Modern wheels on a 90's steel frame CR?

Mx746
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Mx746
Hi folks, thinking about getting a wheelset for my 95 CR125. There aren't very many options for aftermarket or oem for the 95 model year. I did find on social media one owner who used a 02-07 wheelset on a 96CR. For the rear they said they used the updated brake hanger, and had to use the old axle and bearings in the new hub due to the old axles smaller diameter.
Wondering if anyone here has done a similar mod to get a modern wheelset into an older CR?
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captmoto
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captmoto 6/20/2018 2:55pm
6/20/2018 2:55pm Edited Date/Time 6/20/2018 2:56pm
Several companies can lace up new rims to your hubs. Also offer coatings to add color to your hubs. I had Dubya do some drum brakes with new rims. They also cerakote which is kind of cool. The burnt bronze gives a magnesium factory look.
Look up the bearing part numbers and see if they give dimensions of the bearings, then you will know if the outside diameter of the bearings are the same, the hubs might work for you. You will then maybe have to modify or make new spacers.
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ledger
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ledger 6/20/2018 8:39pm
6/20/2018 8:39pm
Captmoto is spot on. Collin at Faster USA is a great source also, give him a call, he'll be glad to help.
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billyslad
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billyslad 6/20/2018 10:33pm
6/20/2018 10:33pm
You can machine spacers to a different diameter but be careful about offset
I have put some carbon hub talons onto a 1989 cr 125 that we’re originally for a crf
StevieD113 6/21/2018 12:47am
6/21/2018 12:47am
I'm 99% the fronts are the same from 95 to 2018.The rears, the spindle got bigger, and the last few years, wider. So any wheel set up to the mid 00's *should* drop in.
But as mentioned, another option would be to get the original hubs refurbished (vapour blasted then powder coated or Cerokote) and laced up with new stainless spokes and new rims.
The stock hubs are much lighter than any of the aftermarket hubs available., maybe not Talon's carbon ones. If you wanted a bit extra trickiness have them skimmed/turned before they are blasted and coated.


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731chopper
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731chopper 6/21/2018 5:49am
6/21/2018 5:49am
You can use a front from newer CR’s but the bolt pattern for the rotor is different so you’ll have to use a new rotor as well. The rear requires work. I agree with Stevie to just use your stock hubs and mate them to new spokes, nipples and rims. That’s what I’m doing with my 96 CR and getting the hubs turned down as well.
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Mx746
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Mx746 6/21/2018 7:18am
6/21/2018 7:18am
thanks for the replies, Im sorry I forgot to mention that I have an 08crf450 front end, so Im just trying to figure out the rest of the puzzle for the back wheel conversion. I haven't considered the hub weight actually, thats a good point. On another forum I found a member who milled out the swingarm and brake hanger for the larger modern axle. I guess Id have to see just how much material removal would be required before Id feel comfortable going that route. The newer hubs offer more rotor choices. The old hubs styles are getting down to only a few 'knock off' rotor styles avail, which makes a modern set appealing. Surprised there hasn't been a conversion kit made for this application (to reduced inner bearing size on new hubs for smaller axles) with spacers etc. I did get in contact with Dubya, they have excellent customer service. they could build the wheel Id need for the rear 95, but I think it would also have the same specs for the old rotor, which is one of the reasons I like the idea of the conversion. I dont know how a newer longer modern brake hanger really would fit the old swingarm either, so its a can of worms I know. Still theres at least 2 owners ive found so far who have made it work one way or another. The Dubya custom wheels are very tempting though, using a Talon hub and the old 95 specs, Id be stuck with old rotor styles, but would be certian the hub is top notch.
StevieD113 6/21/2018 1:57pm
6/21/2018 1:57pm
Mx746 wrote:
thanks for the replies, Im sorry I forgot to mention that I have an 08crf450 front end, so Im just trying to figure out the rest...
thanks for the replies, Im sorry I forgot to mention that I have an 08crf450 front end, so Im just trying to figure out the rest of the puzzle for the back wheel conversion. I haven't considered the hub weight actually, thats a good point. On another forum I found a member who milled out the swingarm and brake hanger for the larger modern axle. I guess Id have to see just how much material removal would be required before Id feel comfortable going that route. The newer hubs offer more rotor choices. The old hubs styles are getting down to only a few 'knock off' rotor styles avail, which makes a modern set appealing. Surprised there hasn't been a conversion kit made for this application (to reduced inner bearing size on new hubs for smaller axles) with spacers etc. I did get in contact with Dubya, they have excellent customer service. they could build the wheel Id need for the rear 95, but I think it would also have the same specs for the old rotor, which is one of the reasons I like the idea of the conversion. I dont know how a newer longer modern brake hanger really would fit the old swingarm either, so its a can of worms I know. Still theres at least 2 owners ive found so far who have made it work one way or another. The Dubya custom wheels are very tempting though, using a Talon hub and the old 95 specs, Id be stuck with old rotor styles, but would be certian the hub is top notch.
The 95 front hub has the same disc fitment as the 2018's. 1995 was the first year that Honda went to the 6 bolt front disc pattern. The hub should be completely interchangeable with the 08 front end. You can use whatever aftermarket disc you want on the front.

On the rear, discs are real easy to source. Braking make a really nice OEM style one. I think the rear disc is the same fitment from 89-97/98 (when they changed to the larger disc and carrier assembly).
I think the bolt thread size might have changed from 6mm to 8mm for '95 as well but I don't think that actually effects the disc fitment. I can check tomorrow as I have a 95 125 myself, plus 89 and 93 rear hubs sat on the shelf.

Stevie
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Mx746
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Mx746 6/22/2018 7:07am
6/22/2018 7:07am
Mx746 wrote:
thanks for the replies, Im sorry I forgot to mention that I have an 08crf450 front end, so Im just trying to figure out the rest...
thanks for the replies, Im sorry I forgot to mention that I have an 08crf450 front end, so Im just trying to figure out the rest of the puzzle for the back wheel conversion. I haven't considered the hub weight actually, thats a good point. On another forum I found a member who milled out the swingarm and brake hanger for the larger modern axle. I guess Id have to see just how much material removal would be required before Id feel comfortable going that route. The newer hubs offer more rotor choices. The old hubs styles are getting down to only a few 'knock off' rotor styles avail, which makes a modern set appealing. Surprised there hasn't been a conversion kit made for this application (to reduced inner bearing size on new hubs for smaller axles) with spacers etc. I did get in contact with Dubya, they have excellent customer service. they could build the wheel Id need for the rear 95, but I think it would also have the same specs for the old rotor, which is one of the reasons I like the idea of the conversion. I dont know how a newer longer modern brake hanger really would fit the old swingarm either, so its a can of worms I know. Still theres at least 2 owners ive found so far who have made it work one way or another. The Dubya custom wheels are very tempting though, using a Talon hub and the old 95 specs, Id be stuck with old rotor styles, but would be certian the hub is top notch.
StevieD113 wrote:
The 95 front hub has the same disc fitment as the 2018's. 1995 was the first year that Honda went to the 6 bolt front disc...
The 95 front hub has the same disc fitment as the 2018's. 1995 was the first year that Honda went to the 6 bolt front disc pattern. The hub should be completely interchangeable with the 08 front end. You can use whatever aftermarket disc you want on the front.

On the rear, discs are real easy to source. Braking make a really nice OEM style one. I think the rear disc is the same fitment from 89-97/98 (when they changed to the larger disc and carrier assembly).
I think the bolt thread size might have changed from 6mm to 8mm for '95 as well but I don't think that actually effects the disc fitment. I can check tomorrow as I have a 95 125 myself, plus 89 and 93 rear hubs sat on the shelf.

Stevie
Thanks Stevie, good to know there are still some quality discs out there for the old bikes. I think if getting new oem stuff or aftermarket hubs into the rear requires swingarm milling or welding of hanger channel, then Id just stick with the old 95 stuff. For the back wheel, If its a simple bearing and spacer swap, and caliper hanger swap then its an enticing mod for me. Although Id assume a bushing would need to be made to reduce the hanger axle hole for the 95 axle.
StevieD113 6/22/2018 9:58am
6/22/2018 9:58am
I don't know about the the caliper hanger fitment to the swingarm, im guessing you might need to extend the retainer channel. The hub could be done with spacers though

A press in bush for the caliper carrier, and the a pair of spacers that are sleeved into the bearings to drop the spindle size down. I'm not sure that would be much of an advantage/improvement though as you can't run the larger /stiffer axle. You would get the larger disc though....

You maybe even be able to fit the larger disc to the 95 hub and run the larger (but bushed) caliper carrier.... Hmmmm, now there's an idea I may have to look into for my own 125 build.....
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Mx746
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Mx746 6/22/2018 10:25am
6/22/2018 10:25am Edited Date/Time 6/22/2018 10:48am
StevieD113 wrote:
I don't know about the the caliper hanger fitment to the swingarm, im guessing you might need to extend the retainer channel. The hub could be...
I don't know about the the caliper hanger fitment to the swingarm, im guessing you might need to extend the retainer channel. The hub could be done with spacers though

A press in bush for the caliper carrier, and the a pair of spacers that are sleeved into the bearings to drop the spindle size down. I'm not sure that would be much of an advantage/improvement though as you can't run the larger /stiffer axle. You would get the larger disc though....

You maybe even be able to fit the larger disc to the 95 hub and run the larger (but bushed) caliper carrier.... Hmmmm, now there's an idea I may have to look into for my own 125 build.....
Im trying to contact the owner of the bike who used a new caliper hanger to see which model year the hanger was from. When I look at photos of a 95 carrier and a 2002-2004 carrier, the axle hole placements are completely different in relation to that locator "block" that seats into the swingarm channel. It doesnt look like it would work without changing the location of the channel? Maybe Im missing something. Now that I look at the location of the guide block channel on the 90's swingarm and the modern swing arms, it looks like a modern hanger just wouldnt work. Sliding a modern hanger into a 90's swingarm looks like it would leave the axle hole about an inch too high up. Ill wait to hear back from the guy who did the mod. Perhaps he is mistaking his hanger with an oversized axle hole for a modern hanger?
rmxfreak
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rmxfreak 6/22/2018 3:06pm
6/22/2018 3:06pm
Hi Guys so just checking what years modern Honda CR front wheel will slip straight into my 1994 Honda CR 250 please ?
StevieD113 6/23/2018 6:27am
6/23/2018 6:27am
You can use the the larger 97 rear disc, and caliper carrier. They will drop straight on. You can keep your 95 rear hub. One of my friends runs this set up on his 96 250 (he also has an 08 front end with a 270mm disc). It's in our shop at the moment and I just checked all the spec with him.
Stevie
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Mx746
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Mx746 6/23/2018 9:39am
6/23/2018 9:39am
StevieD113 wrote:
You can use the the larger 97 rear disc, and caliper carrier. They will drop straight on. You can keep your 95 rear hub. One of...
You can use the the larger 97 rear disc, and caliper carrier. They will drop straight on. You can keep your 95 rear hub. One of my friends runs this set up on his 96 250 (he also has an 08 front end with a 270mm disc). It's in our shop at the moment and I just checked all the spec with him.
Stevie
Thanks Stevie, So when I check the PN for the 97 rear caliper hanger they're the same for 95-97 for the 125, but the PN changes in 97 for the 250 . Couldnt find a good picture of the 97 250 hanger to see what was different.
Mx746
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Mx746 6/23/2018 10:12am
6/23/2018 10:12am
Mx746
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Mx746 6/23/2018 10:14am
6/23/2018 10:14am
^ this has got the be the 10th time I type a reply hit submit, and theres nothing but a ghost reply. Not sure whats wrong with my computer. Sorry for that mods.
StevieD113 6/23/2018 10:45am
6/23/2018 10:45am
It's the 97 250 setup that you need. The 97 125 was (virtually) identical to the 95 and 96.

I pulled out a NOS 89 disc I have in stock, put it on my 95 and 93 hubs and they are the same fitment. (Bolt thread size changes from 6 to 8mm but that's it, same disc.). Looked at my buddies bike and thought...."hang on... That's not he same as this disc...".. Measured it up and the fitment to the hub is the same but the disc is largrer diameter. All he swapped was the caliper carrier and the disc, that's it.
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Mx746
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Mx746 6/23/2018 2:34pm
6/23/2018 2:34pm
StevieD113 wrote:
It's the 97 250 setup that you need. The 97 125 was (virtually) identical to the 95 and 96. I pulled out a NOS 89 disc...
It's the 97 250 setup that you need. The 97 125 was (virtually) identical to the 95 and 96.

I pulled out a NOS 89 disc I have in stock, put it on my 95 and 93 hubs and they are the same fitment. (Bolt thread size changes from 6 to 8mm but that's it, same disc.). Looked at my buddies bike and thought...."hang on... That's not he same as this disc...".. Measured it up and the fitment to the hub is the same but the disc is largrer diameter. All he swapped was the caliper carrier and the disc, that's it.
gotcha, that'll be a good shortcut to a larger rotor with the old hub, Ill probably do that with the existing wheel. Would have liked to also try fitting a modern cr crf or aftermarket rear hub, so Im not stuck buying old abused 95-97 rear hubs off ebay, but modern stuff would get a little tricky with bearings and axles sizes, and maybe spacing for sprocket etc.. I should probably do it right and call Dubya , as the Talons are a nice upgrade from stock.
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Blackjack31 5/19/2020 2:55pm
5/19/2020 2:55pm
billyslad wrote:
You can machine spacers to a different diameter but be careful about offset I have put some carbon hub talons onto a 1989 cr 125 that...
You can machine spacers to a different diameter but be careful about offset
I have put some carbon hub talons onto a 1989 cr 125 that we’re originally for a crf
Can you tell me how you did this? I bought a 1988 cr125 and they had a 98 yz400f rear wheel on the bike. I had to beat it off with a mallet. So, I am trying to figure out what I can and can’t use with this. It has a 36 spoke rim but is 19x2.15. Can I use the rim? I’m trying to find the cheapest route to go with this. What are the things that will most likely not work if I get a random newer cr125 rear wheel? Hub length? Spacers? (I can machine them down and make the hole bigger if needed), axle size? I’m just confused why I can’t take a (for example) 1995 rear rim or whatever size rim that axle diameter is the same, and take the spacers and machine them to fit. I am clueless about wheels
Shane_Garnas
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Shane_Garnas 7/3/2020 8:41am
7/3/2020 8:41am
I have a 95, with 06 crf450r front end. The bike has 2013 & up crf talon wheels with special adapters made by dubya, & a custom offset sprocket made by sprocket specialists.



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