After months of research and considering a Kawasaki KX85, I purchased the CR85R Big Wheel as a project bike.
WHY I BOUGHT IT
I previously rode a 2015 Honda CRF125 as a beginners’ bike, which I got as a birthday present. It’s in the background of the main picture. I love to ride on my friend’s farm but when I joined the Coffs Harbour Motorcycle Club I really fell in love with dirt track and soon out-grew the four-stroke.
After months of research and considering a Kawasaki KX85, I purchased the CR85R Big Wheel as a project bike.
The reason I got the 85 was because of Honda’s reliability, and the price was right.
It also was because of the high cost of new bikes compared to what I could spend on this one to get it up to optimum condition and performance.
WHAT I DID TO IT
The previous owner used it more for enduro riding. It was in reasonable condition for its age but needed a bit of TLC. I replaced the rear-wheel bearings, front and rear sprockets, chain and chain roller, handgrips and fuel cap.
I changed the gearbox oil, replaced the air filter and sparkplug and removed and re-painted the exhaust pipe. I cleaned and repolished the FMF muffler and fitted an hour metre.
So far the cost of the upgrades has been $420. I’d still like to replace the front and rear tyres, lower rear linkage bearings and front and rear brake pads. I’d estimate the total cost will be approximately an extra $500-$600.
HOW DOES IT GO?
My bike is currently fitted with a flywheel weight, which makes it not so aggressive in the bottom-end. However, the mid-range and top-end power is awesome The bike has so much more power than my CRF125 and is more of an adrenaline rush. The suspension is so much better on the CR85 too and can be adjusted to suit my riding style. This bike has awesome power delivery and sounds sweet with the FMF muffler.
SHOULD I BUY ONE?
I would definitely recommend this bike to any person who is considering starting out in motocross or motorcycle riding in general.
WHAT 2007 Honda CR85R Big Wheel
WHO Nathan Lawrence
WHERE I GOT IT Gumtree
HOW MUCH $1850