'77 CR250 -getting it original

[Houredout401]

Thanks, after looking at a few pictures, I would agree. Other than putting the non-rebuildable girlins on, what would be a good period upgrade or replacement?

 

[Ron]

If you want to keep it original you will have to find a pair of Gas Girlings. I don't believe they where rebuildable, so they would really only be for looks.

I have never tried the Progressive shocks, but I have heard they are the cheapest decent shock you will find.

Next level would be Works Performance. They custom build to your specific bike and rider. Then Ohlins, the Cadillac of shocks.

It may also depend a lot on what you really need from a shock. Putting $1200.00 Ohlins on your race bike may be absolutely necessary or a complete waste of money.

I've been pretty happy with Works Performance on my bike. I recently had an old pair of Curnutt's rebuilt by a former Curnutt employee. I have them on the bike now, but haven't had a chance to ride it. I used to run them on my 78 250OR I raced in the desert on back in the late 70's and loved them.

According to the Scott (Curnutt builder) Works Performance shocks are based on a design Charlie Curnutt developed.

I can put you in touch with Scott if your interested in Curnutt's. He may have some cores in the right length for you. His prices are very reasonable, in the range of Progressives but a much better shock,
(I hope).

 

[Houredout401]

If you want to keep it original you will have to find a pair of Gas Girlings. I don't believe they where rebuildable, so they would really only be for looks.

I have never tried the Progressive shocks, but I have heard they are the cheapest decent shock you will find.

Next level would be Works Performance. They custom build to your specific bike and rider. Then Ohlins, the Cadillac of shocks.

It may also depend a lot on what you really need from a shock. Putting $1200.00 Ohlins on your race bike may be absolutely necessary or a complete waste of money.

I've been pretty happy with Works Performance on my bike. I recently had an old pair of Curnutt's rebuilt by a former Curnutt employee. I have them on the bike now, but haven't had a chance to ride it. I used to run them on my 78 250OR I raced in the desert on back in the late 70's and loved them.

According to the Scott (Curnutt builder) Works Performance shocks are based on a design Charlie Curnutt developed.

I can put you in touch with Scott if your interested in Curnutt's. He may have some cores in the right length for you. His prices are very reasonable, in the range of Progressives but a much better shock,
(I hope).

Thanks, I saw Scott's posts. Ohlins would problaby be a waste for me, but on the other hand, they would be condsidered upgrades correct for the period. Will need to think about this....back to my bearing and bushing issues.

 

[Houredout401]

Can the guy(s) with the '77CR250 give me an eye to eye measurement of their shocks and confirm if they ahve the sotck '77 swingarm? Currently I have 15" eye to eye, but according to one source, original eye to eye on the '77 was 14"...unless the swingarm was changed to a '78 model. In looking at the two reference pics in this thread,the pics show two different swingarms. Since my bike has a questionable history, im trying to determine if the p.o. just slapped on too long of a shock, or actually changed the swingarm and used the proper sized longer shock.
Here is one swingarm:

1) Here's a few ref pics. Shocks on this bike are NOT stock.



Husky JohnView attachment 34646View attachment 34647

here is the other showing the lower shock mount fartehr back:

 

[rwgregory]

So here are the shocks - would you say these were original - cant find any markings on them. Seems I was fooled by the nice shiny tank on this bike, every time I look closely I notice a worn bushing or other shortcuts. When I took off shocks, I noticed a collection of franken bushings to make up for either incorreclty sized bolts, or wallowed mounting holes, yet they still rattled. Where would you guys go with this - aftermarket shock, or try to come up with some replacement bushings?

It all depends on what you want to do with the bike. If you want to ride it I would go with better shocks like Ohlins, Works Performance, Race Tech etc. If you just want to look at your bike your present shocks are fine.

 

[Ron]

My swing arm is modified like the mod Husky did on Kent Howerton's bike in 76.
I was running 16.5" Works Performance shocks, not sure what length was used on
Howertons bike, but I suspect they were 16.5"?
Ironically, if I compare my modified swing arm to a 78 "OR", swing arm they are
identical in overall length and lower shock location. Go figure?
In 78, the "OR" models came with the lower shock mount moved back and 16.5" Curnutts.
On my 77 I currently have a 78 OR swing arm and 16.5" Curnutt's. The 78 swing arm is made from larger
diameter tubing and should be stronger, bolts right on the 77.

 

[Ron]

I wouldn't get to hung up on the original shock length. I would mock up a strut and use it to
set the height of the back of the bike and then get an appropriate length shock.
Depending on what type of riding you do you may want a short shock to increase the fork rake improving high speed stability or you may choose a longer shock to trade some of that high speed stability for quicker turning and better cornering.

 

[Chayzed Pilot]

The 78 OR's did not have 16.5 inch Curnutt shock they were 15 7/8", I assembled a bunch of them. The 79's had a 16 3/4 inch shock.

 

[crew67lm]

Hey Houredout401,I own the '77 250CR that is stock,except for the Works Performance shocks. I can't guarantee the shocks are stock length, but they measure 15" eye to eye like yours.
And also, as far as I know, the swingarm is factory stock.
Hope this helps.
P.S.-The bike is still for sale.

 

[Houredout401]

Hey Houredout401,I own the '77 250CR that is stock,except for the Works Performance shocks. I can't guarantee the shocks are stock length, but they measure 15" eye to eye like yours.
And also, as far as I know, the swingarm is factory stock.
Hope this helps.
P.S.-The bike is still for sale.

Thanks, that seems to be the case from a few owners, 15" eye to eye, but I have yet to locate someone who had the original shocks. Wish I had known your was for sale before buying mine!

While I have you on the line, Im trying to confirm that the airbox side cover in the '77 was black and had only the displacement numbers. I see silver ones on '76's, with the displacement and "Motorcross" stickers, but have not been able to locate a color photo/sales brochure for a '77 that shows the bike as original (of course, I found plenty of '75s, '76's and 78's but no '77's!).

 

[crew67lm]

I believe that is correct,the airbox cover has a rectangle just big enough for the "250" decal.
Good luck with your resto!
And Happy New Year to all on Cafe Husky!
crew67lm

 

[Ron]

The magazines I have, "Cycle World On Husqvarna 1977 - 1984" and Dirt Bike Jan 77, both show a picture of the 77 250CR with the black plastic air box cover. The 125 and the WR got the older silver cover in 77.
CW also says the Gas Girlings were 15.5" long with 5.5" travel.

 

[Chayzed Pilot]

I am very sure the Curnutt replacement on the 77's were 15 7/8" with 5.8" travel. The airbox I am not sure of. I do know the 77 125 had the silver airbox cover as I had one brand new.