hi, i have a 1972 yamaha ct2 175. i spent around $650 dollars getting it fixed up. it wasnt running right so i took it to a shop and he really messed it up. now it needs a new kick start and carb parts. this will cost me around $250. I can also get a Honda 1987 cr125. for $750. that comes with riding gear and another half a motor. here is the thing. How long will i be able to ride the honda without haveing to put a new top end in(piston and rings). Is it worth it to fix up my yamha or just sell my old bike for $400. I just dont want to have to rebuild the top end in the honda every year because it cost around $150. Which is a better thing to do in your opinion and why?? thank you alot for your help. (the honda needs rear brakes and a new seat cover, but other than that it is in excellent condition.)

 

it all depends on how much you ride it.
use a compression tester on a fresh top end rebuild and when she starts falling you know its time for a new top end. alot of people run their top ends longer than a year.

 

anyone else have an opion?? i will be rideing maybe 35-40 hours a year max.

 

if it were me and i had to decide between the 2 id get the cr 125 just because that old 1972 yamaha is just too old and you wont ever get your money back out of it. those old bikes are nothing more than money pits. btw a top end on a 125 should last up to 50 hours or maybe even longer but its all in how you ride it. when you tear the top end apart you dont always need to replace the piston, just check the wear of everything and if the piston and bore are ok just put new rings in and your ready to go. its not as bad as it sounds

 

i'd go with the cr just because i love honda!! lol

 

i have a 1980 honda 250xl and it has never bin rebuilt.
and its got 50,000 plus miles on it, at least thats what the speedo said befor it broke, and it hasent worked for 3 years now.
and its had me my son and a few friends beating it steady for the last 8 years.
if it ant broken dont fix it.
and my 250 proves that.
still fires on the first or second kick.
go honda.