I have a line on picking one of these beasts up, wondering what the consensus of RME will be. My bro owns it, he's the second owner since new. Its in really good shape, and hasn't been ridden in probably 10 years. Hasn't been ridden regularly in closer to 15-20 years. What am I going to run into while looking for parts, etc? Probably just looking to use it for blasting the dunes. Thoughts?
1985 Honda CR500
- Thread starter Coreshot
- Start date
rholbrook
Well-Known Member
- Location
- Kaysville, Ut
Keep an eye out for a CRF250F chasis with a blown motor and do the swap. Too bad its not an 87. 87's have a higher 5th gear.
DOOOOO IT!
DOOOOO IT!
rockreligious
NoEcoNaziAmmo
- Location
- Ephraim
Ive had one way back, Ive got a couple of friends that have restored them, and they found most all the parts on ebay over time. Old school cool, Id love to have one all restored, but I probably wouldnt ride it much, the new ones are just to plush and so much easier to ride.
Tonkaman
Well-Known Member
- Location
- West Jordan
If the motor is in good condition it's worth some pretty good cash. Definitely buy it and do the swap into a modern frame down the road
Chase39
Active Member
- Location
- West Valley City, UT
The most powerful year they made. Fun bikes if you know how to ride them. I race my 97 here and there. A riot out on the track when you are throwing roost in 450's faces 
Parts are pretty easy to come by. I know a bunch of vintage guys who restore all the old bikes.
Parts are pretty easy to come by. I know a bunch of vintage guys who restore all the old bikes.
Chase39
Active Member
- Location
- West Valley City, UT
And the look on the guys faces when you show up to gate of the open pro class when you got a bike that's rattling, smoking, and 17 years older than the rest of them is pretty enjoyable
Rot Box
Diesel and Dust
- Location
- Smithfield Utah
The 85's were part of the short stroke era or 'power years' (84-86). When running properly they are a rocket.
Pro's:
-Most powerful year of CR500 out of the box.
-Many engine parts are shared/adapted from later years. Upgrading to modern digital ignition is easy..
-Ergo's and handling are good for an 80's bike. With a little help (wider pegs, suspension work, bar position etc) they can feel/ride much like the later CR500's.. Which isn't all that outstanding compared to new bikes lol
-Lots of options for suspension improvement. After updating my 84 trust me--it's more than worth it.
-Aftermarket plastics, tanks, exhausts, seat covers and such are readily available.
Con's
-Dated suspension.
-Magnesium water pump housing is famous for rotting out and leaking coolant into transmission. I 'think' the later aluminum case will swap on but not positive.
-High pipe likes to burn through riding gear
-drum brake rear. Performance is actually pretty good however the aluminum torque arm is a rock anchor and bends easily.
-Rear linkage uses a bushing for the lower arm. If it's not shot or seized by now it is highly recommended to pull all the linkage apart and grease thoroughly.
As far as dirtbikes go you can't beat a big bore 2T in the sand--too much fun
Pro's:
-Most powerful year of CR500 out of the box.
-Many engine parts are shared/adapted from later years. Upgrading to modern digital ignition is easy..
-Ergo's and handling are good for an 80's bike. With a little help (wider pegs, suspension work, bar position etc) they can feel/ride much like the later CR500's.. Which isn't all that outstanding compared to new bikes lol
-Lots of options for suspension improvement. After updating my 84 trust me--it's more than worth it.
-Aftermarket plastics, tanks, exhausts, seat covers and such are readily available.
Con's
-Dated suspension.
-Magnesium water pump housing is famous for rotting out and leaking coolant into transmission. I 'think' the later aluminum case will swap on but not positive.
-High pipe likes to burn through riding gear
-drum brake rear. Performance is actually pretty good however the aluminum torque arm is a rock anchor and bends easily.
-Rear linkage uses a bushing for the lower arm. If it's not shot or seized by now it is highly recommended to pull all the linkage apart and grease thoroughly.
As far as dirtbikes go you can't beat a big bore 2T in the sand--too much fun
The 85's were part of the short stroke era or 'power years' (84-86). When running properly they are a rocket.
As far as dirtbikes go you can't beat a big bore 2T in the sand--too much fun
Reading your rebuild thread is what got me thinking about this bike. I've always loved the 80s Hondas, and I think it would be a riot to have the king in the stable. If I go with it, I hope you don't mind if I pick your brain for ideas.
Rot Box
Diesel and Dust
- Location
- Smithfield Utah