I owned a 97 CR250 also. By far, 100% the worst bike I`ve ever ridden. Those guys at honda had that frame so over welded so it wouldn`t break because it was the first year for it. Insanly terrible handling. Awesome honda quality as usual though.
I must say that he looks like a completly different rider. As far as him not wearing a stupid Leatt, I bet he had a pretty big contract to wear it and now that contract is up. So........
If you look close in one of those pics, you can see a gas valve on the fuel tank. So.......it`s not an FI model he is riding. I`m also a fan now because he is not wearing a Leatt. (I cringe when I say that name)