Vintage Dirt Bike Q & A

I finally found time to work on the 79 250R. Popped the ratty front tire off and started cleaning away. Things went sour when I discovered 4 or 5 hairline cracks in the rim sidewall. My head says trash it. I was considering picking up a later CR fork / wheel combo if I can't find a rim. Any suggestions? Thanks.
Brian

It seems rare to find a stock front wheel that does not have a dented or cracked DID rim. Assuming you are not a collector wed to NOS parts for authenticity, I would recommend an Excel rim as a replacement. They do a plain silver version that comes un-drilled for historic applications. Your wheel-builder can then drill it to suit your hub. I went with larger stainless steel spokes and nipples for peace of mind. Now if you plan on upgrading the front-end you might want to wait and have the better rim laced up to the newer hub (as I did). The preferred upgrade appears to be 1983 43mm Showa forks complete with double-leading shoe front brake. This drops right in with a spacer to accomodate the longer 1983 steerer.

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

I had Wheelsmith rebuild my '79 CR250 front wheel, (powder coated hub, Buchanan heavy spokes, with a new OEM rim), then I changed front ends. It has a couple of rides on it- it's still mint. Let me know if you're interested.

Mike MacMillan
mailto:mjmacmass@aol.com