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alcrook26 · Post by **alcrook26** » August 17th, 2009, 9:17 pm

Hi all,
Im new to the website and am about to start doing an AF conversion. Is there an ideal bike frame year/model etc to get the rolling chassis from. Just in regards to ease of conversion. Im 6"1 and 176 pounds and was thinking of getting a broken down crf450 and converting it. I havnt found a donor yet so any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

HrcRacing · Post by **HrcRacing** » August 17th, 2009, 10:07 pm

The Gen 1 250 conversion is by far the easiest since it doesn't have a "Y" section in the frame. The Gen 3 CR125 is the most difficult as far as fabrication goes as you have to replace most/all of the cradle and move or heavily modify the "Y".

Do a search and you should find several different builds that will help you make your decision.

Best of luck and welcome to the forum!

PS: There isn't one ideal bike for doing this and a 450 will do just find. Check out eyesky2002's CRF450 build. Very clean.

http://bannedcr500riders.com/board/viewtopic.php?t=1170

KE 336 · Post by **KE 336** » August 18th, 2009, 5:44 am

I did an 03 450 and like it more every time I ride it. The cr250s are probably easier but the good thing about the crfs is a good roller should be real easy and cheap to find since the 4 stroke motors are a POS.

alcrook26 · Post by **alcrook26** » August 19th, 2009, 10:41 pm

Im off to look at a 97 cr500 and an 01 500 this weekend. Hopefully one of them will be decent. Is there anything I should keep an eye out for other than the usual suspects when looking at these rigs?

http://www.youtube.com/user/500bigbore · Post by **Roostius_Maximus** » August 20th, 2009, 5:49 am

look to see that the oil drainplug hasnt been hit on a rock and cracked the case, also check under the carb on the kicker side case for any oil or wetness from a possible crack there.

dannygraves · Post by **dannygraves** » August 21st, 2009, 1:00 pm

gen-3 250 is my fav, and I'm the same height and 5 lbs heavier than you.
I honestly think the gen-3 cr250 is the easiest, but others liek to argue. The fact is the tank and airbox require zero modification on a gen-3 and you can buy a bolt on exhaust from SH. The frame is a little more difficult than a gen-1, but the gen-1 tank is real PITA and doesn't leave much room for cables.
I hate converting 4 stroke chassis. they are really a very different platform. you have to move the Y up like 4 inches instead of like 1/2", the airboots are totally different, so you have to make a plate to adapt a 500 or 250 airboot on and the headstay on a 450 chassis is just stupid.
do yourself a favor and get a '02-'07 cr250 to convert. just my .02
also being one who has a gen-1, they are uncomfortable and turn like shit, but are stable at high speed, much like the gen-3 chassis 450s. if you plan on doing any MX, I'd stay away from both of them, but if you are building a dunes bike, they work great.
gen-4 bikes turn real fast which really sucks away from the MX track and gen-4 250s have the worst seat ever made!

dannygraves · Post by **dannygraves** » August 21st, 2009, 1:13 pm

I did a little write up/review based on my experience with different conversions here
http://www.bannedcr500riders.com/board/ ... c&start=45

Exnav · Post by **Exnav** » August 21st, 2009, 3:35 pm

dannygraves wrote:The frame is a little more difficult than a gen-1, but the gen-1 tank is real PITA and doesn't leave much room for cables.

True

alcrook26 · Post by **alcrook26** » August 24th, 2009, 5:05 pm

Thanks for the input dannygraves. I think you have sold me on the idea of a gen 3 conversion. Im not too worried about cutting the Y out, the thing that concerned me the most was the air boot mod. If there is no need on a gen 3 250 then I think ill go that way. What about a gen 3 125?? Not to many 250s going cheap over in oz but plenty of 125s! Like I said, not worried about cutting up the frame just thinking that if I dont have to change the boot it will save me a shed load of time. Thanks again!

dannygraves · Post by **dannygraves** » August 24th, 2009, 7:02 pm

the fact that the frame needs a whole new cradle is the only major difference. the air boot needs to be stretched over the carb, a little heat and it will squeez on fine.
If you're not worried about the frame work, or having to source tubing, or bending the tubing, or fabricating lower mounts, then a 125 would be fine. its a lot more work than a 250.

alcrook26 · Post by **alcrook26** » August 24th, 2009, 7:37 pm

What about the radiator and tank on the 125, is there a need to reshape the gas tank??

dannygraves · Post by **dannygraves** » August 24th, 2009, 7:46 pm

actually, I'm not sure, but probably not.

CR500R7 · Post by **CR500R7** » August 24th, 2009, 9:57 pm

On an 02-07 CR125 could an airboot from a CR250 02-07 be used instead of the 125 boot to avoid having to stretch the boot over the carb.

Would the 250 boot bolt straight to the airbox without any problems

alcrook26 · Post by **alcrook26** » August 24th, 2009, 11:22 pm

Think youve sold me on a cr250 02 on. Now ive made up my mind its just a matter of waiting for the right one. Thanks for you help guys.

CR500R7 · Post by **CR500R7** » August 24th, 2009, 11:33 pm

There is a brand new one in West oz for $8500 if you have the money.

Then there is one in QLD, David Bailey replica Ltd edition for $9000.

alcrook26 · Post by **alcrook26** » August 25th, 2009, 1:02 am

Thanks guys, but a fair bit out of budget. Im more looking for a bike that someone doesnt want to rebuild and I can get for a good price and then Ill replace all bearings and service what i need. Im leaning on spending more on the cr500 than the cr250 donor bike. Not sure if its the right way to go, but if i cant get a donor bike for a while, then I can still burn around on the old steelie 500

alcrook26 · Post by **alcrook26** » December 9th, 2009, 9:07 pm

Just putting a shout out to all you aussies out there. Im in need of a 250 gen 3 roller (02 or up) or complete bike for my conversion. I got about 3k to spend. If you guys know of any around vic or south nsw give us a bell please. Thanks in advance guys. Im lookin foward to starting my conversion!!!

BannedCR500Riders.com

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