The MotoWorx Honda CR 250 Project: Part 1
2002 Honda CR 250, The First Year Of The Final Generation Of Honda Two Strokes
One of our customers, Andy Wells from Wells MotoWorx over in Canada recently had the unique opportunity to fully restore and rebuild not one, but two Honda CR 250 two stroke motocross bikes. Both bikes were from either end of the last generation of the Honda CR two stroke series - the first one and the bike that we are featuring here in part 1 of the MotoWorx CR 250 Project is the 2002 model. To make each bike slightly different, the 2002 bike was done in a red and white theme and the 2007 bike (featured in part 2) was done in a red and black theme. As with the majority of MotoWorx builds, they have restored most of the parts, but they have also replaced a few of the OEM parts with AS3 Performance parts, including our rear brake pedal, gear lever, foot pegs, plus braided brake lines. The Honda CR 250, also referred to as the CR 250 R, is seen as one of the most iconic two stroke motocross bikes out there. It was first produced in 1973, when it was known as the CR 250 M Elsinore and the last production of the CR 250 R was in 2007. Below, we detail the AS3 Performance parts that were used in this 2002 CR 250 build, with detailed photos and information on the parts used.
Rear Brake Pedal
One of our most popular products for the CR 250, most likely due to the OEM part now being discontinued, is our cold forged rear brake pedal which has been installed to replace the OEM rear brake pedal, as shown in the photo below. With a red anodised tip, this was bought as part of a kit that we offer with the matching gear lever. All of our standard rear brake pedals and gear levers are anodised black with a gloss finish. The cold forging process used to manufacture them makes them stronger than the OEM levers and the red tip on the brake pedal compliments the various other red anodised accessories that are featured on the bike. Compared to the OEM tip, ours offers more grip with the 9 individual stainless steel teeth and the tip is spring-loaded, allowing it to pivot on impact, which will help prevent the pedal bending or snapping.
Foot Pegs
As you can see in the photos above and below, our anodised black Racing Series foot pegs have replaced the original foot pegs and look great against the anodised black rear brake pedal and gear lever. Although we offer these foot pegs in red too, the black go really well on this build and ensure there is not too much red "in your face". These foot pegs provide a larger surface area and have more teeth than the OEM pegs, improving stability and grip for the rider. As well as the Racing Series foot pegs used in this build, we actually offer 4 other foot pegs for the CR 250! These include our Titanium foot pegs, Extra large foot pegs, Supermoto foot pegs and Factory Series foot pegs. The Factory Series foot pegs are used in part 2 for red and black themed 2007 CR 250 build.
Gear Lever
As can be seen in the photos above and below, the gear lever that has been installed matches the rear brake pedal perfectly with a black body and red tip, giving the bike a symmetrical look on each side. Both parts were purchased together as a kit and this is one of two options that we offer for the 2002-2008 CR 250, the second being our Factory Series option which features on the 2007 bike. The gear lever in both kits have the same feel and function, the only difference being the finish with the Factory Series gear lever, having a matt black body with a grey anodised tip. The gear lever is manufactured using the same cold forging process as the rear brake pedal, to improve the strength and durability.
Silicone Radiator Hoses
Our red silicone radiator hoses have replaced the OEM hoses. As can be seen in the photo below, they are a nice stand-out feature above and behind the exhaust pipe's expansion chamber. Not only are they a stand-out feature, they serve a purpose - Due to the fact the CR 250 is over 20 years old, the OEM rubber hoses were likely very deteriorated and possibly even cracked, so needed replacing. We also offer our silicone radiator hoses in blue and black for the 2002-2008 CR 250. Additionally, we have the option of a Y-Kit, depending on your preference. With any silicone hose kit, we always recommend using our stainless steel radiator hose clips to attach the hoses, as they are designed specifically for each radiator hose kit and will not tear or eat into the silicone, like perforated jubilee clips would. We offer these separately and they have been married with the hoses on this CR 250 build, as well as on the red and black themed 2007 CR 250 build.
Front Brake Line & Rear Brake Line
The OEM rubber brake hoses have been replaced and upgraded with our AS3 Performance by Venhill stainless steel braided brake lines. This upgrade should offer a significant improvement in braking performance, as the OEM brake hoses will have deteriorated over the years. With a choice of red or black, the latter has been chosen on this build - from a looks perspective, the black PVC outer layer stands out nicely against the red and white plastics and decals, as can be seen on the photo of the front brake line against the number plate below. Due to the fact that all of our brake lines are manufactured from braided, marine grade steel, the first thing you will notice when you fit them is the increased responsiveness and feel compared to the OEM rubber hoses, especially on a bike of this age.
Front Brake Line Clamp
Our red anodised aluminium front brake line clamp has replaced the OEM front brake line clamp. AS3 Performance front brake line clamps are CNC machined from 6061 billet aluminium for a perfect fit around the brake line. In the photo below, the red colour really catches the eye against the black brake line, but for a more subtle look, black anodised is also available. This particular front brake line clamp used on the CR 250 will also fit a 1996-2001 CR 80, 2002-2007 CR 85 and 1990-2003 to name but a few older Honda motocross bikes.
Rear Brake Disc
After probably years of wear, the OEM rear brake disc has been replaced with our hardened stainless steel rear brake disc. AS3 Performance brake discs are premium quality, made by one of the World's leading brake disc manufacturers and feature strategic ventilation slots to keep the brake disc clean and cool. We have rear brake discs available from the 2002 CR 250 and our front brake discs are available from the 1995 model right up to the last 2007 model.
Rear Brake Pads
A fresh set of our Racing Series rear brake pads have also been fitted with the new rear brake disc, ensuring now optimal braking. The Racing Series pads are designed for wet, slower conditions, but we also offer Factory Series brake pads too, which are designed for drier, faster conditions. We say the most similar brake pads to the OEM brake pads are our Racing Series versions. Our brake pads are manufactured by the same factory that produces our brake discs. This was important to us, as we know that they have been tried and tested in all conditions, to ensure that they work perfectly together.
Front & Rear Brake Caliper Repair Kits
As was done on a complete restoration of a Honda CR 500 by Wells Motoworx previously, both front and rear brake calipers were completely rebuilt and restored on the 2002 CR 250, using our front brake caliper and rear brake caliper repair kits. Our kits contain brake pad pins, as well as the rubber boots and seals to replace the originals that will have likely worn and perished over the years. As these are internal components, there are no photos of these fitted, so we have a photo below of what the components look like in the front brake caliper repair kit.
Front & Rear Brake Master Cylinder Kits
Additional internal components that were all replaced were those that make up the front brake and rear brake master cylinders. Both brake master cylinders on the CR 250 were restored using our master cylinder repair kits. Like our caliper repair kits, these contain all the components to directly replace the OEM components. The photo below shows all the components in our rear brake master cylinder kit, including spring, seals, washers and rubber boot.
More Honda CR 250 Parts
In addition to what we have detailed above, we hold a lot more replacement and restoration parts for the older two stroke models. For the CR 250, we also offer master cylinder covers, front sprocket guards, chain guides, plus various bearing kits, including for the front and rear wheels, swing arm and headstock steering. These can be found on our website's Honda CR 250 parts page.
Are There Any Other Examples Of CR 250 MX Bike Rebuilds?
Yes. Wells MotoWorx has also rebuilt and restored a 2006 CR 250 two stroke Jett Lawrence Tribute and, as mentioned, a 2007 red and blacked themed CR 250 was built as the same time as the 2002 above. Check them out and decide for yourself which is your favourite! We will leave you with some more shots of the 2002 Honda CR 250 red and white themed two stroke, as well as a shot of it together with the red and black themed 2007 CR 250.
