1989 CR250 rider/rebuild

sandman768
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sandman768
Edited Date/Time 8/2/2021 11:24pm
I like the 89 Honda"s....this popped up 20 minutes from me....listed as "locked up" ... Guy was not kidding...locked up solid... But very low hr bike.... Pretty much all original...accept the FmF pipe & silencer. Very tight, stored inside.... So it came home with me....

















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sandman768
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sandman768 10/3/2018 1:17pm
10/3/2018 1:17pm
I pulled the air filter off before I bought it ...the last time it was ridden, it sucked dirt...so I knew a full rebuild was in order. I tore it down and found the original cast piston shattered & was jammed up. I was able to free it up & get it apart. The head gasket was leaking pretty good & the head was warped way out of spec. It was also dying a slow death from the water pump cover rotting...

sandman768
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sandman768 10/3/2018 1:27pm
10/3/2018 1:27pm
So, not sure in what order it happend, but sucking dirt, blown head gasket leaking coolant into combustion chamber, original piston = shattered cast piston = locked up engine.... The crank was actually still pretty tight, but due to the severity of the seizure I sent it to Ken Oconner for a rebuild. KOR did a very nice job using a Pro X rod kit. I cleaned up the cases & resurfaced everything. Replaced all bearings & seals. The clutch basket, hub & pressure plate are like new. New Honda clutch/water pump case with all new bearings & seals.


sandman768
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sandman768 10/3/2018 1:34pm
10/3/2018 1:34pm
suprisingly the cylinder was not really damaged from the seizure, the plating was flaking pretty bad though. I gutted the cylinder & sent it out to Powersealusa for a replate. I included a Pro X cast piston so they could match it to the cylinder. All the studs came out nice & easy....accept the last one.... Of course it broke off....



sandman768
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sandman768 10/3/2018 1:40pm
10/3/2018 1:40pm
Not looking forward to figuring these powervalves out! I have read the factory manual a few times already....a bit confusing but It's a long winter...

The Shop

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sandman768
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sandman768 10/3/2018 1:47pm
10/3/2018 1:47pm
the chassis on the bike is super clean & original. Just a good cleaning & regreasing. Shock bumper missing, so I just dropped that off for a rebuild. I"m going to ride this bike so, it's just a mechanical rebuild to mostly stock. Swingarm and linkage bearings all good, someone showed this bike some love at some point, as it had been greased before. Chassis did not need a single bearing, even the shock heim joints are still good.
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Glen
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Glen 10/3/2018 1:52pm
10/3/2018 1:52pm
I hate you, I hate you, I hate you. You get all the bikes I love
Glen
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Glen 10/3/2018 1:52pm
10/3/2018 1:52pm
But that will be one sweet ride, good luck!
sandman768
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sandman768 10/3/2018 2:01pm
10/3/2018 2:01pm
Glen wrote:
I hate you, I hate you, I hate you. You get all the bikes I love
I have been looking for a clean CR125 to redo for about 3 years now....this bike just popped up on Facebook of all places...Don't be a hater......Sometimes messing with these old bikes is a headache....
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sandman768
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sandman768 10/3/2018 2:05pm
10/3/2018 2:05pm
linkage, rear chain guide ready to go, waiting on a chain slider for the swingarm, original is not too worn but it's still availible from Honda & the arm is off, so it's getting replaced.

sandman768
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sandman768 10/3/2018 2:12pm
10/3/2018 2:12pm
I like the Honda Oem hardware......picked up new seat cover


sandman768
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sandman768 10/3/2018 2:16pm
10/3/2018 2:16pm
Pretty much where I'm at... Not going crazy with this bike, mostly a mechanical build so I can ride it next year.going to run the stock shock & forks....hopefully someone revalved or sprung the forks at some point !
Brad460
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Brad460 10/3/2018 3:47pm
10/3/2018 3:47pm
Nice bike! A survivor like this shouldn’t be completely restored.. Just refresh and your good to go.
sandman768
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sandman768 10/3/2018 5:37pm
10/3/2018 5:37pm
Brad460 wrote:
Nice bike! A survivor like this shouldn’t be completely restored.. Just refresh and your good to go.
That's all I"m going to do on this bike, it's really all it needs...
sandman768
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sandman768 10/3/2018 5:42pm
10/3/2018 5:42pm
Micahdogg wrote:
Can't argue with that one! Nice score.
This era of Honda"s were so far ahead of the other manufacture"s , in quality, fit & finish, it is only proper to bring her back to her former glory.
pete24
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pete24 10/3/2018 6:06pm
10/3/2018 6:06pm
sandman768 wrote:
Pretty much where I'm at... Not going crazy with this bike, mostly a mechanical build so I can ride it next year.going to run the stock...
Pretty much where I'm at... Not going crazy with this bike, mostly a mechanical build so I can ride it next year.going to run the stock shock & forks....hopefully someone revalved or sprung the forks at some point !
i have a stock pipe never used
for that sweethheart
Pirate421
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Pirate421 10/3/2018 6:23pm
10/3/2018 6:23pm
I wish I had kept mine like that. It was in similar condition to yours mine was just dirty. Engine was perfect when I tore it open and I should have left it alone, but I had fun and now someone is enjoying their childhood dream bike. Can’t wait to see how this one comes out.
billyslad
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billyslad 10/3/2018 11:11pm
10/3/2018 11:11pm
Cool find and a nice approach to rebuilding it to ride

Pit Row

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lukemoto
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lukemoto 10/4/2018 3:48am
10/4/2018 3:48am

That is such a clean bike!! I was lucky enough to score one off my buddy that just had it sitting under a tarp for nothing. Definitely not as clean as yours! Lol I had a head stud break off as well, just welded a bolt to the top of the broken stud and was able to get it out Smile I'm having a hell of a time getting the swing arm pivot bolt out!!
Glen
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Glen 10/4/2018 5:48am
10/4/2018 5:48am
Glen wrote:
I hate you, I hate you, I hate you. You get all the bikes I love
sandman768 wrote:
I have been looking for a clean CR125 to redo for about 3 years now....this bike just popped up on Facebook of all places...Don't be a...
I have been looking for a clean CR125 to redo for about 3 years now....this bike just popped up on Facebook of all places...Don't be a hater......Sometimes messing with these old bikes is a headache....
Lol, I've talked to you before, you know I'm just kidding! I'm a product of the late '80's / early '90's. So your late '80's KX250, CR250, '92 RM250 just hits my jealously button lol. But in all honesty, I'm really not that far from you, I would love to be able to find deals like that. I usually look at craigslist for "Northern NJ" but never have much luck, are you looking in a different area? I'm sure not too far away
sandman768
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sandman768 10/4/2018 6:57am
10/4/2018 6:57am
Pirate421 wrote:
I wish I had kept mine like that. It was in similar condition to yours mine was just dirty. Engine was perfect when I tore it...
I wish I had kept mine like that. It was in similar condition to yours mine was just dirty. Engine was perfect when I tore it open and I should have left it alone, but I had fun and now someone is enjoying their childhood dream bike. Can’t wait to see how this one comes out.
Your bike came out great, I thought about buying your bike. I enjoy the Challenge of finding clean older bikes...it"s getting harder & harder to find these bikes in decent condition.... Lots of clowns with junk for sale..
sandman768
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sandman768 10/4/2018 7:07am
10/4/2018 7:07am
Glen wrote:
I hate you, I hate you, I hate you. You get all the bikes I love
sandman768 wrote:
I have been looking for a clean CR125 to redo for about 3 years now....this bike just popped up on Facebook of all places...Don't be a...
I have been looking for a clean CR125 to redo for about 3 years now....this bike just popped up on Facebook of all places...Don't be a hater......Sometimes messing with these old bikes is a headache....
Glen wrote:
Lol, I've talked to you before, you know I'm just kidding! I'm a product of the late '80's / early '90's. So your late '80's KX250...
Lol, I've talked to you before, you know I'm just kidding! I'm a product of the late '80's / early '90's. So your late '80's KX250, CR250, '92 RM250 just hits my jealously button lol. But in all honesty, I'm really not that far from you, I would love to be able to find deals like that. I usually look at craigslist for "Northern NJ" but never have much luck, are you looking in a different area? I'm sure not too far away
Glen, I remember you... We must be around the same age, as the late 80"S early 90"S were impressionable on me as well. I"m in upstate NY. Nothing special about my searches, just part of my morning routine to take a look at what is for sale. Most of the time it just results in a good laugh. I look down in north Jersey also, but it would have to be something special for me to drive down your way.... I did buy an all original 1986 Gsxr 750 from a nice guy this summer, we met at a rest stop on the Parkway!

sandman768
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sandman768 10/4/2018 7:16am
10/4/2018 7:16am
lukemoto wrote:
[img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2018/10/04/291331/s1200_IMG_2222.jpg[/img] That is such a clean bike!! I was lucky enough to score one off my buddy that just had it sitting under a tarp for...

That is such a clean bike!! I was lucky enough to score one off my buddy that just had it sitting under a tarp for nothing. Definitely not as clean as yours! Lol I had a head stud break off as well, just welded a bolt to the top of the broken stud and was able to get it out Smile I'm having a hell of a time getting the swing arm pivot bolt out!!
You scored a nice one as well....stock pipe! Be patient with the swing arm bolt, soak it, heat it....it will come out...I have done plenty of stuck swingarm bolts! I got lucky on my swingarm & linkage....someone actually greased it at one time...
sandman768
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sandman768 10/4/2018 7:19am
10/4/2018 7:19am
sandman768 wrote:
Pretty much where I'm at... Not going crazy with this bike, mostly a mechanical build so I can ride it next year.going to run the stock...
Pretty much where I'm at... Not going crazy with this bike, mostly a mechanical build so I can ride it next year.going to run the stock shock & forks....hopefully someone revalved or sprung the forks at some point !
pete24 wrote:
i have a stock pipe never used
for that sweethheart
Pete24, probably looking to get rid of that pipe cheap to make room for your YZ parts stash?
danman
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danman 10/4/2018 7:27am
10/4/2018 7:27am
Sandman,
If you need a replacement head, I think I have one lying around.
sandman768
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sandman768 10/4/2018 12:31pm
10/4/2018 12:31pm
danman wrote:
Sandman,
If you need a replacement head, I think I have one lying around.
Thanks for the offer danman......I corrected the head on my surface plate, it took a while, but it is now within spec for warpage......
1
Glen
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Glen 10/4/2018 12:38pm
10/4/2018 12:38pm
sandman768 wrote:
I have been looking for a clean CR125 to redo for about 3 years now....this bike just popped up on Facebook of all places...Don't be a...
I have been looking for a clean CR125 to redo for about 3 years now....this bike just popped up on Facebook of all places...Don't be a hater......Sometimes messing with these old bikes is a headache....
Glen wrote:
Lol, I've talked to you before, you know I'm just kidding! I'm a product of the late '80's / early '90's. So your late '80's KX250...
Lol, I've talked to you before, you know I'm just kidding! I'm a product of the late '80's / early '90's. So your late '80's KX250, CR250, '92 RM250 just hits my jealously button lol. But in all honesty, I'm really not that far from you, I would love to be able to find deals like that. I usually look at craigslist for "Northern NJ" but never have much luck, are you looking in a different area? I'm sure not too far away
sandman768 wrote:
Glen, I remember you... We must be around the same age, as the late 80"S early 90"S were impressionable on me as well. I"m in upstate...
Glen, I remember you... We must be around the same age, as the late 80"S early 90"S were impressionable on me as well. I"m in upstate NY. Nothing special about my searches, just part of my morning routine to take a look at what is for sale. Most of the time it just results in a good laugh. I look down in north Jersey also, but it would have to be something special for me to drive down your way.... I did buy an all original 1986 Gsxr 750 from a nice guy this summer, we met at a rest stop on the Parkway!

oh my god you're killing me! Beautiful bike. I have a 1983 suzuki GS1100E so I'm with you on these old sport bikes. I'm 42, I remember the older guys in my area bought a new '88 KX250 and a new '89 CR250, so they're still part of my dream collection. All I have so far is a 1989 Quadracer 500. BTW, you do great work, I'm sure that CR250 will turn out like your other bikes!
Bent206
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Bent206 10/5/2018 6:02am
10/5/2018 6:02am
Nice bike Sandman. Finding bikes of that age in good shape is difficult. Nice to see another one brought back to life!!
RF145
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RF145 10/9/2018 3:42pm
10/9/2018 3:42pm
sandman768 wrote:
Glen, I remember you... We must be around the same age, as the late 80"S early 90"S were impressionable on me as well. I"m in upstate...
Glen, I remember you... We must be around the same age, as the late 80"S early 90"S were impressionable on me as well. I"m in upstate NY. Nothing special about my searches, just part of my morning routine to take a look at what is for sale. Most of the time it just results in a good laugh. I look down in north Jersey also, but it would have to be something special for me to drive down your way.... I did buy an all original 1986 Gsxr 750 from a nice guy this summer, we met at a rest stop on the Parkway!

NNJ is my territory......Stay up there in NY. LOL

If you need any parts, I just bought back my 1989 CR 250 and every time I do, my spares grow exponentially. I even have some 1988 parts. I have plastics, seats, wheels, forks, etc, etc.

Hit me up on email rf145 at aol dot com
sandman768
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sandman768 10/9/2018 3:59pm
10/9/2018 3:59pm
sandman768 wrote:
Glen, I remember you... We must be around the same age, as the late 80"S early 90"S were impressionable on me as well. I"m in upstate...
Glen, I remember you... We must be around the same age, as the late 80"S early 90"S were impressionable on me as well. I"m in upstate NY. Nothing special about my searches, just part of my morning routine to take a look at what is for sale. Most of the time it just results in a good laugh. I look down in north Jersey also, but it would have to be something special for me to drive down your way.... I did buy an all original 1986 Gsxr 750 from a nice guy this summer, we met at a rest stop on the Parkway!

RF145 wrote:
NNJ is my territory......Stay up there in NY. LOL If you need any parts, I just bought back my 1989 CR 250 and every time I...
NNJ is my territory......Stay up there in NY. LOL

If you need any parts, I just bought back my 1989 CR 250 and every time I do, my spares grow exponentially. I even have some 1988 parts. I have plastics, seats, wheels, forks, etc, etc.

Hit me up on email rf145 at aol dot com
I really did not want to go to NJ. I had been looking for a clean original 86 GSXR 750 for a long time....I had to go get it....they don't come up for sale that often. Completely stock. Thanks for the parts offer...the only parts this bike needed were internal engine parts ....the rest of the bike is just a clean & grease job. I was really looking for a clean CR125 93-97, they are very hard to find in good condition....
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