About to start on my ATC500...

**Hedbngr18** · 06-02-2016, 04:23 PM

I am by no means new to this site, but I somehow have never met the requirements to post openly. So, why not start here?! I just picked up my VERY long awaited ATC500R. It's a late 80's Leager's CR500 conversion, which I'm told is pretty rare these days. I am trading the bike for a few hours of HVAC labor, so it isn't really costing me anything as of yet. I have wanted to do this for 16 years, so I am beyond excited. If anyone cares to share some tips, advice or opinions, I would greatly appreciate it! It will be a dunes only machine, as Glamis is only a 2.5 hour drive from me. I have an 85 and 86 ATC250r as well, so this bike will be a daytime only boredom prevention tactic. I guess the biggest thing I need is a .PDF file of the 1985 CR500 shop manual. I already snagged the 250R manual from somewhere on this site. Great resource! It helped me with my '86 rebuild earlier this year. Thank you all for running such an amazing site and keeping the riff raff under control!

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**Matt85'350x** · 06-02-2016, 05:27 PM

Very cool. What all does it need? When is the last time it ran?

**NeverLift** · 06-02-2016, 05:47 PM

That's one hell of a score. Looks fairly complete now it just needs some love. Congrats.

**yaegerb** · 06-02-2016, 07:09 PM

Originally Posted by Hedbngr18

I am by no means new to this site, but I somehow have never met the requirements to post openly. So, why not start here?! I just picked up my VERY long awaited ATC500R. It's a late 80's Leager's CR500 conversion, which I'm told is pretty rare these days. I am trading the bike for a few hours of HVAC labor, so it isn't really costing me anything as of yet. I have wanted to do this for 16 years, so I am beyond excited. If anyone cares to share some tips, advice or opinions, I would greatly appreciate it! It will be a dunes only machine, as Glamis is only a 2.5 hour drive from me. I have an 85 and 86 ATC250r as well, so this bike will be a daytime only boredom prevention tactic. I guess the biggest thing I need is a .PDF file of the 1985 CR500 shop manual. I already snagged the 250R manual from somewhere on this site. Great resource! It helped me with my '86 rebuild earlier this year. Thank you all for running such an amazing site and keeping the riff raff under control!

Yum. Subscribed. Mr. Clean and you now have something in common.

**HairyJR** · 06-02-2016, 11:50 PM

Welcome to the madness. Nice project and just think Mark Leager lived close bye in Valley Center when he built frames and swingarms. Another treasure found within a short distance to the "Sand Capital" in the world. Keep us posted...

"HJ"

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**Joseph Farrow** · 06-03-2016, 08:51 AM

San Marcos.....there are a few other members in your Neighbor hood.

Nice score. Will be Awesome when finished!

**big specht** · 06-03-2016, 09:25 AM

Man all you east coast guys find all the cool sh#t lol Anyways that frame looks like it might have been cut and rewelded to fix the rake? I might be wrong. If so was it was cause they used the R triples ?

**Jwheeler** · 06-03-2016, 12:10 PM

Hey welcome the site. Great score.

**Hedbngr18** · 06-03-2016, 12:18 PM

Originally Posted by big specht

Man all you east coast guys find all the cool sh#t lol Anyways that frame looks like it might have been cut and rewelded to fix the rake? I might be wrong. If so was it was cause they used the R triples ?

It has. Looks great, too. It supposedly matches the rake of the 350X front end (which is what the forks and triples are from). Also, what are the big differences between the R and the X as far as front suspension? travel? Spring rate? Etc?

**Mr. Clean** · 06-03-2016, 12:29 PM

Here is an article on the Laegers conversion. Some interesting parts on that machine that are not consistent with the conversion, very cool machine. Will keep an eye on your progress.

http://www.3wheelerworld.com/oldsite...Laeger500R.pdf

**Hedbngr18** · 06-03-2016, 12:32 PM

Originally Posted by Matt85'350x

Very cool. What all does it need? When is the last time it ran?

Last ran in 2001. Cylinder, head and piston have been off the bike ever since. Needs a hone and at least rings. Water pump was bad and the previous owner ran it for about 10-20 minutes before he realized that was the problem. Very slight scoring on both the sleeve and piston. The corrosion in the water cavity is pretty bad, but I think I can save it. I really don't want to by a case half! I will be doing a complete tear down assessment, replacing all gaskets and seals at minimum. He has the +4 axle somewhere, but has yet to find it. As far as mechanical necessities, front brake disc, new axle bearings front and rear, possibly in the swing arm as well, new fork seals (also, there is a bit of rust between the triples that I need to polish out), the seat won't come undone to flip it up, but that isn't a huge deal as of yet. The bike was covered, but stored outside since approximately 2002. It's super clean in spots, but super rough in others. I just finished running through my 86, so I'm pretty aware of what it's going to involve. One new question I have, is there anyone out there that has gotten the ATC tank onto the CR frame? I am not a fan of the CR tank and fairing look and want this to look as much like I stuffed the motor into the ATC frame as it can. I only want the biggest of enthusiasts to be able to pick out the trike conversion. Thanks everyone for the quick replies! I will have so many questions...like this one! Does anyone know which rear carrier Leager was using? I'm assuming it's an '85 250, but I haven't gotten into it yet and compared it to the 85 and 86 that I own currently. I have a bearing set for my 86 that I decided not to use. Hopefully I can do the swap without buying more stuff! The other thing is, I have never run across a picture of the exact swing arm that I have. If you look in the disassembled pic, it gets really wide around the shock and then tapers back down. Not so much just the straight tubing I usually see. It's made completely of aluminum plate. Still really light, just kind of funky.

**Mr. Clean** · 06-03-2016, 12:35 PM

Originally Posted by Hedbngr18

I will have so many questions...like this one! Does anyone know which rear carrier Leager was using? I'm assuming it's an '85 250,

Based on the pics you posted, that is an 85 bearing carrier, bearings are interchangeable.

**Hedbngr18** · 06-03-2016, 12:45 PM

Jwheeler, I see you are in San Marcos as well. You are more than welcome to be a part of this project if time and circumstances allow! I won't be doing anything serious for at least 6-12 months. Just the engine on the workbench for now. But, when it comes to the parts where I need another pair of hands, I'd appreciate the help!

**Hedbngr18** · 06-03-2016, 12:46 PM

Originally Posted by Mr. Clean

Based on the pics you posted, that is an 85 bearing carrier, bearings are interchangeable.

That was my thought exactly. Wasn't aware that the bearings were the same. Makes sense I suppose since the axle didn't change between the 2 years. Thanks!

**onformula1** · 06-03-2016, 03:49 PM

Where did you get the info that it was a Laegers kit?

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