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 / PulpMX.com

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

ebay.com



MICHELIN
120/90-19 Starcross 5 Medium

80/100-21 Starcross 5 Medium

michelinman.com



SGB RACING
Service, Re-valve, Coat, Fork/Shock

sgb-racing.com



MOTOSPORT
Honda OEM Parts

motosport.com



WRENCH RABBIT
Engine Gaskets

allballsracinggroup.com



HINSON
Clutch Basket

hinsonracing.com



SUDCO
Keihin Carb

sudco.com



PRO CIRCUIT
Works Pipe and Silencer

procircuit.com



MOTO TASSINARI
VForce3 Reed Block

mototassinari.com


DOC WOBBLES
Factory Replica Triple Clamps, Titanium Bolt Kit, Bar Mounts, 280mm Oversize Disc, Front Number Plate, HRC Clutch And Ignition Cover

docwob.com



GUTS RACING
Seat Foam

gutsracing.com



RENTHAL
7/8 Bars, Sprockets, 1/2 Waffle Soft Grips

renthal.com



PRO TAPER
Aluminum Throttle Tube

protaper.com



FIREPOWER
Gold Chain

firepowerparts.com



PRO FILTER
Air Filter

profilter.com



WORKS CONNECTION
Elite Clutch Perch, Front Brake Master Cylinder Cover, Rotating Bar Clamp, Steering Head Nut, Titanium Pro Pegs

worksconnection.com



DECAL WORKS
Custom Graphic Kit

decalworks.com



AC RACING
Aluminum Subframe

acracing.com

ABOUT DECAL WORKS
Founded in 1989 by Ron and Janeen Joynt, DeCal Works has been the industry leader in pre-printed decals and custom graphics for 30 years. With a passion for racing and innovation, DeCal Works has, since its early days, focused its attention on high-quality products with great customer service.


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