looking to restore steelie CR250

yota · Post by **yota** » June 19th, 2009, 1:34 pm

I know its not a 500 but figure you guys know your honda shit. Thinking about my next project (I always have to have a new project) and I know the 96 was the last year. Is there much difference 94 to 96 on the 250's? Any input would be great. thanks

FattyFive · Post by **FattyFive** » June 19th, 2009, 1:55 pm

Hardly any difference between 92-96 engines. Cylinder head mod: Index the spark plug depth by turning down on lathe.Spark plug lug must be turned down .040 inch. If the cylinder base hasnt been turned yet, then .5mm can be turned off the cylinder head gasket surface. This will reduce the minimum clearence space from between the piston and head, increase the compression ratio, and give a stronger pulling powerband. The cylinders are interchangable between 92-00. The 95,96, and 99 cylinders are the best because of the smaller exhaust and intake ports. These cylinders have the best timing combination and the most sealing surface area for the rings.

FattyFive · Post by **FattyFive** » June 19th, 2009, 3:16 pm

95 forks: Honda Kayaba forks : possibility that a limited number of fork tubes werent hheat treated properly. The defective tubes can crack near thebottom of the tube where the axle clamp is fastened. If you get a 95 w/Kayaba forks , check with your dealer on a recall. A similar problem of loose or broken front axle clamps can occur with riding use. Check your bike by removing the front wheel. Grasp the fork tube with one hand and the axle clamp with the other. Try to flex the two apart. Check for looseness or clicking sounds. Look for hairline cracks in te aluminum clamp. Also check the axle, when it is clamped to the fork.If its loose , te axle and fork tube will need replaced because there is no way to repair the damage.

iggys-amsoil · Post by **iggys-amsoil** » June 19th, 2009, 4:02 pm

The rear link on the 94 is different than 95-96.

The yellow swing arm sticker is only for 96.

redrocket190 · Post by **redrocket190** » June 19th, 2009, 4:35 pm

FWIW, McGrath loved the handling of the 1993 bike so much he used it in 1994 and 1995. Only the 1996 persuaded him to upgrade. So I think either a 1993 or a 1996 would be a very cool bike to have.

yota · Post by **yota** » June 20th, 2009, 8:31 am

I'm on the look out for a very clean 96. (:

south central hoon · Post by **south central hoon** » June 23rd, 2009, 2:04 pm

The 93 was my favorite of the steelie 250s.

yota · Post by **yota** » June 23rd, 2009, 2:50 pm

south central hoon wrote:The 93 was my favorite of the steelie 250s.

please explain.

xtremeslide · Post by **xtremeslide** » June 24th, 2009, 1:48 am

They are cheap

south central hoon · Post by **south central hoon** » June 24th, 2009, 1:30 pm

yota wrote:
south central hoon wrote:The 93 was my favorite of the steelie 250s.
please explain.

see redrocket190's post about mcgrath. I had a 93 from 96-99 and it was the best all around handling 250 i had ever ridden until the AF's were produced.

the 93 had razor sharp handling, very little headshake and perfect boingers for offroad. it hardly ever saw a track...I was living in spokane washington at the time and riding tons of technical singletrack.

hope that helps.

yota · Post by **yota** » June 24th, 2009, 2:10 pm

I got the urge to do this as I really liked my 94 CR500 steelie donor bikes handling and figured a 250 steelie would handle even better. This project could be a lot-O-fun. Since I'm going to put 06 CRF250X suspension on my AF I will have 2003 CR125 suspension left over. wonder how this would work on a 250 steelie? I'm thinkin maybe it would work pretty good.

My only previous hondas were a brand new 1973 MT250 elsinore (really a street bike) which I stripped down and tried to make into my 1st MX bike (a disaster but got me started) and a 2001 CR250 which (no offense to anyone) I didn't like the handling of at all. hence I was surprised at how much I liked the 94 before I disassembled it.

CR500R7 · Post by **CR500R7** » June 24th, 2009, 8:51 pm

The handling of a bike could be the way some IDIOT set up your bike before you bought it.
If you bought the bike brand new, the suspension is a compromise and will never suit everyone.
That is why some people say the best way to make a bike faster is DIAL IN THE SUSPENSION to suit you.

In the case of your 94 CR500 the suspension may of been close to what you needed.

FattyFive · Post by **FattyFive** » June 24th, 2009, 9:18 pm

2001 cr250
2005 yz250
= best 1/4 liters ever

CR500R7 · Post by **CR500R7** » June 24th, 2009, 9:23 pm

Says you!

FattyFive · Post by **FattyFive** » June 24th, 2009, 9:52 pm

Thats right

But I dont ride 1/4 liter bikes, so , throw it out

yota · Post by **yota** » June 25th, 2009, 9:30 am

FattyFive wrote:Thats right But I dont ride 1/4 liter bikes, so , throw it out

I had an 05 yz250, was a truly nice bike, sold it to one of my good friends a couple of years ago. the 01 cr I couldn't get it to turn well, had the sag right, had the suspension and springs right, just felt like a truck.

CR500R7 · Post by **CR500R7** » June 25th, 2009, 12:38 pm

Obviously that bike didn't suit your riding style, thats why it feels like a truck.

yota · Post by **yota** » June 25th, 2009, 3:09 pm

hmmm..nothing between 92 and 97 for sale in my area. lots of alum gen 1's and 2's.

CR500R7 · Post by **CR500R7** » June 25th, 2009, 8:10 pm

Be patient something always turns up when you least expect it.

BannedCR500Riders.com

looking to restore steelie CR250

looking to restore steelie CR250