New Owner '86 XL250 in UK

[thedktor]

Hi all,

Just joined up to share some pics and hopefully gain some knowledge and advice. Just for background, I currently run a Yam WR450 as my main bike, having an XR650 before for several years, plus briefer spells with XR400, 600, CRF230, etc. Hondas, yeah, good bikes!

Here’s my little beauty, well they say beauty comes from within eh!





Runs a treat, which is why I bought it, the twin carbs fuel perfectly and the engine is surprisingly strong for a bike this age with 41k miles on the clock! Some light smoke when revved, not surprising really.

Popped the top off to check nothing nasty, and all looks good. I was pleasantly surprised to see cam bearings, I was expecting none, and a worn head! I will delve deeper at some point, once I’m happy the rest of the bike is sound (it seems to be).






Will ask some questions later….

Steve

[btbloke]

welcome the the site mate, from the look of the pics and your first posting i don't think you'll have too many questions,you may be getting some from us or the xr guys at least,you seem to know your stuff on xr's anyway.

[AIRWOLF]

Welcome mate

Nice usefull cheapie there.

Camshaft running in bearings was a welcome upgrade on the RFVC engines.
If you want to upgrade to front disc brake, the late eighties XR250 front end goes straight in.

[catteeclan]

Luck sod. Wish I could get the cam cover of mine without taking the engine out.

Nice bike.

[thedktor]

Thanks for the welcomes

Luck sod. Wish I could get the cam cover of mine without taking the engine out.

Ah, that must be frustrating!

Steve

[MCsanandreas]

Hi all,

Just joined up to share some pics and hopefully gain some knowledge and advice. Just for background, I currently run a Yam WR450 as my main bike, having an XR650 before for several years, plus briefer spells with XR400, 600, CRF230, etc. Hondas, yeah, good bikes!

Here’s my little beauty, well they say beauty comes from within eh!





Runs a treat, which is why I bought it, the twin carbs fuel perfectly and the engine is surprisingly strong for a bike this age with 41k miles on the clock! Some light smoke when revved, not surprising really.

Popped the top off to check nothing nasty, and all looks good. I was pleasantly surprised to see cam bearings, I was expecting none, and a worn head! I will delve deeper at some point, once I’m happy the rest of the bike is sound (it seems to be).






Will ask some questions later….

Steve

nice bike! looks quite good for the year? i bought one of those brand new in 1986,my second bike on the road.

[Rubberchicken]

Luck sod. Wish I could get the cam cover of mine without taking the engine out.

The NX? That can be done. Just.

[catteeclan]

The NX? That can be done. Just.

I have been told to pull all the engine mounting bolts out so the engine drops in the frame?
Haven't tried it but I might next time.

[thedktor]

nice bike! looks quite good for the year? i bought one of those brand new in 1986,my second bike on the road.

Cool, must have been quite an advanced bike at that time.

Yes, it seems in good(ish) nick, it looks like it hasn't seen much or any off-road action, and has been liberally sprayed with WD-40/oil so corrosion under control, but the paint is losing its grip on the metal in many places!

Steve

[Rubberchicken]

I have been told to pull all the engine mounting bolts out so the engine drops in the frame?
Haven't tried it but I might next time.

No need. If you undo the three carb bolts and push the rubber bit down a cm or so, then there's just enough wriggle room to get the valve cover off and on. It's a bit fiddly but it works, and saves a lot of time.