BannedCR500Riders.com

Am thinking about another AF. Have a chance to pick up an 89 500 very cheap from a friend. What are the pro's and con's to this year. How much different than the 96 motor I have now. Thanks Bob

there are a few posts on here in regards to motor differences.. 89 is a great motor to use for the swap though

If you end up getting that 89', would you be interested in selling the triple clamps ?

'89 has the "close ratio" tranny... Good for MX and trail riding.... not good for the Dez, unless you like dust in your teeth.

Its a good motor, buy a 48 tooth sprocket at the same time.

How much difference is there in the ratio's between the two? And are the motors close to the same in horsepower? Thanks

Horsepower wise there is not that much in it.
Going on claimed Honda figures 85 CR500 61hp, 01 CR500 65hp the 89 is somewhere in between.
I know one of these was claimed to have 63hp, either 87, 88 or 89.
I personally wouldn't worry about the horsepower figures the 89 Cr500 engine should work just fine.

Hps are the same for the most part, but there is quite a difference in the top end.

cmotodad wrote:How much difference is there in the ratio's between the two? And are the motors close to the same in horsepower? Thanks

The ratios are basically the same except for fith. 1,2,3 are identical, 4 is .95 vs 1 and 5 I don't have memorized, bad hoon.......

Look in drive tech for that info at the top prolly

The other difference is the clutch is the old style basket, less plates so no rekluse if you care about auto clutches. You can change to new style but it will set yuo back a few hundred clams.

Up side is power according to legend is better than the 90+ and the cranks are supposed to be lighter than the newer motors.

JBaze wrote:Hps are the same for the most part, but there is quite a difference in the top end.

As far as the engine itself or the powerband?

I am prolly gonna get flamed, but I always felt the power on the 89-91 a little snappier than the later models. Prolly due to the close ratio low gears
but for trails and hare scrambles in Wa. the close ratio was perfect. For the Dez or wide open you'll be seeking another gear

We have bikes with both types of trannies and it doesn't make much of a difference. I don't think you will care unless you are doing 80 on dirt roads.

Does anyone know if a new style cdi box will work with an 89 old style tuna can? Thanks

I ride an 89 and have looked for another gear on the road but it is great in the woods. lol