Vintage Dirt Bike Q & A

Hi Guys,

I have the opportunity to buy a nearly complete 78 CR 250 R and then 2 x 79 CR 250's. The 78 is a rolling chassis and the 79's are boxes of bits!!!! I am more interested in the 78 but I am concerned re the right side engine case which has a broken mount at the rear. This will mean a new (old or otherwise) right side case. Do the 79 ones fit the 78 as I may find one in the boxes?????

If I go ahead and get these expect lots of posts over the next couple of months?

thanks for the time.

Rossco

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1974 Yamaha YZ360B
1977 Suzuki RM370B
1980 Honda CR250RA

The differences between the 1978 and 1979 CR250Rs are few and subtle. For all intents and purposes you can inter-change parts at will. To promote the usual parlor game, here is the things I believe are different: right-hand fork leg axle clamp, countershaft sprocket cover, chain guide (same mounts), intake port design in cylinder, ignition electronics (but you can systems providing the letters on the CDI, rotor, and rotor cover match), air box mounting tab, shift lever, (?) etc.

Specifically I believe you can inter-change engine cases - they gained some ribs over the years - but you may consider using a whole bottom-end. I believe the cases and transmission internals are matched when the bikes are built.

I have parts books and manuals for this bike on CD-ROM. 3 years ago I got 2 78-79 CR250Rs that just about rolled into the garage and started from there. One immediate tip. Do not trust old unproven crankshaft oil seals, main bearings, and bottom-end bearings. Get them replaced before anything else.

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

excellent - what I was hoping for.

Thanks very much

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1974 Yamaha YZ360B
1977 Suzuki RM370B
1980 Honda CR250RA