Restoring A 1978 CR250R Red Rocket From A Box

[@ericbitzer5247]

Awesome project! I love the old two stroke dirt bikes. I remember seeing these new when I was a young child. My friend's father down the street was a certified Ossa mechanic and was always working on dirt bikes. I used to go to races where we would get there the night before and camp out and he'd race the next morning. I remember in 1980 he got his Husqvarna 430cr. It had a beautiful red and silver tank which he took off and put a plain white plastic one on. 70s and 80s dirt bikes bring back so many memories. Thank you for bringing her back to her former glory! She sure did deserve it.

[@austinpatriot6508]

Unbelievable - brought back many memories. Had one in high school and raced on Friday nights and on Sundays. Watch that narrow power and lol. Thanks for sharing.

[@Bradybrandwood]

Very cool! Thanks for checking out the video.

[@deborahchesser7375]

Another beauty to keep the vintage dirt bike scene alive, awesome job brother.

[@Bradybrandwood]

Yeah I agree,... we definitely shouldn’t let these awesome old bikes go to rust! ✌️✌️✌️

[@billybobbob3003]

@@Bradybrandwood def nice bike

[@CoreySosner]

Lobsters and dirt bikes !!!! Awesome I wanted a 1978-79 YZ80 when I was a kid my parents wouldn’t let me get one. So I’m enjoying this immensely

[@gliderider7077]

Man as a fellow motorcyclist and Leon lover, you cover it all….. 78 250R was my dream bike as a kid! Absolute rocket ahead of its time

[@Bradybrandwood]

Awesome yes! Thank you for checking it out. ✌️✌️✌️

[@johndee8963]

How much would you take for it ?

[@Monkeyboy2457]

That brings back some great memories. I remember being amazed at seeing the 1980 CR80R, CR125R and CR250R new in the showroom at Richmond Honda in Sydney when I was 11. A few years later a mate had a 1982 CR125R and another mate had a 1982 CR250R. The 250 was incredibly fast. The old red engined Hondas are very cool.

[@Bradybrandwood]

That is very cool Monkeyboy! Yeah I was impressed how strong these old air cooled CR engines were. I hadn’t ridden one until I restored this one.

[@yopacific]

Leon got me here, love old CR’s. Man these early CR’s had on/off powerbands……..just wicked.

[@MachTuck]

Beautifully resurrected!! Very nice job brother!

[@Bradybrandwood]

Awesome MachTuck! Thanks for checking it out. ✌️✌️✌️

[@georgerac5926]

Great work love it I also restore vintage dirtbikes in Australia I have done a 1980 cr 80 and have just about finished a 1980 RM 80 love your vids and am so glad you got your stolen bikes back keep up the great work.

[@peters1058]

Leon brought me here .... what a beautiful bike. Can't beat that sound. Good job.

[@reloadnorth7722]

Great video. In 1994 I bought a Suzuki GS1150EF in boxes for $800, put it together in a few weeks and had an amazing bike to ride.

[@JonSmith-xh2jf]

I remember the tall suspension Maico bikes coming out and this bike was the answer to those bikes. Even the coffin tanks were similar. I swapped out the factory shocks with a set of Ohlin's off a Husquvarna and installed Boysen intake reeds. I swapped out those "Honda Claw Action" tires and changed out the sprocket to make it more woodsy. That was a very pipey midrange-hitting bike.

[@mrsandman5679]

I wish i could smell The 2 stroke from that bike. Amazing restoration glad to se people take care of old dirt bikes

[@Bradybrandwood]

Hey Bob, thanks for checking out the video. ✌️✌️✌️ I agree I like to see people restore these incredible old bikes. Most old MX bikes catch a lot of abuse over the years, so it’s satisfying to bring them back to near new.

[@KieranStocks]

You did a cracking job there, mate. Nice to hear you had some parts all the way from England (my side of the pond). Hope to see more vintage restorations from you in the future.

[@Bradybrandwood]

Very cool! My stepdad was from England. A big part of the fun for me was tracking down parts. Wherever they might be.

[@KieranStocks]

@@Bradybrandwood That’s pretty awesome! Some good heritage there. Looking forward to seeing more from you. Sending my regards to you and Leon!

[@tonybentley710]

Great rebuild I had same bike back in the day absolutely loved it

[@Bradybrandwood]

Awesome Tony! Thanks for checking it out.

[@kerrylewis2581]

I graduated from high school in 1978 and owned many Honda CR125, CR250, then finally a 1982 CR 480. My last bikes were 1996 125 and 250. All great but I wish I still had the 480R.

[@lloydfranks1357]

Nice job! Thank you for fixing a part of history! The RAD RED RIPPER LIVES AGAIN! 🎩☢

[@jimmadonna1436]

It's absolutely beautiful!!

[@brucemullis479]

Fine looking! I had a 79 loved that bike.

[@chriswalden798]

Very cool, thanks for sharing your build of this bike. I had a 1979 I semi restored and rode for many years. It was my first long travel fast dirtbike I got when I was 15, which was back in early 90's. I ended up selling it about 15 years ago to an Australian dude who was shipping back there to restore and find a home with the rest of his vintage dirtbikes. He gave me what was a good price for it back then so was happy to part with it. Be fun to have again. But that's how it usually works.

[@Hidfors]

Dude! I came here for Leon's story... and then it turns out you live bikes as well :D Awesome-sauce! Very awesome

[@rockypup1968]

Just seen this video , what a brilliant restoration job , very impressive ! greetings from the UK !

[@Bradybrandwood]

rockypup awesome! Thanks for checking it out!!! ✌️✌️✌️ My step dad was a Brit, from Blackburn area.

[@ronaldtartaglia4459]

Wow what a great night of videos I have going here! Love it!

[@bobthebob8817]

I had a CR250 back in the day, it was brutal back then. thanks for the memory lane :D

[@Bradybrandwood]

Awesome Bob!!! ✌️✌️✌️ Thank you for watching.

[@neilreid2298]

Looks fantastic! Great job Brady!

[@garyhightower8105]

Awesome job absolutely stunning ! I’ve got my old bike back a 1990 Honda CR 125 and it’s getting the same treatment but it has some sentimental value as well. Qualified for Loretta Lynn’s on mine and my mechanic at the time DADDY broke his arm n leg on it but she’s getting a make over ! Thanks for the inspiration and keep up the awesome work

[@Bradybrandwood]

Awesome Gary! I would love to see your bike when it’s done. ✌️✌️✌️

[@folmonty]

That video documentary was just amazing! Nicely done ✅

[@herbertsmith6416]

They were special you did a great job

[@Bradybrandwood]

Yeah I agree, amazing bikes Herbert! Thank you for checking it out. ✌️✌️✌️

[@Mytro8533]

Great restore on all the bikes, especially the CR 250. Brought back childhood memories for sure.. Just need a RM and a YZ from the same era and your good 👍.

[@aspenyukon6845]

Sand cast a new fork axle clamp. I did that for a obsolete jetski part. Mini foundry from charcoal in a metal bucket and a hair dryer piped in on cold setting. Fire extinguisher crucible. Worked amazing.

[@kimuseni]

Wow. You did an awesome rebuild...especially while wearing flip flops 😊

[@Bradybrandwood]

kimuseni 😄 Thank you and thanks for watching. ✌️✌️✌️

[@spiderreed350]

I had an Indian 100cc induro my mom won at a raffle at a clothing store,I loved it.it was around a 1975.

[@Mandy7D7]

I really enjoyed this look back in time, nice bikes Brady. 👍

[@creativecrambo]

Brady 🖐 , yeah your restoration on this bike is superb man , you definitely know your way around all the components and the ins and outs, really enjoyed watching your vid love this stuff especially when when your listening to someone who knows what hes talking about, cool vid Brady from start to finish 💪💪👍👍👈

[@Bradybrandwood]

CREATIVE CRAMBO Thank you so much. I always appreciate your input. ✌️✌️✌️

[@chopperhehehe]

Green with envy I am lol two gorgeous bikes hope they get used 👍👍👍😜🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🦄🦕😁✌️🤞

[@sunset117]

You did an excellent job!

[@rodneymccord7345]

Fantastic rebuild. Kudos . . I had one brand new, it was awesome, so smooth in power. Forgiving suspension great geometry. I did however use Bel-Ray synthetic oil for the mix. Didn’t smoke & I never had to rebuild.

[@Bradybrandwood]

Rodney yeah I am enjoying this old 250 engine. I had never ridden a CR 250 this old before until I cranked this one up. Thanks for watching. ✌️✌️✌️

[@cosmicuniverse7158]

I have Honda 1991 NS50. I think this was the last 2 stroke street bike made from the big Japanese bike manufacturers. It's in mint condition but I really don't have any use for it. Just a relic from the past. A museum piece.

[@lancenutter1067]

Very nice! I bought a 1972 Suzuki TC125 in a box (same kind of bike I had back in high school, early 80’s) last December and did a similar thing to it over the spring and summer this year. Turned out really nice. Thank goodness for eBay. The one hardest part to find was the right side cover but finally found it with a google search from a guy in Indiana. I call it my Nostalgia bike. Fun to ride and has the high low range too for trails. The lobster is super interesting and the bikes are too. Nice work.

[@aerythus]

Hey Brady, I have been riding since I was 10... when my mom told me I'd have to be free, white and 21 to get a bike. It was a Hodaka, the first one. Anyway, found you out from Leon, and I've found a channel.

[@kurthcrew9117]

Excellent work my man 🤘🏼

[@Bradybrandwood]

Awesome! Thank you for checking it out. ✌️✌️✌️

[@Canuck_213]

Great job on an awesome bike!! Thanks for sharing.

[@Bradybrandwood]

Hey John thanks for checking it out. ✌️✌️✌️

[@Canuck_213]

@@Bradybrandwood Where can a guy look to find these re-buildable projects? Missing my childhood real bad. lol.

[@Bradybrandwood]

@@Canuck_213 I found this one on Facebook Marketplace,... Unfortunately though lately the ‘part out’ guys are scooping a lot of these up as soon as they come on for sale.

[@RRL551Dynamic]

Wow that's a great job, well done, like Bob said I wish we could get smellyvision. Sounds brilliant as well. Enjoy.!!

[@Bradybrandwood]

Hans many thanks, and thank you for watching! ✌️✌️✌️

[@phillipwagner7347]

What an amazing bike!! Great work!!😀

[@Bradybrandwood]

Phillip many thanks, and thank you for watching. ✌️✌️✌️

[@davidbrunner1355]

Very nice, well done!

[@Bradybrandwood]

Awesome David! Thanks for checking it out. ✌️✌️✌️

[@carcucov]

Great bike! Congratualtions! you did a very good job.

[@Bradybrandwood]

Thank you, and thanks for checking out the video. ✌️✌️✌️

[@lyndonwebber1389]

Lucky ur not in the uk, bikes are hard to find ! Good job sir 👍

[@Trash-Castle]

Love this page!

[@Bradybrandwood]

Awesome! Thank you for checking it out. ✌️✌️✌️

[@birddog24]

Beautiful job. I want the same bike sooooo badly!

[@Bradybrandwood]

Very cool birddog24, hope you’ll find one and restore it. Thanks for watching! ✌️✌️✌️

[@richardsprobablyyourdaddy4678]

Wow I had this bike growing as a kid broke the frame 3 times jumping it off of the bark mulch piles at the mill down the road from my house 🤷🤣 !! Super sweet !!

[@whiskeythrottle8680]

Beautiful bike 🤘🏼

[@Bradybrandwood]

Many thanks, yeah I was really happy with how it turned out. ✌️✌️✌️

[@anivarhain]

Holy crap nice build.I had the same bike new in 1981

[@Bradybrandwood]

Awesome Finish Dude! Thanks for watching. ✌️✌️✌️

[@Workerbee-zy5nx]

Nice.

[@Bradybrandwood]

Awesome! Thank you for checking it out. ✌️✌️✌️

[@robertrishel3685]

I’m hooked! First it was that ‘85 KX125 then these gorgeous Cr’s! 😍😍😍 What’s next?

[@Bradybrandwood]

Awesome! Thank you for watching. My next project is probably going to be another 1979 CR250,... A lot of the parts are missing though, so I may just turn it into a nice fun rat ride bike to play around on. Do something different with it, since I already have a 78. ✌️✌️✌️

[@free-birdrocker8809]

Elsinore!!!!!!!! Dude, yer 2 fiddy r is killer! Dont cha love new parts in a box...Do an 84 500R, I raced one back in the day, its aircooled and bad to the bone!

[@Bradybrandwood]

Thanks for checking it out. ✌️✌️✌️ Yeah I would love to find an old air cooled big bore!

[@drott150]

I bought a 4 year old used 1980 CR250 when I was 18. The bike screamed. All of my friends would ride it and almost every one of them flipped it (and I flipped it too). The powerband was explosive and the frame geometry created a lofty front end. I never knew if it was ported and it was the only 1980 CR250 I ever rode (and so never had another point of reference). Later I would buy a 1984 Suzuki RM500. That bike was obviously very fast too, but it never scared you like that '80 CR250 did with its insane wheelies. Do you have that experience riding this bike? You say the powerband is broad. My experience is that it was quite notchy and came on hard early. You got used to it, and it was a lot of fun when you did, but you had to be careful and respect it. I sold it to a friend prior to buying the RM500. He eventually crashed it and severely damaged his right shoulder, requiring major reconstructive surgery he still feels pain from today.

[@bgjb-r1499]

For 1978 standards this bike was truly a red rocket. I have no idea how they got them to be that much faster than the Suzuki and Kawasaki. In 1978 the Yamaha YZ250 had a decent bike but the Honda was just stronger. I firmly believe this is as close as one could get to a works bike during that era. One little knock on this bike. I would go riding with a guy who owned a 1978 CR250 and his engine seized up not once, but twice. Not sure if it was his oil mixture or just overheating.

[@cooldadgreatkid9653]

Looking good, Brady! Question for you… When you went through the transmission, did you take all the gears apart, or did you leave the sets or bolted together. Reason I ask is I have a 78 and I have one extra washer that fits over the clutch shaft. It’s only about a 16th of an inch thick, with maybe 3/16” wide flat face, but most interestingly… Has a pair of rounded notches ground out of 1/3 of the face (1/16”), on two opposing sides. Remember seeing anything like that?.doc Thanks!

[@Bradybrandwood]

No, I don’t remember what you are describing specifically. I generally try to keep all of the transmission spindles in tact with their spacers and washers. You can go to an online Honda parts store and look up the diagram for the transmission. Also, though with such an old bike, some parts could’ve been modified over the years.

[@michaelbailey5736]

Beautiful job. Those things are screamers

[@jonruger]

My dad said the 1980 had a broader powerband and this was actually something a lot of serious racers did to their 76-79s

[@twopopsaqullu9721]

Did you have to bore the cylinder? I had a 1980 cr80 that I loved. Thanks for the video!

[@Bradybrandwood]

Hey, no it’s coated so it can’t be bored. it would need to be sleeved. I cleaned it up a bit and it runs very well. ✌️✌️✌️

[@JETHO321]

I collect and restore the 80's atc's. I have quite a few but my favorite is my 1985 Honda 250r.

[@ianmangham4570]

Beautiful tank

[@minnowlaketuning]

Awesome job looks great, where did you get the paint for the frame and the high temp paint for the engine from?

[@Bradybrandwood]

Minnow Lake Tuning Hey thank you for checking it out. The frame was painted with rust oleum professional enamel called ‘safety red’ #7564,... and then the frame was clear coated in a very hard and durable 2 part Spray Max 368 0061. You should be able to get those both on eBay. I don’t remember where the high temp engine paint was. It didn’t match as closely to the frame and plastics as I wanted, but has been durable.

[@mattie_world]

22:44 omg elderfields is in farnham, the town across from me. small world

[@free-birdrocker8809]

'Dang good paint job on your "red devil" What color red did you use for your paint scheme? I have an 89 250 r and it looks close to mine..

[@Bradybrandwood]

Hey Free-bird that’s Rustoleum Pro ‘Safety Red’ with Spray Max 2K hardener clear coat. Makes a super tough chemical resistant coating. The Safety Red is very close to Honda’s Tahitian red. ✌️✌️✌️

[@DH-mf2lv]

My 1976 Honda CR250 leaks out gas/oil residue where the exhaust pipe connects to the cylinder jug whenever I ride it. Any suggestions on how to make it stop? Thanks.

[@Bradybrandwood]

Yeah if you take the pipe off and clean the exhaust port with alcohol and clean the pipe where they connect with alcohol to get rid of all the oil then you can use a high heat silicone from the auto parts store and seal the pipe to the cylinder and let it dry for 2 days before firing the bike back up.

[@seagullvictim7563]

I have a 79 sl250 dual sport in like new shape. Better than a perfect candidate for restoration. I'm a bit to big for it but really only got it because it was a great deal and I'm a 79 to. Have a bunch of 350 to 650 big thumper XRs. They were nice but to heavy for the loose sand I was riding in

[@jamesswetland5019]

I bought the same bike. I found everything I needed on eBay. I needed a seat gas tank all seals chain sprockets everything. On eBay.I’m selling my 2004 CR250R & riding this on. I grew up on air cooled & that’s what I will ride.Oh also I have the title.

[@grzechu212]

WSK 250 in Poland 💪

[@garybob56]

Very nice indeed. Sorry to see that in the years since first introduced in 73/74, Honda had yet to figure out how to make an air box.

[@DH-mf2lv]

Thanks for sharing. I am curious if it would be too tall for me? Do you mind telling me your leg (inseam) length and your weight? I am asking your weight because the heavier you are the more squat the bike will have. You are very talented and enjoy the ride!

[@djizzah]

thats a ripper, love it!!

[@treyvader]

Now you need a CR 500 to round out your collection

[@Bradybrandwood]

Man Trey that is so true! ✌️✌️✌️

[@treyvader]

@@Bradybrandwood you’ll love the CR 500 it will either scare you to death or it will turn you into a monster and you’ll love the huge power and you won’t ride anything else but in any case they are very cool and fun bikes and I really do think you need to own one and be careful and don’t get hurt riding it respect that throttle and use some restraint and you’ll be okay

[@gardeningplus7271]

I had elsinore 125,1977 with clear glass carb you could see inside,great bikes,5*

[@miccap8612]

hi, got a 79 and wont shift out of first, how far do i need to strip down to get to gear drum, thx mick

[@Bradybrandwood]

Take the left side clutch cover off and take the clutch off,… and I bet the problem is the 2 tiny springs in the shift drum ratchet are worn.

[@miccap8612]

@@Bradybrandwood the mark on the SPINDLE, GEARSHIFT and the mark on the POSITIVE STOPPER were not lined up, it was stuck in first so should they still line up? i can send a pic if you like?

[@chrisbatstone9742]

Lovely video I had 79 cr elsinore redrocket twinshock 250cc in 88 till 92 loved riding it racing like get one again have u any tips etc for searching for project I've been looking for months many thanks in have about 1350 to 1850 gbp amount to look for one etc just one in bits I can restore

[@Bradybrandwood]

Chris Batstone Cool, yeah I would just keep an eye out on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and in some vintage bike groups.

[@chrisbatstone9742]

Cheers mate have nice day bud

[@grzechu212]

I have a cylinder with a CR 250 78r in my WSK 😀

[@straighttimestirrups]

Cool video! Something seems off to me with the rear fender and seat. Seat seems too long and rear fender short and pointed to far up at the tip.

[@ClockFixer]

Just picked up a 79 Cr 125. Complete but dirty!

[@Bradybrandwood]

Awesome ClockFixer! I know you are going to enjoy that one!

[@ClockFixer]

@@Bradybrandwood And i agree with you........you just Can't beat new plastic! Thank God it is reproduced!

[@tmsmith8939]

i believe that is the optional honda spark arrestor

[@randomprecisionmotors3130]

Wonder if that might be some kind of Factory prototype? Center port on a bike 2 years before it was standard...

[@Bradybrandwood]

Random, that’s a good thought! I wish I could track down who did the mod,... to get some answers.

[@randomprecisionmotors3130]

@@Bradybrandwood I only say that because when they were racing these things, a lot of the stuff on the Factory bikes was stuff they were testing for production, and for all anyone knows, your bike could be a Factory test bed they either raced or tested stuff on. like the center port frame setup. Can't go further back than the previous owner on it? I'd be interested to see whether or not you have an old 'works bike' or something...

[@ClockFixer]

Did you re do the rear shocks yourself?

[@Bradybrandwood]

No they were just cleaned. The stock shocks aren’t rebuildable internally.

[@larrydowling]

hi there i just purchase 1979 cr250m ,where do i purchase my parts for service and mods. thank you

[@Tuckem2STOGS]

Amazing

[@Bradybrandwood]

Thanks for checking it out Thomas! ✌️✌️✌️

[@Tuckem2STOGS]

I'm diggin it the other day I picked up a 1983 RM 500 on Facebook marketplace for free she's pretty beat up the motor frame shocks wheels everything's there missing a couple fenders I do have the gas tank though original debating on whether I should rebuild it or not part sir looking pretty scarce I've been really into these older bikes lately they make me smile Great work man that bike is beautiful

[@kaidenphalen9515]

If you have links or any places that has a good amount of parts please comment under. I have a 79 and need parts there hard to find

[@bigironjakesd619]

So bad ass!

[@Bradybrandwood]

👊👊👊✌️✌️✌️ Thanks for watching.

[@ronaldtartaglia4459]

I wonder if that was some "works" set up. Maybe it was some racer mod.🤔

[@matrix26uk]

This bike was "Street Hawk" wasn't it?

[@gradyhendrix8470]

Would you be interested in a 1982 KTM 495?

[@aquamarin6514]

All good - well done/ i comment though: DON't ever use a drill bit to lock the gears, use some cloth ot soft metal like Copper etc. - You might chip the teeth/hardened surface by doing this ...

[@joelwhite3337]

A great build and I am sure it was a blast to restore/ride. Currently watching a guy on KZbin attempting to restore a '76 MR 250 basket case. To say that he is unlike you and not "mechanically gifted" is a gross understatement. Something as simple as "righty-tighty-lefty-loosy" appears to be too difficult for him. He is also is forced to measure bolts/nuts size before grabbing the right wrenches. It is comical to watch. I advised him to gather everything and to sell to someone such as you or I to restore but he has "attitude". His forte is better aligned with restoring old video games, certainly not old 2 strokes.

[@Bradybrandwood]

Very cool Joe, thank you for watching. ✌️✌️✌️ I know exactly what you’re describing,... I watched a good friend try to change the spark plug on his lawnmower once and it was entertaining and made me cringe too. A lot like me trying to play golf. 😅

[@joelwhite3337]

@@Bradybrandwood It might be fun to look up this guy's "restoration". The cylinder/piston is severely corroded and rusty. The engine was still in the frame but, he bought a harbor freight engine mount that required at least 30 min-1 hrs to mount. Even though the piston/crank etc is seized from mouse urine in the cylinder, he thinks it is best to put it in a engine mount vs leaving it in the bike to kick over. No sign of Marvel Mystery oil, PB blaster or even WD 40.

[@irod2821]

👍👏👊

[@SR-gt350]

I wonder having one titanium cylinder stud and difference in thermal expansion will it cause warping of cylinder. 😆 that being said it's lived this long and won't make a big difference.

[@deborahchesser7375]

Invest in some impacts you’ll be lovin life. And besides ,you’ll need them for the next projects, right ? Hint hint

[@Bradybrandwood]

Yeah absolutely! Piece by piece. ✌️✌️✌️

[@AllenscottySaunders]

How much u pay?

[@Bradybrandwood]

I bought the bike in the box for $180 or so.

[@AllenscottySaunders]

I paid 3. 4hr. Days with weedeter

[@AllenscottySaunders]

It has and gone

[@papachuck6007]

I have a 78 CanAm 175 1 Want to race? 2 Want to restore her?

[@bryanwesolowski9869]

Wanted to watch the video but the techno music drove me nuts had to change it

[@yufnid6499]

mantap browwww,,,paten brwooo

[@ClockFixer]

It always amazes me how idiots take shit apart, like they are actually going to repair or rebuild something, but then give up and typically Lose half the parts!