Disk brakes on a CR480R?

James Adams · 04-16-2013, 03:12 PM

I just picked up an '83 CR480R with front and rear disk brakes. Front end is from an '89 KX250 (works great) and the rear is a hodgepodge of a modified stock swingarm, KTM brake caliper, and LC4 rear wheel. It's functional but kind of messy. Has anyone done a rear disk brake conversion on a CR480R or similar? I wonder if something like a stock LC4 (right-side chain) swingarm will fit.

On that note, has anyone put modern forks on an old bike like this?

(and yes, I know the rear axle nut is AWOL

)

D.T. · 04-17-2013, 07:37 AM

Rot Box · 04-21-2013, 06:29 PM

If done right I think that rear disk would be a nice upgrade for the ol' CR

I hate the rear brake on my 84 not because it lacks in performance but because the aluminum arm is a rock magnet and gets bent frequently.

With machine work fork upgrades are unlimited. A popular swap is the 87 CR cartridge forks. They swap over easily and have a reputation for being one of the best forks ever made. I have them on my 84 500 and couldn't be happier.

James Adams · 04-21-2013, 06:55 PM

The rear as it is, with the hacked-together setup, works really well. That is, of course, until my brake pedal fell off yesterday. I found all of the parts save for the but holding the pedal to the frame. I'll have to find a new nut at the hardware store-- with some loctite this time!

04-16-2013, 03:12 PM	#1
James Adams ^OP Yankee Joined: May 2006 Location: Colorado Oddometer: 4,460	Disk brakes on a CR480R? I just picked up an '83 CR480R with front and rear disk brakes. Front end is from an '89 KX250 (works great) and the rear is a hodgepodge of a modified stock swingarm, KTM brake caliper, and LC4 rear wheel. It's functional but kind of messy. Has anyone done a rear disk brake conversion on a CR480R or similar? I wonder if something like a stock LC4 (right-side chain) swingarm will fit. On that note, has anyone put modern forks on an old bike like this? (and yes, I know the rear axle nut is AWOL )

04-17-2013, 07:37 AM	#2
D.T. One wheel wonder... Joined: Aug 2004 Location: Moneyapolis, MN Oddometer: 6,318	__________________ "Tough times don't last, but tough people do." Robert A. Schuler

04-21-2013, 06:29 PM	#3
Rot Box Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Oct 2010 Location: Northern Utah Oddometer: 109	If done right I think that rear disk would be a nice upgrade for the ol' CR I hate the rear brake on my 84 not because it lacks in performance but because the aluminum arm is a rock magnet and gets bent frequently. With machine work fork upgrades are unlimited. A popular swap is the 87 CR cartridge forks. They swap over easily and have a reputation for being one of the best forks ever made. I have them on my 84 500 and couldn't be happier. __________________ 2002 WR426F - 94 ATK605DSES - 1984 CR500R - 1981 XL500S

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04-21-2013, 06:55 PM	#4
James Adams ^OP Yankee Joined: May 2006 Location: Colorado Oddometer: 4,460	The rear as it is, with the hacked-together setup, works really well. That is, of course, until my brake pedal fell off yesterday. I found all of the parts save for the but holding the pedal to the frame. I'll have to find a new nut at the hardware store-- with some loctite this time!