Vintage Dirt Bike Q & A

E-bay motors item# 4612957701 claims to be an elsinore 250 motocross bike. Asked for seriel number and got cr250m2003446 back. It sure looks like a MR orMT w/o lights but, numbers say CR (dont they). What is this one?

200 numbers make it a 1975 CR250M motor. 100 numbers are 73-74 CR250M numbers. 300 numbers are 76 CR250M numbers. My microfich has the numbers listed incorrectly. The MR250s all started with 100 numbers

I thought the CR's Appeared to be "thinner" with a different style tank and seat. Also, I thought upswept exhuast was only on MT and MR. I'm kinda interested in bidding but, want to know what it is for sure.

The CR250M was a down-pipe in '73-'74 and went to an up-pipe in '75, which according to the serial number is what the bike is. The '75 Tank was brushed aluminum with a red panel on top with a thin black stripe on both sides of the panel.

Let me start by saying I think the owner is offering the bike for a fair price so he isn't trying to rip anyone off. Engine, rims, etcetera make the buy it now price very reasonable.

That being said, it is a hack job/rat bike. I have the same exact *plastic* tank I picked up off eBay for ~$10 + shipping. Note that original aluminum tank in good condition could probably sell for ~$300. You may want to ask if it is available.

The swing arm and lower shock mounting points look to be original but that is the only thing left on the frame from the engine back that is intact. It looks like frame tubes were cut and put almost vertical with the down tube in order to make lay down shocks. They also hacked off the rear section of the frame. On an original bike there is a loop behind the seat that the fender bolts to.

Heck, $380 for the thing if you can get it running w/o a lot of money spent is a good deal. Figure with that huge plastic desert tank you could probably ride it 10-12 hours w/o having to refuel => you wouldn't have to carry a separate gas can with you everywhere you went!

S,

It was pretty common for mx guys to mod the bikes back then, so just because it was hacked doesn't mean it's not sound. modified longer travel did put more stress on the front end and forks. I remember seeing bikes starting to break up front after severs rear end mods. Oh, the good old days! But this cr is definetly not original.

I thought it was a CR by the footpeg and brake lever, the CR front hub is full width, has no provision for the speedo drive. Not MR issue.

it's also ard to tell wat's going on in there as far as an airbox. Itt may now have a clamp-on filter without a box. Ok in some dry climates, useless back here in the northeast.

If it runs and is something you can pick up, the price is attractive, as most parts will fit the MR. Be patient, MR, CR bikes and parts are always popping up on the site.

And a BIG THANKS for the air tool lesson! That's exactly the kind of info i needed to know before firing away!

gentlemen, Thank you.This is the kind of learning experience I expected from this site. Your knowledge of these bikes is unbelievable. I was upset to find that he had raised his opening bid 100.00 after I asked about the seriel number but maybe he will get the point when no one bids on his scooter. Again, Thank you for your insites. Mike