Vintage Dirt Bike Q & A

What is the one best upgrade you've made to your CR? (Best bang for the buck)

J

Reed valve. But not easy and not cheap. If you're a top notch expert and never have it off the pipe probably a waste of money though. Probably the best thing one can do to the engine on their own or one that won't cost a whole lot is just cleaning up the ports. Matching manifold to cylinder, liner to cylinder, cleaning out, reshaping and polishing the exhaust port.

Other thing would be the expansion chamber. Stock chamber leads to a high and narrow power band. You could try lengthening the header pipe on the stock chamber a little to increase the tuned length and drop the curve a little. (Theoretical... I've never tried it but on paper it should work. I use a Kleem pipe but he doesn't make them anymore I've heard.)

As far as suspension I'd go for new rear shocks. Either Works Performance or, if you can afford them, Ohlins.

HTH,

Loren

Chain guide for my CR250R 1979 made by John Astleford at http//www.jastco.com. This replaces the roller approach with a nylon sleeve that protects the guide itself.

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Michael Stiles
1979 Honda CR250R Elsinore | 2006 Husqvarna SM510R | 2007 Service Honda CR500R-AF