ATC 500R Project FINALLY started!

[Derrick Adams]

After trying to buy my CR500 for 3 months, I finally got it and rode it only once. I found an issue with the shifter and had that repaired. Now, I'm finally starting on it.

This week I pulled the bike down to an engine and frame. The triples and forks were taken to the machine shop along with a set of 250R triples and front axle. While the forks are out, I'm having them rebuilt and set-up for MX and my weight. I hope to have the front end back together in a couple weeks.

After looking at all the other 500 conversions I could find, I decided to take a whole different approach to the rear axle swap. I want to re-use the stock swinger, since it already fits the bike and it's aluminum. My plan is to fabricate some brackets (modeled off the Banshee swinger) and run all Banshee parts in the rear. I decided on this because I felt it would be the easiest way to do it, as well as the plentiful aftermarket of parts available for the Banshee. After the initial set-up is done, I can swap to an aftermarket aluminum carrier and upgraded axle set-up if I decide to do so.

I'm also planning on running the Banshee rear brake set-up, since my 500 had drum brakes originally. This should make it fairly simple to maintain, and with any luck I can fabricate a mount to use an unmodified Banshee brake lever as well.

I still have to come up with a sub-frame design that will fit the 250R seat and plastic, yet lower the ride height of the seat a bit. I would also like to add some sort of an airbox and removable storage box.

With the Decompression kit installed I may switch to a modified blaster kicker, to try to get away from removing the rear plastic to start it, I've done some more research on that kit and found that it is everything they claim it to be.

I've got a long road ahead of me to get it the way I want it, but it should turn out great! I will be taking pictures along the way and will post a final "how-to" when it's all finished. Look for this one to have more polished aluminum than the space shuttle!

[Jason Hall]

Give Me A Good Old Big Bore 250r, Pro-x Jug. Has Counter Ballancer, 50 Times Easier To Start, & With The Rite Rider & A Good Trans, Will Run Like A Big Dog. 500's Have Too Much Power To Hook Up, Especially On Dirt. But Thats My Opinion. In The End Traction Is King. If That 500 Ever Grabbed Some Good Traction It Would Chuck You Off So Quick You Could Never Let Off Fast Enough.

[MTS]

Give Me A Good Old Big Bore 250r, Pro-x Jug. Has Counter Ballancer, 50 Times Easier To Start, & With The Rite Rider & A Good Trans, Will Run Like A Big Dog. 500's Have Too Much Power To Hook Up, Especially On Dirt. But Thats My Opinion. In The End Traction Is King. If That 500 Ever Grabbed Some Good Traction It Would Chuck You Off So Quick You Could Never Let Off Fast Enough.

You have obviously never riddin a cr500....when done up they blow 250's out of the water .... there not hard to start, if you know how to ride there great bikes, this hooking up problem is BS......and if your gettin kicked off learn to use a clutch , looks like a good start derrick, cant wait to see that sucker go...

[250r'en +TCB]

definatly post that step by step "how to" when your done, someday I building one of these beast!!!

[3leggeddog]

i agree with both parties.

a 500 hundred will spin alot and good tractable power is more benifical.

on the other hand if you can get er hooked up who can argue with 65 ft. lbs. of tourqe

[Maine_Triker]

This is going to be fun to watch. Good luck and I can't wait to see her all finished!!!!!

[3leggeddog]

it'll be more fun to ride,i can't wait, GET ER DONE

[RideRed250R]

CR500's are so ridiculously FAST that its funny lol, they can smoke a yz250 or cr250 on top-end in 3rd gear and still have tire spinn, i have a freind who never got his 500 out of 4th gear cause it started gettin traction and would lift the front skyward at close to 100 miles a hour!!!!!!!!!
adam
once you ride a 500 you will have a whole new respect for them

[KASEY]

look close at the sterring stem neck angle,,, thats what makes bike conversions look so awkward ,,, as most people DON'T know stock atc 250r triple clamps have angle built in to them so if the stem angle isn't the same as a ATC fram you will have way to much rake on the frontend,, you might have to reduce the neck angle ,,,,

[Derrick Adams]

I was already thinking of that. I noticed that most of the conversions still have the axle in front. I was thinking of running it in the rear, for starters. But, I was just looking at cutting the frame and pulling my stem back if neccessary.

The biggest issue I have right now is trying to find a tank and shrouds. I really wanted to run the stock Honda red stuff on this bike. But the tank on the 85 Cr is kind of Orangish-red. Doesn't look real good. I can't seem to find anything that I like yet. All the aftermarket tanks are made for the newer CRs with the seat going clear up to the gas cap. That wouldn't look like a trike at all. I'm going to mock up a ATC tank and see if I can get it to work.

[jmack3986]

Hey derrick man good luck i hope it is an easy project for you and if you need parts let me know what you need and give me the money and i will get them cheaper than anyone else i get 20% off at work so let me know

[jmack3986]

and if you need welding done then look up the guy at precise welding in lancaster he is one of the top welders in the usa

[Louis Mielke]

The 88-89 tanks are red and not orange and should bolt right up

[250r'en +TCB]

hey how much did you score that CR500 for anyway???
Hope you have an awsome time building the trike!!!

[Jason Hall]

Obviously Mr 500 Has'nt Bolted Himself On A Sweet BIG BORE 250-r, I'm Not Saying A 500 Convertion Would Not Be As Impressive As Hell (Let Her RIP DERRICK). I Personaly Think The Short Quick Revving 250 Stroke Will Be Easier To Hook-Up, & Hold The Throttle Pegged. I Raced Billy At Trikefest With His 500, & I remember Billy Saying He Was Having A Hard Time On The Start. We Ran So Close In Our Second Race Nobody Except Me & Billy Could Tell Who Won. Billys Ride Was Fast As Hell, But I Will Do Some Work To My Trans. & All I Can Say Is I'm Drooling Over My Chance To Run Those 500's Next Year. Little 3-TEN-R. By The Way Who Was The Guy At Trikefest With The Sweet Looking 500-R, That Got Smoked On The Drag Strip By The White 310. Twice. Billys 500 Was Alot Faster.