2009 Crf450r Conversion? 1997 Cr250 or find a parts bike?

[tvalliere27]

I have a 1997 cr250r which is a nice bike and it rides decent but nothing like my 2012 crf. I might have the opportunity to buy a 2009 Crf450r rolling chassis cheap..!! Ive been reading alot but it is all about cr500 motor swaps. I work at a machine shop so making mounts and welding them in wouldn't be a problem. The 1997 has been in the family since it was brand new so I really dont want to tear it down and swap everything over to the new chassis. I was considering just buying a different cr and making it a parts bike... What would be the best year cr250 to buy for a gen 5 conversion? Whats the best way to do the Y? Airbox? Exhaust? mounts?

Thanks
-Taylor

[scooter5002]

You forgot to include another option in the poll. "Just go buy an OEM ally frame 250."
JMHO, but that's a lot of work for something you can buy used and I'd bet there's enough for sale. Unless you are just looking for a project. If you're going to do an AF conversion, do a big bore.
The 250 Honda post 02 was a great bike in a lot of ways, just needed some motor improvements and solve the vibration. I'd love to find another one and shim the motor mounts, as is suggested here on banned. CamP over on VitalMX seems to be very knowledgeable in how to fix those motors to solve the mid-range only power. Enough so that I'd consider buying one again, but I have too many bikes already.

[tvalliere27]

You forgot to include another option in the poll. "Just go buy an OEM ally frame 250."
JMHO, but that's a lot of work for something you can buy used and I'd bet there's enough for sale. Unless you are just looking for a project. If you're going to do an AF conversion, do a big bore.
The 250 Honda post 02 was a great bike in a lot of ways, just needed some motor improvements and solve the vibration. I'd love to find another one and shim the motor mounts, as is suggested here on banned. CamP over on VitalMX seems to be very knowledgeable in how to fix those motors to solve the mid-range only power. Enough so that I'd consider buying one again, but I have too many bikes already.

yeah the guy that was thinking about selling it changed his mind and said he wants to fix it now... (huge waste of money imo) but yeah i kinda just want a cool project hahah but now im disappointed because i was hoping to get that bike for pocket change but not anymore

[USMC 500]

I just finished my 97 CR500AF myself. I agree that the chassis was not Hondas greatest achievement however this is the CHEAPEST and EASIEST AF conversion. Took me longer to sell my 250 motor and buy a 500 motor. I found me a good local machine shop and the total conversion cost me about $150. Here is the link to my build if it helps. Good luck either way.

http://www.bannedcr500riders.com/board/ ... hp?t=12698

[tvalliere27]

I just finished my 97 CR500AF myself. I agree that the chassis was not Hondas greatest achievement however this is the CHEAPEST and EASIEST AF conversion. Took me longer to sell my 250 motor and buy a 500 motor. I found me a good local machine shop and the total conversion cost me about $150. Here is the link to my build if it helps. Good luck either way.

http://www.bannedcr500riders.com/board/ ... hp?t=12698

when i was planning for this build i wasnt going to use the 1997 frame. I was going to use the 2009 frame. My 97 cr250 doesnt ride bad but it isnt great either... in the mean time ill keep the 1997 how it is and wait for a new rolling chassis to roll my direction!!

[Gmbond]

Hmm

How about what my Dad and I did. - BOTH

2x gen3 Cr250
And
2x gen3 Cr250/500af conversions
And
1x gen3 cr125 (only cause I haven't found the right deal on a second one)

Seriously you can't have too many!!