Vintage Dirt Bike Q & A

anyone know which years/models of shifters will work on the '79 CR250 ? thanks

There was a discussion on a similar topic some time ago. I believe all years CR shifters will fit the spline, it's just a
matter of finding a similar length and bend. I know my '73 and '79 shifters are very similar so I would think any
thing from '73 to '82 would be a direct replacement, and later models needing some cutting or bending to work.

You could also check some of the aftermarket products like IMS or Moose.

dogger

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1973 CR250M
1979 CR250R
1993 CR250R
2008 CR500R
2009 CR250R

I just picked up a shifter from a late 80's XR 250 and it fits the splines and looks to be a fairly close to the cases compared to some of the others that fit (longer than stock, too). The problem is that shaft is so long, and the stock shifter actually comes back to closer the cases. All the others bends away from the case and jut out quite a way.

I think the shaft being so long risks it getting bent in a fall; I've got one that's sticky on the up shift and I'm pretty sure that's the issues.

I wonder if there's a way to take about 3/4 inch out of the shift shaft from the area outside the cases and reweld it true. I'm pretty sure the contour on the newer CR shifters would wrap nicely around the cases and tuck in well.

I also understand the stock shifter is still available from Honda.

It would be possible to cut the shift shaft down. Cut whatever length you want to remove leaving the spline
area intact. Grind a taper in each piece to be welded to allow for more strength then weld the two pieces
together. The next step is the hard part. Punch mark the shift shaft's attachment orientation on the fork
and cut the shaft off the fork. Chuck the shaft up in a lathe and turn the weld repair until smooth. Use a
dial indicator to check for runout. Butt weld the shaft back to the fork alligning the punch marks and clean
it up. A lot of work, but doable. Hopefully you have another shift shaft assembly to return everything back
to original if desired.

All the early CRs have a long shift shaft. I've noticed some racers install a chain roller on the shaft to
protect it (from a thrown chain I'm assuming). Just one of those wink links that was corrected over time.

As far as the OEM shifter still being available from Honda, I would double check that and if you DO have
a source, buy up the rest of their stock. NOS '79 shift levers command a nice price premiuim.

dogger

_________________
1973 CR250M
1979 CR250R
1993 CR250R
2008 CR500R
2009 CR250R

thanks for the replies, I just picked up a '02 CR250 yesterday so I'll try the shifter of it and let all know how that works.