Picked Up A Decaying Barn Find 1986 Honda CR500 With No Spark For $1800! Revived In 30 Minutes!

Found a diamond out in the sticks of north Idaho!
The seller said he was trying to make this 1986 Honda CR500 into a snowbike, but said it lost spark before he could make the switch. He installed a 2003 YZ250f front end on it and unfortunately chucked the original front end in the process. After it lost spark, he lost interest and let it sit for a few years in a dilapidated barn behind his house.
I couldn’t get my money out fast enough! Enjoy!
-Jimmy
#dirtbike #honda #cr500 #2stroke #restoration #motocross #mechanic

[@epk2027]

Finally someone smart enough to loosen the subframe to remove the carb

[@jimmy_dirtbike]

Ha! Thank you sir! Way easier that’s for sure!

[@intrepidbiped]

What a great find! A true unicorn. $1800 is amazing

[@7viewerlogic670]

Good job bringing the CR500 back to life!

[@AT2021Rocker]

I raced that year of CR for many years, they are beasts,full of fun!

[@mariocooldude9092]

Death ☠️ traps 😂

[@regnor166]

Great find .I'm a little envious and i'll look for some update on it. Thanks for the videos.

[@jimmy_dirtbike]

Got really lucky on this one! It was in the middle of BFE, seller was weird about me coming to his house. Absolutely wouldn’t let me film with him in the video. He seemed like a dude that likes to live off the grid. Can’t believe he sold it for that cheap to be honest. I just figure he doesn’t really know how to work on these bikes. It was an easy fix.

[@jeffdavison8421]

Surprised it started that easily. Too bad the frame rails are roached. Prime candidate for a frame up rebuild. Stuff 2500 into it and sell for 6k. It's a money maker.

[@user-pm5od6rk4v]

Right ? Haha. I was like damn why can’t I find one like that.

[@kellyballard1773]

Hey pal. I just subscribed to your channel. I'm curious about your honesty. The first thing I noticed is that the front wheel looked a little shiny and some spokes too. You plugged a couple wires in that any idiot would have done first. Even if he was stupid. That carburetor looked too clean for sitting any time at all and lastly I think that you made a video that real mechanics like myself would want to watch. It seems all a little bit fishy. If ur straight up then great but if you just want people to subscribe to your channel, I'll go back to watching porn. Make another one. I'll be waiting.

[@neilyakuza6595]

The sweet sound of 2Stroke!

[@user-ie8wz8uo3b]

Good start up, love the older stuff.

[@microsoftteams2663]

I owned a 1986 CR250 and won the 1988 Spring Amateur Championship at Budds' over a 3-weekend series of 6 motos. After an owner remedied the (WAY) too-soft suspension, those CRs were truly badass.

[@johnmatthews5321]

I had an 85 cr250 best bike I ever owned

[@microsoftteams2663]

@@johnmatthews5321 Yep, I remember that the Motocross Action magazine said the '85 was a torque monster, good for pulling a rider out of slow tight corners.

[@johnmatthews5321]

@@microsoftteams2663 right right double right straight muthafucking wheelie monster reliable as fuck always started plastic seat still looked killer after all these years wish I hadn't of sold it for $1k dumb move wasn't riding at the time just had gotten married like I said dumb moves kill the party take that from an og power loyalty and respect Windsor Santa Rosa CA

[@jimmadonna1436]

Nice going Man, those disconnected wires was the problem!

[@nigelbeaumont1109]

Full restoration no expense spared. Very rare Widow Maker CR500. Good score.

[@jimmy_dirtbike]

Right now I’m up against a cracked drain bolt hole.. I’ve got cylinder, other case half painted and I’ve got a decomp button being installed by Larry Wiechman out of Roscoe Illinois. This case crack is really holding up my progress and it’s only been 5 days

[@camperp195]

These things are monsters and will pull your arms off! Great find!

[@user-xd5uj4bn8q]

Man that is one of my favorite Cr but im a bike and ATV dad my kids been on them since they were born i would ratchet strap the car seat on the racks of our ATV but my daughter can ride circle around her brother lol but i build odd stuff like i put a 1986 Honda rebel 250 twin cylinder street bike motor on My son Yamaha blaster but i lowered it and wide it now I'm putting a 1981 Kawasaki GSR 650 4 cylinder on a blaster lol we have a blast on our toys. Love your videos

[@jimmy_dirtbike]

Thank you sir! I really appreciate it! Very kind of you. Those builds sound very interesting! Definitely make a video of riding that GSR blaster!!

[@cliffordbecker3275]

panhandle of florida. 1st time ever seeing your channel. have to like a brother that knows how to make stuff run. especially when the spark quit! enjoyed watching thanks.

[@jimmy_dirtbike]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate it!

[@finster7582]

Im super jealous !!!!! great find AND it runs ! 😃👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@StanleyKubick1]

I knew you were serious about this when you put a boot on to kick it. Stoked for all your views my guy, it must be such a W for a smaller creator to post something that takes off a little

[@jimmy_dirtbike]

Thanks man! I really appreciate that! Yeah, it’s crazy to see this video do so well! Something I’m pretty proud of that’s for sure. Thanks for sayin that!

[@DoNE021]

Saw it too. hehe This bikes ain't fun to kick start. i can't do it, i'v tried.

[@CaptainCurt07]

*Bought one in 86 new lol $1800 ish badass bike*

[@ikaletralleg]

problem for the last guy was knowledge!, great video

[@DoNE021]

Love this old CR500. They are a like a wild beast you need to tame befor you can ride. Tried CR500 in the 90s couple times. Just to get up on a CR500 was scary.

[@gstevens9707]

Just bought a mint 86 CR500. Can't wait to ride it! Great job on fixing yours.

[@jimmy_dirtbike]

Same, man! Half of the engine is on the way to Adam Millar to get some repairs done right now. I can’t wait to ride mine too! Things an animal!

[@brainstain22]

Damn dude....right place at the right time. Awesome.

[@Corndog1971]

That's a great presentation of that find! You looked like a different man when that classic fired off.👍 I hope to see it get sent!

[@gpuckit]

Had one brand new off show room floor back when they were meat eaters loved it and miss it

[@AMiscellaneousgarage]

I like it Man good find there and nice job on bringing back.

[@iam2nd184]

Great find . 👍🏽👍🏽

[@Workerbee-zy5nx]

Jim Bob! You got a mans bike. Love the tampon holder. 🤣 I raced my 84 500r and compression was a foot breaker. I used my whole body to fire it up. Ufo has all plastic except the tank. Ebay can be a friend for the forks 86 to 88 250 and 500 forks will work, dont forget the break and triple clamps. Decal packs are on ebay, as well as seat foam and pit replica seat cover.good luck. 🤠👍

[@jimmy_dirtbike]

Haha thanks buddy! The forks just showed up today! I’m scavenging for wheel spacers now and have the brake caliper in my eBay cart! Front ends gonna be together pretty soon! Engine cases are still being worked on and frames at powder coat! Nothin but downtime!! Thanks for watching my video!!

[@Workerbee-zy5nx]

@@jimmy_dirtbike I'm a 80s big bore cr nut, I'll be watching fer sure.

[@jimmy_dirtbike]

@@Workerbee-zy5nx hell yeah brother! Same! I am very very thankful to have finally jumped on one of these short rod cr500s!!

[@Workerbee-zy5nx]

@@jimmy_dirtbike Awesomeness, wait till you get her out..Hehehe. 🤠👍

[@anthonyreddy2834]

Great find!!

[@maartendezwaan9715]

Awesome video, lucky man finding this CR! Looking forward to the next video! Greets from the Netherlands

[@BigDirtDawg]

Insane find for $1800. Beautiful bike

[@mr.channel6467]

Beautiful find man. BEAUTIFUL. Tbh I never even had the chance to lay eyes on one.

[@Crosshatch1212]

Look up motorsports n buggies collection is mint

[@ianmangham4570]

She sounds FANTASTIC 😮real tight and FRESH 😅

[@WojySmokes]

love the crf 500, what a great deal

[@wisecampmotorcycles8258]

Sounds awesome on idle, bangin' away. Great score bro. I'll be watching the rebuild.

[@brettlaage9687]

Hell yeah, that's awesome!

[@diesel8762]

You have to go just past top dead center. Let you’re leg weigh sit on the kicker till it start to ease. Then back up kick it threw. The foot peg is a good idea so it doesnt break the case. Also try not to start on the stand. That also tends to break the case. Nice find.

[@ianmangham4570]

Had a dt175 80s always broke case's with the kicker till I wrapped it with an old hose 😅

[@Crosshatch1212]

I’d have loved to have let you kick start my xs840 twin .oh eee.

[@jimmy_dirtbike]

Thanks for the tips! I couldn’t kick it all the way through with the foot peg on there, it wasn’t a full stroke. But, I have a better plan! I’m having a decomp button installed on the head right now 😃

[@High.Gear.Garage]

Barn finds are nice

[@jimmy_dirtbike]

Most def!!

[@adamsbikebuilds4265]

What a score find congratulations

[@rcuniversespeed9447]

Awesome man congratulations. You did a great job on that because I’ve been there before and they’re again great job my friend.

[@Razor6On3]

Man i remember when I found my 86 Cr500. Motor was in boxes so it was an easy rebuild. Compression was so great that i had to get 27 stitches in my shin from kicking it in shoes like a fool. I loved that bike. Crazy power and scary as hell..

[@sammylacks4937]

Exactly , sometimes you get lucky. Great find. I can't believe what Honda motocrossers are worth. I saw an original 74 Elsinore 125 silver / green in a box , parts for more than yours. Enjoy.

[@jimmy_dirtbike]

Man I would love to get ahold of one of those though!! Thanks man!

[@greenstreak750]

The '85 and '86 CR500 were the most powerful CR 500s made. Glad to see you lean the bike over and flood the carb before kicking it. I could always start my '91 CR500 in one or two kicks using that technique. You got a fast bike on your hands for sure.

[@jimmy_dirtbike]

Thank you very much! Man you should have seen me try to start my other 500 for the first time 😂 embarrassing to say the least.

[@DoNE021]

What is special with the 1985-1986 CR500?

[@jimmy_dirtbike]

@@DoNE021 short rod engine. Makes more power. Otherwise, they’re pretty similar. If I could put this motor in an 87 chassis for the rear disc brake, I would do it!

[@gregbishop3167]

Had the 1984 500. Air cooled and a bear to start.

[@MyRestoration1]

Great memories of my barn find rebuild on my channel. Mine was a bit worse..still when it kicks over that’s it 😊

[@carlloggins9297]

Idaho is beautiful

[@jimmy_dirtbike]

I agree and I love it!!

[@TheHortond]

Getting it started is the easy part. Now you have to get it running perfect which never seems to end.

[@ianmangham4570]

Definitely got great bones,the exhaust surviving without major dings is a miracle ,someone probably scavenged the forks way back when,oil looks great 👍 fantastic find 👏

[@jimmy_dirtbike]

So the guy I bought it from was trying to turn it into a snowbike and he chucked the forks like a dummy 😭

[@mr.channel6467]

And that silencer is all retro aftermarket. Love that shi

[@ianmangham4570]

@@jimmy_dirtbike 😆

[@eddiebones20]

Had an 87 CR500 and this brings back great memories. Congrats on the barn find score and good luck with bringing it back to life. I forgot what a bitch they were to start (not a problem when you're young and coordinated) and now I'm reminded with my KX500. Looking forward to more content.

[@jimmy_dirtbike]

Thank you very much! Gonna shoot more video once parts come back! I sent one case to Canada, another to Illinois! Gonna get this bad boy moving soon enough!!

[@jassonquinn3251]

Super cool video great find brother

[@xSinisterTx]

Definitely jealous! I’ve had a bike almost break my ankle during a cold start, so I was biting my nails watching you kick over that monster! Keep up the content brother! Subscribed!

[@jimmy_dirtbike]

Thank you very much!! And yes, I’ve gotten kicked back by a 500 before and wow it hurts. Thought I broke my ankle too. I just sent the head out to Larry Wiechman in Illinois to have him install a decomp button on it. Put one on my 91 and it’s so nice! Kicks like a 125 now, not even kidding.

[@michaelroberts6299]

@@jimmy_dirtbike swap pegs to the other sides

[@worktravelplay3071]

Oh man, how satisfying when you grab a bargain and sort the issue without expense!!

[@jimmy_dirtbike]

This one’s been my favorite bargain ever!!

[@Ibsmokin]

Well shit you gotta do a full rebuild now. What a beautiful monster. Well done 👍

[@jimmy_dirtbike]

Bummer! 😆 engine case on the way to Adam Millar for repair right now, heads already getting the Larry Wiechman decomp button installation in Illinois and should be back here next week… And I just got the title for it!

[@djantix1200]

Super good score man! Congrats! Timing is everything when finding something like this.

[@jimmy_dirtbike]

Absolutely. It’s all luck!

[@yslrx]

Ohh man I wish I could do a 500 barn find or even a 250...

[@BUFUmic]

Sick find bro, sitting here green with envy in the UK, you just don't see many of these around here at least not under £5k, let alone any cheaper!

[@jimmy_dirtbike]

Shoot, I have a friend in Austrialia who's got an absolutely stunning CR collection and he offered quite a bit of cash to send this thing over seas in the condition its in. I'm not selling it. Said the same thing, they just don't come up often in those parts either. I live on the west coast USA and without the humidity here, these old dinosaurs aren't in too bad of shape when you do come across them. Thanks for watching my channel, friend!!

[@kunsunrethy]

Congratulations man!

[@6by6by6]

I bought one new along with an ATC250R in 86 … both incredible bikes in the sand dunes along the Oregon coast.. it’s probably a good thing they stopped making the ATC’s my farm budget was taking a hit keeping them new..😂

[@jimmy_dirtbike]

😂😂

[@ste1872]

Great job m8 💯👍🏻

[@NUNLEY_7777]

Had the same bike 80 and 125 tough bikes

[@w.stuart668]

damn what a score. so jealous.

[@jantoreaga5920]

Awsome 🤘

[@zackk695]

It’s always good when they run because now it can only get better as you change parts. I would leave the front end alone unless you racing expert. Fix the bike up and ride like the wind.i would ride it as is just for one day and push it hard and anything that might fail will show up so you can fix it.

[@jimmy_dirtbike]

Im shooting for a 87 front end because they’re amazing forks! New XR650Ls still get those forks even! I’ve done a few modern fork swaps on CRs and Yamaha forks have never been an option without major modifications… so I’m gonna pull the triple and see it it’s okay and once I have the engine back together, I’ll stuff it in the frame and send it all while making a video!!

[@DOINKS-R-USS]

Cr 500 awesome machine 😊

[@AaronFetch]

Great content

[@TheHemiphil81]

Great bike. Kaplan cycles has about 10 cr500,s and I'm sure he has tons of parts.

[@jimmy_dirtbike]

Haha I actually send Ken a Christmas card every year. Great guy

[@dirtriderkx500]

Great find. I remember my friend having one. If you didn't kick start it right. It will kick you back over the handlebars. LOL 😂😂

[@jimmy_dirtbike]

Lol I’ve got a decomp button being installed on the head right now for that very reason and won’t start one without an mx boot. Boy, I made that mistake once.

[@dirtriderkx500]

@@jimmy_dirtbike keep me informed on how many bones you break on it. LOL 😂😂. Don't worry I broke a few on mine. LOL 😂

[@jimmy_dirtbike]

I@@dirtriderkx500 haha don’t worry, I will! I actually have 91 in my collection as well, but it’s got literally zero hours on it and the engine. Stock piston and everything! Thinking I might swap the forks on that one for some newer twin chamber cartridge forks off an 08 crf450 and focus on keeping this one as original as I can. I’ve not broken any bones on my CRs thankfully, but I’m not sending it as hard as I should!

[@dirtriderkx500]

​@@jimmy_dirtbike I've done the full send. Separated shoulder, broken ribs. Back broke once. Don't give it the full send. Unless you're capable. LOL 😂😂

[@robdixson196]

1986 cr500 was so wild and abrupt subsequent years were mellowed out. I guarantee if it hasn't scared the s--t out of you yet it soon will. :)))

[@jimmy_dirtbike]

Haha! I’m here for it man! I’ve been gathering parts to get it together, hence why there hasn’t been a video since. Forks should be here tomorrow, frame is at powder coat and cases repaired/headed back from Adam Millar. Thanks for watching!!

[@duotronic6451]

Never owned one myself. Rode my buddies. Those things pull hsrd.

[@tonybogle5922]

The 86 has a blue seat like the 86 vfr 750f road bike i have been looking for one of those for a long time

[@murrayminimotors1674]

Sweeeet bike and video thanks!!

[@timtoomuch]

I restored a cr500 couple years ago crazy fast dirtbike

[@microsoftteams2663]

Watched Ricky Johnson race his factory 1986 CR500 against Jeff Ward's KX500 at Budd's Creek. EPIC is the only word that comes to mind. Their racing ability among their peers was much like Ricky Carmichael and James Stewart's renowned battles in that they ALWAYS left the other competitors in the dust, having EPIC races with each other. Both the CR500 and the KX500 had MONSTER POWER!!!

[@user-pm5od6rk4v]

Killer find dude. Good for you

[@jimmy_dirtbike]

Thank you friend! Got the motor out of it and parts of it are gonna head to Adam Millar for repair. Drain bolts got a big ol crack through it! Good engine parts are getting repainted in my shop when I can!

[@jimw6991]

So did you reassemble and start it with the scored piston and stuck ring? Curious how it ran with that. Good content I am new to dirt bikes and your channel. @jimmy_dirtbike

[@jimmy_dirtbike]

@@jimw6991 i did start it prior to taking the top end off. It looks like it had enough compression to get it going. I’ve read that sometimes 2 strokes are really easy to start right before the top end blows.. I know I had a 2000 CR250 that did that. However, my guess was the previous owner didn’t realize some wires were disconnected and the top end was ready to be replaced and thats why he couldn’t get it to run. Idk but I’ve got a vertex piston sitting on my bench when the case and head come back! Stay tuned! Thanks for watching my channel!

[@tonybogle5922]

What a find

[@ianmangham4570]

I need one of those bad ass orange/red Honda looking kayaks off the wall 🇬🇧 🤟🇺🇸💯🙏

[@rezkidgamingyt4725]

Awsome video bro

[@cebjr]

Awesome bike.

[@jimski1]

1800 bucks good find

[@m.m.aautos6608]

Back in 2016-2017 when I just turned 18 I got my first bike and it was a 1984 cr125, still to this day I miss it, it was completely restored and everything was brand new, back then I think I picked it up for 1200$

[@williambaker1753]

Nice old bike I have a almost mint 88 CR 500 the power band in the mid to late 80s CRs are radical I love the older bikes. If I was to ever buy a new 2024 or newer I would go electric they are quite and the throttle response is instant they are getting better and better every year and the batteries and getting longer ranges now the prices needs to come down and then I would pull the trigger.

[@calvideo1158]

Great bike and perfect basis for a restoration. Would love to get my hands on one of these but theyre goddamn rare down here in Germany and if you find one, you can add an „0“ to the price tag of $1800 😂. Congrats!

[@robertmayer2071]

nice find i had the 84 500 use mx boots when kicking

[@ashleyprincewashington2130]

Keep making these motocross content please you doing good bro

[@jimmy_dirtbike]

Thank you a lot! I will!

[@ashleyprincewashington2130]

@@jimmy_dirtbike why don't you buy a KX 100 and make it hi performance bro

[@jimmy_dirtbike]

@@ashleyprincewashington2130 I’m open to the idea, but I have a cr80 I just finished and am considering making into a big bore 105cc if it’s possible? Right now I’m tearing down this cr500 motor and getting it repainted

[@ashleyprincewashington2130]

@@jimmy_dirtbike yes definitely do the 105 thing after the 500

[@jimmy_dirtbike]

@@ashleyprincewashington2130 might as well, I’ve got 2 spare engines!

[@carlclonts8313]

What a score!

[@johndifabrizio2067]

Nice !

[@ar2043]

Looks like somebody should have left that 172 main jet in there instead of the 170.

[@nunyabizznizz7326]

the 85-86 cr's are one of the prettiest bikes out there......1800 non running AND no title? shows how much in demand they are, they need to bring back the 2 strokes!

[@jimmy_dirtbike]

I know right? It’s they’re going for about $10k all done up in my area, but my guy Mitch Allard sends me pics of cr500 listings in the northeast USA and holy smokes, upwards of $15k! I’ve got a title on the way for this bike using a secret process that works in Idaho for old bikes.

[@ianmangham4570]

Definitely leave that war wound on the tank 🇬🇧 it's a nice Mars Bar ,lets folk know she's been in a few battles 💪

[@steveperelli3602]

I love the red HondaS

[@tuffy16]

Front of piston should have vertical holes in it to lube the exhaust bridge right about where it is all scratchy

[@jimmy_dirtbike]

That was my first thought as well!! Good observation!!

[@peterjohn3180]

Be sure to change crank seals and best renew gudgeon pin,big end and mains. Seals get stiff and bearings get little imperfections through moisture corrosion, keep it reliable. I hate it when I get a good engine that eats a bearing that destroys the cylinder. I had one pierced the case at the bottom, bearing failed, piston skirt fell apart.....long walk swearing.

[@rvmonkey1669]

Makes me miss the 88 cr500 i had long ago the sand dune destroyer

[@laurencehastings7473]

You got lucky with that one. Looking at the post edit you're obviously going to replace the piston and rings so you might as well go the whole hog , strip and replace all the bearings and gaskets, inspect all the guts and then decide how much you're going to spend on everything else. No need for a sun tan when you really need a heart transplant.

[@jimmy_dirtbike]

You nailed it. Engine is totally torn apart, the right case is at Millar Race Engineering getting welded actually. As soon as that’s back, I will put new bearings in it and button it back up. Stay tuned! 😊

[@harleygreene1345]

Oh nice

[@davemangamer7365]

Yeah, I had one of them. I love that bike as some bitch are strong though the bike would try to rip your hands off the handle two strokes are the best. I love them easy to work on and don’t smell the same.👍

[@jimmy_dirtbike]

I totally agree! I really enjoy rebuilding them too. Riding 4 strokes just isn’t as fun to me as riding an angry CR. However, I absolutely love ripping my crf110 pitbike. That bike gets a pass 😄

[@orangeryno]

Nice work! Let me know if I can help you with anything on sourcing parts for the rebuild! I went through rebuilding my 86 CR500 about 10 yrs ago and had a lot of learning how to find parts and which ones work for what years. Glad you scored one man! The exhaust port bridge needs relieved so it does scuff like that piston did. I can answer questions and give you references if you need any bro! 😎🤙🏼🔥

[@jimmy_dirtbike]

Does that basically mean you Dremel about one thousands of a centimeter off the exhaust bridge and drill holes in the piston for lube?

[@orangeryno]

@@jimmy_dirtbike it's worth buying a clymer manual for the bike!! They have a diagram with specs. But yes, basically. I wouldn't drill holes on the exhaust side though. It's not necessary if the bridge is relieved. I could look at the specs for you if that would help. I need to get it out of the garage.

[@frostbitevinnie]

Just for reasons of buying a cheepo bike I ALWAYS have suffuicient cash! Nice find!

[@doobyboy21]

My dads neighbour has the same one ! It still sitting in his garage from way back in the 80s ! Not even riding it ! But he says it not for sale...

[@montycrain5783]

You might consider a 1996-97 Suzuki RM Twin chamber 49MM Conventional fork instead of the production 43mm cartridge conventional Showa fork.

[@conquistador69420]

She’s beautiful 2 strokes forever

[@user-rd7dy2yb3r]

u need some fishing rod holders on those kayaks plz

[@jimmy_dirtbike]

I need some fishing skills in general. My wife can out fish me and that’s a sad fact 😅

[@coreyweese2232]

EVO Mx would have a OEM replica seat cover and graphics for it. They are in the UK. That’s a great find.

[@ellgwapo.1754]

That's! Cr 500 i belive pull on.