Racer X Films: 1986 Honda CR250 | Garage Build | Rick Johnson | Two-Stroke Motocross

Retro bike builds are difficult and expensive, and this one was no exception. Our friends at Bolt Motorcycle Hardware told us they had a 1986 CR250R that was in pretty good shape. That was such a huge year because it ushered in the production rule for professional racing, and Honda had Rick Johnson and David Bailey under their tent-two of the most amazing riders and personalities this sport has ever seen. How about building this 86 Honda back up? That's what we did!
Products Used:
Vertex Pistons
Replica Piston Kit (Rings, Pin, Clips)
www.vertexpistons.com
Hot Rods
Rod Rebuild Kit, Main Bearings
www.hotrodsproducts.com
Pro-Tec Racing
Crank Rebuild
www.pro-tec.us
Pro Circuit
Exhaust Pipe and Silencer, Full Suspension Rebuild and Setup, Fork Protectors, Hard Anodize of Fork Legs
www.procircuit.com
Millennium Technologies
Strip, Repair Damage, and Re-Plate to Stock Size, Painting of Head and Cylinder
www.mt-llc.com
MotoTassinari
V-Force Reed Cage
www.mototassinari.com
DC Plastics
Full Plastic Kit in OEM Color, Front Disc and Fork Guards
www.dcvmx.com
Bolt Motorcycle Hardware
Bolts and Hardware, Restored OEM Fuel Tank, the Original 1986 Honda CR250
www.boltmotorcyclehardware.com
All Balls
Carb Rebuild Kit, Throttle Cable, Clutch Cable, Fork Rebuild Kit, Shock Rebuild Kit, Linkage Rebuild Kit, Swingarm Rebuild Kit, Front and Rear Wheel Bearing Kits, Steering Stem Bearing Kit
www.allballsracing.com
San Diego Powder Coating
Sandblasting, Powder with Super-Durable Clear, Race Prep Masking of Subframe and Engine Covers
www.sandiegopowdercoating.com
Metaltek Racing
Welding and Machining
www.metaltekracing.com
Fuel Star
Fuel Valve Assembly
www.fuel-star.com
Klotz Synthetic Lubricants
R-50 Two-Stroke Premix
www.klotzlube.com
Cometic Gasket
Engine Gaskets
www.cometic.com
Supersprox
Rear Sprocket, Front Sprocket, Gold MX Race Chain G520-MXT-L-120
www.supersproxusa.com
Uni Filter
Two-Stage Air Filter
www.unifilter.com
Faster USA
Stock Hubs Treated, New Spokes and Excel Rims
www.fasterusa.com
Renthal
971 Bars and Grips
www.renthal.com
Dunlop
MX33 Front (80/100-21)
MX33 Rear (110/90-19)
www.dunlopmotorcycletires.com
Works Connection
Elite Clutch Perch Assembly, Master Cylinder Guard, Holeshot Device
www.worksconnection.com
DeCal Works
Custom Graphics and Backgrounds
www.decalmx.com
MotoSeat
Retro Seat Cover
www.motoseat.com
IMS
Footpegs
www.imsproducts.com
VP Racing Fuels
C12 Mixed with Pump Fuel
www.vpracingfuels.com
ABOUT PRO CIRCUIT
Based in Corona, California, Pro Circuit Products, Inc. is a leader in off-road motorcycle and ATV exhausts and aftermarket performance parts. Started in 1978, Pro Circuit is the go-to shop for recreational riders and professionals for everything from suspension work to complete engine packages, and everything in between.
ABOUT NAMURA TECHNOLOGIES
Pistons and Gaskets Coming from decades of Powersports aftermarket manufacturing, Namura continues to impress riders and dealers alike with their aggressive development and innovative product design and manufacturing in MX and ATV Pistons and Gaskets. Based out of the suburbs of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Namura is taking piston quality and durability to another level.
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[@christophermcsherry2655]

I lusted after this as a kid. One thing I still think holds true today, mid to late 80's Honda bikes are sexy as hell.

[@H3avyHaul3r]

This vid has me wishing I still had my 85 CR250.....from back in the day times....oh man

[@michaelscott7482]

EPIC.. I had an 85, all I can say is thank you!

[@sburton223]

Nice I just picked up an 86 250 CR project bike today today . It needs a water pump and a stator coil. I'm gonna build it for running cow trails and 2 tracks here in the desert. I'm saving this video so I can find parts. It has all the original plastic and it's in really good shape...can't wait to have it running. I rode a 77 Suzuki rm 125 back in the day ...I love 2 strokes

[@tommyspencer7891]

Rebuilding my '85 CR250 right now. It is true, parts are hard to find. And expensive when you do. But it'll be worth it. Can't wait to hear the 2 stroke and breathe blue smoke. Best era ever.

[@anatta1520]

❤ #Woww w..perfect bike. !!!! Very very beautiful motorcycle. ✌❤😀

[@jamesbramblett3346]

RJ one of my childhood mx idols. Such a rad year for Honda

[@tysonthewolfe93]

Hell yeah

[@jimlato663]

AWSOME TEST AND STORY..Johnson is stil my childhood hero..with Ward and Ron Lechien,not smiled in years could not help but smileing..its like seeing a old B -81 Mack Truck..brought me back to a childhood watching Johnson at Giant stadium. ..supercross.. Awsome too bad it was not a longer story and more video of the riding..if i recall right?? johnsons bike that year had upsidedown forks.. .

[@pauldavis509]

There's two videos one with the story. And one with riding

[@wolfey4138]

SICK! Man that 2 stroke roar brings back memories! I can almost smell the KLOTZ! Massive Respect!

[@dennygamble4520]

My favorite bike of all time. I have a mint one in my garage.

[@tysonthewolfe93]

Nice

[@ajmesa5613]

That's cool, I used to have one, back in the day..

[@coqmoto]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJzKmKWYo5qsirc

[@shawnstanfield6389]

I have one

[@robertanon1910]

had one for many years, rode the wheels off it, not that I was expert, most was play riding but I could not imagine a better engine than that bike had. Low end could chug up some steep hills with stock gearing (low). Later a bit taller gearing it could still launch over small mounds like a kangaroo. Had amazing mid range and could rev out on top as well. Fun power sliding, and riding wheelies up hills. Comfy seat, many enjoyable rides along power lines.

[@Ottopaul484]

I live for this kind of video... That dirt bike is a beast, I'm nostalgic! Ps: Nice helmet!

[@pauldavis509]

Now you need to do a 1985 wardy replica. With Jeff and Ricky riding them. I would pay some hard cold cash to see that. Paul Davis.

[@northerntoyota7584]

Flash red were the haydays for Honda. Favourite year of mine for the CR’s

[@doug148877]

This bike is what I used to dream about as a kid....great job on the sweeeeeet build!

[@nostalgicbaainaar9751]

Me too. I would literally stare at the pictures of this bike for hours, dreaming of the day I would own one. Never did though. Best looking dirt bike ever. Hands down.

[@jasonfalcon4052]

David Pingree and Rick Johnson awesome.

[@kelliebrooks9094]

One of the reasons i stand by saying this was a HRC works bike posing as a production bike i had forgot was those beautiful gold stock racing wheels were the tell tale signs...only the factory riders had those an GP bikes too...but never a stock bike thru a dealer...u know u had something special

[@chriswalden798]

RJ was a rockstar to me when I was in 5-6th grade back in mid 80's lol Classic looking motocrosser too. They just looked better to me back then, still somewhat organic and unique looking between the brands, unlike today which looks like all bikes get spit out of a 3d printer from a person who designs origami's.

[@jinoziniosti5633]

Agree 100% with all you said. They put him out like a rockstar and he backed it up on and off track.

[@brandonwilliams8003]

This bike is my screensaver and profile pic, haha, didn’t realize it was a rebuild

[@kellienicolebrooksschettin6598]

Yeah when I got my 1986 CR 250 it had a pro circuit pipe I thought I was dreaming the bike had belong to a pro rider a fast one a champ so it was race ready I wasn't ready for a dialed 250cc had know clue but that was the bikes fault but it was so fast no matter how ready I thought I was for the power it alway came on perfect and smooth and it was my first real two stroke trial by fire...

[@SOLDOZER]

Awesome bike

[@metalmisfit5329]

When I was 16..I had this bike but it had been rode hard ASF..and never taken care of..but still to this day..I've never rode a more powerful 250..it had rear shock problems which made it feel a lot more wild than it should have been

[@Thousand_yard_King]

This is hilarious because I own one of the three factory superbikes that was owned by Ricky Johnson in 86. I never would have thought I would see this on KZbin. And what's even more hilarious is pingry's in Tehachapi assembled the bottom end for me after I got it from Ricky Johnson.

[@Workerbee-zy5nx]

UFO has all cr plastics 86 up. Good bike they are built to last, ah made in Japan..best in the business.

[@OnfloorAudio]

I'm a Yamaha guy to the core , grew up in the 80's as a teen , rode many of these bikes back in the day , but i have to admit the 86 , 87 CR''s were Bad Ass bikes that had to equal . I'm a huge fan of RJ ( The Champ ! ) Great Video guys !!!!! Now RacerX Illustrated needs to do one on his 84 YZ 250 !!!

[@mikeroche1737]

I had a cr250 86 back in the early 90s it was a blast

[@Thumpermad]

Great build man and a fitting tribute to the man himself so good to get all that golden info on those old bikes and what makes em go I have the 500 which I just bought a while back and didn't like what it was doing on track so now with yourself and RJs help I can put down a plan of attack again thanks for sharing mate cheers Happy Trails. Tony

[@danielrelph6878]

Never got to ride one of those,always wanted to my friend had the 125 that year and it was light years better than anything that year .

[@bryanrails3428]

Honda was king!! Along with the OG Bad Boy!!

[@rex.d4810]

The good old days. 2 stroke forever!

[@runnwildgarage602]

The 1986 Honda’s are the best looking vintage bike. The new plastic looks alright, but nothing beats the original plastic. I think it’s worth paying for the original plastic.

[@leebutler1965]

Nice bike man

[@jamesshaver7977]

So freakin cool thanks for that one took me back also So awesome to see rick ripping again 👍👍🏁🏁🏁

[@mikeowens1944]

Man that is an awesome build, loved it!!

[@richardkranium4256]

I have one with Pro Circuit pipe but with rad valve dig this bike...fun bike runs great.hardest parts to find are for the power valve

[@the_jd_delaney]

I love these videos!! Good job Ping!!

[@Gromitdog1]

RJ was a machine back in the day.

[@tchelowzaid2167]

Great job. Good times. Congratulations. 👊✊👊✊👊✊

[@richnewman6348]

Great video 👍👍🇬🇧

[@joenobody2580]

Wow man did not know Bones retired. The man is an epic wealth of suspension knowledge. He should write some books. What an honor to have one his last, if not the last set of suspension he ever did. The suspension on this bike is amazing and looks super smooth and plush. Wasn't RJ running a rear disc on his factory bike in 86 ? Everybody put the 87 disc on their 86 back then, no harm in converting over ;) Really fascinated about these HRC cranks had no idea about them back then. How was the vibration on this bike with the crank work done ? Rebuilding that hpp valve musta been a bitch ! I hated the power valves, didnt like maintaining them. Threw the atac away and had a pipe that bolted straight up to the cylinder lol.

[@Dakindbrew]

beautiful! i also had an 85, couldnt touch me in the dunez!

[@Sleepy.Time.]

Looks like RJ got some YamaThumb

[@MX-CO]

RJ was a superstar in his time

[@sunracer1869]

Flashback Jack Murphy Stadium Ricky Johnson takes first place I think it was 87 or 88 would show up early get tons of stickers calendars track flags down on the track then stay late & get through the crowd up to RJs trailer to get his autograph👍

[@tylermain6511]

Hey shadd nice bike

[@robertrishel3685]

I have a great garage build idea for you Ping; build a replica Suzuki Factory race bike using the 1979 or 1980 RM 125 frame with the 1981 watercooled engine. I used to absolutely drool over the early watercooled works bikes, when they were still twin shocked. It would be a really neat build and a great opportunity to do an interview with Mark Barnett or Bryan Meyerscough👍

[@FILMITS]

Sweet ride,I had a few before that year and then the 1987 that I loved but I hate rear disc brakes as they don't float like the drum setup with the arm going to the frame

[@Moto-kp2jt]

Great videos..... hoping to see a Jeff Ward KX500 build someday

[@jaxxrocket1530]

God bless Rick Johnson

[@robertraft]

wow.

[@user-lt4td1cn7o]

Super boys

[@huntfishutah]

How do the DC plastics fit? I want a new set for my 86

[@gilceupeldomomuller6381]

TOP DE MOTOCICLETA

[@pbau7769]

I recall seeing rear disc brakes on Johnson's 86. I wonder how many more titles RJ would have had if not for his wrist injury. I ronically Roczen is doing well today though considering.

[@benanderson5379]

Agreed. I was there in Gainesville that awful day. Saw him walking back to the pits holding his wrist . Who could have known at the time that was basically the end of his career? Sad.

[@pbau7769]

@@benanderson5379It sucked to see him just be done. Jett Lawerence reminds me of him.

[@fabricionovaes78]

♥️

[@kellienicolebrooksschettin6598]

Pingree u mentioned how the bikes all seem to be tite in the seat to handle bar region I noticed that too for quite a few years its like they build these bikes for twelve year olds coming off minis and 80cc bikes because the seat to bars area seem to be almost like that of an 80cc two stroke defiantly not a size fit for a bigger adult racer or some 6 foot or more even the kick starter was pretty small,not any more electric start today's bikes next they will have triple AAA side of the track assistance featuring Brian Lunnis or Keith McCarthy....for the extra 25 annual fee u could have gotten Bevo... I was tall 5' 9" with long arms I made it work never fit good on a Suzuki they were real small feeling bikes turned good though...

[@grafica-corby]

2:56 stickers over the plastic ties :(

[@evanjanse4038]

God bless, Jesus loves you

[@kellienicolebrooksschettin6598]

U guys taking it to Faircastle

[@xandersease7705]

Braapp

[@Greaseballmx]

Mine it slows down doesn't stop 😂

[@richardcampbell6898]

Need more video of the set time

[@robertford7267]

I am rebuiling one now. Where can I get that seat?

[@anthonys5170]

I riding out past rede

[@robertvolker932]

Last year for rear drum

[@danspiro231]

Y no engine mods?? Head work- ported

[@evanjanse4038]

God bless, Jesus loves you

[@RodDuster]

What happened to The Blue Oyster Bar moustache Ping? Please don't bring it back, it was offensive, I have now hit the bell again to Racer X

[@burnrubber3361]

The host looks a little like Wardy???

[@rogershipman3578]

I wonder how much they had to pay RJ for this appearance.

[@fbchannel6710]

Pls pls i have a honda cr 250 without engine i want engine pls

[@jakob1phelps]

jesus christ those spokes are lookin more crooked than my ex-wifes teeth!

[@jasonnagano5393]

That poor bike looked like a turd out there.

[@itskaspahoe7161]

13 minute video of nothing but talking go ride it jfc

[@mudroost8040]

Those DC plastics look awful but If that is all you can get....

[@andrewvoegtle6123]

Awesome bike