What is the difference in Gen 1 frames ??

TYSTYX · Post by **TYSTYX** » March 13th, 2008, 12:18 am

When doing a Gen 1, what is the difference between the 97 frame and the 98-99 frame ?? Should I stay away from the 97 frame ?

Slow old Fart · Post by **Slow old Fart** » March 13th, 2008, 4:44 am

TYSTYX wrote:When doing a Gen 1, what is the difference between the 97 frame and the 98-99 frame ?? Should I stay away from the 97 frame ?

IMO you should stay away from all 3 gen 1 250's.

Nodge · Post by **Nodge** » March 13th, 2008, 8:04 am

Slow old Fart wrote: IMO you should stay away from all 3 gen 1 250's.

And thanks for letting him know the differences, and why.
Thanks for spreading more useless info.
There are a few guys here that actually currently own Gen1's and love them, so if youre not going to actually give some info, then just dont type.
There are many reasons why somebody would want to do a gen1 conversion, so unless you are going to give a decent answer, then just take off, eh!

The 97 uses a different subframe, and it is known to be a little more rigid than the other two....... Other than that I think just about everything else is the same.

That being said, the Gen1's are all more rigid than the following generation frames.
I am shopping for ANOTHER gen1 to convert, and I am looking at a 97.

DO IT!

Post by **AlisoBob** » March 13th, 2008, 8:12 am

I believe they are all the same.

The '99 bike has small improvements over the 97'-98' models like rubber bushings on the bar mounts, slightly different factory fork valving, different brakes and such.

Generally, they can all be thought of as interchangable.

MY opinion in that Gen 1's make great conversions..

1. Cheap
2. Available
3. Single Weekend Conversions Possible
4. Big Improvement Over Steel Frame Bike

Go For It!!

ShanMan · Post by **ShanMan** » March 13th, 2008, 8:21 am

all good info.....BTW: the two biggest improvements that the '99 enjoys over the earlier '97 7 '98 is a revised subframe (as mentioned) and improved suspension (mainly the forks).

britincali · Post by **britincali** » March 13th, 2008, 8:37 am

I love my gen1 and wouldnt swap it for anything else.

dannygraves · Post by **dannygraves** » March 13th, 2008, 8:47 am

I believe the '97 had a unique subframe and shock, the upper shock mount is different from the '98-'99
its all a toss up, I wouldn't pay too much more for a '99 over a '97. I love my '97 BTW!

Slow old Fart · Post by **Slow old Fart** » March 13th, 2008, 3:23 pm

Didn't the 97 have a slightly different steering angle? what are you doing with the bike?

Dredge over at the other site had a 98 and now built a 2003 Cr 250 if you are going to be offroading it or motoing it go talk to him he can really fill you in on how to do a newer one cheap if you are interested.

And give you his first hand experience on the handling diffrences.

Caseys500 · Post by **Caseys500** » March 14th, 2008, 9:10 am

The frames ARE different. The subframes ARE different. The swingarms ARE different.
The 97 has a slightly skinnier frame where the subframe bolts up. The subframe on the 97 is a straight shot top mount to frame and the 98-99 have an Up bend in it that wont work on the 97 due to the shock. Will a 97 subframe fit a 98-99? yes if you spread the base out a little bit, but the 98-99 wont fit the 97 because of the upcurve...trust me, I have bought one before to try it out.

If you have a choice go with the 98-99 because all the parts cross over between 98 and 99 CR125's and 250's other then the frame. Many parts for the 97 fit the 97 CR250 only...especially the subframe which I have gone through 3 of them.

I have seen a subframe on ebay for a 97 CR250 end at $120 before and one for the 98-99 end at less than $20 with no bids on it. Just as an example.

Post by **AlisoBob** » March 14th, 2008, 11:36 am

Thanks Casey..

bblazer84 · Post by **bblazer84** » April 3rd, 2008, 9:50 am

Hey Casey are you sure that a 99 cr250 frame will fit up to 98 cr125 parts? Reason being is that im going to do a 500 swap but i have a 98 125 and instead of cutting out the cradle i would rather just buy a 99 250 frame and weld on new mounts. Please get back to me as soon as possible cause I have a guy on hold who's gonna sell me that 250 frame. Thanks alot

dannygraves · Post by **dannygraves** » April 3rd, 2008, 10:05 am

I say go for it dude, if anything is different, it will be minor. The 250s had better forks and shock, but swapping them with current units is best and pretty much a bolt-on.

Nodge · Post by **Nodge** » April 3rd, 2008, 11:10 am

It will work.

bblazer84 · Post by **bblazer84** » April 3rd, 2008, 3:14 pm

Hey Danny you still sellin those gen1 conversion kits, and do you know where I can get a hold of a 500 engine relativly cheap? Thanks

Exnav · Post by **Exnav** » April 3rd, 2008, 3:44 pm

Relatively cheap is a relative term.....check your Craig's List locally and search it many different ways ex: CR500 or CR 500 or Honda CR...you get the point and lastly, look on Ebay. Probably better to buy a complete bike and part out what you don't need to get back some of your bread.

dannygraves · Post by **dannygraves** » April 3rd, 2008, 3:45 pm

sorry dude, we just sold the last one. Contact Shanman. As far as a motor, I like the idea of buying a complete 500 on ebay, then selling off the chassis in parts, but then you know it runs. I saw an '86 here in vegas on craigs list for $850 and a '92 for $1400.
goodluck dude!

BannedCR500Riders.com

What is the difference in Gen 1 frames ??

What is the difference in Gen 1 frames ??

Re: What is the difference in Gen 1 frames ??

Re: What is the difference in Gen 1 frames ??