Guy offers me a CR 500 cheap-HELP!

[George in N.Az]

I have been looking for a straight motocrosser and was looking for project at the same time. I was in the market for a 250 about 10 years old. I am not racing-just something to mess with. Both mechanically and riding.

This guy I know shows me a 1993 Honda CR 500 in his backyard. Apparently the wife don’t like it at all. He wants $500. But it has a crack in the case around the kickstarter-this is about $115.00 part-I looked it up. It needs a new front tire, it is still holding air just dried out. Also needs new chain and sprockets. Plastic looks good. Frame seems good-front forks still sealed and work well, good brakes.

Is there anything I need to know about this 2 stroke monster? Are parts impossible or super expensive? Is it hard to work on? As in needs special tools? I have a full set of tools-welder, air comp etc....

Lastly, is this too much bike? The nickname is “Bonecrusher” I know it is a beast. I live in the boonies and have an idea for my own “supermoto” type bike without breaking the bank. Plenty of dirt roads and stuff around me. Anybody have any experience with this? I can use all the help I can get. Thanks

[water warrior]

Had a ride on one years ago. Quite an explosive power band if it runs properly and will wear you down quickly. Can't remember what year exactly but too much for my tastes. Definitely an ATGATT kind of bike.

[Howboucha]

Monster power, not too hard to control though. Several guys in my neck of the woods were in a flat track stage. The CR500 was the machine of choice due to the usable power.

Keep in mind, it's still going to be a money pit if you ride it alot. Replacing chains, sprockets and tires are an ongoing endeavor.

But if you can get it going and in great shape and have less than a grand in the whole project, it is something that would appeal to me.