Vintage Dirt Bike Q & A

Hello all,

This is my first post to the forum! I am looking at a 1978 Honda CR250R that a friend of mine has. It is in "original" condition, not restored. It doesn't run, the carb needs a rebuild. The engine was supposedly rebuilt but I don't know to what quality/what was done. The clutch also supposedly has problems with stickiness (owner says it needs to be adjusted).

I haven't inspected it in person, though it probably needs everything done that is age related. It is missing the sprocket cover. What should I look for on one of these bikes, what are the problem areas?

Also I am trying to ascertain a value of the bike. Any ideas on what it could be worth? It is in pretty rough, sitting, non running condition.

Let me know.

Thanks,
Will

I have personally never fooled with one of the CR250's in that year. However,there are certain things you can check to get a decent idea of the condition of the bike. The very first thing to look for in ANY off road bike is to see if it has a properly oiled air filter in it. If it has been run with a dry foam filter or no filter at all,you can expect top end wear. You can kick it over and tell if it has compression. Pull the plug out and lay it on the head and kick it over and see if it has spark. Since the sprocket cover is gone either the swingarm or wheel bearings may be shot. Most sprocket covers on the older bikes didn't seem to live long anyway. Check all the bearings in the wheels and steering head. It's not unusual for these things to be worn out but the more you find wrong the more you have to bargain with when coming to a deal on the price. Those are sweet bikes and sell for good money when they are nice.

Agree. Most important is compression and spark. Sticky clutch? May just need to replace the oil with some good stuff or newer stuff anyway. Carb will need to at least be disassembled and cleaned. Pilot jet most likely is plugged up. Gas tank will need to be scrutinized also if its metal. Good luck.

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1980 Honda CR125R

Thanks for all the info. I have a general sense of what to look for. It definitely wasn't owned by a dirt bike enthusiast before the current owner got it, so I'm sure things like bearings and air filter are going to need to be done. Luckily I think it has been rebuilt and has close to zero hours on it past that.

The entire fuel system would be gone through, likewise with the suspension/steering.

I'll let you guys know how I make out.

Wil

the clutch basket will be worn out, usual problem.



new ones are not avaliable anymore and good used ones are getting rare.
this is the only repaikit i know but some racers in uk said to me thts kit is not very durable.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Honda-CR250-Elsinore-Red-Rocket-78-80-clutch-Basket-/290753663035?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item43b244d03b

many years ago i did my own out of toolsteel and it looks like new yet.

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80 CR250Ra
80 CR250Ra
78 CR250R
80 CR80
82 Bultaco Sherpa 340
78 Bultaco Pursang 250 MK12
76 Bultaco Frontera 370 MK10
76 Bultaco Alpina 250
73 Bultaco Lobito 125 MK6
76 Suzuki RM125A
90 Kawasaki KX250

I was afraid of that. What course of action would you recommend? Should I use this as a bargaining point? And what are possible fixes for this issue?

Will

I have several clutches for my 78CR250R. I have found that I can take a jewelers file and clean up the inner and outer clutch basket and greatly improve the clutch performance. Over time, the baskets get grooves worn in them and force the clutch to remain partially engaged even with the lever pulled in. Adjustment will not fix this, however the file solution has worked well for me.

Gas tank is aluminum. May have dirt in it from long ago. Wash it out before starting and then immediately swish some new 2 stroke gas in it. Drain again thru a paint filter or paper towel to be sure it is clean. BTW - do not use air pressure to pop out any dents, you will blow out the seams. A good tank runs 200-300+.

Paint color is R23 Tahitian Red. 1958 Buick Red is a very close match. Use a hardener and a gun to paint it.

This was the first year for the 17.5" rear shocks, stock ones are gonna be worn out by now. A set of Progressives will fix this, around 250-300 bucks with springs. Forks will need seals, IF you can find someone parting an '83 CR480 you can swap front ends for the bigger tubes (43mm v. 37mm), this also has the dual arm front brake hub for better braking.

Plastics may be shot, but talk to Peter over at VMX. The 125 and 250 are different.

If the top end is worn, expect to do a Nikasil replate. This will require a new piston/ring, talk to Wiseco for what set-up to get (Chrome bore uses a different ring). Since it has sat a long time now, be sure to do seals & bearings on the crank.

Pro-Form still makes a pipe for it (put one on my '80 CR250).

Boyseen Reeds are a good addition too.

Be sure to inspect the rims for cracks. There is a guy on eBay selling take-off rims & spokes, I used them to rebuild my '79 CR125 rim.

Jim