1984 XR250R. The madness continues:-)

FastDoc · 10-27-2011, 08:55 PM

I bought the 250R :P . It only cost me $50 more than what I sold the 125 for! So net cost $200. I'm a happy miser!

Finally some salve for my broken heart from selling The Dirt Rat

.

It runs great. Starts right up. GREAT power. Smooth and torquey. Shifts stops and idles smooth. The suspension is great, and no fork seal leaks. Tires are like new. :wink:

It has a couple oil leaks. One from a valve cover O-ring one from the oil filter O-ring. The exhaust has a couple of holes. Sounds great but I'll likely swap that out for a good used stock one. Needs a speedometer cable, and a front brake lever. The cables could use some lube but other than that its good to go!

MICRider · 10-27-2011, 09:14 PM

Grats! I like it, cool looking bike! And two bikes in a row with red seats? Did Honda use red vinyl or are they aftermarket covers? I think you going to have a lot of fun with that bike, plus it's pretty darn hard to beat the price!

FastDoc · 10-27-2011, 09:25 PM

Believe me it runs and rides better than it looks :roll: .

It has a replacement seat cover. The fit's not perfect but the material is good and the seat is comfortable.

Does anyone know off hand what range of years I can get a muffler from?

SpudRider · 10-27-2011, 10:27 PM

Congratulations, Doc! I look forward to following your project.

Spud

MICRider · 10-28-2011, 12:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FastDoc

Does anyone know off hand what range of years I can get a muffler from?

I'll bet that W&G will be able to help you on that question, he seems very well versed on the XR's

FastDoc · 10-28-2011, 12:44 AM

I'll bet that W&G will be able to help you on that question, he seems very well versed on the XR's

Yup.

I'm counting on that. :wink:

Weldangrind · 10-28-2011, 01:54 AM

To be honest, I'm not sure about which years would interchange. It almost looks like the stainless header from my '96 would be a bolt-on. If you remove the side cover and take some more pics and measurements, I'll compare it with mine.

How bad are the holes? Could they be repaired?

Great looking bike! Are you gonna hang onto this one? Planning on dual sporting it?

FastDoc · 10-28-2011, 11:12 AM

The holes are not bad. Even with them it sounds fine. I was thinking some JB Weld or epoxy putty, a file and some BBQ paint would work. I don't know. I see decent mufflers on eBay for $30 but not quite the same year.

I'll pick the bike up today and take pics soon.

I think I'm gonna like this bike. :P

FastDoc · 10-28-2011, 11:15 AM

I think 1990 was the time of the next wave of subtle changes after 1984. Then 1996, IIRC.

FastDoc · 10-28-2011, 09:57 PM

Took it for a test ride.

This bike is wonderful, it may make me forget how much I miss The Dirt Rat :P .

It runs great, pulls hard, the suspension seems immune to bottoming out, the brakes are good, and the ride is smooth and the seat is comfortable.

It pulled up The Hill Of Doom in second with the rear wheel spinning the whole way but under control. It was the easiest HOD ascent I've ever had!

I changed the oil and replaced the plug. The one in there was old but no oil or carbon, just a light chocolate color. :P

One of the oil leaks appears to have been the oil filter cover O-ring which I replaced. The other seems to be coming from the rocker arm retaining bolt on the valve cover.

This RFVC engine has very complicated valve gear and I don't know how to go about fixing this leak will have to ask Andy.

I'll post pics when I can but I gotta run now. :P

Just wanted to share the good news about the DR2! :P

Weldangrind · 10-28-2011, 11:17 PM

Gotta love old Hondas.

Can Andy stitch up the muffler for you? If you can get it clean enough, he should be able to weld an' grind.

FastDoc · 10-29-2011, 02:30 PM

Andy I dont think welds, but Ron does. He's on vacation in California now though. No worries, no rush.

Can it be welded? I'd think the surrounding metal would be pretty thin also... Maybe soldered or brazed?

Can JB Weld take the heat? I can try that in the meantime.

I identified the oil leak. It's coming from the rocker shaft bolt(s). To remove it and replace the sealing washer would involve removing the valve cover and rocker arm assemblies :x . I may try to back it out a few turns, wrap it with Teflon tape or cover it in Permatex and tighten it up to see if I get lucky.

Today I will also service the air filter and chain.

Then I'll go for a ride.

This is PRIME riding season in my area. The cooler temps and some moisture keep the dust down and the trails are in better shape locally.

I'm heading to the Cascade Mountains tomorrow with Roger and Andy. The three of us will al be on KLX's. :P

SpudRider · 10-29-2011, 02:45 PM

Have fun, be safe, and please post a ride report with lots of photos, Doc!

Spud

FastDoc · 10-29-2011, 10:17 PM

Well the leaks are fixed. I was able to slightly tighten the rocker bolts and that's all it took. :P

I ground away the rotted portions of muffler. Not much good metal left!

I attempted a repair with some exhaust repair putty and some pieces of metal from a cat food can of all things. I have a feeling I'm gonna need a muffler. :wink:

SpudRider · 10-29-2011, 11:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FastDoc

Well the leaks are fixed. I was able to slightly tighten the rocker bolts and that's all it took. :P

I ground away the rotted portions of muffler. Not much good metal left!

I attempted a repair with some exhaust repair putty and some pieces of metal from a cat food can of all things. I have a feeling I'm gonna need a muffler. :wink:

It's too bad the cat food can repair didn't work. :? I bet the cat muffler would purr meowwwwwwwwwwwww! :P

Spud

10-27-2011, 08:55 PM	#1
FastDoc Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Southeastern Washington desert Posts: 14,761	1984 XR250R. The madness continues:-) I bought the 250R :P . It only cost me $50 more than what I sold the 125 for! So net cost $200. I'm a happy miser! Finally some salve for my broken heart from selling The Dirt Rat . It runs great. Starts right up. GREAT power. Smooth and torquey. Shifts stops and idles smooth. The suspension is great, and no fork seal leaks. Tires are like new. :wink: It has a couple oil leaks. One from a valve cover O-ring one from the oil filter O-ring. The exhaust has a couple of holes. Sounds great but I'll likely swap that out for a good used stock one. Needs a speedometer cable, and a front brake lever. The cables could use some lube but other than that its good to go! __________________ Happy to serve.
	0

10-27-2011, 09:25 PM	#3
FastDoc Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Southeastern Washington desert Posts: 14,761	Believe me it runs and rides better than it looks :roll: . It has a replacement seat cover. The fit's not perfect but the material is good and the seat is comfortable. Does anyone know off hand what range of years I can get a muffler from? __________________ Happy to serve.
	0

10-27-2011, 10:27 PM	#4
SpudRider Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Idaho Posts: 25,054	Congratulations, Doc! I look forward to following your project. Spud __________________ Spud "Never argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level, and beat you with experience." Mark Twain 2015 Zongshen ZS250GY-3 (RX3) 2006 Zongshen ZS200GY-2 (Sierra 200) 2005 Honda XR650L 2004 Honda CRF250X 1998 Kawasaki KDX220 Mods made to my Zongshen ZS200GY-2: http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=6894
	0

10-28-2011, 12:44 AM	#6
FastDoc Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Southeastern Washington desert Posts: 14,761	I'll bet that W&G will be able to help you on that question, he seems very well versed on the XR's Yup. I'm counting on that. :wink: __________________ Happy to serve.
	0

10-28-2011, 01:54 AM	#7
Weldangrind Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Sardis, BC, Canada Posts: 25,977	To be honest, I'm not sure about which years would interchange. It almost looks like the stainless header from my '96 would be a bolt-on. If you remove the side cover and take some more pics and measurements, I'll compare it with mine. How bad are the holes? Could they be repaired? Great looking bike! Are you gonna hang onto this one? Planning on dual sporting it? __________________ Weldangrind "I figure I'm well-prepared for coping with a bike that comes from the factory with unresolved issues and that rewards the self-reliant owner." - Buccaneer
	0

10-27-2011, 09:14 PM	#2
MICRider Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 3,274	Grats! I like it, cool looking bike! And two bikes in a row with red seats? Did Honda use red vinyl or are they aftermarket covers? I think you going to have a lot of fun with that bike, plus it's pretty darn hard to beat the price!
	0

10-28-2011, 11:12 AM	#8
FastDoc Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Southeastern Washington desert Posts: 14,761	The holes are not bad. Even with them it sounds fine. I was thinking some JB Weld or epoxy putty, a file and some BBQ paint would work. I don't know. I see decent mufflers on eBay for $30 but not quite the same year. I'll pick the bike up today and take pics soon. I think I'm gonna like this bike. :P __________________ Happy to serve.
	0

10-28-2011, 11:15 AM	#9
FastDoc Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Southeastern Washington desert Posts: 14,761	I think 1990 was the time of the next wave of subtle changes after 1984. Then 1996, IIRC. __________________ Happy to serve.
	0

10-28-2011, 09:57 PM	#10
FastDoc Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Southeastern Washington desert Posts: 14,761	Took it for a test ride. This bike is wonderful, it may make me forget how much I miss The Dirt Rat :P . It runs great, pulls hard, the suspension seems immune to bottoming out, the brakes are good, and the ride is smooth and the seat is comfortable. It pulled up The Hill Of Doom in second with the rear wheel spinning the whole way but under control. It was the easiest HOD ascent I've ever had! I changed the oil and replaced the plug. The one in there was old but no oil or carbon, just a light chocolate color. :P One of the oil leaks appears to have been the oil filter cover O-ring which I replaced. The other seems to be coming from the rocker arm retaining bolt on the valve cover. This RFVC engine has very complicated valve gear and I don't know how to go about fixing this leak will have to ask Andy. I'll post pics when I can but I gotta run now. :P Just wanted to share the good news about the DR2! :P __________________ Happy to serve.
	0

10-28-2011, 11:17 PM	#11
Weldangrind Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Sardis, BC, Canada Posts: 25,977	Gotta love old Hondas. Can Andy stitch up the muffler for you? If you can get it clean enough, he should be able to weld an' grind. __________________ Weldangrind "I figure I'm well-prepared for coping with a bike that comes from the factory with unresolved issues and that rewards the self-reliant owner." - Buccaneer
	0

10-29-2011, 02:30 PM	#12
FastDoc Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Southeastern Washington desert Posts: 14,761	Andy I dont think welds, but Ron does. He's on vacation in California now though. No worries, no rush. Can it be welded? I'd think the surrounding metal would be pretty thin also... Maybe soldered or brazed? Can JB Weld take the heat? I can try that in the meantime. I identified the oil leak. It's coming from the rocker shaft bolt(s). To remove it and replace the sealing washer would involve removing the valve cover and rocker arm assemblies :x . I may try to back it out a few turns, wrap it with Teflon tape or cover it in Permatex and tighten it up to see if I get lucky. Today I will also service the air filter and chain. Then I'll go for a ride. This is PRIME riding season in my area. The cooler temps and some moisture keep the dust down and the trails are in better shape locally. I'm heading to the Cascade Mountains tomorrow with Roger and Andy. The three of us will al be on KLX's. :P __________________ Happy to serve.
	0

10-29-2011, 02:45 PM	#13
SpudRider Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Idaho Posts: 25,054	Have fun, be safe, and please post a ride report with lots of photos, Doc! Spud __________________ Spud "Never argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level, and beat you with experience." Mark Twain 2015 Zongshen ZS250GY-3 (RX3) 2006 Zongshen ZS200GY-2 (Sierra 200) 2005 Honda XR650L 2004 Honda CRF250X 1998 Kawasaki KDX220 Mods made to my Zongshen ZS200GY-2: http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=6894
	0

10-29-2011, 10:17 PM	#14
FastDoc Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Southeastern Washington desert Posts: 14,761	Well the leaks are fixed. I was able to slightly tighten the rocker bolts and that's all it took. :P I ground away the rotted portions of muffler. Not much good metal left! I attempted a repair with some exhaust repair putty and some pieces of metal from a cat food can of all things. I have a feeling I'm gonna need a muffler. :wink: __________________ Happy to serve.
	0