, send them to Millennium Technologies. Great restorations though!
41 year old ! Got rid of my 2nd RM 250 (2001) last spring cause of my back... Man growing older suck ! The urge to get another bike is always there !
Go buy it back haha! Hopefully your back ins't too bad that it keeps you off the bike permanently. Those RM's are gold for sure.
That feeling never goes away
Wow, what an awesome comparison!
I went to to the dealership to get a klx 140 pit bike and a quad for my daughter. They were out of 140 so I asked for a 112 and I ended up with a 2023 KX 112 supermini. I feel like I won the lottery! This 2 stroker rips power to weight! Just under 25 HP with 170 wet weight. That equals FUN! The best part is I am a vet at 46 and super tall at 6' 6", but I ride anyway! Long live the 2 stroke! I had a 1990 CR 500 back mid 90'S. Brings back memories. Awesome content guys!! That was a GNarly endo!!
First off, AWESOME name haha. Second off, that is great move on your part! You would have been left with wanting more if you went ahead and purchased the 140. They are simply no comparison. Funny you say that because we did the same thing with my wife. We were looking at the 140s and decided on the KX100. Good stuff! And damn, I thought I was tall at 6'3" on a dirt bike haha. I appreciate the comment and kind words Gregory. Enjoy the new bike and quad with your daughter!
@@GregHitchko Thank you for your awesome content & reply! I look forward to what you have cooking next. Keep it up brotha man! 👊
There we go. Thanks for the link not sure why youtube didn't show this instead of the other video, here's what happened,. Thanks Greg and congrats on the beautiful bikes you built. Can't wait for more.. I've got a bunch of bikes and want to start a channel with my son, on building and riding.
That would be SO awesome, and what a cool thing to do with your son. Sounds like a great foundation for a channel.
That was super rad 🤟amazing to see the bikes and riders on them hitting the track and getting there perspective 👌what an amazing project and Fantastic job you did greg massive respect 🙏
Very much appreciated my dude! Really happy with the way it turned out and truly hope it brings value to everyone. With the Honda failing, this will not be the last of this project, working up something for a "part 2".
I hope the great algorithm blesses you with views
Haha thanks man, it's got some great traction so far. As long as this video provides value and entertainment to everyone, that's all I can ask for 🙏🏼
I love how clean these old school graphics look. Newer teams graphics look a lot more busy
Thanks Aaron! Yeah man, there's simply nothing that beats how clean the old looks were. Not a big fan of busy looking bikes.
Oh shit, didn’t expect to see Hayden in this. Hell yeah 🤘
Haha yeahh buddy! He was a great addition to the squad.
Beautiful bikes and loved the video
Hell yea love the 2 strokes. I bought a brand new 03 cr250 and still ride it to this very day
That is so sick! So you've owned it from day 1??
@@GregHitchko yep sure have. I originally bought a brand new 2001 cr250 then sold that 2 years later and got the 2003 and have had that ever since
Cool that this was filmed with Utah locals, at my local track, Mesquite MX Park, which is in Littlefield, Arizona. Mesquite is the neighboring town, which is actually in Nevada. My dad actually broke both of his legs on that track, ironically on a 2002 CR250, with the same graphics, just with his number of course not McGraths. It was back in like 2004. That bike is dangerous lol. This week I took my bike out to Warner Valley and rode it for the first time, aside from breaking it in, which I did in some fields by my house. It’s running awesome, has a ton of power. I just need to fine tune my Lectron, get it dialed in. I was born and raised in Utah, spent half of my life (26 years) in Salt Lake/Utah Counties, the other half in Southern Utah. I’ve been back and forth between north and south my whole life, currently living in southern Utah again, just somewhat finished rebuilding my ‘03 RM125, unfortunately I wasn’t able to do a restoration quite like these bikes got, but I’ll slowly add the cool expensive shit as I go, I just got the basics, Lectron, funny enough I got the Nihilo frame tape too, ASV F4 Pro levers, top end, UFO plastics, SKDA graphics, FMF Factory Fatty, I’ve got that cheap wheel set; KKE Wheels, stuff like that. I’ll slowly add shit like triple clamps, titanium bolts, anodized parts, a phathead, raptor pegs, you know, the rich guy shit 😂 once mesquite opens here in a week or so I’ll be there doing motos and drills hopefully once a week at least. I’ve ridden my whole life, but hardly had any track time, and overall haven’t had a ton of seat time. I want to get pretty serious about it, maybe spend a season training, and then start racing toward the end of the season, or maybe travel up north after our season is done, and do some racing during the summer up there. Next year im going to enter the Loretta Lynn’s qualifiers at both Mesquite, and Bunker Hill, in Delta. If anybody is in the area and wants to do some track days together let me know. I don’t really have anybody to ride with.
Amazing... great review, keep up the awesome work...
Congratulation
Thank you Claudio, glad you enjoyed.
Bro, I just want to say THANK YOU for this amazing project!!! nothing like it bro.
Suzuki guy but man that Honda bro!!! Despite the problem.
You the man HE! Thank you for the kind words and truly glad you enjoyed it. Brings back some memories eh? I think I may just be a suzuki guy now. No wonder why we couldn't keep up with you back then when you had the RM! Yayayaya. But seriously, I was like, how is that dude sooo fast. Now I know why!
Great job. Such awesome bikes
Many thanks man!
Excellent video, Greg. Hope to be done with my 1998 Honda CR125 build soon.
Thanks my dude! Bet your 125 is going to turn out so sick!
2 strokes are the greatest. As someone who grew up in the 80s when racetracks smelled like premix they are true race bikes. Cant believe no one in this test had 250 experience. I grew up riding 250s and skipped 125's. I was starting to race open class - 500s when they cancelled that in the mid 90s.
You’ve got that right! I had a 2003 YZ250 in 2005 after I had a couple CR125’s. That was such an insane bike. Wish I still had it. After that I switched to four strokes. I was young and followed the trend, no denying that they were easier to ride as well!
I love all the bikes great job 😁 if I were to pick one it would be the kawi love the way you sit inside it and not on top of it
Thanks my man! The KX is such a fun bike. Wild how the difference in the rider triangle makes such an impact.
Ive had a 78. 83, 89, 05 and two 01's love them cr 's ! Had a few yz250 too
Right on Jim! I'd love to grab an 01 CR250R, I hear they are awesome. I had an 01 CR125 that I really wasn't impressed with, motor wise.
Amazing series, very entertaining, super informative. Well done!
Thank you Chuck! Really happy you are finding value in it, that's what I hope.
Instantly sub'd!!! This is awesome man! Keep it up!
Much appreciated my dude! Glad you enjoyed the content, more to come and glad to have you on the train!
You are a legend man!
Haha nahh you the man Kyle! New baby has had the Part 2 shootout editing tied up but hopefully get it out in a week or two!
So much work put forward for this whole series, you deserve more subs and people knowing your name
Thanks Lebro! I really appreciate those kind words, little by little building that foundation. Glad you're enjoying it and finding value my man. That's all I can ask for.
I have a 2021 KX250 and a 1996 KX250. 2 very different bikes but the 96 is nostalgic and brutally 2T and a throw back to a different time 💟✅
This is a great year for 250 two strokes. Ive personally have had 3 of these in the last 5 years riding motocross. I actually have helmet cam footage of the 3 i had on my channel(not a youtuber just upload for memories) and my personal choice is the 05 suzuki rm250. Once set up has amazing suspension and has a great powerband, even uses the same piston as a yz250 which is a good bike as well.
That is awesome Chad! How cool is it to be able to go back and forth between the bikes and feel the differences. They are actually similar but their differences make the biggest impact. Can't wait to tweak that RM a little in the suspension department and see how it does. Actually looking forward to doing that with all of the bikes!
It's the only way I know how to fly, love it
Haha that's what's up right there, good stuff.
Love this video man I’m still old school if you aren’t mixing gas you aren’t hauling ass I’ve got a team Chevy trucks replica I just got done with such a sick bike
Haha true story right there A.A. Do you have instagram? I'd love to see your bike, share some pictures if you do!
Just shot you some pics through IG 🤘
Wow this is the coolest thing I've seen in a very long time, great work & thank you.
Dude thank you for such the kind words, really stoked you enjoyed it!
That's why you get a bike set up for you and your riding ability.
Couldn't have said it better myself! In "stock" form, especially in the suspension department, it's tough to get it really dialed unless you tweak it for you.
Wow, this was sick!
Thanks my dude! Much appreciated
This is awesome! Great channel 👍🏻
Much appreciated man! Glad you enjoy.
Amazing job, congrats! It's a shame wich happenned with the Honda but nonetheless, the video is a blast!
I have a RM '08 100% stock and It's the best purchase I've ever made.
Thanks my dude! Man that is awesome about the 2008 that you have, a unicorn for sure! We will get the Honda fixed and get back at it.
Cr fan but they all so good
They were really all so close!
Amazing job Greg!!
Much appreciated Steve! I'd love to get them down to Cali, but we will see.
Great video. Owned two of the bikes shown, Red and Green. And only choosing from those two bikes are hard. Would probably say I like the Kawa the most overall. But the Honda is a really great bike. To bad it blow up for you, and glad that he did make it without injury.
Great video, definitely a new subscriber here. Love those old 2-strokes so hope to see more of them. Thanks🎉🎉🎉
I love this video I’m saddened by the the CR I personally have a 2003 cr250 with a billetron and I had to richen the old girl 2 full turns on the metering rod and about 3-4 turns on the power jet. And she’s happy now but I can say it was insanely lean out of the box. Please give an upon on the CR! Rad video! Thanks 😎
Thanks for that awesome feedback and insight to your situation with the your CR250 and Billetron! I still think I need to go richer on the other bikes with the billetron as well but obviously no big deal since it literally takes minutes. Love how easy it is to adjust. I will for sure keep you updated on the Honda, I'll have a whole video for it. Plan is to get and OEM cylinder back on that baby without a sleeve. So definitely more content to come!
Very cool shootout! I think there is still a lot of fun to be had with those bikes. I have an 03 RM 250 fun bike!
Thanks my man! Definitely so much fun to be had on these two strokes still. Have to keep them alive as they start to become more obsolete! Enjoy that 03 RM!
Question for you. I’m looking into purchasing a rm 2003 125. It has a new top & bottom end also new restyle kit. What’s your opinion should I purchase? Or hold out on it?
@@williebarz196 if the price is right, I'd snag it up my man! That would be a great pick up. Harder to find these 125s lately! Great bike!
@@GregHitchko trying to gage what a good price would be but he’s asking for around $3200
@@williebarz196 I don't know of the condition overall, but it would be a fun bike to have!
Amazing dude! just amazing! Form building to shootout 🥰 THANK YOU🥰
You the man Glenn!! Thank YOU for the support.
Well done. Impressive!
Thank you thank you!
All I raced was two strokes and I always loved the Honda and Suzuki from this Era
Right on! Did you ever ride the KX or YZ?
Thanks for bringing this to us!
Right on of course, glad you enjoyed mate!
Great video I was suprised about the bad news for the Honda
Thanks man! We will get it back up and running for an even better part 2.
Mantap sekali atraksi motor cros di medan extrim, sukses kawan🙏
Currently in the proccess of getting my RM250 fixed, has some work to do as sadly it was a little clapped but hope to get her going again as it’s been a dream and I’m working hard to make it come through
The good thing about that is that you're reviving a sad bike, that's what's up! It's up to you and everyone to bring these bikes back to life and keep them alive so that's awesome dude. Pumped for you to get it back up and running again!
@@GregHitchko yup, the case has some crack in it which worries me but I hope I’ll figure it all out, I would choose an RM over a new bike, it’s all about feel not just how new it is, I love the bikes you build and honestly they give me some more motivation to build my own!
I live with a guy that was a pro moto guy. Built a bunch of 125,s and says we are all going to relearn how to turn. Now he wants to trade them for a RV to park out in NV. So we have something to look forward to Desert style. I love him but he drives me crazy. I’m a 60 year old that loves the tough enduro shit. Him a full on let’s hit the whoops all day. Lmao
He’s 64
Haha! This is great Mark! The two strokes really make you relearn how to turn, I know I had to teach myself how to turn them again after being on the fourstrokes for so long. Enjoy the desert! Such fun riding out in those type of conditions.
Love the review. But give me more of that 2stroke sound!
Right on! Hit up the next video in the series. The behind the scenes, "what really happened" video has the raw sounds, and first impressions of all of the bikes!
This turned out awesome. Keep up the good work. Can't wait to see what's next. Can we get more vapor blasting videos? They're always so satisfying. I'd like to see a comparison of the HTMR vs the victor bared v3 products. I'm curious which works better and is a better value.
Thanks my dude! There will be more vapor blasting for sure. I'll see what I can put together in the future. It really is so satisfying to see the before and after.
AMAZING the content we need!!
Right on, really glad you enjoyed the video my dude!
Badass work man. You definitely killed this series and I hope it helps you get even more traction in the UA-cam bike building world because it would be awesome to see more big content like this for you.
Really interesting hearing all the perspectives of the different riders. I thought it was especially intriguing that they all seemed to think a modern 4 stroke "feels heavier" than the 2 strokes even though they're pretty similar in weight.
I'll take that suzuki now please 🤤
Hey now, you know that you're going fight me for that Suzuki right?? 🤣 But thank you Jonathan, it's been great to have you along for the ride! Luckily with the Honda failure we've got some more content to produce with these bikes. Starting to think of a "part 2" version of these bikes to do. So going to hang on to them for a little longer.
For me at least, it has to do with the engine braking, just them feeling more "free" in the motor compared to a four stroke. Very interesting to compare them for sure. Maybe bring in a four stroke into the equation in the future.
@@GregHitchko definitely. Would be cool to see a old school vs new school shootout. Maybe even show laptimes and come up with a series of tests? Thanks for the reply, looking forward to seeing what you do next 🤟🏁
Yamaha is banging bud, love them all though, the pipes are so sweet
That Yamaha is such a fun bike! I appreciated the kind words Justin, thanks 💨
Amazing journey mate, excellent work 🔥
Thanks my dude! After the honda failing, I've realized it's not over. More to come!
@@GregHitchko I got some tips for setting up the Honda, my dad and I restored an 02, And it’s a beauty machine to ride, I have it back in our house and it’s for sell, check Brian D Mobley he has a video for the RC valve setup I used that same settings and the 02 works pretty good
@@GregHitchko the only problem on the Honda it’s the Mikuni Tmx that’s is a nightmare to jet, even worse here where I live with the humidity and the hot weather, for the Honda to work perfect just needs reeds, pc exhaust, a different carb and some suspension 🤙🏼
Kick ass job Greg! Can’t wait to moto down when you move to the southeast 🤘🏼
Oh hells yeahh, thanks Travis! Man can't wait to moto it you and your crew. Looking forward to it 👊🏼
It’s sad to see what happened to the Honda, it was my personal favorite and I would like to see an update with it.
I know right! Don't worry, the plan is to get a part 2, bigger and better, now knowing what happened to the CR.
I have a 97 rm 125. Broke the lip that holds the 2 bearings behind the water pump propeller. Currently waiting to get my pockets together so I can buy a new casing for that. Just got a new wiseco piston kit and a water pump rebuild kit because I had some coolant making it’s way into my motor eventually throwing the top from running lean I believe
Ahh damn! Yup that will for sure make the bike run lean. Hopefully it isn't too bad on you for the parts to get it back up and running. Good luck dude!
I wish I could post a pic for you of my current 2001 RM250. I raced a bit 2000-2005. started on 2001 rm125 finished on 2001 rm250. I still have the original one owner rm125 as a basket case but its still all there. I purchased a blown up 2001 rm250 last spring (spring 2021) full frame off restoration and pro action gold valve re-spring and valved for my weight. Oh and I swapped the KYB front forks out for the SHOWA that came on the 2001 rm125. Suzuki did that at some point anyways. I got back out with a local track membership to ride when I want and even got out for some gate drops. Even won the first race I entered in 15yrs even if it was 30+ B I'll take LOL. So this winter doing both rm125 and rm250 frame off. It will be sweet in a few months when we can pull up with the little and big brothers all spiffed up. Long Live The 2-Stroke. Thanks for the Video......................................having built bikes and knowing the work involved I sure do appreciate the effort put into getting this up onto UA-cam
Thanks my dude! So rad to hear your story, and even more rad that you still have that RM125! I think in 2002 is when they went with the Showa forks on the 125, not really sure why they didn't switch to those Showa forks earlier on the 250 as well. 2001 was when I got my first bike, an XR100 but quickly jumped to the 90 CR125 and 01 CR125 because I was still super tall for that XR! Must have been so awesome to grab that win, I grabbed a moto win and took second overall in the Utah state championships last year on my KX250 in the 30+C class, so I'm right there with you on that feeling haha. Keep me posted on both of your rebuilds, I am trying to figure out some upgrades for these bikes and I plan to start with suspension to get those working better.
My friends and I got bored with 4 strokes a few years ago and have went through many two strokes. New and old, my favorite is my 2006 rm250. Only one I havent ridden is a kx250 no one has really wanted to rebuild a kx that I know.
That is so rad Ben! Definitely aligns with the way I feel about all of these bikes as well. Thanks for sharing that input, super cool to hear other people's opinions on them. Cheers
My bro just snagged the KX and we ARE PUMPED!
That you Skyler!? Dude I’m so pumped for him and you (so you can rip it too) haha.
@@GregHitchko rode it on Sunday and it was super fun. You just smile while you ride it.
@@MegaStreet11 that brings a smile to my face knowing that it did yours, love that bike 🙌🏼
That is so awesome. My heart skipped when I saw all those bike sitting next to eachother.
Thanks dude! It's a pretty awesome sight to see. I still have to stop and stare for a second each time I go into the garage haha.
Great Video Greg. I’m looking forward to the Honda investigation. I am currently doing a 2003 CR250 and exactly the same thing happened. Apparently a sleeve barrel is a no go on the CR, the piston seized in the sleeve. I was panicking at the cost of a barrel as they are silly money on eBay. Turns out the Honda main dealership can get then in a few weeks from Japan £300 🤷♂️ easy. Good luck with the next episode 🙏💪
Thanks John! No way! That is super interesting to hear that you basically had the same issue. Relieves me a little bit of the installation guilt but you still never know. Glad you were able to find a cylinder, they are SUPER rare for the 03/04 right?! My plan is to find an OEM cylinder as well, I wanted to go that route in the first place but there were zero available at the time I needed it. That's why I went a full resleeve. Makes for interesting content for sure! Keep me posted about how your experience goes with the new oem cylinder!
I had to re sleeve my 03 an 04 cr250s. Both had a cracked exhaust port bridge. US Chrome did the work. I couldn't find any new cylinders at the time.
@@Mkbary9 How did that sleeve work out for you?
@@GregHitchko running strong
@@GregHitchkowhat clearance between the piston and sleeve?
Shame the Honda bowed out as it did. Glad no one was hurt, and hope that the bike is an easy fix.
Great content as usual.
It's a 2 stroke, not much to them, with the right tools it's a few hours work even splitting the cases and doing a full bottom end if needed.. haven't seen the video so idk what happened, but 2 strokes are as easy as it gets.
Shouldn't be too bad of a fix, from what it looks like, it is just the top end, fingers crossed. Going to be grabbing an OEM cylinder to replace the one in there with the steel sleeve. Thanks man, keep everyone posted with a video on it in the near future!
@@GregHitchko Good stuff Greg.
I’d love to see them bring back two strokes I’d have me a new Cr and put my 04 on a shelf
I couldn't agree with you more my man!
Just got a 2022 yz250, have just come across from yz450f and I gotta say I love the feel and performance of the yz250 way more than the yz450f in retrospect the yz450f made me a lazy rider have to discipline myself to stand up again on the 250, and the stroke is more exillerating to ride the 450f is kinda boring and uneventful, almost puts me to sleep riding the 450f whereas the 250 gets my adrenaline going and works my whole body ! Over all after riding both for a long time yz250 all day!
Thats whats up!
Heck yeah dude, love that you broke down the 450 vs 250, what year is the 450? It's wild how the two stroke just get's your blood pumping way more.
I have both machines as well mate I like both but I do like yz 25o as a chill out machines
Awesome video! But who else kept pausing to hear if someone was shooting a gun near you?
Thanks my dude! SO funny you mention that because there were people blasting off guns near by. I didn't noticed it when we were doing the discussion but I was made aware afterward by my wife haha.
250 rm 😍❤ je l'aime tellement
Oui Oui! Love the RM
I’d be happy with any of them I’m not a 4 stroke guy LONG LIVE THE 2 STROKE 😁
Haha exactly! ANY of these bikes would be completely rad. Thanks mate!
Great video man love all your videos and builds and with how much time and work you put into your channel you definitely deserve a lot more subscribers I always get excited when you post because its gonna be a sick build or great information and always high quality and good editing
Hells yeahh, I always appreciate the feedback my dude! It really does help to make sure that I am moving in the right direction with the things I am doing or not. Super pumped to bring value to you and others, that's the goal. Always try to keep it real too. We've got some cool things to come with the behind the scenes footage from the shootout so you guys can really see how it went down, and investigation of the honda!
Sick video!!! Shout out to Luke it was badass to see you in the video! I think it was awesome all the way around definitely the best comparison video that I have found and was pretty much exactly what I was hoping to see. I would have like to see just a little more riding unedited is part of it but that's it. It bums me out that they arent making as many like they used to although it seems like they're coming back a little bit in popularity. I've always been a huge fan of the Yammy's as far as two strikes go and have been that way since starting to race on my YZ 80 it was pinned or nothing and was never jetted right at all but probably made me better for it. I swear tho that my 85 that was actually jetted right would smoke pretty much any 125 around at least that I raced messing around but for 4 strokes it's Red all day I. Went form 85 to a ,00 250 and loved that thing till I blew it up after years of abuse. Always wanted to ride basically any 250 03 and up but haven't been able to yet sr with most of the other brands. I am glad that Yamaha out of all them is at least still making new bikes. Thank the Lord baby Jesus! MVP guys for the video I would love the chance to ride all of them it would be cool to see how KTM and the Huskies compare. Also it would be cool to see how the results are after each bike is tuned or upgraded in the areas that are agreed that are lacking and to see how they compare on and off the track as well would be pretty cool! Thanks again guys for the vid and I definitely hit subscribe!!! Anyone reading this should as well 😂
Haha Scooter Bob you are the man! Thanks for taking the time to leave such an awesomely honest review/comment.You talking about your 80 and 85 made me visualize you hauling some arse on them lol. So cool you know Luc too! Such a rad dude. Glad to have along for the ride with the channel, we try to make it a good time here. The part 2 shootout video was such a blast too after getting the suspension properly set up and fixing the Honda. Cheers my man!
i have started mx about a 1 and a half year ago and i got myself a Suzuki RM250 fromm 1997 and i love her. i was allways a 2 stroke guy, i just love hte ring ding ding, or with the bigger bikes rong dong dong 🤣 just put in a new piston. the biggest size out there. now i hope she gets back to her nasty power. if i ever have enough money, i would love to rebuild her comletely form ground up. but for now she has to go to the track as is. i go about once or twice a week and it is just great. 2 stroke will never dye!!! i would also love to get a 2022 or 23 yz 125, they are great, i had the chance to testride a 2022 125 and also a 250. nice video. great bikes!
with the wrench rabbit rebuild kits the bottom end bearing is actually made in china/ taiwanese and they are known the fail 2 of my mates have had failures with the kits with factory motorcycle mechanics installing them and the outcome being a blown up engine with in 2 hours of run time so keep it in mind, great builds :)
That's great feedback on those wrench rabbit kits! Aside from the Honda, so far so good. I hear both good and bad about them. I guess each situation is different. Thanks dude!
That's what I've been hearing as well. If you want to use a hotrods crank at least use oem bearings. It's usually better and cheaper to get your OEM crank rebuilt with a quality rod like OEM, pro-x or vesrah (all made in Japan).
I'm a AA woods rider and mid pack A rider in moto, I ring my poor 125's neck and I've never had a wrench rabbit kit fail, I've always counted on Hot rods crank... I use a different connecting rod that's much lighter but the main crank and bearings have never failed me, I get as much time out of them as I do OEM. I do a bottom end every other top end so i keep them fresh, but definitely no failure in a couple hours. Something must of been wrong, I freeze my bearings using dry ice or nitrogen (make sure the ice or nitrogen doesnt touch the actual bearing) to slide them in a bit easier and let them expand.. otherwise I've seen people not get them seated correctly and they don't last long. If it wasnt a error putting the bearings in, maybe he was unlucky with some sort of issue from the factory?
@@yamahakid450f Thanks for the awesome feedback and insight my dude! Yes, I have heard horror stories about them but bad word spreads wayyy faster than a positive story, so I am glad you shared your ability level, type of riding, and your positive experience using these kits. I am looking forward to diving into it and seeing what's going on. A few people have already commented on the video about having poor experiences with sleeves in their CR's specifically, so I'll be looking to grab and oem cylinder soon. Luckily it's not locked up but we will see what's going on when we open'r up. The next time I rebuild a bottom end, I really want to try that dry ice trick, seems to be the way to go instead of throwing them in the freezer. Thanks again!
This is awesome I really been wanting to find any of these bikes for a project. Unfortunately everyone selling them appears to be smoking crack based on asking prices
HAHA dude right?! It was a struggle to find good prices for these bikes, but looking at the market now, it's gotten even worse. Good for the industry though that people are scooping these up and buying parts for them!
In the process of finishing my 01 rm250 now. Sold my cr, kx and yz
Two strokes for ever!!!!
FORR EVERRR!
early 00’s forever!
You can say that again!
If the Suzuki had the Yamaha engine it would be the best bike. That Suzuki feels so planted in the corners and gives you the confidence to go fast while Cornering, although the stock motor revs out too quickly and feels slow
It would be really cool to be able to do that, shit they are basically the same cylinder pretty much! A little top to compliment that bottom and the zook would be killer.
Awesome !
Thanks my man!
I have the KX 250, but mine is ten years older than yours. Definitely choppy in the rear end on roots or breaking bumps, but I adjust my ride style to that, and I love the rip your arms off low-end power of the Kawasaki coming out of corners.
If I did my math correctly that puts you at a 97?! That's badass. I hear people loved that year/generation bike.
your not alone. I rebuild a 2003 cr250 and it only last 2 hours of run time until the exhaust bridge broke AGAIN
Oh no!! I've heard that the exhaust bridges are fragile in those models as well. Super frustrating for sure.
2 strokes are awesome my first Bike was a Yamaha 175 2 stroke now I have a Yamaha Raptor 660R Yamaha 600cc twin 2 stroke
They are so rad! But damn, I can't imagine how hard that 600cc twin must rip!
I subscribe because of the work you put into this video! I just found your page! But man yess sirrr…chad reed was my idol growing up..I wore the number 22 every year I played baseball! Yea ima yammie man! But I’m curious about the ktm 250…it’s different and I like the orange(being a Clemson fan)
Right on Justin, that's awesome man, I greatly appreciate the sub. This project was a blast, I know where I can improve next time for sure. CR22 was the main reason why my personal number (226) has 22 in it lol. I originally ran 122 but once I started racing, 122 was already taken, so 226 was the next best option. Reedy/Bryner combo lol.
I'm curious about the KTM250 SX as well. Would have been really interesting to compare that but 4 bikes at one time was just enough haha