1988 CR250 Project

sdmx
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sdmx 5/9/2015 5:09pm
5/9/2015 5:09pm
Hi Mixon,

Sorry, no updates right now. Life and injuries caught up with me and I have left this bike at the shop for ages (paid for everything a year ago, just never got around to picking it up). I am going to pick it up in a week or so and move on with the restore. If I remember correctly, the shop rebuilt the motor and the suspension. I will pick up from there.

Thanks for posting to this thread. Got me thinking about the bike again.

I will post an update when I get it back home.
Scottish twinshock 5/9/2015 10:07pm
5/9/2015 10:07pm
Mixon848 wrote:
Any updates on this project? I need to get started on my own 1988 Honda CR250.
http://www.vitalmx.com/photos/member/1988-Honda-CR250,38499/1988-Honda-…
hi there
just starting a rebuild to rebuild a cr 250 1989 also, wish we could get good tidy bikes as cheap in the uk! I had to pay £900 ($1389) for mine and it needs everything done to it..
I was thinking about starting a new topic about it!?
cheers
Tom.



Mixon848
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Mixon848 5/10/2015 8:35am
5/10/2015 8:35am
sdmx wrote:
Hi Mixon, Sorry, no updates right now. Life and injuries caught up with me and I have left this bike at the shop for ages (paid...
Hi Mixon,

Sorry, no updates right now. Life and injuries caught up with me and I have left this bike at the shop for ages (paid for everything a year ago, just never got around to picking it up). I am going to pick it up in a week or so and move on with the restore. If I remember correctly, the shop rebuilt the motor and the suspension. I will pick up from there.

Thanks for posting to this thread. Got me thinking about the bike again.

I will post an update when I get it back home.
Yes I understand whole heartedly about life and injuries. I am so amazed that you were able to leave the bike there that long without them parting it or selling it. Most of the shops around my area have a 30 Day Policy, where if you don't pick up your bike within 30 Days after work has been completed the bike becomes the property of the shop even when work performed has been paid in full.

I cannot wait to see the progress once you pick it up and get started on it again. I sold my baby, A 1988 Yamaha YZ125 (that I was making into a Mike Craig replica) to help fund my 1988 Honda CR250 project. I hope that I can make the 1988 Honda CR250 into the bike that I see in my head.
Mixon848
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Mixon848 5/10/2015 8:45am
5/10/2015 8:45am
Scottish twinshock wrote:
hi there just starting a rebuild to rebuild a cr 250 1989 also, wish we could get good tidy bikes as cheap in the uk! I...
hi there
just starting a rebuild to rebuild a cr 250 1989 also, wish we could get good tidy bikes as cheap in the uk! I had to pay £900 ($1389) for mine and it needs everything done to it..
I was thinking about starting a new topic about it!?
cheers
Tom.



Yes in my area of Northern California you can find 1986-1989 Honda CR250's from anywhere between $200 and $900. I just missed a 1986 Honda CR250 for $200, when I asked the guy what he finally sold it for he said $175!

I am just going to spend the extra money that I was going to use purchasing another CR250 into my 1988 Honda CR250. I sold my 1988 Yamaha YZ125 and have the money that I didn't spend on the 1986 CR250 so I have a little bit of chump/poor man's change to work with.

You should start a thread. If you do, please let me know as I surely will follow it. I love the 1989's.

The Shop

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Scottish twinshock 5/10/2015 11:05am
5/10/2015 11:05am
wow!!Shocked Mixon848 buy all the bikes you can and put them in a container and ship them over to the UK!! you would make a fortune Woohoo
I've started a new thread if your interested, i'll try and keep it as upto date as I can with lots of pictures and info Smile
sdmx
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sdmx 5/10/2015 11:29am
5/10/2015 11:29am Edited Date/Time 11/21/2016 7:44am
sdmx wrote:
Hi Mixon, Sorry, no updates right now. Life and injuries caught up with me and I have left this bike at the shop for ages (paid...
Hi Mixon,

Sorry, no updates right now. Life and injuries caught up with me and I have left this bike at the shop for ages (paid for everything a year ago, just never got around to picking it up). I am going to pick it up in a week or so and move on with the restore. If I remember correctly, the shop rebuilt the motor and the suspension. I will pick up from there.

Thanks for posting to this thread. Got me thinking about the bike again.

I will post an update when I get it back home.
Mixon848 wrote:
Yes I understand whole heartedly about life and injuries. I am so amazed that you were able to leave the bike there that long without them...
Yes I understand whole heartedly about life and injuries. I am so amazed that you were able to leave the bike there that long without them parting it or selling it. Most of the shops around my area have a 30 Day Policy, where if you don't pick up your bike within 30 Days after work has been completed the bike becomes the property of the shop even when work performed has been paid in full.

I cannot wait to see the progress once you pick it up and get started on it again. I sold my baby, A 1988 Yamaha YZ125 (that I was making into a Mike Craig replica) to help fund my 1988 Honda CR250 project. I hope that I can make the 1988 Honda CR250 into the bike that I see in my head.
It helps that my buddy owns the shop.

Mixon848
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Mixon848 5/10/2015 12:29pm
5/10/2015 12:29pm
sdmx wrote:
It helps that my buddy owns the shop.

I need a buddy that owns a shop. :-)

Yeah I miss my 1988 Yamaha YZ125 so much already that I just called on one that was listed. But I have my eye on this 1985 Honda CR250 listed for $250 with Pink Slip and Current Green Sticker.
Mixon848
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Mixon848 5/10/2015 12:31pm
5/10/2015 12:31pm
Scottish twinshock wrote:
wow!!:ohmy: Mixon848 buy all the bikes you can and put them in a container and ship them over to the UK!! you would make a fortune...
wow!!Shocked Mixon848 buy all the bikes you can and put them in a container and ship them over to the UK!! you would make a fortune Woohoo
I've started a new thread if your interested, i'll try and keep it as upto date as I can with lots of pictures and info Smile
I have a garage full of bikes that I would ship over there right now if there isn't any redtape.

I have been eye balling this 1985 Honda CR250 all day that is listed at $250. It has Pink Slip and a Current Green Sticker. I just called the guy and left him a message. I am ready to go get it "NOW". Lol
sdmx
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sdmx 11/21/2016 7:48am
11/21/2016 7:48am
I am finally back at this thing. Thanks to all for helping me find the right frame paint on another post.

I am going to buy the plastic this week. The only place I have found that has it all is Motosport.com. They have it all (UFO) for $250. Are there any better deals out there or should I just pull the trigger?
starchild
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starchild 11/21/2016 7:31pm
11/21/2016 7:31pm
You can get it directly from UFO. I just bought some plastic for my 87 CR and I had it in 3 days. ufoplasticusa.com
it's through tuf racing. Great experience dealing with them
sdmx
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sdmx 11/22/2016 7:47am
11/22/2016 7:47am
starchild wrote:
You can get it directly from UFO. I just bought some plastic for my 87 CR and I had it in 3 days. ufoplasticusa.com it's through...
You can get it directly from UFO. I just bought some plastic for my 87 CR and I had it in 3 days. ufoplasticusa.com
it's through tuf racing. Great experience dealing with them
Thanks!! Just ordered from UFO/Tuf and saved some money.
sdmx
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sdmx 11/14/2017 4:03pm
11/14/2017 4:03pm
I truly cannot believe how long I have taken on this, but I am finally just about done with this one. I have been boating a lot the last couple years and finally got motivated to get this project moving again. Had it rebuilt from the ground up. I wouldn't call it a restoration because while it mechanically near perfect, it is not up the the show worthy standards of many of the bikes here.

I am going to meet the mechanic (friend of mine) at the track next week to take it out for the 1st time. I haven't ridden since 2012, so it should be interesting.







1
avmechanic
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avmechanic 11/15/2017 7:08pm
11/15/2017 7:08pm
It turned out real nice. I am working on a restoration with upgrades on an 88' right now and am getting close to finishing. These are great bikes. You should finish up by adding some original or replica graphics and number plate backgrounds. The bike will look really finished and the decals and back grounds will protect the plastic. I even found some perforated tank decals in red to protect my freshly polished tank. Let us know how it runs.
Greg
sdmx
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sdmx 11/16/2017 8:10am
11/16/2017 8:10am
Good idea avmechanic. Do they sell pre-made backgrounds for bikes this old?
Rocky739
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Rocky739 11/16/2017 8:40am
11/16/2017 8:40am
https://evo-mx.com/

They can hook you up! Agree nothing looks better than some backgrounds and old school decals.
Bike looks great!
avmechanic
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avmechanic 11/17/2017 6:57am
11/17/2017 6:57am Edited Date/Time 11/17/2017 6:59am




I bought my seat cover, decals and number plate backgrounds up here in Alberta Canada. I know they ship plenty of stuff to the states and with your US dollar being stronger the price should work out great. Good folks and nice products. I would recommend. https://vintageroost.com/ Having the decals will really finish that bike nicely. Best get them on while the plastic is new.
Greg
sdmx
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sdmx 2/9/2018 1:54pm
2/9/2018 1:54pm
Anyone know where I can get a pair of radiator guards -- the white or black louvered ones?
avmechanic
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avmechanic 2/9/2018 4:17pm
2/9/2018 4:17pm
sdmx wrote:
Anyone know where I can get a pair of radiator guards -- the white or black louvered ones?
Radiator grills are near impossible to find. It took me quite some time to find a pair. I had to buy 2 used singles on eBay. I have another 88' CR250 in parts I want to restore after the one I am working on and still need to find a pair for it. I may end up making some out of aluminum. I just don't get where they all go. I bought 3 bikes in pieces and ended up with 1 louver. They rarely seem to come up on eBay as well. I am thinking some later ones could be modified to fit. It would be nice to have some samples to try for other options. Good luck.
Greg

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chuckie108
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chuckie108 2/9/2018 5:13pm
2/9/2018 5:13pm
avmechanic wrote:
Radiator grills are near impossible to find. It took me quite some time to find a pair. I had to buy 2 used singles on eBay...
Radiator grills are near impossible to find. It took me quite some time to find a pair. I had to buy 2 used singles on eBay. I have another 88' CR250 in parts I want to restore after the one I am working on and still need to find a pair for it. I may end up making some out of aluminum. I just don't get where they all go. I bought 3 bikes in pieces and ended up with 1 louver. They rarely seem to come up on eBay as well. I am thinking some later ones could be modified to fit. It would be nice to have some samples to try for other options. Good luck.
Greg
I know later versions will work. When I built my '87 CR250, it came with louvers that were newer than the '87 version. Sorry I can't tell you which year they were(as I don't know), but for sure some of the later year versions will fit on there.
Brett Campbell 2/11/2018 2:32pm
2/11/2018 2:32pm Edited Date/Time 2/11/2018 2:34pm
Radiator grills from a 1992 CR125 will work with a minor mod. Still available from Honda. The ctc is about 1/8 inch difference from the 88 model. They are white instead of black, but can be painted. The 88-91 CR250's share the same part number.
avmechanic
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avmechanic 2/12/2018 10:50am
2/12/2018 10:50am
Brett Campbell wrote:
Radiator grills from a 1992 CR125 will work with a minor mod. Still available from Honda. The ctc is about 1/8 inch difference from the 88...
Radiator grills from a 1992 CR125 will work with a minor mod. Still available from Honda. The ctc is about 1/8 inch difference from the 88 model. They are white instead of black, but can be painted. The 88-91 CR250's share the same part number.
Thanks Brett. I forgot that you figured out an alternative to fit. I may go that route to fit a set on my next bike.
Greg
sdmx
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sdmx 2/12/2018 10:53am
2/12/2018 10:53am
Thanks. Where are you guys finding the 1991 guards? I can't find any.
avmechanic
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avmechanic 2/12/2018 11:14am
2/12/2018 11:14am
sdmx wrote:
Thanks. Where are you guys finding the 1991 guards? I can't find any.
88' to 91' CR250 Rad guards are the same and unavailable. As Brett posted, new 1992 to 1997 CR125 guards fit with a little modification to the pins that hold them in. They are available new from Honda. Partzilla 1992 to 1997 CR125 Rad grills
Greg
sdmx
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sdmx 2/12/2018 11:17am
2/12/2018 11:17am
Thanks!
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Wedgehead 6/2/2019 2:39pm
6/2/2019 2:39pm
nine1seven wrote:
Performance wise, it would make more sense to use the 88 forks and swap the cylinder for the 89 version. The 88 was a step backward...
Performance wise, it would make more sense to use the 88 forks and swap the cylinder for the 89 version. The 88 was a step backward from the 87 in terms of engine and suspension and then in 89 it had a killer engine and ridiculous forks.

If you want to go upside down, I know that 92 (not 91, not 93) clamps and forks bolt right up to your 88 head tube. Your 88 front wheel will work with these forks. Then fab up something that looks like those gray fork guards that the factory Honda's had back then and you'll really have something! I wanted to do this on my 87 to make it look factory so I got a 92 fork/clamp but decided to keep my 87 stock. If you want the 92 forks/clamps let me know. I have one of those translucent factory front number plates for it too.
I have to disagree. My 1988 CR 125 would walk away from my friends 1989 CR 125 back in the day when they were new. The 1988 was a top end screamer while the 1987 had more usable power in the mid-range.
vetmotoxer34
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vetmotoxer34 6/2/2019 7:00pm
6/2/2019 7:00pm
Brett Campbell wrote:
Radiator grills from a 1992 CR125 will work with a minor mod. Still available from Honda. The ctc is about 1/8 inch difference from the 88...
Radiator grills from a 1992 CR125 will work with a minor mod. Still available from Honda. The ctc is about 1/8 inch difference from the 88 model. They are white instead of black, but can be painted. The 88-91 CR250's share the same part number.
92 worked great on my 88 cr250
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VoodooHusky 6/5/2019 12:03pm
6/5/2019 12:03pm
Nice work on your 88. So it looks like you kept the 88 forks? Good move IMO. I had a 1989 CR250 new back in the day and it ran strong. Nice bike but the suspension sucked. Those forks, the first year of USD forks on a CR250, were possibly the worse forks ever. I sent them off to Race Tech and while that helped they still sucked. RT told me there wasn't much more they could do. I wonder if their Gold Valve Emulators would make them work better?
vetmotoxer34
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vetmotoxer34 7/7/2019 12:56pm
7/7/2019 12:56pm
Finished my 88 and loving it for post vintage moto here in Texas.











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