Dear Dirt Rider,Hey guys, I really like the mag and never miss an issue. I’ve been reading about the ’06 Honda CRF250R and how it’s supposed to be a hot bike. The shop near my house claims it will out run my ’04 in every aspect, but so far at the track I make short change of all of ‘em. My bike is stock performance-wise. Can you please try to help me justify an ’06?Thanks,
Zach Toll
Zach,I too have an ’04 CRF250R and can tell you honestly that the 2006 model is, in fact, faster and better-handling. With that said, the awful truth is I can probably still turn better lap times on my old bike. Why? Because I’m still very comfortable with my ’04. I know where the power comes on, how the handling works and how it’s going to respond to every type of track condition. This is all just a trained response my body and mind has developed through the countless laps aboard my trusty bike. It’s not a conscious thing, but much more natural—like breathing. I have learned to ride it efficiently and have either compensated for it’s imperfections or just sort of forgot about them. The old saying, “it’s not the bike, it’s the rider” certainly rings true.Right now I’m long-term testing a KTM250SXF (talk about a big difference). This bike isn’t even close to my Hondas of the past, and I know it will take time to get used to the unique personality of the bike. That’s the main reason I want to test it. I’m confident when I do get used to riding the orange bike, my performance—and more importantly my enjoyment—on it will likely increase. Will I be faster than I was on my 2004 CRF? That’s hard to say. Keep reading my long-term tests and we’ll find out.I’ve bought a lot of new bikes and kept a few old ones around in my life. And every time I ride a new one for a month or two, then try and hop on an old one, I’m surprised at how clapped-out the old ride feels. I’m convinced that new bike sales are directly related to the showroom feel. New bikes feel, smell and look so good!Is there anything mechanically wrong with your 2004? Are there any handling or power-delivery quirks you’d like to have worked out of it? Can you afford a new bike? These are all questions you should be asking yourself before you make a decision. It could be that all you need is a suspension re-valve & service, a fresh top end, graphic & plastic upgrades, some new grips and tires and you’d be stoked with your old bike.Do you need an ’06? Probably not. Especially if you’re competitive on your old bike. Do you want an ’06? Of course you do. Who doesn’t?Good luck in your decision.Your 2004 CRF brother,—Jesse Ziegler
Zach Toll
Zach,I too have an ’04 CRF250R and can tell you honestly that the 2006 model is, in fact, faster and better-handling. With that said, the awful truth is I can probably still turn better lap times on my old bike. Why? Because I’m still very comfortable with my ’04. I know where the power comes on, how the handling works and how it’s going to respond to every type of track condition. This is all just a trained response my body and mind has developed through the countless laps aboard my trusty bike. It’s not a conscious thing, but much more natural—like breathing. I have learned to ride it efficiently and have either compensated for it’s imperfections or just sort of forgot about them. The old saying, “it’s not the bike, it’s the rider” certainly rings true.Right now I’m long-term testing a KTM250SXF (talk about a big difference). This bike isn’t even close to my Hondas of the past, and I know it will take time to get used to the unique personality of the bike. That’s the main reason I want to test it. I’m confident when I do get used to riding the orange bike, my performance—and more importantly my enjoyment—on it will likely increase. Will I be faster than I was on my 2004 CRF? That’s hard to say. Keep reading my long-term tests and we’ll find out.I’ve bought a lot of new bikes and kept a few old ones around in my life. And every time I ride a new one for a month or two, then try and hop on an old one, I’m surprised at how clapped-out the old ride feels. I’m convinced that new bike sales are directly related to the showroom feel. New bikes feel, smell and look so good!Is there anything mechanically wrong with your 2004? Are there any handling or power-delivery quirks you’d like to have worked out of it? Can you afford a new bike? These are all questions you should be asking yourself before you make a decision. It could be that all you need is a suspension re-valve & service, a fresh top end, graphic & plastic upgrades, some new grips and tires and you’d be stoked with your old bike.Do you need an ’06? Probably not. Especially if you’re competitive on your old bike. Do you want an ’06? Of course you do. Who doesn’t?Good luck in your decision.Your 2004 CRF brother,—Jesse Ziegler
