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Go to Facebook and join the CR250 Steel Frames Only group. At the top there is a link for a service manual. That is assuming this is a 250. 1996 is a desirable year. I just restored a 1995 CR250. I have a thread here in the forum for the whole process. It was only my second bike I have ever done. The bike would be much easier to sell if it had a white frame. Look at the manual and read up on here to see if you want to retire it. It is worth it. You have Showa...

Having restored a 95 specifically and on my second (92) and hoping to add a 5th (96) in a next few days I can say it’s hugely satisfying to do a restore. But I’m old and I’m fortunate to have several other bikes I can ride while I’m doing this work. Back in my 20’s there would be no way I could do a quality job. More so without a running bike. I say sell it or better yet part it out and use that money to buy a running bike. You are super fortunate to have a bike that...

I’d start with purchasing a manual. Clean all the parts and inspect the frame and cases for cracks. Take your time. Rebuild it. Everyone starts off not knowing how to work on bikes. Either as kids or adults we all start somewhere. When your done you can be proud of your accomplishments.

throw down the gauntlet my man!

Sounds like you are at a crossroads..... do you want to dig in, finish what you started and be a respected member of your community? Or do you want to sell it, part it out and forever wonder what it would have been like to accept the challenge you were presented..... and yes, the frame needs to be Shasta white.