I always asked the big question? Why didn't Honda put disc brakes on the
Pilot. The world may never know. I have a TRX500R I custom made. I duplicated
the frame, steering system, swing arm and a lot of other items. I used a 1986
CR500R engine. Its a screamer. I used 1989 TRX250R spindles, hubs and calipers
on my quad. I got looking at the tapered ball joints and I told myself I bet
there the same as a Pilot. I found out in 1986 and I think 87 the TRX250R had
beefier spindles than the 1988-89 did. The 86 and ?87 also had beefier hubs to.
The spindles shafts are the same size as the pilots except on the inside
bearing is a little bigger on the Pilots. The 88 and 89 had a tapered spindle
and a lighter hub to reduce weight. I know I got parts of an 86 to be sure to
get the heaver ones. I had to lengthen my tie rods about an inch or so. I had
to drill out the steering knuckle arm because the pilot uses heaver tie rods
than the TRX does. That arm is harder than hell so be prepared to sharpen
your drill a few times. I also had to take some of the bend out of the brake
line to clear the spindle. It sort of bowed my fitting where the union bolt
goes through it so I carefully filed it flat and put some new sealing washers
on it and it was ok with no leaks. I had to bleed the line a lot to get the
air out. I also lengthen my steering arm where the tie rods hook up to the
other end to give me more turning radius but then I had more bump steer so I
went back to the original holes. I don't turn quite as sharp as I did with the
drum brakes but at least I have all four wheels skidding when I want to stop
fast. I do a lot of fabricating and I'm a machinist and a good welder. I raised
my radiator up 3 inches to get to my carb easier. I currently have a CR500R
cylinder on my Pilot but I considering going back to the 400 cylinder because
of the noise the 500 puts out. Oregon dunes rangers are cracking down on loud
machines and you really don't gain that much for the $ it cost to modify it.
The 465cc kit is better than the CR500R I think. Easier and cheaper to. Well
if you have any more questions let me know. OH the Pic of me and Pet, Yea it
was up there. The Pic turned out pretty good. We get kind of wild in the
Pilots. I should slow down some I just tuned 41. Don't want to die to soon.
Take care and I hope I was some help.
Bruce A.
Preludes Brake Conversion