To CR, or not to CR?

I’ve owned my CR for 19 years and never been tempted to stray. But Husqvarna’s 701 is tempting me to finally sell the Honda…

WE HAVE HAD OUR HUSQVARNA 701 for over four months and it’s proved to be an amazing bike. We all think so – see Big Test, page 94. I’ve run many long-term test bikes but not since the Ducati 899 Panigale back in 2014 have I actually contemplated buying one... until now. Trouble is with modern life, family, mortgage and kids disposable income is not readily available. So I am in a quandary: do I sell my very own Honda CR250 Supermoto to fund my new love? I thought I’d never sell the CR. I’ve owned it since 1998 and due to lack of MX talent it was transformed from race-ready off-roader into a road-going handful. No key, no sidestand and it only runs on premix. All these things make it special. And it’s pure biking pantomime everytime it’s kicked over as it fills the air with two-stroke nectar and makes me giggle with that ring-ading ding braaaaaap soundtrack. However, the 701 gives me the same buzz but with refinement, good looks, it’s faster everywhere and all I want to do is ride it. As I write I’m still unsure what to do. I’ve put a lot of money and effort into the CR and in 19 years I have never thought about parting with it. The 701 is that good.