Debating on an AF conversion

[sugarshane]

hey there, I currently own a 91 steelie and I'm debating on af conversion and trying to do some research on them. I have read the advantages of each generation but I am curious of the advantages/disadvantages of running a CR125 vs CR250 vs CRF250 vs CRF450. The only info i have is the obvious 125 size, weight and ergos compared to the others and the 125/250 Y tube has to raised less than the 250F/450F. Also how much on average are the donor engines going for. I know that hours, cond and other factors apply but just an estimate range would help. How well will stock af wheels/hubs hold up? What kind of suspension work is required due to the weight change and so forth? I am 5'9" and 220lbs if that helps. I'm pretty physically fit so im not to worried bout it wearing me out. I am also expecting my first child in apr so i dont wanna go crazy with expenses til i adjust to fitting her into our budget lol. So I am also looking at the most cost effective way to build one and part out the donor bike with the smallest overall cost to complete. My 91 is pretty clean w/very low hours. It's getting it's first bore on the virgin cylinder as we speak. still wasn't really needed but it was getting close and I wanted to start fresh since I wasn't sure of how it was treated before me. Any help would be greatly appreciated guys!

[sugarshane]

Also i forgot to mention that I will need help with welding (I suck at it) and fab work. i have been an f-16 crew chief and aviation mechanic for 8 years so i should be able to figure most of it out and do the rest of the work with a lil guidance if i run into a snag.

[yota]

2003 CR125 wheelbase 1458mm, rake 29.53 degrees, trail 101.3mm
2003 CR250 wheelbase 1490mm, rake 26.73 degrees, trail 106.7mm
2003 CRF450 wheelbase 1485mm, rake 27 degrees, trail 109mm
2004 CRF250 wheelbase 1478.28mm, rake 27.49 degrees, trail 120.1mm

94 CR500 wheelbase 1491mm, rake 28 degrees, trail 121.92mm

[ridin4fun]

Shane,
I'm sure everyone on here would recommend a lot of reading of the many (many!) various posts here. Pay special attention to the list of completed builds in the sticky. Far and away the easiest and usually cheapest build would be a Gen 1 (97-99) CR250 build. It requires no frame mods other than replacing the front mounts, and the rest of the swap is appears to be pretty simple and straight-forward. If you spend enough time perusing the many posts, you'll find debates on pros and cons for the different generation builds. If you want to get in and out quick and cheap, I'd say Gen 1 is the way to go. Whichever Gen you choose, happy building. And, by the way, Thank You for your service!

[dannygraves]

don't forget that a 125 needs a new cradle, the others do not. I personally prefer the cr250 myslef. Easiest and cleanest conversion and a very stable bike. the crf250r chassis felt twitchy to me.

[100hp honda]

i wouldnt worry about the welding, im sure theres several fabshops in your area. ohton racing might be a place to check, he welds chromo chassis but im not sure about aluminum.

[Roostius_Maximus]

2003 CR125 wheelbase 1458mm, rake 29.53 degrees, trail 101.3mm
2003 CR250 wheelbase 1490mm, rake 26.73 degrees, trail 106.7mm
2003 CRF450 wheelbase 1485mm, rake 27 degrees, trail 109mm
2004 CRF250 wheelbase 1478.28mm, rake 27.49 degrees, trail 120.1mm

94 CR500 wheelbase 1491mm, rake 28 degrees, trail 121.92mm

i've seen those specs before too, am looking for the 87-88 bike specs and cant find it, those things are like choppers, and handle like nothing else at wfo in 5th on a loose field, can take a hand off the bars to mess with the gopro or whatever else, believe me the gen4 250f doesnt stay up when you do that

i think i'd like my 2003 250 chassis with a 1/2" more swingarm tho, makes the gen1 alot more stable at 3/4" longer, and it dont push the front tire either
I had an extra arm i was going to lengthen til i got a gen3 125 frame from robertg, gotta get bro setup for summer with an AF, he might endup with my old one

[dannygraves]

yeah, gen-1 is a super stable bike, makes for a great sand bike.

[cr_denny]

For what it's worth, I went the Gen3 (2003 CR250) route with my 1991 engine. I'm 6' and about 240lbs. I couldn't be happier. There are plenty of sweet builds on here. Here's a link to mine.

http://www.bannedcr500riders.com/board/ ... php?t=6728

I had a local guy in Gilbert do the machine work and welding for me. I know he'd be interested in doing another one. Feel free to PM me and I can get you in touch with him and if you want more pics or want to take a look at mine in person, let me know.

I couldn't seem to get the $ I wanted to (or what guys may have got a few years ago) for parting out my '91 or getting rid of the 250 engine, but I've been seeing some pretty decent deals on early 2000 model CR's in the Phoenix Craigslist. In fact, I saw this on the other day:

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/mcy/1544967815.html

Good luck!