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I also finished the pipe. I got a new 87 Pro Circuit pipe but it was the platinum version. I removed the nickel plating and the tag. Then to make it look works, I went over the welds with a torch to build up carbon and discolor it like it was just freshly welded.
The bike is pretty much done now. I just need to finish the forks. The ones you see above are the forks that came on the bike and are not the originals. I bought some 87 CR500 forks that I am media blasting and chromic acid anodizing the lowers on myself. It should look like the magnesium works forks Team Honda used.
This will be my first anodizing exercise so if you guys don't hear from me for awhile..........just wait longer!
I know it must be hard finding time to work on it these days. How's the family?
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red: I'm going with some newer style honda grips. Just waiting on the throttle side. I'm going to use a newer CR front brake master cylinder and clutch levers as well. They really had some weird looong levers and they pointed them way down in the 80's. I forgot about that until I got this bike. It's those little things that make today's bikes so good I think.
amazing bike...
jps
by the way what a wonderfoul job you have done there 917.
Is James' bike identical to yours?
Here it is after I finished the anodizing the forks and applying stickers. It's a nod to Mickey Dymond who I always thought was badass. He rode the #5 CR250 indoors in 87 then switched to the 125 to win the nationals that year for the second time in a row. Between that and his rocking out with Motley Crue I think he is worthy. I still need to put some fork guards on, fill it with oil and coolant, and then jet it; but other than that it's done.
I'm really happy with how it turned out. It's pretty much a new bike.
As I was doing this project I really got the itch to ride it, I'm sure you guys can relate. Since Barkhard here had one that was unrestored, all original and in great shape, I traded him for it, a CR500 and some parts. I also agreed to help with a RM250 he has and wants to rebuild, which is going to be a fun project. That dude has so much cool no-shit factory works stuff it's ridiculous. I don't know where he gets it all but it will be fun to work with it. I'll share some pics as I get into it.
For this next 87 CR250, though, I'll save the cosmetic stuff for when I'm done riding it and just focus on making it a solid bike for the EVO series we have down here. It's going to work out awesome as I have tons of parts left over.
I can totally understand how you would not want to ride it. I couldn't bring myself to ride it either.
Cool that you did a Dymond replica. I had the pleasure of meeting Micky several years ago in Sydney and we hung out for a while, talking about the 80's over a few drinks. Micky is a really, really cool guy. Very down to earth and freindly. People would be totally surprised if they ever got the chance to meet the guy and talk with him.
Late model (04-) clutch perch
Yeah, I used some newer stuff like that clutch perch/lever and front master cylinder. They just seem so much better than the original stuff. It's not HRC but it's definitely better than the awkwardly weird long levers pointed way down. Also, I know that they didn't use a 19" rear wheel until the following year but I just think it looks so much better and is way lighter than 18". James is considering mounting a set of Upside Down Forks to make it a better replica, and knowing that guy, he will end up doing it. I tried using 93 forks and clamps but you really would need to have a custom set made like you did on your 96.
By the way Col, if this thing had fallen off the stand, I don't think I would have snapped pics of the carnage like you did. I was impressed you thought of us in that time of crisis. It would have been a string of expletives straight away!!!
Anyway, thanks again y'all for checking it out and for the compliments.
"For this next 87 CR250, though, I'll save the cosmetic stuff for when I'm done riding it and just focus on making it a solid bike for the EVO series we have down here."
Ha! I laughed when I read this. I have had this plan in my head a few times. And during the rebuild you find something needs replacing. Then you replace something else so the first part doesn't look out of place. Then another part, then another, and another. And before you know it you have a brand new bike you don't want to ride
I know what you mean about weird levers. A few years back I rode my mates CRF450 and he still liked to run his RJ bend Renthals. Man that thing was awkward to ride. Felt like the bars were pointing towards the ground.
Did you guys in the U.S get the 19" rear on the CR's in 89? I know all the other manufacturers went 19" in 1989 but in Australia and Europe we didn't get the 19" on the CR's until 1995!
By the way those forks came up a treat. Do you have any close up shots of them?
Though you need some Factory style reservoir, fork and disc guards and a Factory style front brake hose to complete it!
Also lose the "wolf" sticker on the rear mudguard! lol
Pit Row
We have those, they just aren't mounted yet. Will be, soon.
DJ, I keep forgetting, we need to use rounded, Allen-head bolts on the lower subframe mounts -- this is what the factory team was doing (smoother junction, less boot rubbing). I have an MXA from '87 that recommends this.
Is this a rider or garage queen?
Though that reservoir guard is the newer style, it drops down slightly where the hose exits. Also you need some SHOWA fork leg stickers and an old nylon RENTHAL bar pad.
Love the numbers are they pre-printed? I can't see the TLD sticker.Remember if you're not going to use it, drain the coolant.
I got an awesome all original, unrestored 87 along with a CR500 and some parts which I've sold. I've pretty much got this next 87 ready to go. No painted frame, new plastic or other cosmetic stuff. This one I'm riding in the EVO series. I just got the radiators cleared out, silencer packed, bearings greased, tires mounted, etc. I'll post some pics of it at some point.
Part of the deal with barkhard is to help him with a 04 RM250 he wants fixed up. It will be fun to build this RM as he really goes all out with trick parts and stuff.
JT: Those numbers are the old school Factory Effex stick-on style numbers on repainted backgrounds. Barkhard had those guards already, otherwise I'd be hitting you up for a set, which I may have to do anyway for this next one. That sticker is on the rear fender. It's one that Troy Lee made up for a helmet kit I think.
Hey, I'm sure we can heat up and modify the bend in the reservoir guard with that super-duty heat gun I've got at the shop.
I've also got some SHOWA stickers for the guards, too-- should be with all the other stuff in boxes for the RM250 project.
Have a great rest of the week and talk with you Friday evening! I also have a DeBruzer crossbar pad we can use instead of the Renthal one.
I've got one I'd like to do that to. For some of the bikes you can only get a Platinum pipe and I want the bare works look!
Great job!
It has to be done I believe electro-chemically.
Hey DJ, I've got a set of the SHOWA guard stickers and found a black DeBruzer bar pad like the team bikes used. Almost finished!
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