CRM250.COM - Bike Performance

The CRM Peforms very well both on road and off road for a 2 Stroke bike with such a low redline. Below is an indication of power and torque figures for all models of bike.

MK1 made around 37Bhp with 3.3Kg / meter of torque. This model only weighs 123kg so feels quite nippy and far revvier than the other models. with the standard road gearing of 14 / 42 a top speed of 90mph is normal.

MK2 & MK2.2 Both make an alleged 40Bhp with 3.8Kg / meter or torque. These model are a little heavier and physicaly larger than the MK1 so carry there speed well. The extra torque makes all the difference in those greasy mud bogs but the extra weight is noticable. With the standard road gearing of 14 / 42 i know a real top speed of 100mph is easy, and will sit all day on a motorway (if so inclined) at 80 with no drama.

MK3 again hardly any different than the MK2 in power makes 40 Bhp with 3.8Kg / meter of torque. The bike still weighs the same as the MK2 but can carry a little extra fuel. The suspension on the MK3 is way better than the MK2 and makes a huge difference in ride quality / control. With standard gearing of 14 / 42 top speed of again 100mph is normal.

Active Radical again is supposed to be making around 40bhp but with 4.0Kg / meter of torque. Very similar in looks and layout (but so far apart) from the MK3 and still weighs the same too. I have to say that from past experience i thought the AR would be slower than the MK3 yet in the real world it isn't - in fact with the standard 14 / 42 gearing 100mph can be had, OK so i personaly feel the MK3 and MK2 have the edge on the last 5 mph but the AR is far quicker off the lights and pickup.

There are many trick bits out there for all models and fitting the usual DEP exhaust system and HiFlow racing reeds will make the bike much "snappier" to ride aswell as sound far better. A MUGEN ignition for the MK1 & AR will change the ignition for that more like a Crosser feel but at the expense of a higher redline and more engine wear. Mugen also did a carb and head conversion for the AR which seemed popular again with more power to hand, but quite frankly after all this if you want more power then go get another bike as the CRM does it's job very well and making the bike perform differently will only make servicing a more frequent task.

Reliabilty on all models is legendry even in Honda's book. No real problems to look out for apart from the balancer shaft wear and wheels bearing that seem to go as often as tyres.

Bodywork can be changed to either MUGEN plastic or some older CR250 parts will fit as mentioned in other parts of the site.

Summary, well having ridden every model for myself, some good and some bad, my conclusions are listed below (Please note these are my own opinions and if you don't agree - well tough shit)

The MK1 is very light and nimble, perhaps well suited to the shorter rider, it also feels more like an old CR250 with its peaky motor. This bike would make a good entry level machine for off road / commuting.

The MK2 is great, butch size makes it great fun on the road and off, but i feel is let down by crap suspension. Far too soft for any real off road use and even to soft for the road. Superb motor though and while some have a distinct sound about them (top gear doing 40mph and open it up to hear a sound like pinking / detonation or piston slap) which is quite normal and nothing to worry about, some do it and some don't. I would be more concerned about any vibes coming from the engine and roughness as this usually sugests the balancer shaft has gone west. Superb buy if you can find a goodun, a old tired shed could turn quite wealthy folk into debt ridden paupers by the throw of a piston ring. Budget around £500 for a full engine rebuild and enjoy another 20 - 30k of life in the old dog.

The MK3 looks the part and i reckon is the best of the bunch as an allrounder. Great suspension makes the MK3 much better (Yet still too soft) off road and just about right on the road. Sharing the same engine as the MK2 you get the peakier power which all adds upto the fun. Plastics are dearer for this model, so as you are sliding of the back watching your pride and joy get battered, just remember that new side panels and decals are around £75 each side.

And lastly the Active Radical. Well i guess you know whats coming as i own one (And how impartial would that be ?) but you may be surprised. If i wanted a bike for general use and commuting as well as off road fun then for me the MK3 would be the one to have. WHY well because it has the looks of the AR yet that peaky power that the AR doesnt have.
The reason i bought the AR is mainly because of the styling and colour schemes. To do the motard conversion is quite a simle job, the looks once complete are stunning. It transforms the bike into a great fun bike to use on the road (or even on track on trackdays), but it has one interesting feature that i still find hard to get to grips with. On the overrun the AR system feels like it kills the ignition like a 4 stroke and doesn't really fire untill the throttle is craked open again, takes some getting used to that but it just seems to grip and go where others won't. I think the AR is a great bike, the extra grunt and domineering looks esp with the full DEP system make the bike a real head turner, But at the end of the day i feel guilty riding it off road and getting it damaged, after all it's the end of an era and bikes like this in this condition just won't be round for long, and with good ones changing hands for serious money why try and destroy it..