Wheel swap and CP500 kit frame grinding question...

[Cody19670001]

Hey folks. I have a 2002 cr250 that I'm using for my 97cr500 motor. I was wondering if my 97 500 wheels will fit on my 2002 cr250 frame and forks. The reason I am asking is because I'd prefer to run the 18" rear wheel on my finished 500 project. Does any one know if those 97 oem wheels will fit my 02 frame? Or, is that a bad idea for any reason?

Also, I'm doing one of those CP500 conversion kits. In that kit they have you grind down an area on the right side of the frame while, as they say, leaving 1/16th of the weld still there for strength. My question is since I have ground down that part of the frame, leaving that 1/16th of metal above the frame tube, there is about 1/32 of an inch clearance between my motor and that part of the frame. Is that enough clearance?

I really appreciate it,

Cody

[vito.a]

Well, what is the verdict? Is 1/32" enough?

[ThaBing]

That's enough if your engine doesn't move. I actually had my welder notch out the frame there and reweld it. Just to be sure.

[vito.a]

Is it necessary to notch the CRF450 chassis also?

[Cody19670001]

Yep 1/32 is works fine. Sorry for the late reply. God I love this thing, just laced up an 18 inch wheel and put one of those IRC M5b in a 140 80 18 on it. Also put in a Rekluse Z Start Pro, love it. I appreciate all the tips on this site

[vito.a]

Thanks for the reply. I finally took the motor out of my 2001 CR500 and set it in the CRF450 yesterday. Then it was easy to see the area that you have to grind for the clutch cover bolt. Just like you said, I didn't have to remove much.

Can I ask what wheel, spokes and hub combo you used?

[Cody19670001]

That is funny you asked. I started thinking about taking my wheels apart, bead blasting the hubs and rims, then having them powdercoated, replacing the spokes and bearings and replacing and truing the wheels, and finally remounting the discs, sprocket, rim locks, rim wraps, and putting the old tires on and then I just decided to: (and I know these are cheap) but this is what I did. I bought a complete 21 inch and 18 inch brand new wheel sets from Rockymountain using their Tusk brand. They are black, with red anodized billet hubs and complete with bearings and new spacers. The whole match cost $499.99. I took them out of the box last night. For $500 bucks they are awesome. I also got new discs from Tusk/ rocky, disc mounting bolts, new 51 tooth rear sprocket that matches the color of the hub pretty well. I also got new Motion Pro rim locks. So basically I put new everything that rotates on th ground on. Now Monday I am supposed to get an IRC 140/80 x 18 M5b soft terrain tire and a Bridgestone 90/100 x 21 M203 soft intermediate, with new tubes. So, I went with pretty darn big rubber on the front ant rear. So I spent a total of $850 for all new stuff. I figured I can sell my old complete wheel sets for $250 on Craig's list leaving me out $600 total. The question is "how good are those $500 rims/hubs??". I guess time will tell. They appear to be pretty darn nice. The rubber, all I can tell you is that the reviews are impressive and I can't wait to try them. If you haven't built a 500af before, you are about to execute one of the best ideas humanly possible !! I wish I built mine ten years ago!! Good luck!!

[vito.a]

I almost ordered the Tusk wheels set last night. Pricing is just too good to pass up. But, I need several more items that I must have for the conversion.
If you read the reviews on the Tusk wheels, most are very positive. Just keep a watch on the spoke tightness for a the first few rides.

[Roostius_Maximus]

Vito, if you're thinking about a tusk set, give me a chance to get you a price on them for you.