About the Honda CR250
From the original Elsinore to later CR250R racers: the generation matters.
The 1973 CR250M Elsinore marked Honda’s arrival in production motocross with a two-stroke racer. The CR250 name continued through major engine and chassis changes, so a part described simply as “CR250” needs a closer application check.
Separate the M from the R, then check the year
Honda’s 1981 CR250R adopted liquid cooling and Pro-Link rear suspension; the 1997 model introduced an aluminum frame. Those milestones help identify a generation, but they do not define a common gasket, fork-seal or brake application. The linked products below each carry their own year range.
Know your motorcycle before orderingHonda CR250 model and year differences
Use these generation clues to choose a collection. Product applications remain specific to the model, year and component.
Featured applications: 1973–1976
CR250M · Elsinore
The early air-cooled two-stroke belongs in the M collection. Its fork and clutch listings are separate from the later R applications.
Parts checkpoint: The featured oil-seal set covers 1973–1976, while its companion dust-seal listing covers only 1975–1976.
Browse CR250M parts1981 generation change
CR250R · liquid cooling and Pro-Link
Honda introduced liquid cooling and Pro-Link rear suspension on the 1981 CR250R. Later R versions continued to evolve.
Parts checkpoint: A 1992–2001 gasket application must not be extended back to the first liquid-cooled R.
Browse CR250R parts1997 generation change
CR250R · aluminum frame
The aluminum-frame CR250R is a useful visual reference when identifying later machines. An engine or fork may still have been exchanged.
Parts checkpoint: Read the complete year application on each product; a frame redesign alone does not establish interchange.
Browse CR250R partsFrame, engine and fitted componentsHonda CR250 identification checklist
Use the complete identifiers and the correct model-year documentation. Check the engine and chassis separately when parts have been exchanged.
- Model identity: Record the full CR250M or CR250R designation and the complete frame stamping. Confirm the model year with the correct market documentation.
- Engine: Photograph the engine number and compare the engine actually fitted with the intended gasket or clutch application.
- Suspension: Identify the fitted forks and compare the old seal dimensions. Fork swaps can invalidate an otherwise correct frame-year match.
- Brakes: Confirm front or rear position and drum or disc hardware before comparing a shoe or pad listing.
Need help identifying a part? Send the complete model and year, clear photos of the markings and the dimensions of the original component to our parts team.