Model History - http://www.crm250.com/history.asp

Performance - http://www.crm250.com/performance.asp

Please note these are one person's views.

Specs (includes jetting, fork oil weight, timing etc) - http://www.crm250.com/specs.asp

All the CRM models were officially sold in Japan. Only the AR was officially sold in Australia.

In all other countries they were sold or imported unofficially. On this site we have had enquires from the UK, USA, France, Canada, Germany, Finland, Greece, Russia, Singapore, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Italy, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Portugal, Mexico, Spain and others I can't remember.

As far as model preferences go (this is very personal) -

I would rate Mk3 as most desirable because of looks and performance. I would rate Mk1 as second because it is the most reliable, you can still get a lot of the plastics as they are the same as some older CRs and its performance can easily be upgraded to that of the later models. The AR would be third because whilst it is something of a tour de force of engineering it is the least reliable and very expensive if it goes wrong. Mk2 is easily the worst, as it (to my mind) looks awful and is prone to the ECUs going wrong (but not as easily as the AR).

CRM & CR models are almost entirely different and apart from some plastics for Mk1/2, some wheels, brakes and sprockets. There are very few exchangeable parts.

e.g. CRM v CR engine comparison -

CRM250 - Single cylinder 2 stroke with balancer shaft, 6 gears, electronically controlled powervale and autolube lubrication. Built for reliability, long service intervals, smooth torque and respectable power.
CR250 - Single cylinder 2 stroke with no balancer shaft, 5 gears, centrifugal powervalve (some), premix lubrication and different clutch. Built for lightness, speed, frequent top end rebuilds and explosive power.

See further topics in this section for more details.