Informed opinions please... CR480

[bigk]

Which CR 480 engine is best, the '82 4 speed or '83 5 speed? I have both at my disposal and want to use one in a custom build bike.
Cheers,
k

[caps 999]

for mx i recon the 4 speed isnt to bad but if reliabilitly and just better all round riding the 5 speed the gear boxes are built a fair bit stronger

[090]

The general consensus is that the 83 was a better bike and the 5 speed was one of the reasons.Having said that, I rode a 4 speed a couple of weekends ago and it was good. I would buy the 83 motor off you if you go the other way and it was for sale of course.

[JohnnyO]

In '83 some of the top Honda riders in Qld fitted '82 4 speed motors to their bikes. They preferred the 4 speed back then.

[holeshot buddy]

i agree i think the 83 is a better bike
but i like the   82 4 speed eng they have nice ratios

[JohnnyO]

The '83 is definately the better bike overall..but a few pro's preferred the 4 speed.

[090]

That's interesting. So you can put a 4 speed in an 83. Always wondered that. Whenever anyone talks about the 82/83 the 4 speed is talked about negatively. Especially with anything written on the subject ( as if it was a flaw).

[bigk]

The engine I use is going in an RA250 chassis (sitting in there already), just want to make the best bike for the maybe new "Evo Ultimate" class which may see light down here in Vic next season. Would 5th gear ever really get used on today's MX tracks?
Cheers,
K

[Marc.com]

Would 5th gear ever really get used on today's MX tracks?
Cheers,
K

The 480 engine has one of the best spreads of power in the 500cc 2 stroke class, 4 speed means you can hold the gears for longer and shift less. Anything that smooths things out is good. I would go 4 speeds and a flywheel weight.

[crabman]

hI
I am also building a cr 480 motor into a 1980 CR 250 Honda with a twin cradle frame. The motor went in with very little manipulation. We are currently rebuilding the motor, currently I am looking for a new conrod.Anybody know where I can get one?
I have managed to get for the conversion a set of Fox rear shocks, 480 front forks and a set of Simons, an ali CR 250 tank. DG 480 pipe, a brand new NOS seat, new plastics etc.
I am hoping to start racing the bike early in 2010.
I currently have a 1983 CR 480 with the five speed box. If there is any interest I will post a few photos.
This is probably my biggest project todate.

[090]

I have been asking about conrods for ages. So far i dont need one as they seem to last forever. But they wont. Even gave an old crank to a guy that fits different rods and modifies to suit, but he couldn't help. I am on a cr480 yahoo group thats based in the U.S and they are asking the same question.

[crabman]

090
I would agree about the longevity of the 480 CR crank/ rod. The donor motor I got was in  a real sad state. Quite amazingly the inner motor is like new,  bar piston / rod etc. A second size rebore with new piston etc will do the trick. I am aware of some guys using other rod kits with a spacer. I want to research the feasability of the CR 500 rod kit with a spacer. Pure conjecture on my part. I would value any real advice about the rod kit.
In anticipation of some feedback. Thanks a lot
Gavin Williams ala Crabman
South Africa

[090]

Hi mate.
I answered in the thread I started re conrods. I think you are talking about different model 500's with the use of a spacer. The 480 rod is a fair bit different from what I understand but will stand corrected. I have a new 500 rod and a couple of second hand 480 cranks, so i will investigate further.
Cheers, Brad.

[crabman]

THANKS Brad
I am able to get a 1987 CR 500 rod kit. I have the 1984 CR 500 and I am led to believe that it is the same rod kit and piston.
Once again
Thanks