1973 Honda CR250 Torque Specs: Vintage MX Fastener Reference
Shop parts for a 1973 Honda CR250 Dirt Bike.
The 1973 Honda CR250 Elsinore is one of the pioneering 250cc production motocross machines, arriving alongside the CR125 as part of Honda’s initial push into the production MX market. The 250cc two-stroke engine gave the CR250 substantial power for its era, and the bike was competitive in the 250 class from its debut. Today, the 1973 CR250 is a landmark piece of motocross history, valued by collectors and vintage MX riders worldwide. Proper torque maintenance on a 50-year-old machine requires care and precision.
Engine Fasteners
Two-stroke premix, no oil drain plug. 1973 CR250 vintage engine hardware:
| Fastener | Torque |
|---|---|
| Spark plug | 20–25 Nm (15–18 ft-lb) |
| Cylinder head bolts | 22–28 Nm (16–21 ft-lb) |
| Cylinder base bolts/nuts | 18–22 Nm (13–16 ft-lb) |
| Flywheel/rotor nut | 45–55 Nm (33–41 ft-lb) |
| Clutch hub nut | 45–55 Nm (33–41 ft-lb) |
Suspension & Frame
The 1973 CR250 uses the conventional telescopic fork and dual rear shock design standard for production MX bikes of this era. Vintage fastener sizes are generally smaller than modern equivalents.
| Fastener | Torque |
|---|---|
| Fork clamp bolts | 20–25 Nm (15–18 ft-lb) |
| Handlebar clamp bolts | 20–25 Nm (15–18 ft-lb) |
| Swingarm pivot bolt/nut | 50–60 Nm (37–44 ft-lb) |
| Rear shock upper mount | 28–35 Nm (21–26 ft-lb) |
| Rear shock lower mount | 28–35 Nm (21–26 ft-lb) |
Wheels & Drivetrain
| Fastener | Torque |
|---|---|
| Front axle nut | 35–45 Nm (26–33 ft-lb) |
| Rear axle nut | 60–70 Nm (44–52 ft-lb) |
| Rear sprocket nuts | 22–28 Nm (16–21 ft-lb) |
Brakes
Drum brakes front and rear on the 1973 CR250, as standard for production MX bikes of this era.
| Fastener | Torque |
|---|---|
| Front brake anchor bolt | 22–28 Nm (16–21 ft-lb) |
| Rear brake anchor bolt | 22–28 Nm (16–21 ft-lb) |
Vintage 250 Maintenance Notes
The 1973 CR250 is a large-displacement two-stroke from an era when metallurgy and casting quality were significantly different from modern standards. Cylinder head threads in the early Elsinore engines can be fragile compared to modern bikes—always use a calibrated torque wrench on these fasteners and approach the maximum spec carefully. If you encounter resistance before reaching full torque on a head bolt, stop and investigate rather than continuing—a seized or damaged thread on a 50-year-old head can be a costly and difficult repair to undo.
Related Shopping Categories
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Shop Penetrating Oil for a 1973 Honda CR250 Dirt Bike.
Disclaimer: This guide is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended to replace your motorcycle's official owner's manual. Always refer to your manufacturer's documentation for model-specific instructions, torque specifications, safety procedures, and maintenance requirements. If you are unsure or inexperienced, consider seeking assistance from a qualified mechanic or technician.
