1990 Honda CR500R Garage Build Motocross Project Bike

Steve Matthes managed to find the exact 1990 Honda CR500R that he used to race up in Manitoba, Canada, and ended up buying it back for $3,500. He completely tore it down, installed a modern 2007 CRF front end, and made it look even better than when he owned it over 30 years ago. When Steve rang me up to ask if I wanted to ride the bike for a video and story, I immediately jumped at the chance—while I’ve ridden a YZ490 and KX500, I never did get the chance to ride a CR500. I even let my 15-year-old ride it, just so he could get a taste of what it was like for Jeff Stanton and JMB back in the day! Build: Steve Matthes / Photos: Spencer Owens Video: Spencer Owens / Simon Cudby Text: Kris Keefer PRODUCTS & SERVICES USED: EBAY 2007 CRF Forks w/ Clamps, 2007 Front CRF Hub, Left and Right Side Case, 4th Gear, CDI and Coil, Rear Disc, Complete Stock Seat, Retro 1991 Seat Cover MICHELIN 120/90-19 Starcross 5 Medium 80/100-21 Starcross 5 Medium SGB RACING Service, Re