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So a local guy was selling a "2007" CRF locally non running for $2200. I figured I would take the risk, even if it had engine issues the price would let me fix it. He had the petcock on backwards so I flip it around and give it a little starting fluid and it starts on the 3rd kick. Looks like the risk payed off. I check the VIN and it is a 2004 frame but it has dual exhaust. What is going on here? I am guessing a later engine in an older frame. Is there a way to check the year of the engine? If it is a newer engin in an older frame how did he get the exhaust to work? Would a 2007 subframe bolt right up to a 2004 frame? What kind of changes would have to be made to make this work?

The next thing I notice is the rear brake lever is falling off. The hole is stripped. The guy had put a lock washer on it, wow. I helicoil it and everything looks good until I kick it over again. The kick start arm is crashing into the rear brake lever. There is probably over a quarter inch of interference. The hole was stripped because the kick starter arm knocked the rear brake lever on every kick. the brake was close to the case so there is no way to move the brake lever inboard. I am assuming this is an issue with a mismatched frame and engine. Does anybody know if there is a difference in either the brake lever or the kick arm in 2004 or 2007? If I put a 2004 kick arm or a 2007 brake lever will the interference go away?For now I just ground some aluminum off the lever and arm and There isn't any interference but I would prefer a proper fix.

Were there any major suspension changes between 2004 and 2007 so I can try to figure out what year suspension it has on it? Sorry for the long post here but I am just trying to work through the bike issues. Looks like I gambled and lost. I can't believe there would be much value in a frankenbike. I did take it out trail riding yesterday and really liked it so it is not all bad.

Did you not get a title with it ?? , it will tell the year , if no title then the bike is good for parts and not worth $1000 as it sits running or not , the only thing you can do is take the numbers from the engine itself and run them thru Honda and see if you can find what year it is , but it sounds to me like you got a can of worms that is going to start smelling bad before its worth what you paid for it , sorry , but that is the only info i can give on this bad situation , i would see about a refund , if the guy is not willing to , then report the bike and prior owner to the DMV and see what they will do for you , but i have a bad feeling you just threw away $2200

For $2200 the bike should be darn near perfect running and looking with ALL paperwork in order

Maybe part it out on EBay and recoup some of your money and start over with another hopefully worthwhile bike

I previously owned a 2007 crf250r, frame, engine and everything 2007, and I had the thought of flipping around the petcock. They actually come stock facing inwards. Not sure but if you look at the pet cock (in the stock trim or "backwards") the inlet from the fuel tank is higher than the outlet running to the carb. I would find it hard to believe that it would disrupt the flow of fuel through the petcock but just something to keep in mind. Also 2004's have been known to have valve issues. Stay on top of your air filters! Hopefully everything works out for you and could even get some sweet custom frankenbike graphics made up or something.