Vintage Dirt Bike Q & A

Just spent the day adding some previously restored parts to my frame.
Everything is going back together smoothly so far. Here are some
progress pictures.

dogger

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1973 CR250M
1979 CR250R
1993 CR250R
2008 CR500R
2009 CR250R

Purdy !!!!!!! Nice job.

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77 MR175, 89 HD Sportster
74 CR125, 00 Kawasaki ZG1000
79 XR185, 56 Cushman Eagle
03 XR650L, 79 Vespa P200E
72 Vespa Super150,
74 HD Z90

What are you going to do with it when it is finished? It is absolutely gorgeous.

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

very nice work mate the mag wheel give food for thought

Thanks, I have to admit these restorations are habit forming.

Showtime, How's that MR you finished? Are you going to break
it in come Spring?

Michael I haven't given it much thought. Some philosophical type
once said, "It's not the destination, but the journey that's important."
Except for the occassional blast up and down the street, I doubt any
of my vintage racers will see much action. To make up for that, I'm in
the middle of restoring a '93 CR250. I know the '93 is not considered
vintage but with Honda's parts producing policy, even IT is getting hard
to find parts for. Once done, it will be much more durable, more fun and
I can still race and be competitive at the local events while riding what
all the new talent consider a dinosaur.

I've already started looking for my next vintage project (the '79 should be
done by Spring). Maybe something from the early 80s followed by an '85-'87
then I will probably start restoring open class CRs - so many projects, so little
time.

Ian, I didn't even notice how the trailer wheel lined up when I took the shot.
"Food for thought" indeed.

dogger

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1973 CR250M
1979 CR250R
1993 CR250R
2008 CR500R
2009 CR250R

This is the "must have" list....

1979 or 1980 CR250R
1983 CR480R
1986 CR250R - with 1987 rear-end to produce Rick Johnson replica
1993 CR250R (or 1996) - The McGrath Years
2001 CR250R - before the case reed motor
Late 90s CR500R - preferably with Al frame

...but of course you need to ride all of them.

...and there's no cut of date for "historically significant".

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

I like that list, some very significant bikes. I think I will go for an '83 next - that bike
looks like a real challenge with all the water pump cover, etc. issues.

I am posting some pics of one of my current two stroke race bikes. I just "dolled" it
up with new shrouds, side panels and graphics for picture day. It's an '02 and yes,
it has the critically aclaimed RC valve engine

I dumped a ton of time and money into this bike to make it competitive with the big
four strokes. Unfortunately, it is still saddled with the geometry and stiffness problems
associated with the gen 3 frame. Like I said in a previous post, I would like to combine
a "built" HPP valve engine in a gen 4 frame for the ultimate CR.

Have a Happy New Year.

dogger

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_________________
1973 CR250M
1979 CR250R
1993 CR250R
2008 CR500R
2009 CR250R

I need better graphics and I like your Throttle Jockey shroud kit....

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

Bike looking good, dont suppose it will see much off-road riding with the stock shocks on the back.

Thanks.

My body took enough abuse from these old bikes when they were new.
30 years later, I stick to mono shocks and linkages when off-road.

dogger

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1973 CR250M
1979 CR250R
1993 CR250R
2008 CR500R
2009 CR250R

I had a 250 and a 360 in 79 and then rode them again for 5 years in the 90's, i obviously didn't learn the first time.

Here's the 360, this was taken about 8 years ago.

That 360 is sweet! Does it still look like that today?

dogger

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1973 CR250M
1979 CR250R
1993 CR250R
2008 CR500R
2009 CR250R

Wow dogger, this is amazing, i don't think i can make my 80 look that good, still in the middle of the rebuild process, i have just finished my engine rebuild though! I am only 17 years young, i know i have alot to learn, so if you guys have any advice or tips about the ol' 80 250 elsinores, i would greatly appreciate it!
That is a wonderful re-furb job!

Hey Friend. The MR is completely finished. It's ready for vintage cross country staring in June. Senior class ( over 50). Just got started on a 1979 XR185 for vintage trials. It's coming along good. At least the parts are easier to find !!! So you are from Mt. Juliet? Ever hear about a guy named Frank Neat? I have a banjo that he built. He has quite a reputation for banjo buidling...

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77 MR175, 89 HD Sportster
74 CR125, 00 Kawasaki ZG1000
79 XR185, 56 Cushman Eagle
03 XR650L, 79 Vespa P200E
72 Vespa Super150,
74 HD Z90