Hi Smed
I replied to your post regards my CR but must have messed it up don't know what happened to it I'll try again , thanks for your reply , I now see what you mean with the exhaust, in comparison of the two photo's mine has a bend at the chamber outlet putting the silencer at a flatter angle , not sure why maybe it was done during the suspension mod before I got it , been like it for the 34 yrs I've had it.
In your post you informed readers that my bikes frame had had a 'Major Cut & Shut' I think that's a bit of an exaggeration
The only frame parts altered were the shortening , bending forward & reattaching of the diagonal tubes from the footpeg area to the main frame & the repositioning of the rear shock upper and lower mounts
However did the suspension mods (before I brought it) used all the factory outer mounts just shifting them forward leaving the inner mounts in position on the main frame & swing arm
I relocated those original mounts back ,in 2010 having the inner mounts to position them back to exact locations , bent sections were replaced with identical chrome moly tubing between side cover lower mounts & main frame about 300 mm in total , all parts tigged back as factory,looks like yours was just left without these tubes when the mods were done.
Maybe I have a different interpretation of original , I'm certainly not trying to deceive anyone or hide anything , Pipe is original had a bend down at chamber outlet(that I've rectified since you alerted me),Seat is original though it has been recovered the big chunks missing you talk about were actually bends in the aluminium- cardboard base material where the rear shocks contacted it while the bike had the rear susp mods , I've removed the cover & straightened the base since you pointed that out
Swing arm is the original item though it has ribs attached to the top
All original mountings & hardware were used in rear susp mod reversal & as I said Factory inner mounts were still there confirming positions
Front fork lower tubes have been lightly turned & polished as you say but are also the original items
Perhaps my original post should have read CR250M in excellent 'as' original condition, The only parts I know of which aren't original are as you said new side covers & front No plate (have the originals), also rear shocks , bars & clutch lever
You have an exceptional eye for detail & obviously have put a great deal of research into these bikes , the condition of yours is testament to that
Congratulations on a fine example of MX history . you've seen things I've been looking at for 34 yrs & didn't notice
I've decided I believe my bike to worth & so advertise it at $6500. I'll try an attach a latest photo of It . All the best Smed Regards Wayne