Thinking about buying a CRM

[rpurdie]

Hi,

I'm thinking of buying a CRM as my first off road bike. I'm looking at http://www.rp.rpsys.net/crm250/CIMG0130.JPG" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; but don't really know a lot about these bikes. Do any potential problems jump out at anyone? Is there anything specific I should be looking for on a CRM in person (e.g. known weaknesses or parts that are known to wear out/be expensive)?

For background I've had road bikes and a bike license for 9 years but my only off road riding was a MX experience day and I much preferred the two stroke bike to the four strokes :). I also used to race karts with CR250 engines and have rebuilt a classic car so could be said to be mechanically literate.

Cheers,

Richard

[fallenmikethebike]

Hi Rpurdie your post would indicate that you have the mechanical where with all not to be frightened of the CRM ,though it is a bit more complex than your basic crosser .
You may wish to avail yourself with the search function with your question,and failing an unsatisfactory reply to your question , then post up your enquiry, for the guy,s to keep answering the same question is a little tedious ,and unlikely to furnish you with a useful response
Regards Mike

[rpurdie]

Well, I guess I'm wondering mainly if the bike pictured looks reasonable or not although I realise its hard to tell from a photo. I can check things like wheel/swingarm/headstock bearings (like an MOT) and I did have a look around the site but couldn't find a list of CRM specific checks.

[fallenmikethebike]

Hi Rpurdie , yes , all of the afore mentioned should be checked , espec, sw, arm bearing , they can be a tw@t to drift out and replace.
P valves, can give grief, it,s defo, worth a look to see the thing rocking open and shut .
Listen for noisy balancer shaft bearings , definite, high pitched whine , allow £300 for a fix if suspect.
Might be worth having a look at the drain plugged ,and oil , one for hand fisted spannering two for the oil colour or bits in it .
You should be able to feel the comp on the k/start lever, though a devious scroat may well have banged a new rings in a dodgy barrel .
It's all the usual caveats that normally apply with a purchase such as this , if you are not picking up good vibes , don't worry , there will be another along shortly.
Regards Mike