I just bought this CR500RE.

[bigk]

Therein lies the lesson. While most sellers will not outright lie, neither will they volunteer information. I learnt it long ago and now ask the hard questions. If possible I try to test ride everything I buy. Been caught on a couple of stolen bikes over the years as well, even from reputable people who had no idea themselves they were on selling a stolen bike. It can be a tricky situation.
K

[sa63]

Ouch ouch ouch.. I saw the mob in the uk who do the Farleigh Honda bikes - phil Denton Engineering have manufactured  a complete new gearbox for the 480 - Big $ , but they may be able to help you out, not sure if any parts cross over , with the drive being on the opposite side to the 480?? was it a dirty dog racing bike?..

[John Orchard]

Yep DDR, I got stitched more-so when I bought an '88 KX250F1 from Robs Rides, that was a big cover-up/bullshit.  Shoulda learnt my lesson, have now .... do not pay advertised price!

[John Orchard]

The Cyl head with the squishband narrowed from 19mm to 14mm with dome blended to the radius'd edge.  Then the mating surface machined .7mm to close the squish clearance to 1.2mm and keep the compression up from machining the inner part of the squishband.

[John Orchard]

Coming together ...

Fitted new Answer 'Holeshot' front plate & Circuit 'DeBruizer' bar pad, WP rear shock, handlebars by KDX Geoff  :-)  Just waiting for shorty front barke lever & front brake hose guide.

[Paul552]

Hey john looks nice.


Re the shorty leaver
I have a 250re and I always lock front when I use a shorty??
Standard lever and I ride better.

Mate please let me know if you can feel the difference as I think my placebo needs updating 

[80-85 husky]

you will be happy to know john that I purchased my near new wr 400 off Robz Rides..for next to nothing. he thought it was a totally rooted 240... I laugh to myself every day....

[Hoony]

Great Bike John, when is the first Blatt? Goodridge do a nice front brake Hose got one on Big Red .

[John Orchard]

Well found out the '84 model has a typical gearbox issue, it's fixed with the '85 model, which drops right in  :-) Just scored all NOS parts to make up an 85 gear set and new shift forks from the dealer as they are all the same up to '01.

[Paul552]

Well found out the '84 model has a typical gearbox issue, it's fixed with the '85 model, which drops right in  :-) Just scored all NOS parts to make up an 85 gear set and new shift forks from the dealer as they are all the same up to '01.

That's good to know. 

Out of interest how much was all that NOS gearbox??

[John Orchard]

Out of interest how much was all that NOS gearbox??

I ended up getting the bits from all over the world, Germany, UK, US & Oz, I can't say how much in public incase my Missus finds out  ;-)

[John Orchard]

I've really learnt my lesson about buying use vintage bikes, they might look ok on the outside but you find lots to replace on the inside; stuff that is hard to find & expensive.

So the CR now has a new '01 CR500 complete gearbox, new bearings & seals all through the cases, new '01 CR500 kickstart ratchet assembly, new bushes & seals in the forks.

Anytime in the future if I buy a used vintage bike, unless it has all new stuff inside, or atleast inspected to be good by someone that knows what they are doing, I aint paying jack shit for it.

[sa63]

Whats it like to ride then?
I feel your pain!

[John Orchard]

Riding it on Monday, will let you know  :-)

[80-85 husky]

Farm being plowed for xmas now....