Aluminum Frame question from new member, Cody

A quick "How ya'Do", and a photo would be nice.
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Cody19670001
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Joined: October 20th, 2013, 11:39 am

Aluminum Frame question from new member, Cody

Post by Cody19670001 »

I am really glad to have been included in this group. I own a 97 and a 94, both of which are very clean and have Rekluse Z Start pros. Last week I picked up a 2002 Honda CR250 that just needs a top end. I only paid $700. My question is how much better do these 3rd generation frames handle? I'm pretty attached to my two steel frames but am thinking about pulling the motor from my 97 and sticking it in the aluminum frame. Would you say that there is a huge difference in handling for basically an intermediate level rider who does mostly single track?

Thank you,

Cody
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Roostius_Maximus
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Post by Roostius_Maximus »

Huge difference!
I had 1987,88,91,99,00 steel frame bikes.
built a gen3 cr250 chassis, then sold all but the '00 steelie. I've had 7 gen3's now, built other conversions for guys and just finished a gen5.
the gen3 cr250 is the chassis honda should have put a 500 in from factory. it fits easily and works great!
I do prefer my gen5 over the 3, not because it was a lot better, but the swingarm is 1" longer and a few little things add up. the gen5 450 handles much more like my '88 500 did, the gen 3 bikes are like a mountain bike with the big motor.

do what you can to get yourself into an AF
Cody19670001
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Joined: October 20th, 2013, 11:39 am

CR500 conversion reply...

Post by Cody19670001 »

I really appreciate the reply. I'm sure you guys know a lot more about this than I'm ever going to know. I am sold, and am going to convert this 02 gen 3 frame. It almost feels like Devine intervention because I have always been crazy about the 500 since I got my first 87. Then one day a $700 gen 3 pops up with applied triples and black moose rims. Then a week later a 94 500 trailer queen pops up for $1200.

Any ideas on what to do with a 1994 rolling chassis with two stock white tanks?

Thank you very much

Cody
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Roostius_Maximus
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Post by Roostius_Maximus »

there are a few ways to do the gen3, stretch it, cut it algava style, or to use the Y section from conversionparts500.com

I've done them all.

The stretching is a nerve racking deal, there are threads here about it, possibly i have one posted too.

The Algava style is pretty slick, cheap to do and turns out looking factory.

The CP pars are cnc 6061, it replaces the stock Y section. I'd almost prefer to go this way for another one. It has plenty of clearance in the Y for exhaust springs and the fit is great. Actually I've talked myself into doing this style again.

this was my latest gen3 with the CP parts....

http://www.bannedcr500riders.com/board/ ... hp?t=13575
Cody19670001
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Joined: October 20th, 2013, 11:39 am

Post by Cody19670001 »

That is awesome. I have been in touch with Brent over there at conversion parts. It is great to see your endorsement. I have the parts on the way and I know a really good guy who is qualified to TIG weld. That is a great looking bike. This is going to be musical chairs. I have a newly plated cylinder on the way for the 250 cc motor that came out of the frame that I am using for the conversion. I plan to sell that the SST pipe and all PV stuff on eBay. Now I just have to figure out if I'm going to use my 97 motor that I know a lot about of if I am going to to a top and bottom on this 94 I got and use it as the AF motor. Decisions, decisions.

Thanks!
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Roostius_Maximus
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Post by Roostius_Maximus »

i'd get into the motor and hit her with some port work, but thats just me :lol:
scooter5002
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Post by scooter5002 »

Cody, where are you located? I could use a complete roller if it's NICE.
Cody19670001
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Joined: October 20th, 2013, 11:39 am

Reply to scooter5002

Post by Cody19670001 »

Hey, I'm in Tulsa,Ok. Tonight is the big night, getting the conversion parts in, my wife is with her girlfriends watching Kieth Urban, both my kids are spending the night with friends, so it's just me, my parts, my generation 3 frame, and my sawzall. Oh man, what have I gotten myself into!!!

Seriously, I own a real nice 97 steelie, and a 94 steelie too. I just picked up the 94. My plan is to put the 97 motor in the aluminum, then freshen up the 94 and put it in the 97. Then sell the 250, and the SST pipe on eBay, I guess. There are a ton of options.

What I think I will wind up with will be:

1994 roller with a some rust but a very nice seat
Two factory tanks, one on the roller and one extra w/o petcock
Additional set of used white plastics.
Now for the rims on the roller. Not sure yet, could be the stock 94/500 rims, or might swap in a 21/19 inch of black Moose rims and decent rubber. Between two 500's and an O2 250, there are just too many options. Finally, I have not taken apart the 94 yet, so I honestly do not know if the subframe is straight etc...I darn near thought about putting the CR250 motor in the 94 frame and use it for a loaner bike or that comfortable old bike to have around if an inexperienced rider came along with us. You can tell I have way too many ideas.
scooter5002
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Post by scooter5002 »

Okay thanks. Tulsa is a little too far away for a roller.
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