1979 Honda CR250 Torque Specs: Late-70s MX Fastener Reference
Shop parts for a 1979 Honda CR250 Dirt Bike.
The 1979 Honda CR250 is a transitional model—still carrying the Elsinore spirit while incorporating Honda’s growing MX engineering expertise. By 1979, Honda was refining both the 250cc engine and the chassis geometry in preparation for the more significant design changes that would arrive in the early 1980s. The 1979 CR250 is valued in the vintage MX community for its handling improvements over the earlier models and its position in Honda’s development timeline. Keeping this machine properly torqued ensures it continues to perform as designed.
Engine Fasteners
Two-stroke premix, no oil drain plug. 1979 CR250 engine fastener reference:
| 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
Telescopic fork and dual rear shocks. The 1979 CR250 sees improvements to fork internals and spring rates over the earliest Elsinore models.
| 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 1979 CR250.
| Fastener | Torque |
|---|---|
| Front brake anchor bolt | 22–28 Nm (16–21 ft-lb) |
| Rear brake anchor bolt | 22–28 Nm (16–21 ft-lb) |
Swingarm Pivot and Rear Suspension Inspection
On the 1979 CR250, the swingarm pivot bushing and dual rear shock mounts should be inspected at every annual service. On a bike of this age, original rubber bushings in the shock absorber eyes may have deteriorated significantly and should be replaced with new urethane or rubber bushings before they fail completely. Inspect the shock eye threads for wear and replace any hardware showing corrosion or stretch. Check the rear shock spring for sag—a collapsed spring on one side creates asymmetric chassis geometry that degrades handling on this dual-shock model.
Related Shopping Categories
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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.
