CR500RG Rebuild

[Power Stand]

Its slowly getting there.

This was the starting point after 15 years in the shed and 23 years of ownership.




Engine nearly complete, new barrel, con-rod, piston rings etc. All new bearings and some gears replaced. Basically, as new as I can get.

The frame is getting ready for painting.
















Got my new rims, excels and frame powder coated.

I painted the frame myself at first and I got the proper R-119 two colour with base white and flame red top coat. I stuffed up the clear 2-pack, I wasn’t use to applying the clear and the finish wasn’t right. I need to paint it wet looking to get the gloss and it was my second can of spray when it came together. I also missed the window of 40 mins from the base red to clear. I left it to the next day and apparently, they can laminate.

So, I found a powder coater and the closest colour match I could find. I have been cleaning and preparing all parts of the bike and still have a lot of prep work to do.



My paint job and R-119 code paint.




Powder coat version

[ba-02-xr]

Its a good starting point. Clean .

[zorroz]

Will be a great bike when finished. The 85-86 CR500 were the fastest of all. I had an 85 for a few years riding the dunes loved it nothing came near it then I did a dumb thing and bought an 01 model and was a real slug standard. Took lots of work to get it going and still didn't go like the 85 model.

[Hoony]

yes, zorroz is correct as Honda progressively detuned them from 1986 to 1989.

Funny really as i have an 85' and i don't feel that they are unrideable, sure they have a strong engine but its not peaky i reckon its broad.

the only problem i have is compression lock into corners if i don't get on the clutch quick enough in a tight corner, great motor and 1st gear is never used and i do all my starts in either 2nd or 3rd gear depending on track surface and drive from the gate. at Barrabool that has a slight down hill start, its 3rd gear.

[frostype400]

It is looking very good did you ever get that pe400 from Tasmania? Thanks Michael.

[090]

yes, zorroz is correct as Honda progressively detuned them from 1986 to 1989.

Funny really as i have an 85' and i don't feel that they are unrideable, sure they have a strong engine but its not peaky i reckon its broad.

the only problem i have is compression lock into corners if i don't get on the clutch quick enough in a tight corner, great motor and 1st gear is never used and i do all my starts in either 2nd or 3rd gear depending on track surface and drive from the gate. at Barrabool that has a slight down hill start, its 3rd gear.

Spot on Hoony. Very rideable and broad band, just a lot of horsepower everywhere!
Oops! Looks great mate! Keep the pics coming.

[Power Stand]

It is looking very good did you ever get that pe400 from Tasmania? Thanks Michael.

frosty, its on the way, I think it will get here after x-mass. I was close to calling but I got a great deal through Bikenut Transport.

[Power Stand]

Hoony & 090 cheers guys, you are on the money, it was just fortunate for me that I bought the 86 in 1986. Who would have thought it was last of the nasty ones. The 86 was the last model with the short con-rod. The ignition is different to the 87 so who knows what the curve is. The 86 had a longer reed block than later models and a longer expansion chamber, well they look longer to a low fat pipe later on. The porting is different to later models so I think from 84 to 89 many little changes were happening. I rode an 87 that had some slight work way back and found it a comparable bike, haven’t ridden any others.

I am keen to hit that rush again and cautious of getting caught up in it as well. 

[Lozza]

These days the old 'early ones were the fast ones' is in the dust bin of history. THESE are coming out very soon

[frostype400]

Good choice getting the 400 I am always looking at the pe400's thanks Michael.

[Power Stand]

These days the old 'early ones were the fast ones' is in the dust bin of history. THESE are coming out very soon

I didnt know about them, I think once the money settles down I might get one just for the sake of it.

[Power Stand]

Good choice getting the 400 I am always looking at the pe400's thanks Michael.

Thanks, are PE400 parts hard to get/ after market & OEM?

[frostype400]

Some yes some no alot yes really hard to find but depends how you are going to do it up if you want standard fully original it will be very hard to find parts thanks Michael.

[Hoony]

any update on resto of Big Red Power stand?

[Power Stand]

Cheers Hoony, I need to release this bike and build it up like Ford,s release of the BA Falcon or an epic movie

A sample of things to come; thought I would post some progress pictures and when I get the swing arm back (hope this weekend) I will post pictures of the bike.
I am getting the awing arm re-anodized so I hope it looks ticky-boo