Honda Dirtbikes: Please educate me!

[guss]

Looking to buy a used Honda dirtbike and tear it down and build it back up...I have a friend who can assist in this effort, but thought I would ask for insight from Honda lovers. The bike would be for general purpose and nothing extreme...for riders weighing 135 to 175 pounds. I am thinking a 125 cc would meet this criteria. What do you think?

Also, other questions:
What is the difference between cr125 and cr125r, if any? How do they differ from an XL125?

Does age of a motor bike really matter if I plan to rebuild the motor as needed?

In general, I am looking for a cheap project bike to dismantle, paint, clean, and put back together in good order. I plan for this to be team effort and bonding experience between me and my stepdaughter who wants a dirtbike and loves to ride them. She is almost 14 years of age, about 5'4" and 160 lbs. Any thoughts would be MUCH appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[Order 66]

If I remember the XL is a 4 stroke and the CR is a 2 stroke. If you are going to take easy going trail rides, get the XL. If you are aggressive and like to speed, get the CR. You have really got to stay on the throttle of a 2 stroke or you will foul plugs.

[guss]

That is useful info. Sounds like an XL would fit the bill.

So, based on that info...the following offer has my attention. I was thinking I'd offer $500. But, I wonder if the xl100 would have enough power to satisfy the average size person. Would this be a good deal? I appreciate anyone taking the time to respond.

$600.00 OBO
1978 Honda XL 100 and XL 125

BOTH BIKES FOR 600.00

The xl 100 runs great, in great condition, 5 speed, fenders and tank in good shape, has head light, new tires, original owners manual and wiring diagram, starts easy and runs great.

The xl 125 is another story. It does not run. The fenders and tires are in good shape but it is missing a few parts. The motor feels like it has good compresion. It is identical to the xl 100 so I will throw it in for parts or you could try to get it running.

[Mike K]

The Honda XR series bikes are very user friendly, easy to ride yet still have all the functions of a full size motorcycle. parts are readily available for all xr series bikes. The CR series are mainly 2 stroke race bikes which require regular maintenence and can be scary fast for a new rider. even a 125 can throw around a large man. The XR bikes are a lot of fun and can handle a high school age beginning rider with ease.

[guss]

Just to clarify, is an XL part of the XR series?

[Order 66]

Years ago, when I rode, the XR series were only low cc bikes. I personally owned a XL125 and XL175, they were both 4 strokers and were excellent bike for just easing along. I later owned a CR250 which was like a rocket. You had to keep the RPMs in the powerband to get the best performance though. If you race get a CR if you cruise, the XL should do ya.

600 for both bike is great, you can have them apart in an hour or so.

[jhedges]

You might look at this bike. It's also a 4-stroker. It's a tad pricey, but this bike rips. It would be enjoyable for both your daughter and you. I would not buy a 125cc 2 stroke. Only unless she's been riding for a while already. The XR series bikes might be your ticket.

http://powersports.honda.com/motorcycles/motocross/model.asp?ModelName=CRF150R&ModelYear=2008&ModelId=CRF150R8

[jrcrum]

Just to clarify, is an XL part of the XR series?

the xl and xr are both 4 stroke engines and usually the xl means that it is street legal. pretty much the same bike though. xl250r/xl650r some years and other years xr250l/xr650l. i have to xl250rs great bikes. the cr is a two stroke as mentioned and is more of a "race" bike.
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b78/jrcrum/bikes/87xl250r.jpg
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b78/jrcrum/bikes/83xl250r.jpg