1996 cr 250 new era mcgrath tribute… finally done!!!

mitchlovin
Profile picture for user mitchlovin
Posts
168
Joined
4/3/2020
Location
Adams, MA US
mitchlovin 4/30/2020 8:10pm
4/30/2020 8:10pm
Picking the parts up from cerakote tomorrow, hoping to have time to start lower end assembly this weekend. All new prox crank/piston bearings & seals. Waiting on cylinder repair. Still trying to source some decent radiator hoses. Found the gpi set on ebay. Anybody have experience with those?



3
Brian_Bowles 5/1/2020 4:46am
5/1/2020 4:46am
I used the GPI hoses on my 1986 CR125. They worked fine.
1
AngryBear
Profile picture for user AngryBear
Posts
764
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Asheville, NC US
AngryBear 5/1/2020 8:42am
5/1/2020 8:42am Edited Date/Time 5/1/2020 8:43am
i've had GPI on mine for 3yrs. needed to be cut for length a good bit, but otherwise fine.



The Shop

See All »
mitchlovin
Profile picture for user mitchlovin
Posts
168
Joined
4/3/2020
Location
Adams, MA US
mitchlovin 5/2/2020 5:18pm
5/2/2020 5:18pm
Something about those honda of troy bikes, love them
4
mitchlovin
Profile picture for user mitchlovin
Posts
168
Joined
4/3/2020
Location
Adams, MA US
mitchlovin 5/3/2020 6:26pm
5/3/2020 6:26pm
Slow progress this weekend. It was nice out so had to do take care of some house projects but was able to get the shock built and installed

1
Moto Obsessed 5/3/2020 7:14pm
5/3/2020 7:14pm
TooOld4WFO wrote:
Mitch when I switched over to newer front ends I modified the lower tree stops. I did not want to modify the frame but that would...
Mitch when I switched over to newer front ends I modified the lower tree stops. I did not want to modify the frame but that would have been easier. I kind of totally guessed on how much to remove. My 95 modified ones do not allow my fork tubes to hit anything important. Currently the modded ones on my 92 are not contacting my radiators.
I used my Dremel and a aluminum cutting bit.
Here is the Dremel bit I used to cut the aluminum- Press Me



Outside that are you following any particular image of McGraths bike or just taking creative license?

Did you swap over the 04-08 CR/CRF Showa twin chambers? If so, how did you go about shimming the lower clamps? I've seen guys talk about using aluminum from a beer can; or I suppose you could get get some .010" (I think that's the required amount?) shim stock and cut to size.. anyways, just curious to hear your experieces. I swapped some onto my 96 but have not ridden the bike yet since doing so..

To the OP - I'm all for your approach on making it your own.. Currently mine isn't very "custom" besides the updated front end - but after going down the 96 MC rabbit hole; anytime I see a "replica", I immediately look for what I know isn't correct about it haha.. Black wheels with this style kit looks sick, by the way

My humble project (upside down fork guard stickers are not my doing haha)


4
mitchlovin
Profile picture for user mitchlovin
Posts
168
Joined
4/3/2020
Location
Adams, MA US
mitchlovin 5/3/2020 7:34pm
5/3/2020 7:34pm
Moto Obsessed wrote:
Did you swap over the 04-08 CR/CRF Showa twin chambers? If so, how did you go about shimming the lower clamps? I've seen guys talk about...
Did you swap over the 04-08 CR/CRF Showa twin chambers? If so, how did you go about shimming the lower clamps? I've seen guys talk about using aluminum from a beer can; or I suppose you could get get some .010" (I think that's the required amount?) shim stock and cut to size.. anyways, just curious to hear your experieces. I swapped some onto my 96 but have not ridden the bike yet since doing so..

To the OP - I'm all for your approach on making it your own.. Currently mine isn't very "custom" besides the updated front end - but after going down the 96 MC rabbit hole; anytime I see a "replica", I immediately look for what I know isn't correct about it haha.. Black wheels with this style kit looks sick, by the way

My humble project (upside down fork guard stickers are not my doing haha)


Thats why im calling it a tribute as opposed to a replica. This is my first resto build and im a lifelong ktm guy. With so many mcgrath replicas i feel that adding my own touches will set mine apart. Its a baseline to go off. My 94 bike will be along the same lines, maybe doug henrys sx bike, as he is a local icon maybe a 93 honda of troy or 95 ? That bike will be built to ride with a newer crf front end. Im tinkering with that in between the real project bike but mainly making a parts list and searching for things i know will be difficult
Moto Obsessed 5/3/2020 8:24pm
5/3/2020 8:24pm
the 96 lower clamp is particular to just the 1996 model, which is what makes the Showa fork swap nearly plug and play (minus the shim in the clamps and the particulars front wheel/brake related parts) which is what makes the 1996 clamp set the most desirable for those 90s bikes.. so if you find a set for sale, grab em. otherwise you're either pressing your stem into another clamp set, or going competely aftermarket
3
mitchlovin
Profile picture for user mitchlovin
Posts
168
Joined
4/3/2020
Location
Adams, MA US
mitchlovin 5/3/2020 8:31pm
5/3/2020 8:31pm
Moto Obsessed wrote:
the 96 lower clamp is particular to just the 1996 model, which is what makes the Showa fork swap nearly plug and play (minus the shim...
the 96 lower clamp is particular to just the 1996 model, which is what makes the Showa fork swap nearly plug and play (minus the shim in the clamps and the particulars front wheel/brake related parts) which is what makes the 1996 clamp set the most desirable for those 90s bikes.. so if you find a set for sale, grab em. otherwise you're either pressing your stem into another clamp set, or going competely aftermarket
Im thinking about pressing the stem so i can have the adjustability of the newer clamp... unless i come across another set of 96 clamps
mitchlovin
Profile picture for user mitchlovin
Posts
168
Joined
4/3/2020
Location
Adams, MA US
mitchlovin 5/12/2020 6:02pm
5/12/2020 6:02pm
Currently getting engine together and looking to source some black honda ignition and clutch covers. Luckynino on ebay hasnt posted any in a few weeks. I could always go boyeseen but... in the meantime i rebuilt the carb and replaced the non existent vent tubing

3
TooOld4WFO
Profile picture for user TooOld4WFO
Posts
670
Joined
4/1/2018
Location
Fresno, CA US
TooOld4WFO 5/12/2020 7:21pm
5/12/2020 7:21pm
For my forks pictured above are 97 or 98 forks. I am not sure since the seller mis-labeled them and I did not discover this until months into my build. It was too late for any recourse.
I used I am assuming 96 lower tree. I have several I purchased in-expensively and such lost track of which were which.
I did not need to shim either these or the twin Showa’s on my 95.


mitchlovin
Profile picture for user mitchlovin
Posts
168
Joined
4/3/2020
Location
Adams, MA US
mitchlovin 5/12/2020 8:17pm
5/12/2020 8:17pm
TooOld4WFO wrote:
For my forks pictured above are 97 or 98 forks. I am not sure since the seller mis-labeled them and I did not discover this until...
For my forks pictured above are 97 or 98 forks. I am not sure since the seller mis-labeled them and I did not discover this until months into my build. It was too late for any recourse.
I used I am assuming 96 lower tree. I have several I purchased in-expensively and such lost track of which were which.
I did not need to shim either these or the twin Showa’s on my 95.


The 95 lowers have the bolts on the fronts as opposed to the 96 on the side. I believe ?
mitchlovin
Profile picture for user mitchlovin
Posts
168
Joined
4/3/2020
Location
Adams, MA US
mitchlovin 5/13/2020 5:53pm
5/13/2020 5:53pm
Was going to wait for the ignition & clutch covers to post pics but i was too focused on building this motor! New prox crank, wiseco piston, hinson basket, eric gorr repaired cylinder and so touches of cerakote sprinkled in too





6
TunaBro
Profile picture for user TunaBro
Posts
421
Joined
1/3/2020
Location
Lake Stevens, WA US
TunaBro 5/14/2020 9:06am
5/14/2020 9:06am
Coming along nicely!
1
TooOld4WFO
Profile picture for user TooOld4WFO
Posts
670
Joined
4/1/2018
Location
Fresno, CA US
TooOld4WFO 5/14/2020 11:05am
5/14/2020 11:05am Edited Date/Time 5/14/2020 11:07am
Yes on the steering stops. That is why I cut into them to allow for a greater range of movement.

The carbide Dremel bit I used actually made it pretty easy. Don’t cut at a crazy high speed. Cut it at a speed it will continue to turn and not bind. Do not force it into the metal aggressively. Let the bit do the cutting. Maybe 10 minutes of cutting or less. Watch the heat on the Dremel body.

WD40 Clean’s up rubber extremely well. That’s what I used to clean the body of my CDI. Just sayin..

Looks great. A project of love.
1
Black Diesel Bomber 5/19/2020 12:17pm
5/19/2020 12:17pm
I'm starting a 93 CR125. Does anyone have the powder coat color code for the white frame? I know white is easier than trying to match the Honda reds and some will say just wing it but I want to use the proper white frame color code for the year. Let me know.

Also, does anyone have the procedure for adding modern forks to this bike (93)? What's involved? What's needed?
mitchlovin
Profile picture for user mitchlovin
Posts
168
Joined
4/3/2020
Location
Adams, MA US
mitchlovin 5/19/2020 5:40pm
5/19/2020 5:40pm
Icw radiators installed, the gpi hoses do fit but as mentioned do take some serious trimming to work. Carb is installed, waiting i some clips for proper routing of the vent hoses. Temporarily set the airbox on just for the looks! Starting to disassemble the front end as i just slid it off the frame all in 1 piece. Also still trying to find the black engine and ignition covers. Its not much but every piece on it is one more off my bench!


2

Pit Row

See All »
mitchlovin
Profile picture for user mitchlovin
Posts
168
Joined
4/3/2020
Location
Adams, MA US
mitchlovin 5/21/2020 6:06pm
5/21/2020 6:06pm
More pieces on the bench but now they are all stripped i can get the uppers and triple clamps off to cerakote. Ordered a dpr cone pipe and im back to the waiting game
mitchlovin
Profile picture for user mitchlovin
Posts
168
Joined
4/3/2020
Location
Adams, MA US
mitchlovin 6/4/2020 8:50pm
6/4/2020 8:50pm
Subframe bolted on and the first pieces of plastic installed!


5
mitchlovin
Profile picture for user mitchlovin
Posts
168
Joined
4/3/2020
Location
Adams, MA US
mitchlovin 6/8/2020 9:39pm
6/8/2020 9:39pm Edited Date/Time 6/8/2020 9:40pm
Bud racing silencer arrived!
Waiting on the dpr cone pipe , still hoping to find some black honda clutch and ignition covers. If i cant get them in the next couple weeks ill go a different route
Moto Obsessed 6/9/2020 4:28pm
6/9/2020 4:28pm
mitchlovin wrote:
Bud racing silencer arrived! Waiting on the dpr cone pipe , still hoping to find some black honda clutch and ignition covers. If i cant get...
Bud racing silencer arrived!
Waiting on the dpr cone pipe , still hoping to find some black honda clutch and ignition covers. If i cant get them in the next couple weeks ill go a different route
Carbon fiber clutch covers... 300euro plus shipping from Italy http://www.mastercross.net/accessori2.php?lang=it&m=HRC%20HONDA%20RACIN…
1
mitchlovin
Profile picture for user mitchlovin
Posts
168
Joined
4/3/2020
Location
Adams, MA US
mitchlovin 6/16/2020 3:13pm
6/16/2020 3:13pm
Got an awesome suprise from the mail lady today



Dpr cone pipe paired with the bud racing carbon fiber silencer. Cant wait to hear this thing!


6
deccr250
Profile picture for user deccr250
Posts
449
Joined
2/25/2018
Location
GB
deccr250 6/17/2020 8:58am
6/17/2020 8:58am
mitchlovin wrote:
I saw those, thats an option! Ive been in contact with this seller. He said he should have more in the next week or so [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2020/06/09/431822/s1200_5B4BEC73_E1F3_4270_9020_85F76C9B9D5D.jpg[/img]
I saw those, thats an option! Ive been in contact with this seller. He said he should have more in the next week or so
PGE MX will have the covers you need, he’s currently making a set of billet Honda Racing clutch and ignition covers for my CR125 build! Smile
1
mitchlovin
Profile picture for user mitchlovin
Posts
168
Joined
4/3/2020
Location
Adams, MA US
mitchlovin 6/19/2020 6:27am
6/19/2020 6:27am
mitchlovin wrote:
I saw those, thats an option! Ive been in contact with this seller. He said he should have more in the next week or so [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2020/06/09/431822/s1200_5B4BEC73_E1F3_4270_9020_85F76C9B9D5D.jpg[/img]
I saw those, thats an option! Ive been in contact with this seller. He said he should have more in the next week or so
deccr250 wrote:
PGE MX will have the covers you need, he’s currently making a set of billet Honda Racing clutch and ignition covers for my CR125 build! Smile
I appreciate the info, just found and ordered the factory honda replicas ive been searching for!
Tokyo_Tiddler
Profile picture for user Tokyo_Tiddler
Posts
2137
Joined
7/25/2009
Location
Somewhere in, NJ US
Tokyo_Tiddler 6/20/2020 7:12pm
6/20/2020 7:12pm
Nice build! Who makes the cone pipe?
mitchlovin
Profile picture for user mitchlovin
Posts
168
Joined
4/3/2020
Location
Adams, MA US
mitchlovin 6/21/2020 3:38pm
6/21/2020 3:38pm
Tokyo_Tiddler wrote:
Nice build! Who makes the cone pipe?
Dpr dutch power racing
mitchlovin
Profile picture for user mitchlovin
Posts
168
Joined
4/3/2020
Location
Adams, MA US
mitchlovin 7/23/2020 7:27am
7/23/2020 7:27am
Clutch and ignition covers installed, antifreeze and oil. 5 kicks and i finally got to hear this! Still have a ways to go on the build but its nice to see and hear the progress

6

Post a reply to: 1996 cr 250 new era mcgrath tribute… finally done!!!