Side by Side Comparison 1983 & 1986 Honda CR250 Stock & Race Restorations

First off, I want to say there are many restorers all over the world that have better collections and are better builders than me here in the USA. So for the start of the video sorry if I offend anyone that is not my intent. I know some great bike restorers that have some killer bikes from Italy to Australia.
What’s it like to race a 1983 & 1986 Honda CR250? It’s no secret that I’m a huge Honda two smoke fan and we’re going to discuss everything you need to know in this video. My 1983 and 1986 CR250 motocross builds are more similar than you might think. I installed the same Advanced Machining triple trees on both bikes as they allow me to get more of a modern bike feel. I can adjust the bars to get them at a much more comfortable ride height and out more forward. This gives me a more modern bike feel. I also installed ARC levers and perch on the 1986 and ASV on the 1983. I do prefer the ARC levers. I also made the decision to install Lectron carbs on both bikes as it gives a better throttle response on the track and no matter the climate and altitude the Lectron works perfectly. Wider foot pegs are a must since the stock ones are so narrow that it can hurt your ankles. Lastly, I’m running the same bars on both bikes. The Renthal Twinwall bars are named the CR high bars and are a little larger than stock.
For things that are different between the two builds, on my 1986 CR250 build, I installed EBC front rotor and brake pads which has proven to be a great upgrade. I also powder coated and installed a new aluminum tank. My stock tank is in storage and being kept fresh that way I can re-install the stock tank if I decide to store this bike in the future. Additionally, I’m running a full Pro Circuit pipe and silencer. I do like my ’86 build a bit more than my ’83. Braking is a big improvement over the 1983 drum bike. These two bikes do not compete in the same year bracket. The 1983 is in the non disc brake class which is 1981 - 1983. The 1986 falls in the front disc only class which is 1984-1986.
On the 1983 CR250 build, I opted for the DG pipe and silencer, which you can still order off of DG’s website. Stillwell Performance was able to install gold valves on the forks. It was a difficult process but they milled out the bottom of the forks to make them fit. I’m also running an Ohlins rear shock on this bike which gives me a good feel for the suspension. I really can not tell if the Ohlins feels better than the 1986 CR shock. They feel the same to me.
On my stock 1983 CR250, we had ZR1 do the suspension set up and exhaust system. It is set up for storage and stays in the collection without fuel in the tank. For the stock 1986 CR250, it has been rebuilt by the previous owner in California and we bought it as you see it. He refreshed the motor and re-spoked the rims. Overall a very clean all stock bike.
Instagram: / charlieferer
Thank you for watching the video and please comment below. We drop a video every weekend on motocross bikes, track days, and so much more. Make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss out!

[@bryancrowder6956]

Great job on keeping 2 strokes alive! I think every dirt bike rider should ride a 500 2 stroke at least once! I love my 89 CR 500!

[@CharlieFerer]

Thank you and I agree!

[@Brian-xb6bx]

The 86 Hondas were the way to go back then. I raced both the 125 and 250 and they were pretty much bullet proof. The only flaw on the 250 was the rear shock. The 125 did not get the cartridge fork like the 250. Both bikes had nice power bands and handled well. On the 125 I went with a PC pipe and that eliminated the exhaust port. This made it obviously faster also but easier maintenance. In 87 the 125 got the cartridge fork and the HPP power port. IF you thought the 86's were good the 87's out did them. Again, the only flaw was the rear shock......thanks for the vids. Brings back great memories!!

[@CharlieFerer]

Brian, thank you for the breakdown on the bikes on each year. Very cool to share the same passion. I can not race the 1987 bikes, they do not have a real class for them. The 1987 dual disc brake bikes get combined with all disc brake bikes. The 1984-1986 front disc only or what they call D1 class is the last of the “vintage” racing years. 1986 and 1987 CR’s I feel are the best looking bikes for CR in the 80’s and I feel they will be big collector bikes.

[@Brian-xb6bx]

@@CharlieFerer Charlie I lied to you. The 125’s did not get the HPP style of power port in 87 like the 250. It was more of a updated ATAC chamber. Like I said previously when I put a PC pipe on it it eliminated the ATAC chamber. On the 87 if you put after market pipe it would not eliminate the ATAC. I had the 86,88 and 89 CR 125’s and 87

[@Brian-xb6bx]

And 92 CR 250’s. Plus a 93 KX 250. Should have stayed with Honda. I remember when I first got a bike with rear disc brakes. I would brake on my normal breaking points as the drum brakes and would have to get back on the gas to reach the corner.

[@CharlieFerer]

@@Brian-xb6bx ha yes big difference from the 83 and 86 with the front disc as well.

[@LBrawn]

​@@CharlieFererI remember the 1983's shock value when it hit the market. It looked so much like the works bike of 82/83.

[@bluestripes1]

I have a 1984 model, Love it!

[@LBrawn]

It's interesting that you paired the two years, it's always been my opinion these were the 2 very best years for the CR250's

[@DarrenK-gr8vf]

Best looking bikes ever, loved racing them

[@CharlieFerer]

I could not agree more. Best two classes to race as well (1981-1983 and 1984-1986 D1 = front disc only).

[@DarrenK-gr8vf]

@@CharlieFerer I been working on restoring 1985 Honda cr125 hope to finish one day it’s been my escape from my health problems and doctors. Still need to rebuild back shock and find a chain slider and chain and sprockets would love to put gold rims on it to really set it off but bills come first and medicine unfortunately. Just hope able to throw my leg across it when able to finish it.

[@CharlieFerer]

@@DarrenK-gr8vf Hang in there. You body comes first. Great to see you enjoying your extra time restoring that bike. A great bike to ride and race!

[@mrr8682]

those are Gorgeous!!! your very lucky to own those beauties!!!

[@CharlieFerer]

Agree, thank you!

[@BillyBoblovesthedirt]

I can’t believe I’ve only just found your channel. Love it and I’ll be watching all your vids.

[@CharlieFerer]

Thank you and glad you like the content 🙏🏻

[@MX-rd3fc]

Man,this is crazy what you have.Thanks for sharing

[@wacharaiamsakun1216]

Love the collection

[@CharlieFerer]

Thank you!

[@shawnhorne9296]

I had both of those two year's, great bikes , wish I could find both of them to buy , thanks for the videos

[@CharlieFerer]

I have another 83 that will be coming up for sale

[@TheShift1313]

Beautiful bikes! Those were great looking bikes of that era. I had an 86 rm250 but looked at a few hondas. Came close to one of the old left kick start cr250s but it was so roached. Hard to find in semi decent shape these days.

[@CharlieFerer]

Agree! Keep looking they are out there or if you find a clean rebuilt bike and priced fair buy it. The 1986 RM 250 is a great looking bike!

[@espinoza7166]

Mann seeing this I really miss my cr500 and ATC 250r

[@bigfoot-id8bv]

Raced both, 86 very fast “switch” power a little dangerous, 83 loved it “tractor” motor very fun.

[@CharlieFerer]

Interesting feedback. I feel the 1983 motor is probably just as fast as the 1986. The big difference is the frame geometry and the front disc brake on the 1986 totally transforms the bike for a better fit and better lap times because you can actually stop the bike with the front disc compared to the 1983 drum brakes.

[@yamahaxs6501]

I love seeing all the parts of your collection! absolutely beautiful. Sometime, can you do a video about your journey into dirt bikes and racing? Is this a post-service interest, or have you been riding all your life?

[@CharlieFerer]

Hi Frank! I got into dirt bikes from a friend and his family (they all rode every weekend). My parents had zero interest nor the money to buy me a dirt bike. I bought my first bike myself at 12 years of age by earning money with a newspaper rout. Saved $1,280 for a 1982 KX 80. I raced in high school (played football as well). I went to college and did not ride again until 2007. I bought a bike but only rode maybe a dozen times and did not have the time to ride so sold the bike. I just started riding, racing and collecting in the last three years.

[@craigmorgan4676]

Agreed,absolutely meticulous bikes,truly stunning !💪👌👌💪

[@yamahaxs6501]

@@CharlieFerer very cool! similar with me, but I dont have a collection, just what I ride now. Thanks for the reply!

[@steveodonnell3180]

These bikes are truly stunning Charlie. I am just about finished restoring an 86 Cr 250. Can i ask where you got the front disc cover? Looks Awesome!

[@CharlieFerer]

Thank you Steve! Maier sells them. Here is a link: maierusa.com/products/59620-honda-cr-xr-fork-disc-guards

[@steveodonnell3180]

@@CharlieFerer Thanks Charlie. Appreciate that.

[@LBrawn]

Belgium and England are full of vintage MX bikes just as nice as those.

[@CharlieFerer]

Yes agree just play’n around in beginning of video..

[@AlexLap36]

i have 84 cr250 is mint is my baby all stock and run like new

[@viklam8653]

Hey Charlie, Many Thanks for your videos! I‘m looking for wide footpegs for my CR250 87. Could you give me a tip which one you use on your 86 or which one you would recommend? Many Thanks!

[@CharlieFerer]

I think these work on the 1987 CR bike... imsproducts.com/search?q=292213-4

[@jmg6484]

Absolutely fabulous 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@user-fx9fw5ly6d]

Hey Charlie! Awesome bikes and video. I'm working on tricking out my 86 250 and wanted to confirm where you found those trick triple trees. Do you recall which Cali supplier you obtained them from ? Cheers Vince

[@user-fx9fw5ly6d]

I heard you say Advance Machining, but can't locate them.

[@CharlieFerer]

Thank you! Email: [e-mail]

[@user-fx9fw5ly6d]

@@CharlieFerer Thanks Charlie...I just contacted him and will be ordering some. One last question, what front brake master cylinder and throttle set up are you running on your 86 race bike? It appears to be a something from a more modern bike. Cheers Vince

[@CharlieFerer]

@@user-fx9fw5ly6d yes, I think I pulled the front brake caliper and master from a 1992 CR and bolted up perfectly to the stock rotor.

[@user-fx9fw5ly6d]

@@CharlieFerer Awesome! Thanks Charlie....the moto community it good!

[@stevenodonnell8871]

Hi Charlie. You mentioned a replacement tank for the 86. Do you have the name of the company? Cheers, Steve

[@CharlieFerer]

Hi Steven! Alloy Works has some for sale. You may find them for sale on eBay as well.

[@stevenodonnell8871]

@@CharlieFerer Thanks Charlie

[@brankokovac686]

im never upset about any old bike which is better as all old bikes i love

[@Tew730]

Charlie have you ever rode and owned the 87 CR250 ?I thought MXA said the 87 was the best CR ever -it had the cartridge fork and superior motor

[@CharlieFerer]

Correct. The 1987 bikes are superior over the 1986 bikes BUT you can not vintage race the 1987 bikes because they have front and rear disc brakes. The 1986 bikes are the last of the front brake only race bikes which race in the D1 class (front disc only class which is 1984=1986 class).

[@steveperelli3602]

They are both different shades of red love it just wondering why

[@CharlieFerer]

The one 1983 CR 250 is a one off custom color red - frame and plastics custom ordered. The 1983 and 1986 bikes are the same color stock wise.

[@johnmathewson985]

I have a 1986 that I race. Do not know if the rear shock has ever been rebuilt. Instead of putting money into rebuilding the shock is there a replacement shock that would bolt on that would improve the rear end?

[@CharlieFerer]

You can have any reputable suspension place do your rear shock. Racetech is really good as well. The 1986 shocks are good. If you have not had it rebuilt in years then it is probably a pogo stick. Spend the money getting it rebuilt and make sure it is sprung for your weight.

[@johnmathewson985]

Thanks for the advice. I guess I was hoping for more modern shock with the improvements that have occurred in the past 35 years.

[@downhillfan8331]

I has a old honda cr-125 bj.1984...she has a other optic,not disc brakes etc.can you show a honda cr-125 from 1984?sorry for my english....greetz from germany!

[@CharlieFerer]

Hello! I do not own a 1984. I generally collect the last model year. For example for year 1981-1983 they are the same so I collect the 1983. The next was 1984-1986 so I collect the 1986.

[@keithpeterson3447]

Beauty bikes & awesome to see them directly compared. As far as the Lectron carbs. I've had them on numerous bikes on the dyno. The keihin & mikuni carbs make MORE power EVERYWHERE in the rpm range. Most guys can feel it with their butt dyno. If you felt more power from the Lectron, the Keihin had to be out of tune. Nothing wrong with running the Lectron though. The Smart carb 2 is a total p.o.s. Between the two, I'd go with the Lectron every time over the SC2. Snake oil salesmen at SC2.

[@collin2864]

Yeah, only in America can you own bikes produced in Japan... 🤔 I'll take one of the 86s though!

[@CharlieFerer]

Haahaa yeah if you read my KZbin description I make fun of myself saying that in the beginning.

[@barajasautodiagnostico9925]

WERE BUY THE FORKS PROTECTORS?

[@CharlieFerer]

Maier makes them for these years: www.partsgiant.com/p387365-maier-fork-disc-guard?m=453677&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIssuR5q--_gIVmgutBh2C4gyTEAQYASABEgK_c_D_BwE

[@darrynruzicka2883]

Hello Charlie, I restored a 1985 CR250 to near showroom condition from a crate about a year ago and it sits in my dining room for climate control, ha. I stumbled on your channel and was stunned by the similarities between what you did with your 86 and what i did with my 85, Even Stillwell Performance. I'd like to talk to you if you have time. Do you have an email address? What's the best way to contact you? Btw - My buddy Jared won the AVDRA his class championship at the AVDRA a few years ago on a 1986 CR250

[@CharlieFerer]

Very cool and small world!

[@darrynruzicka2883]

@@CharlieFererIt was nice talking to you. Probably see you at Motoland in the near future!

[@CharlieFerer]

Likewise and would be cool to get on the track together! @@darrynruzicka2883

[@TopRevs]

I personally don't like the looks of the Cr 250 and 125s from 82 to 84. I love the years before and after that tho😊

[@CharlieFerer]

1981-1983 and 1984-1985 are the same look wise. I agree not the best in looks stock. 1986 and 1987 are my favorite years in regards to stock look.

[@TopRevs]

@@CharlieFerer Yeah, the tank and the tank shrouds look so weird from 82 to 84 in my opinion. But I love the 1985 tank and shrouds

[@DariusBarazandeh]

amazing!!

[@Denita6969]

As usual just amazing bikes Charlie~always so cool to watch your videos as a fellow collector , I am always amazed by your collection! Quick question~ Charlie do you have any one who could help me ,looking for a seat base and some engine parts for a 77 RM 370 I am redoing ~ just at a bit of a stand still, any info would be greatly appreciated .Thanks again for all your awesome videos Charlie~ looking forward to meeting you one day soon! cheers my friend~

[@CharlieFerer]

Yes, what I do when I have hard to find parts like that is to keep googling every week and keep an eye out on eBay. If you have Facebook join one of the forums and post what you’re looking for on one of the vintage Suzuki forums.

[@Denita6969]

@@CharlieFerer Thanks Charlie for taking the time to respond, all great ideas and something I will look into..thanks again~!

[@Denita6969]

@@Bischlarbo69 Thanks so much for responding I appreciate the info~!

[@frido2383]

I have cr125 83 but the engine broke .

[@brandonktm9]

Only in America? The only thing American made and produced in America in this video is the stands the bikes are on.

[@CharlieFerer]

Yes realize nobody said made in America LOL. Just pkaying around stating blessed to be able to do this. Tons of friends in the dirt bike world have larger collections than mi e abroad.

[@maxbrown7481]

You can own Japanese motocross bikes in most countries FYI

[@kenharris8743]

I think the old bikes are prettier than the new bikes. The new bikes are Pointy And wedgie.

[@LBrawn]

❤