I once owned a stock (re-jetted) 1996 CR500. Best bike I have ever owned in so many ways. I will never stop wishing I had never sold it. After 3 summers of trail riding I do not recall any vibrations.
I have rode both, and definitely prefer my aluminum frame. The frame was an 06 CRF450. The suspension, braking, and ergonomics are all improved on the aluminum frame. I fabricated a head stay as well and feel like the aluminum frame vibrates less than the steel did.
I think a I’ll stick with steel frame because I think rider skill is the most valuable component to maximizing the difference. If your skills are average stick with steel but if your an expert rider go after aluminum conversion. Great video can’t wait for next bud
Good points on the pros and cons. I've had both steel and aluminum and I slightly prefer the aluminum frame version purely for the modern suspension and ergos. Makes it easier to ride and more fun overall.
I have owned four. 1990, 1998, 2000 and i still own my 2010 Service Honda CR500AF. The main difference is suspension is super soft with the Steelies. But, the Steelies seem to hold the lines and follow ruts way better that the AF. The AF is way better for handling and to go fast on. The suspension is so much better. Plus, the AF is lighter. The AF is definitely the eye pleasing crowd getter.
As far as CR500 engine vibration goes, I have come up with a way to change the balance factor to achieve a super smooth running bike. I let a friend ride it who had way more 500 experience than I and he said it was the smoothest he had ever rode. I realize there may be some differences when installed in an aluminum frame, but I would be happy to share my experience with you, a fellow fabricator like myself. BTW, my CT500 used the newer, very heavy Wiseco piston in a big oversize, 91mm if I remember correctly.
Spin balancing it to within a microgram of its life and having it lazer trued will make any shakes go away. I did that for my YZ490, that vibrated like a poorly jetted paint mixer in stock form, to a glassy smooth monster.
Steel frame can also be raced in vintage races while the aluminum can't. I think they both have pros and cons to each. I've owned both as well, numerous steel frames both kx500 and cr500 of all different years. As well as a service honda cr500af.
I have never owned a CR500 they came after my heyday of racing big bore bikes. I think you make some important points and basically I agree. I do how ever have some experience with fixing old bikes and it can be a challenge. I have built a few bikes over the years, most of them were big bore bikes, in 2006 I built from the ground up a 1974.5 Maico 440, it included a lot of frame mods because the frame was in such bad shape, it needed the motor mounts replaced because they were hacked up, the holes in the motor mounts we oval because the motor was moving about. Big bore Maico's are known for their vibration issues. you could not start that bike without a compression release in the cylinder to release some of the compression. If you don't you could all sorts of parts. I think part of the issue is as you said, the head stay is not well triangled from the factory, it is too low. the seat stay and rear shocks mounts had been moved and it was poorly done. It was close but not close enough. I was shocked when I weighed my modern bike, the only bike I have owned that was heavier was 1970 Montesa 360 that tipped the scale at 250. once finished my Maico 440 tipped the scale at just 217 pounds that included everything but fuel in the tank. I am puzzled by the shear mass of a modern dirt bike. In some ways we have gone backwards, the bikes of the 60's were 270 plus and then the golden era of motocross where the bikes were 220 +/-
Lots of good info... I would love to keep the steel frame... but also want the modern suspenders. So.... I'd drop the motor into a modern KTM steel frame.
Just finding any Cr500 here (Aust) is rare, let alone the price. It would be far cheaper and easier to import a motor and fit it to the aluminium CRF frame.
I agree with you on the updated suspension and availability of parts going to aluminum. I have a 98 CR500 and look forward to stuffing it into an aluminum frame. Thanks for what you do!! Love the channel!!!
If your steel frame is junk its worth it. Some bikes become beyond repairable. I like the look of the steel frame. I grew up in 90s and always wanted one. 96 97 had the best colors.
Would love to see you get in a 90-91 cr250r. I’ve got two 90 models that have been sitting for years, just not a 2stroke guy. I’d love to see someone do a full video build process on them though
There are many builders converting the CR500. They all build them thier own way. They are not Equal by no means. The AF chassi weighs more than a Standard CR500 chassi. But, the Weight savings are actually in the Subframe airborne area and the Suspension.. is lighter.
I think it comes down to mostly fact but also preference. I dislike most of the aluminum frame bikes they're too rigid and beat me up. Steel frames flex and move and absorb a lot more. That's just me. I took your advice and got scrubby pads for my drill and it's such a game changer on restoring plastics. I'm rehabbing a totally scuzzy Yamaha bw200. currently.
The CR500 that I had years ago was absolutely insane. The motor was built to the absolute maximum. It had complete racing suspension and exhaust. The only thing that was original was the seat and frame. I got it from a guy that owed me $300. I spent about $160 for a few things to finish it. I could barely get it out of 2nd gear around my area because it was so fast. I only sold it because I got injured and was out of work for a while and needed the money because I just got married and had a new born. I wish I could find that 500 now and get it back
those are years honda switched to aluminum the goat jeremy mcgraff said alum frame was impossible to ride the new shocks swing arms and new technologys have improved
I started with a 1974 RM 200, 1978 YZ250, ? year DR 200(pure junk) and now I have a aluminum frame 1998 KDX 220R. I must agree with suspension being better on the newer aluminum frames 100% but I still have old bikes per say. I only ride trails and never needed the power of a bigger bike but still prefer the power of the older bikes compared to the newer ones also. There is something that raises the hairs on the back of your neck when the power band kicks in unexpected on the older 2 strokes that is epic.
Hate to bother you bud, I was wanting to know the name of the company that sent you the ultrasonic cleaner you used recently. I need one and because they support you I want to support them.
I once owned a stock (re-jetted) 1996 CR500. Best bike I have ever owned in so many ways. I will never stop wishing I had never sold it. After 3 summers of trail riding I do not recall any vibrations.
I have rode both, and definitely prefer my aluminum frame. The frame was an 06 CRF450. The suspension, braking, and ergonomics are all improved on the aluminum frame. I fabricated a head stay as well and feel like the aluminum frame vibrates less than the steel did.
I think a I’ll stick with steel frame because I think rider skill is the most valuable component to maximizing the difference.
If your skills are average stick with steel but if your an expert rider go after aluminum conversion. Great video can’t wait for next bud
Good points on the pros and cons. I've had both steel and aluminum and I slightly prefer the aluminum frame version purely for the modern suspension and ergos. Makes it easier to ride and more fun overall.
I have owned four. 1990, 1998, 2000 and i still own my 2010 Service Honda CR500AF. The main difference is suspension is super soft with the Steelies. But, the Steelies seem to hold the lines and follow ruts way better that the AF. The AF is way better for handling and to go fast on. The suspension is so much better. Plus, the AF is lighter. The AF is definitely the eye pleasing crowd getter.
As far as CR500 engine vibration goes, I have come up with a way to change the balance factor to achieve a super smooth running bike. I let a friend ride it who had way more 500 experience than I and he said it was the smoothest he had ever rode. I realize there may be some differences when installed in an aluminum frame, but I would be happy to share my experience with you, a fellow fabricator like myself. BTW, my CT500 used the newer, very heavy Wiseco piston in a big oversize, 91mm if I remember correctly.
Spin balancing it to within a microgram of its life and having it lazer trued will make any shakes go away. I did that for my YZ490, that vibrated like a poorly jetted paint mixer in stock form, to a glassy smooth monster.
Steel frame can also be raced in vintage races while the aluminum can't.
I think they both have pros and cons to each.
I've owned both as well, numerous steel frames both kx500 and cr500 of all different years.
As well as a service honda cr500af.
I have never owned a CR500 they came after my heyday of racing big bore bikes. I think you make some important points and basically I agree. I do how ever have some experience with fixing old bikes and it can be a challenge.
I have built a few bikes over the years, most of them were big bore bikes, in 2006 I built from the ground up a 1974.5 Maico 440, it included a lot of frame mods because the frame was in such bad shape, it needed the motor mounts replaced because they were hacked up, the holes in the motor mounts we oval because the motor was moving about. Big bore Maico's are known for their vibration issues. you could not start that bike without a compression release in the cylinder to release some of the compression. If you don't you could all sorts of parts. I think part of the issue is as you said, the head stay is not well triangled from the factory, it is too low. the seat stay and rear shocks mounts had been moved and it was poorly done. It was close but not close enough.
I was shocked when I weighed my modern bike, the only bike I have owned that was heavier was 1970 Montesa 360 that tipped the scale at 250. once finished my Maico 440 tipped the scale at just 217 pounds that included everything but fuel in the tank. I am puzzled by the shear mass of a modern dirt bike. In some ways we have gone backwards, the bikes of the 60's were 270 plus and then the golden era of motocross where the bikes were 220 +/-
Lots of good info... I would love to keep the steel frame... but also want the modern suspenders. So.... I'd drop the motor into a modern KTM steel frame.
Just finding any Cr500 here (Aust) is rare, let alone the price. It would be far cheaper and easier to import a motor and fit it to the aluminium CRF frame.
I agree with you on the updated suspension and availability of parts going to aluminum. I have a 98 CR500 and look forward to stuffing it into an aluminum frame. Thanks for what you do!! Love the channel!!!
Steel for that bike the frame hardly ever cracks or breaks never did I've seen snapped aluminum spars on the conversion kit cr 500
If your steel frame is junk its worth it. Some bikes become beyond repairable. I like the look of the steel frame. I grew up in 90s and always wanted one. 96 97 had the best colors.
SuperMoto 🤔 may be try a #CR500SUPERMOTO for racing on a circuit 😉 just an idea a other kind of challenge for #DirtBikeFab 💪😁👍 what do you think ?
Would love to see you get in a 90-91 cr250r. I’ve got two 90 models that have been sitting for years, just not a 2stroke guy. I’d love to see someone do a full video build process on them though
There are many builders converting the CR500. They all build them thier own way. They are not Equal by no means. The AF chassi weighs more than a Standard CR500 chassi. But, the Weight savings are actually in the Subframe airborne area and the Suspension.. is lighter.
Your newer 500 is beautiful the black one
I think it comes down to mostly fact but also preference. I dislike most of the aluminum frame bikes they're too rigid and beat me up. Steel frames flex and move and absorb a lot more. That's just me. I took your advice and got scrubby pads for my drill and it's such a game changer on restoring plastics. I'm rehabbing a totally scuzzy Yamaha bw200. currently.
A lot or riders like the feel of the steel frames in the woods because of the flex
I'd love the opportunity to try both out. Always wanted to, just could never afford to. :)
The CR500 that I had years ago was absolutely insane. The motor was built to the absolute maximum. It had complete racing suspension and exhaust. The only thing that was original was the seat and frame. I got it from a guy that owed me $300. I spent about $160 for a few things to finish it. I could barely get it out of 2nd gear around my area because it was so fast. I only sold it because I got injured and was out of work for a while and needed the money because I just got married and had a new born. I wish I could find that 500 now and get it back
those are years honda switched to aluminum the goat jeremy mcgraff said alum frame was impossible to ride the new shocks swing arms and new technologys have improved
I started with a 1974 RM 200, 1978 YZ250, ? year DR 200(pure junk) and now I have a aluminum frame 1998 KDX 220R. I must agree with suspension being better on the newer aluminum frames 100% but I still have old bikes per say. I only ride trails and never needed the power of a bigger bike but still prefer the power of the older bikes compared to the newer ones also. There is something that raises the hairs on the back of your neck when the power band kicks in unexpected on the older 2 strokes that is epic.
Hate to bother you bud, I was wanting to know the name of the company that sent you the ultrasonic cleaner you used recently. I need one and because they support you I want to support them.
It’s from vevor tools. You can find them on Amazon or direct from vevor tools
@@DIRTBIKEFAB tnx dude!
I like to see a 2022-2025 cr500
17:31 this is what I was after.. the new suspension
I definitely be a test rider for you if you need one
My 2010 Service Honda CR500AF title says 219lbs. Of course that is dry weight...
I want to hang out with you and build bikes all the time.
Myth busters