89 or 86 cr250? Good bad an ugly

[jellybelly559]

So I picked up a 2000 xr100 today to trade it for a cr250.....the guy has 2 so I have to pick one. The 89 needs a seal I believe? Rad fluid and tranny oil are mixing some how? The 86 has a different motor he said it's a completely different motor that's powervalved? Picking one up this weekend....not sure what one? I'm leaning towards the 89 because it's newer....help a young one out with advice/ pros and cons of each bike

[Red Rider]

The 86-91 CR250R's used the same basic powervalve system with minor changes each year. I've never ridden or owned any of those CR's, but I am familiar with their HPP powervalve systems. I also would lean toward the 89 because it's newer, and should be more refined over the 86 model, plus it looks better with that dark red plastic as opposed to the orangish red of the earlier models. The waterpump seal isn't all that difficult to replace to prevent the bike from "making taffy."

[rayatc84]

89' for me because it's more recent and modern: rear disk brake, Upside down front fork, low boy exhaust, etc...
Because of the Production rules, the last Factory bikes were in 1986, and from 1987 the productions bikes became even more efficient.

[oldskool83]

my fav style bikes are the 86's but 89 gives you usd forks, rear disk brake...id go 89 unless the 86 was in fantastic shape.

[code200k]

go with the 89,I had one and it was beat but sadly traded for an 84 R..If you need a service manual for either bike i have one.

[jellybelly559]

well i made up my mind i was thinking the 89 mostly because its more modern, what all do i have to do for the water seal pump? im going to need help or like step by step for that, ill post the craigslist link, http://visalia.craigslist.org/mcy/2376289592.html

[jellybelly559]

o and he said the 89 carb needed cleaned then he looked at it thats all good but he put the 86 carb on it because its better? any input on that on which is the better carb?

[jellybelly559]

The 86-91 CR250R's used the same basic powervalve system with minor changes each year. I've never ridden or owned any of those CR's, but I am familiar with their HPP powervalve systems. I also would lean toward the 89 because it's newer, and should be more refined over the 86 model, plus it looks better with that dark red plastic as opposed to the orangish red of the earlier models. The waterpump seal isn't all that difficult to replace to prevent the bike from "making taffy."

o by the way man i love your R i saw the website you have for it.....beautiful man beautiful

[code200k]

well i made up my mind i was thinking the 89 mostly because its more modern, what all do i have to do for the water seal pump? im going to need help or like step by step for that, ill post the craigslist link, http://visalia.craigslist.org/mcy/2376289592.html

pm me.Ill sell you the book or just copy the section you neeed

[dksix]

The 86 had a 36mm and the 89 had a 38mm.

[jellybelly559]

Ok.....I called around and the parts are over 100 around here

[code200k]

Ok.....I called around and the parts are over 100 around here

for a water pump seal?
http://www.bikebandit.com/houseofmot...1898#sch612968

[Red Rider]

o by the way man i love your R i saw the website you have for it.....beautiful man beautiful

Jellybelly, thanks. No matter which one you decide on, the 86 or 89, make sure you get a manual for it. As I said before, both bikes have the same powervalve system, which is easy to work on, once you understand it. Most problems (and damage) arise from people working on the HPP system that have no understanding of it, which results in wasted time, and damage to parts that are getting awfully hard to find these days. I'm glad to help from here, (which sometimes means waiting several hours for an answer) but it's a whole lot easier when you have the manual sitting right in front of you.

[jellybelly559]

Yea.....no I need the water pump shaft the water seal and oil seal

[cr480r]

i would take '86 forks over '89