Maya Ellison
Owners of Honda CR500 motorcycles sometimes modify their vehicles by swapping plastic parts from other model years or other Honda models. The tank, shrouds, rear fender, and side panels are among the parts that CR500 owners have expressed interest in updating. Some owners prefer the look of the original 1990-1991 rear-end plastics, while others have successfully swapped parts from 2003-2007 models with 1990-2001 rear-end plastics.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tank | Holds over 12 liters, 2 inches lower than standard, 20mm narrower than a standard 500 tank |
| Radiator Shrouds | 2003/2007 models go well with 90/91-2001 rear-end plastics |
| Rear-end Plastics | 125/250 models are flat and poking up in the air with a straight edge to the bottom edge of the fender |
| Airbox | Can use a top-mount air filter with the original airbox as a shell |
| Subframe | Can buy used and see how it lines up with the CR500 mainframe |
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What You'll Learn
CR500 rear fender and side panels
If you're looking to update the rear fender and side panels of your CR500, you have a few options for interchangeable parts. Firstly, it's worth noting that the 1990-1991 and 2001 rear end plastics for the CR500 are considered by some to be aesthetically superior to the 125/250 plastics, and they can also complement the 125/250 rad shrouds and mid-years CRF front fender quite well.
Now, if you're specifically looking to swap out the rear fender, the Maier USA 12462 rear fender is compatible with the 1985-1990 CR500, as well as the CR125 and CR250 models from the same years.
When it comes to side panels, there are a few options depending on the year of your CR500. For the 1984 model, you can use the CR500 side panels from 1984. The 1987-1988 CR500 side panels are also compatible with the 1984 model. Additionally, the 2003/2007 rad shrouds are said to go well with the 1990/1991-2001 rear end plastics, so this could be an option for a cohesive look.
If you're considering a more extensive update, you could potentially refit a 2002 CR250 airbox with plastic, as suggested by another CR500 owner. They noted that it looked possible, but they hadn't attempted it themselves.
It's always a good idea to consult a professional or a mechanic familiar with CR500s before making any modifications to ensure the best results and maintain the safety of your bike.
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CR500 rad shrouds
The Honda CR500 is a motorcycle that has been in production since at least 1985. Owners of the CR500 often seek to update the plastic parts of their bikes, including the rad shrouds.
The CR500 rad shrouds from the 2003-2007 models are said to go well aesthetically with the 1990-1991 and 2001 rear-end plastics. The curves of the radiator shrouds from these models meld well with the curves of the standard 500 rear-end plastics.
Owners of the 1996 CR500 model have also expressed interest in updating their plastic parts. The owner of one such motorcycle suggested that it would be possible to take the side panels and rear fender from a 2002 CR model and refit the subframe and airbox to fit the 500.
It is possible to swap the subframe, seat, airbox, side panels, and rear fender from 1995-1996 CR250 models onto CR500 models.
Owners of the CR500 have also discussed using radiator shrouds from other motorcycle models. One owner suggested using the 2003-2007 CR125 and 250 radiator shrouds, as they are full-coverage types that do not require complicated ledges or lips to accommodate the rad shrouds.
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CR500 rear end plastics
Owners of the Honda CR500 motorcycle often seek to update the plastic components of their vehicles, particularly the rear fender and side panels. This is due to the fact that good-quality CR500 replacement plastics are becoming more expensive than those of the CR125 and CR250 models.
One option for updating the rear end plastics of a CR500 is to source parts from later model years of the same bike. For example, the 2003-2007 rad shrouds complement the curves of the 1990-1991 and 2001 rear end plastics, creating a cohesive look. The 1993 CR250 tank and shrouds are also reported to be compatible with the CR500, with some owners swapping the subframe, seat, airbox, side panels, and rear fender from the 1995-1996 CR250 models onto the CR500.
Another option is to consider parts from other Honda models. The CR500's larger tank capacity and lower profile give it a distinct appearance, and some owners have explored fitting plastics from smaller-capacity CR models to achieve a different aesthetic. For example, the CR250 rear fender and side panels, as well as the CR125 and CR250 seats, are reported to be compatible with the CR500.
When considering updates to the rear end plastics of a CR500, it is important to keep in mind that not all model years and components may be interchangeable. It is always advisable to consult a professional or a trusted community forum for specific advice and to carefully assess the compatibility of any new parts before installation.
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CR500 airbox
The CR500 airbox is a crucial component of the motorcycle's intake system, and it seems that there are some interchangeable options across different model years.
One owner of a 1996 CR500 considered updating their plastic parts, including the airbox, with parts from a 2002-2007 CR250. They noted that it "looks possible," but they preferred the original look. This potential interchangeability is further supported by another owner who mentioned that the 2003/2007 rad shrouds go well aesthetically with the 1990/1991-2001 rear-end plastics.
Additionally, a CR500 owner with a PDS rear end mentioned that they had a whole new airbox with a top-mount air filter, which used the original airbox as a shell. They had to cut out the front and bottom of the original airbox to accommodate the shock. This modification allowed them to retain the standard side covers.
For those seeking an aftermarket CR500 airbox, there are options available, such as the carbon airbox offered by CMT Compositi for Honda CR 500 models ranging from 1991 to 2001. This aftermarket airbox is crafted from prepreg aeronautical carbon, emphasising its lightweight, resistant, and aesthetically pleasing qualities.
Furthermore, RP Race Performance US offers an airbox for the CRF2021-2022 conversion with a CR500 engine, providing another example of the CR500 airbox's adaptability to different setups.
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CR500 subframe
The subframe is a critical component of any motorcycle, including the CR500. It is responsible for supporting the rear end of the bike, including the rear wheel, suspension, and associated components. When it comes to the CR500 subframe, there are a few things to consider in terms of interchangeability and customisation:
Interchangeable Parts
The CR500 subframe is interchangeable between different model years. In one instance, a user with a PDS rear end mentioned using a second-hand subframe, airbox, and swingarm for their setup. They noted that they could easily revert to the original setup since the original parts were left untouched. This highlights the potential for swapping subframes between different CR500 models.
Customisation Options
Customisation is a common pursuit among CR500 owners, and the subframe can play a role in this. Some owners have considered swapping the rear fender, side panels, and even the subframe itself with parts from other model years or different CR series bikes. For example, one owner contemplated using the rear fender, side panels, and possibly the subframe and airbox from a 2002 CR model on their 1996 CR500. This type of modification allows for a unique look and can be a fun project for enthusiasts.
Compatibility Considerations
When considering swapping the CR500 subframe with one from a different model or series, compatibility is crucial. It is essential to ensure that the subframe aligns correctly with the main frame of the CR500. Additionally, other components, such as the airbox and swingarm, may need to be factored into the equation to ensure a proper fit and maintain the desired functionality.
Aesthetics and Preferences
Personal preferences play a significant role in subframe choices. Some CR500 owners prefer the look of the original 1990/1991/2001 rear end plastics over the 125/250 plastics or 4T plastics. They find that the original rear end plastics complement the CRF front fender and rad shrouds from other models. This showcases how the subframe and associated plastics contribute to the overall aesthetic of the bike, allowing owners to personalise their CR500 to their taste.
In summary, the CR500 subframe is a versatile component that can be interchanged or customised to suit specific needs and preferences. Whether it's for functionality, aesthetics, or both, CR500 owners have the option to explore different subframe setups to enhance their riding experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Many CR500 owners swap out the plastic parts of their bikes for aesthetic or performance reasons. While it is unclear which specific parts are interchangeable, some owners have swapped the rear end plastics of the 1990/91/2001 models with the 2003/2007 rad shrouds. Others have swapped the 125/250 rad shrouds with the mid-years CRF front fender.
Some owners have mentioned swapping out the side panels, rear fender, subframe, airbox, and front fender for newer versions or those from other models.
Yes, some owners have reported that certain parts, such as the tank, may not fit perfectly and may require modifications, such as butchering the tank to make it fit over the E Start.
Yes, some owners prefer to keep the original parts and simply update or refurbish them to improve the aesthetics and performance of their bike.
You can search for parts online through websites such as JK Racing UK, which allows you to filter your search by make, model, and year to find compatible plastic parts for your CR500. Additionally, you can check with local motorcycle shops or salvage yards that may have compatible parts available.
