About to start on my ATC500...

[Hedbngr18]

I am by no means new to this site, but I somehow have never met the requirements to post openly. So, why not start here?! I just picked up my VERY long awaited ATC500R. It's a late 80's Leager's CR500 conversion, which I'm told is pretty rare these days. I am trading the bike for a few hours of HVAC labor, so it isn't really costing me anything as of yet. I have wanted to do this for 16 years, so I am beyond excited. If anyone cares to share some tips, advice or opinions, I would greatly appreciate it! It will be a dunes only machine, as Glamis is only a 2.5 hour drive from me. I have an 85 and 86 ATC250r as well, so this bike will be a daytime only boredom prevention tactic. I guess the biggest thing I need is a .PDF file of the 1985 CR500 shop manual. I already snagged the 250R manual from somewhere on this site. Great resource! It helped me with my '86 rebuild earlier this year. Thank you all for running such an amazing site and keeping the riff raff under control! :Bounce

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[Matt85'350x]

Very cool. What all does it need? When is the last time it ran?

[NeverLift]

That's one hell of a score. Looks fairly complete now it just needs some love. Congrats.

[yaegerb]

I am by no means new to this site, but I somehow have never met the requirements to post openly. So, why not start here?! I just picked up my VERY long awaited ATC500R. It's a late 80's Leager's CR500 conversion, which I'm told is pretty rare these days. I am trading the bike for a few hours of HVAC labor, so it isn't really costing me anything as of yet. I have wanted to do this for 16 years, so I am beyond excited. If anyone cares to share some tips, advice or opinions, I would greatly appreciate it! It will be a dunes only machine, as Glamis is only a 2.5 hour drive from me. I have an 85 and 86 ATC250r as well, so this bike will be a daytime only boredom prevention tactic. I guess the biggest thing I need is a .PDF file of the 1985 CR500 shop manual. I already snagged the 250R manual from somewhere on this site. Great resource! It helped me with my '86 rebuild earlier this year. Thank you all for running such an amazing site and keeping the riff raff under control! :Bounce

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Yum. Subscribed. Mr. Clean and you now have something in common.

[HairyJR]

Welcome to the madness. Nice project and just think Mark Leager lived close bye in Valley Center when he built frames and swingarms. Another treasure found within a short distance to the "Sand Capital" in the world. Keep us posted...

"HJ" 232347 :beer

[Joseph Farrow]

San Marcos.....there are a few other members in your Neighbor hood. :)
Nice score. Will be Awesome when finished!

[big specht]

Man all you east coast guys find all the cool sh#t lol Anyways that frame looks like it might have been cut and rewelded to fix the rake? I might be wrong. If so was it was cause they used the R triples ?

[Jwheeler]

Hey welcome the site. Great score.

[Hedbngr18]

Man all you east coast guys find all the cool sh#t lol Anyways that frame looks like it might have been cut and rewelded to fix the rake? I might be wrong. If so was it was cause they used the R triples ?

It has. Looks great, too. It supposedly matches the rake of the 350X front end (which is what the forks and triples are from). Also, what are the big differences between the R and the X as far as front suspension? travel? Spring rate? Etc?

[Mr. Clean]

Here is an article on the Laegers conversion. Some interesting parts on that machine that are not consistent with the conversion, very cool machine. Will keep an eye on your progress. :)

http://www.3wheelerworld.com/oldsite/files/MagScans/Laeger500R.pdf

[Hedbngr18]

Very cool. What all does it need? When is the last time it ran?

Last ran in 2001. Cylinder, head and piston have been off the bike ever since. Needs a hone and at least rings. Water pump was bad and the previous owner ran it for about 10-20 minutes before he realized that was the problem. Very slight scoring on both the sleeve and piston. The corrosion in the water cavity is pretty bad, but I think I can save it. I really don't want to by a case half! I will be doing a complete tear down assessment, replacing all gaskets and seals at minimum. He has the +4 axle somewhere, but has yet to find it. As far as mechanical necessities, front brake disc, new axle bearings front and rear, possibly in the swing arm as well, new fork seals (also, there is a bit of rust between the triples that I need to polish out), the seat won't come undone to flip it up, but that isn't a huge deal as of yet. The bike was covered, but stored outside since approximately 2002. It's super clean in spots, but super rough in others. I just finished running through my 86, so I'm pretty aware of what it's going to involve. One new question I have, is there anyone out there that has gotten the ATC tank onto the CR frame? I am not a fan of the CR tank and fairing look and want this to look as much like I stuffed the motor into the ATC frame as it can. I only want the biggest of enthusiasts to be able to pick out the trike conversion. Thanks everyone for the quick replies! I will have so many questions...like this one! Does anyone know which rear carrier Leager was using? I'm assuming it's an '85 250, but I haven't gotten into it yet and compared it to the 85 and 86 that I own currently. I have a bearing set for my 86 that I decided not to use. Hopefully I can do the swap without buying more stuff! The other thing is, I have never run across a picture of the exact swing arm that I have. If you look in the disassembled pic, it gets really wide around the shock and then tapers back down. Not so much just the straight tubing I usually see. It's made completely of aluminum plate. Still really light, just kind of funky.

[Mr. Clean]

I will have so many questions...like this one! Does anyone know which rear carrier Leager was using? I'm assuming it's an '85 250,

Based on the pics you posted, that is an 85 bearing carrier, bearings are interchangeable.

[Hedbngr18]

Jwheeler, I see you are in San Marcos as well. You are more than welcome to be a part of this project if time and circumstances allow! I won't be doing anything serious for at least 6-12 months. Just the engine on the workbench for now. But, when it comes to the parts where I need another pair of hands, I'd appreciate the help! :beer

[Hedbngr18]

Based on the pics you posted, that is an 85 bearing carrier, bearings are interchangeable.

That was my thought exactly. Wasn't aware that the bearings were the same. Makes sense I suppose since the axle didn't change between the 2 years. Thanks!

[onformula1]

Where did you get the info that it was a Laegers kit?

Sent from my SM-G386T1 using Tapatalk

[Mr. Clean]

Where did you get the info that it was a Laegers kit?



Someone scanned it to this site. It says ATV sports at the bottom of the article, not sure if dirtwheels or any of the other publications at the time had similar articles.

[onformula1]

Someone scanned it to this site. It says ATV sports at the bottom of the article, not sure if dirtwheels or any of the other publications at the time had similar articles.
I am talking about his kit several things are different from the kit

Sent from my SM-G386T1 using Tapatalk

[Hedbngr18]

Where did you get the info that it was a Laegers kit?

Sent from my SM-G386T1 using Tapatalk

The owner said it was hand built by Leager himself when he still lived in Valley Center, CA. Possibly not an actual kit, but a one off/prototype? Not sure if I am THAT lucky. Hahaha It is very different than what was shown in the article. I'll have to further inquire from my co-worker. If it is in fact a one off, I may just offer it up for a more standard extended swinger with a wider axle. I'm sure there is no shortage of enthusiasts that will do unmentionable things to have a piece like that. :-) I'll do some research and get back to y'all. Then again, that amount of polished surface area would definitely attract a ton of eyes in Glamis compared to a simple tube design. We'll just have to wait and see.

[Hedbngr18]

Now...on to the rest of the bike. I have been researching exhaust and have seen in many places to just stick with the stock pipe and get a lighter silencer. Like I said before, this thing will only see dunes, so I don't need any special "increases in mid-high rpm punch to accelerate out of the corners" or anything like that. However, on my 86 250R, I just did all new gaskets/seals, a hone, very light porting, lots of polishing, new top end, new Fatty pipe and Power Core silencer, Pro-44 Boyesen reeds, new UNI filter. The power band is awesome compared to stock and I absolutely love the sound. But, I am just thinking about my possible impending serious injury on the big boy trike if I go too overboard. :-) I will be doing all of the same internals to the engine, but anything outside of it aside from the silencer, should I even bother? I'll be running ITP 8 paddle Sand Stars, so nothing too crazy. I am aware that FMF only offers the Gnarly for the '85, so the increase in low end IMHO is completely unnecessary (according to most 500 riders). That engine is wild enough down low as it is. Then there's Pro Circuit, DG, etc. I did see a lot of people running the Gnarly with a certain PC silencer that smoothed everything out and also did great on the dyno. Any thoughts?

[Hedbngr18]

Anyone!? :rolleyes: I feel like my thread hit a wall in 5th gear. I am just now beginning the research phase of parts purchasing. This is going to be a 12 month project, so I will have time to budget for parts, etc. Any input will be GREATLY appreciated.

[Matt85'350x]

I have no useful input but didn't want you know that I'm interested and will be following your progress.

[yaegerb]

Now...on to the rest of the bike. I have been researching exhaust and have seen in many places to just stick with the stock pipe and get a lighter silencer. Like I said before, this thing will only see dunes, so I don't need any special "increases in mid-high rpm punch to accelerate out of the corners" or anything like that. However, on my 86 250R, I just did all new gaskets/seals, a hone, very light porting, lots of polishing, new top end, new Fatty pipe and Power Core silencer, Pro-44 Boyesen reeds, new UNI filter. The power band is awesome compared to stock and I absolutely love the sound. But, I am just thinking about my possible impending serious injury on the big boy trike if I go too overboard. :-) I will be doing all of the same internals to the engine, but anything outside of it aside from the silencer, should I even bother? I'll be running ITP 8 paddle Sand Stars, so nothing too crazy. I am aware that FMF only offers the Gnarly for the '85, so the increase in low end IMHO is completely unnecessary (according to most 500 riders). That engine is wild enough down low as it is. Then there's Pro Circuit, DG, etc. I did see a lot of people running the Gnarly with a certain PC silencer that smoothed everything out and also did great on the dyno. Any thoughts?

Set it back stock, use the parts you currently have. I believe you will find a CR 500 motor is enough power with stock components.

[big specht]

Who wants stock that's no fun :) I have a 89cr500 and a 87 kx500 I would like to convert one of these days too, so I'm looking for input to.

[3wheelieo]

Run the stock pipe and a pro circuit silencer imho. Power more broad with stock pipe .lightly port and polish the hell out of her and you got a sweet ripper

[Hedbngr18]

Next step to the 500 rebuild! Just came in the mail today.233244

[sanchez]

Well if it has a reworked steering stem it might not have the doesn't turn well issue mine has. Your going to want that wide axle
I may be completely off but Leagers was never very large production. Sort of all one offs minor differences as they were made one at a time. But their welding is good.
And if we want to talk rare a Leagers type kit will always be rare, me I'm just looking for another 500 with inverted front shock's like mine (yes bragging)
lastly all bike conversations seem to run hot, the extra drive tire just puts heat in your motor don,t panic.
Get it ragg

[Hedbngr18]

Anyone on here know if it's possible to put the ATC tank on the 500 frame without too much fuss? I want to possibly run an IMS desert tank when I finally get going on this thing.

[Hedbngr18]

Man all you east coast guys find all the cool sh#t lol Anyways that frame looks like it might have been cut and rewelded to fix the rake? I might be wrong. If so was it was cause they used the R triples ?

The previous owner decided on a 350X front end. I was actually digging through everything on Saturday and when I compared the triple clamps to the ones on my 85 and 86 250Rs, they looked pretty much identical. Would any of you happen to know if that's true? I know I can look up the part numbers and compare, but if one of you already knows, then that'll save me some time. Also, same goes for the front hub. Looks identical, but I'm not 100% sure.

[Hedbngr18]

Very cool. What all does it need? When is the last time it ran?

It was parked and covered back in 2001. Previous owner was able to locate everything except the rear axle, as well as the wheels and tires. The engine has the classic 85-87 issue with the water pump getting corroded. I have yet to split the engine apart and go over it, but that will be happening soon. I am hoping that I don't have to replace any cases or side covers. If it's trashed, I'm just going to save up some $ and go with a full Panthera case set. It's ungodly expensive, but I can have a counter balancer and maybe even electric start for when I am feeling lazy. Fingers crossed that I can save the original parts!

[Hedbngr18]

Also, this is posted in 2 other threads. May as well give you guys a shot at it too. I have decided to just modify the cradle on my spare 85 250R frame and build myself a tube swingarm.

"Hello fellow 3 wheel enthusiasts! I am currently in possession of a 1985 CR500 frame, Leagers subframe conversion with a Leagers extended swingarm. I measured it as compared to a stock ATC250R unit and there is exactly a 7" difference. I am aware that the mounting points are different between the two, but I really have no other way to describe it.

85 CR500R: Tank (in very good condition), Maier Shrouds (no cracks, very good condition), Airbox with intake boot, Full Leagers CR500 trike conversion subframe with extended swingarm and bearing carrier, original CR500R frame with adjusted rake for better handling, Radiators (good working order), stock rear shock (complete).

I also have a complete pair of 350X forks that I am opting to part with, as I want the 250R forks instead. There is a bit of rust on them between where the triple clamps attach, but I feel like a little time and effort and they will be like new again. I have pictures of everything, but you will have to PM me. I don't have permission to post them on here yet."

I have the stock 500R rear shock too. I may try to use it on the trike, but I haven't looked at it yet to see if it's at all possible. If any of you on here have some insight into that, I would appreciate it.

I also have 2 1985 stock swingarms for the 250R. Both are in excellent working condition and are still gold with decals. Would need to be stripped and painted to be showroom quality, but they could be installed and ran with no issues whatsoever. One unit has the rear carrier, the other does not.

I have yet to decide on prices for anything, as I need to do some research to see what it's all worth. I want it to be fair for everyone (including myself). This $ will go into repairing my 85 R, registering both my 85 and 86 R's, as well as getting started on the 500.

Pics available through email upon request.

[yaegerb]

Also, this is posted in 2 other threads. May as well give you guys a shot at it too. I have decided to just modify the cradle on my spare 85 250R frame and build myself a tube swingarm.

"Hello fellow 3 wheel enthusiasts! I am currently in possession of a 1985 CR500 frame, Leagers subframe conversion with a Leagers extended swingarm. I measured it as compared to a stock ATC250R unit and there is exactly a 7" difference. I am aware that the mounting points are different between the two, but I really have no other way to describe it.

85 CR500R: Tank (in very good condition), Maier Shrouds (no cracks, very good condition), Airbox with intake boot, Full Leagers CR500 trike conversion subframe with extended swingarm and bearing carrier, original CR500R frame with adjusted rake for better handling, Radiators (good working order), stock rear shock (complete).

I also have a complete pair of 350X forks that I am opting to part with, as I want the 250R forks instead. There is a bit of rust on them between where the triple clamps attach, but I feel like a little time and effort and they will be like new again. I have pictures of everything, but you will have to PM me. I don't have permission to post them on here yet."

I have the stock 500R rear shock too. I may try to use it on the trike, but I haven't looked at it yet to see if it's at all possible. If any of you on here have some insight into that, I would appreciate it.

I also have 2 1985 stock swingarms for the 250R. Both are in excellent working condition and are still gold with decals. Would need to be stripped and painted to be showroom quality, but they could be installed and ran with no issues whatsoever. One unit has the rear carrier, the other does not.

I have yet to decide on prices for anything, as I need to do some research to see what it's all worth. I want it to be fair for everyone (including myself). This $ will go into repairing my 85 R, registering both my 85 and 86 R's, as well as getting started on the 500.

Pics available through email upon request.


Price and pics in the post please. And in the future please only create one for sale thread.

[Hedbngr18]

I tried to post pics. I was told I don't have permission. As for pricing, I am still researching what everything is worth. I at least wanted to give people time to see the post and respond. I know most users aren't on here very often. Plus, I would rather deal through email. It's easier. if that's a problem, then I'll figure something else out.

[Hedbngr18]

Alright. Update time! Jwheeler and Big Specht were able to relieve me of some parts in exchange for money. :-) I have since ordered a new clutch cover/water pump housing. Geniune Honda brand new in box. It's technically for an '89-01 engine. Notes on the description stated that as long as you use the hoses for that same era, the bolt pattern is identical. It'll be nice to have the removable clutch cover as well. Definitely an upgrade from the '85 part number, as it won't have the same corrosion issues and my water pump housing is toast. It'll be here Thursday! This project had a LOOOOOONG way to go, but this is the first real progress towards actually building this thing. I had only disassembled stuff up to this point.

Coming at some point in the future (most likely summer) will be a new engine cradle on the '85 ATC frame and an extended swing arm. Good friend of mine used to build trophy trucks out here in SD and still is a welder/fabricator for a living. We'll make sure to crack the case of beer AFTER we are done measuring, cutting and bending! :-) I will have this long awaited project ready for the 2019 Imperial Invasion. Hopefully my 2 other R's are fully functioning/registered as well. I have been away from the sand for much too long.

[Hedbngr18]

Hey all! It's been quite a while since I updated anything about the 500R. Not much in the way of progress, but I was without a garage for the past 18 months. I am within a few weeks of splitting the cases to inventory what all I need to order. I just bought a small engine service stand and got my workbench set back up. Also, I spoke with the previous owner today and he told me he only rode it one time after he built it...in 1987. So this thing has been stationary for 32 years. He did happen to locate the aftermarket axle this past weekend, so he'll be handing that over Monday. I am going to ditch the 350X front end for a 3rd gen 250R with the Race Tech gold valve setup. I'm a heavy dude, so every last inch of travel is going to matter (especially at the speeds I will be going). So if anyone wants a nearly complete 350X front end, I'm looking to part with one. Triple clamps, bearings, forks, axle, hub, possibly more. I need to dig through my parts bin for that particular bike. All parts need some attention/cleaning, but everything is usable as far as I can tell. Spread the word and send me a PM. I'm open to trade my stuff with cash added for some 3rd gen R front end parts.

Now back to business. I do have a question for everyone. How have previous conversions handled the cooling? Are people using standard R radiators? Aftermarket larger capacity? Retrofitting the 500 units? Also, what are they doing as far as hoses? I ended up buying a 1990 clutch cover housing so they are routed differently than the 85 would be. I don't want to have a ton of fittings if I can avoid it. Too many points of failure. I would prefer solid hoses formed for my needs. Any input would be much appreciated.

[Hedbngr18]

For the 1-3 people who may still care, I haven't made any progress on the 500. I decided that a frame up restoration of both my 85 and 86 Rs was the better choice before I went any further. They require less work and less money. I hope to have this started before the end of this year.

[350for350]

Keep us updated with some pictures and we'll still be here.

[Az200x]

Hey bro just remember if you don’t see replies it doesn’t mean we are interested and waiting! I personally keep waiting for an update but I figured I’d let you know there’s a small handful of us counting on you to relay info about this. Good luck on the 250r builds but I really hope you show us up one day and post that fucker complete!

[Hedbngr18]

Crazy how life gets in the way of plans, huh? Since my last post in this thread, I moved, changed jobs, got married, and I'm about to change jobs and move again. 85 R is finished minus some small bits and bobs. I just posted a thread on it a few minutes ago regarding aftermarket foot pegs. The only progress that's been made in regards to any projects, 500 or 250, is that my tool/equipment arsenal and workspace is lightyears beyond what I had when this thread began.

The only 500 update I can offer is that I tried contacting BVC to see if they were going to move forward with their 3rd Gen R engine cradle kit/service they were working on. I got nothing but crickets. Granted, it was 18 months ago and I haven't tried following up recently. Has anyone else had any luck or tried contacting them? I get the feeling that their YouTube presence and selling $15,000 conversions are more important to them than anything else.