2020 TaoTao 250 Engine Swap 87 Honda? Idiot Question?

Systematic · 07-07-2020, 10:50 AM

Want to throw a different motor in the 2020 tt 250. I am quite literally the definition of most ignorant beginner compared to this community. I’ve done a butt ton of research and can’t tell if this is possible or if my motor in particular if a ridiculous notion. I digress, I have a 87 honda xr250r motor that’s more than quick enough for me. If I were to cut half me hp with this stock TT motor it would destroy me, even though i would have the satisfaction of having the first brand new thing I’ve ever owned I love the body and style and all such and things of the TT 250. But I would be psyched if I could put the power of my Honda in the new bike. Can’t help but think know matter if I managed to do it, I would have to replace nearly everything else for it to work. I’m aware of the first day changes you should make to the TaoTao, like loctiteing and different carb to adjust idle and such, cleaning everything up really to ensure longevity. Please tell me if I’m ignorant or if this is at all possible. I just want to know my feelings won’t be hurt! Wanted to see if forum would respond before I asked a friend whos small engine tech, avoid embarrassment and ask the source in case he thinks he could, gets me super excited, to find out it can’t happen. I’d rather be chastised by the Internet than my friends, brrrruuuutal bunch I guys I know. Please help me out.

2020 TaoTao 250/1987 Honda XR250R

**JerryHawk250** · 07-07-2020, 11:10 AM

It's doable. My only concern would be if the swing arm will hold up with that 24+ HP. But even that can be upgraded. I'd say go for it.

BTW welcome aboard!

Deckard_Cain · 07-07-2020, 11:19 AM

It can be done.... The limiting factor is going to be your own skill and abilities.

But I've seen people with zero experience be able to swap a Corvette v8 into a Jeep Liberty... And it worked. So, completely possible.

Big like anything, and probably moreso here, you'll want to plan out every step that you can anticipate.

Systematic · 07-07-2020, 04:14 PM

Thank you so much, it’s cool that I actually got responses on a forum! I feel welcomed!

Systematic · 07-07-2020, 04:19 PM

I have been on my Honda 250 bike for months now and got more than comfortable, however I couldn’t agree with you more! A whole new setup is intimidating enough! Maybe I should run around on the stock motor for a while first? Or when I get this bike in the mail not pre assembled, It might be a better idea to throw the Honda motor on there while everything already apart? Either way. All of the tt’s are out of stock, so I had to pre order! It will be awhile, but! I will keep y’all posted and let you know if everything goes alright. I hope it does. Would be a pretty bitchin bike with that 30 hp I think... sleeeeepperrr biiikee?? lol nah I’m lame. Stick around boys!

Oddball Matt · 07-07-2020, 04:36 PM

If it don't fit, bigger hammer

Compare the engines, mounting points, amount and location, see if it will fit even some of them as is and make adapter plates for the rest (I'm guessing since you're planning sth like this you at least have an angle grinder and a drill.) Get thick cardboard for mockups and template making, transfer onto steel plate cut and grind. Your biggest challenge is to get the chain alignment straight, that will dictate where the engine will finally sit, everything else will be done around and according to that. Take into account carb space, air filter etc, prepare to at least modify, possibly rebuild the exhaust. It's not a DIFFICULT job but it is a BIG job. Or rather a long list of small ones. Do it right, do it well or don't start at all, otherwise you'll end up with two parted out bikes and a big upside down grin.

I'm not gonna say don't do it, but I gotta wonder WHY not just have both bikes as they are?

Bruces · 07-07-2020, 06:31 PM

Actually , I think it would make a fine conversion ,but if you are cutting up a brand new bike why not just get a hawk or something a little less expensive to start with .I would not do it on a brand new bike ,and not on a premium bike when the other cheaper bikes would work just fine .

Mudflap · 07-07-2020, 09:33 PM

Isn't the XR250R engine the one with the weird double rockers? If so it'll be somewhat taller than the CG engine.

culcune · 07-08-2020, 01:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bruces

Actually , I think it would make a fine conversion ,but if you are cutting up a brand new bike why not just get a hawk or something a little less expensive to start with .I would not do it on a brand new bike ,and not on a premium bike when the other cheaper bikes would work just fine .

I actually had a post about the TT250, but upon closer inspection, he is getting a Taotao TBR7 but he used the initials 'TT'.

07-07-2020, 10:50 AM	#1
Systematic Join Date: Jul 2020 Posts: 3	2020 TaoTao 250 Engine Swap 87 Honda? Idiot Question? Want to throw a different motor in the 2020 tt 250. I am quite literally the definition of most ignorant beginner compared to this community. I’ve done a butt ton of research and can’t tell if this is possible or if my motor in particular if a ridiculous notion. I digress, I have a 87 honda xr250r motor that’s more than quick enough for me. If I were to cut half me hp with this stock TT motor it would destroy me, even though i would have the satisfaction of having the first brand new thing I’ve ever owned I love the body and style and all such and things of the TT 250. But I would be psyched if I could put the power of my Honda in the new bike. Can’t help but think know matter if I managed to do it, I would have to replace nearly everything else for it to work. I’m aware of the first day changes you should make to the TaoTao, like loctiteing and different carb to adjust idle and such, cleaning everything up really to ensure longevity. Please tell me if I’m ignorant or if this is at all possible. I just want to know my feelings won’t be hurt! Wanted to see if forum would respond before I asked a friend whos small engine tech, avoid embarrassment and ask the source in case he thinks he could, gets me super excited, to find out it can’t happen. I’d rather be chastised by the Internet than my friends, brrrruuuutal bunch I guys I know. Please help me out. 2020 TaoTao 250/1987 Honda XR250R
	0

07-07-2020, 11:10 AM	#2
JerryHawk250 Moderator Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Houma, La. Posts: 11,737	It's doable. My only concern would be if the swing arm will hold up with that 24+ HP. But even that can be upgraded. I'd say go for it. BTW welcome aboard! __________________ 2024 Linhai 300 ATV 4x4 2023 Lifan Lycan 250 Chopper 2023 Venom Evader 2022 Lifan KPX250 2020 Kawasaki Vulcan S (Sold) 2004 Honda ST 1300 2016 Black Hawk 250 (sold) Keihin PE30 carb,125 main,38 slow.Pod filter,ported & decked head 10:1 CR,Direct Ignition Coil,15/40Sprockets,NGK DPR8EIX-9,De-Cat,Dual Oil Cooler,Digital Cluster 2016 Cazador180 XL 2014 Coolster150 JerryHawk250.com My YouTube Channel
	0

07-07-2020, 04:36 PM	#6
Oddball Matt Join Date: Jan 2020 Location: Vääksy, Finland Posts: 401	If it don't fit, bigger hammer Compare the engines, mounting points, amount and location, see if it will fit even some of them as is and make adapter plates for the rest (I'm guessing since you're planning sth like this you at least have an angle grinder and a drill.) Get thick cardboard for mockups and template making, transfer onto steel plate cut and grind. Your biggest challenge is to get the chain alignment straight, that will dictate where the engine will finally sit, everything else will be done around and according to that. Take into account carb space, air filter etc, prepare to at least modify, possibly rebuild the exhaust. It's not a DIFFICULT job but it is a BIG job. Or rather a long list of small ones. Do it right, do it well or don't start at all, otherwise you'll end up with two parted out bikes and a big upside down grin. I'm not gonna say don't do it, but I gotta wonder WHY not just have both bikes as they are? __________________ 2004 Longjia Grido 50 scooter 1999 Cagiva Mito 125 Evo, Yamaha XV125 engine, Ducati SS fairings, getting turboed 1993 Yamaha GTS 1000 Ex:Bashan BS200-S7 `07 Streetfighter-quad
	0

07-07-2020, 11:19 AM	#3
Deckard_Cain Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: Bay City, MI Posts: 400	It can be done.... The limiting factor is going to be your own skill and abilities. But I've seen people with zero experience be able to swap a Corvette v8 into a Jeep Liberty... And it worked. So, completely possible. Big like anything, and probably moreso here, you'll want to plan out every step that you can anticipate.
	0

07-07-2020, 04:14 PM	#4
Systematic Join Date: Jul 2020 Posts: 3	Thank you so much, it’s cool that I actually got responses on a forum! I feel welcomed!
	1

07-07-2020, 04:19 PM	#5
Systematic Join Date: Jul 2020 Posts: 3	I have been on my Honda 250 bike for months now and got more than comfortable, however I couldn’t agree with you more! A whole new setup is intimidating enough! Maybe I should run around on the stock motor for a while first? Or when I get this bike in the mail not pre assembled, It might be a better idea to throw the Honda motor on there while everything already apart? Either way. All of the tt’s are out of stock, so I had to pre order! It will be awhile, but! I will keep y’all posted and let you know if everything goes alright. I hope it does. Would be a pretty bitchin bike with that 30 hp I think... sleeeeepperrr biiikee?? lol nah I’m lame. Stick around boys!
	0

07-07-2020, 06:31 PM	#7
Bruces Join Date: May 2018 Posts: 1,655	Actually , I think it would make a fine conversion ,but if you are cutting up a brand new bike why not just get a hawk or something a little less expensive to start with .I would not do it on a brand new bike ,and not on a premium bike when the other cheaper bikes would work just fine .
	1

07-07-2020, 09:33 PM	#8
Mudflap Join Date: Sep 2014 Posts: 1,933	Isn't the XR250R engine the one with the weird double rockers? If so it'll be somewhat taller than the CG engine.
	0