'87 Honda NSR250 'ELF Special'

[Canuck Plumber]

Exciting project. Should be great when she finished.

 

[Moa]

Couldn't resist putting the front end together to see what it looks like. Clip-ons havn't been restored yet, but here's a sneak preview of the rebuilt front end.

 

[VonYinzer]

Not sure how I missed this for so long... Awesome work so far. Its terrific to see such an iconic part kf Hondas history getting the respect it deserves. Keep at it and thanks for sharing!

 

[Moa]

Good to have you on board VonYinzer.

Not much to say about the NSR. I've done a few little things, but I've been distracted by a side project. I got an '84 KDX200 from a friend. It's a bit of a rough old thing, but not bad considering it's age. I'm rebuilding the motor, tidying it up, and giving it a paint job. I'm quite a fan of the old school air cooled 2-stroke dirt bikes, very simple to work on, and a lot of fun to ride.

 

[Moa]

Woah, been almost two months since an update. I've been busier than expected, and just enjoying the summer. I'll get back to it soon enough though. On another note, I like the look of the late 90's RS250 bodywork. The screen may be a little low for road use, but I think that tail could work well.

You could buy them new in '99 for about 1.8m Yen (whatever that's worth), along with the very tasty NSR500V

 

[Moa]

Started the tedious job of hand polishing the frame. I shall be clear coating the bare metal parts with POR-15 Glisten PC. I've heard mixed things about this, but mostly positive.

 

[Moa]

The project is back on track! I've sold my daily rider. I was going to buy another bike, but have decided no. I need to invest (blow) the money on this project instead. Progress updates soon, hopefully with pics, but my laptop is out of action right now.

 

[teazer]

Easy answer to frame finish that we use on race bikes is Scotchbrite pads and WD40. Looks good and is easy to touch up. It leaves a nice satin finish.

 

[Moa]

Finished the frame on Friday, it took a very long time. Teazer, thanks for that info. What I might actually do now is just apply wax to the bare metal parts for protection. It will be cheaper that way, and as you said, easy to touch up with the scotchbrite pad or a quick going over with wet sandpaper.

 

[teazer]

Looks good. You could check out earlier RS250R seats too. This was a 93 IIRC that was in for some work a long time ago.

 

[Moa]

That seat's not bad. I'm still leaning towards some slightly curvier bodywork though. On another note, those chambers look cool, I would like to get some custom ones made for my bike one day.

 

[Moa]

We have a roller!

Wheels painted. Just rattle canned for now, (quality rattled canned) I didn't want to take the good tyres off. If it doesn't hold up I'll get them done in 2K on the next tyre change. Front discs noticeably absent. Still hunting for good used ones before I break the bank on new.

 

[theprep]

I dig.

 

[Moa]

More assembly stuff. Yes, I'm still going for custom bodywork, subframe etc. but for now it's the old stuff going back on so I can get it road legal. I don't want any non-certified modification issues complicating the process. I'm basically just cleaning up the dust and grime that's built up on all the parts before I install them. One of my favorite tools WD-40 works great for cleaning stuff up, and protects the surface as a bonus.

 

[Moa]

Fuel tank is too long. No wonder why it wasn't bolted on when I got the bike. Looks to be an MC18 tank according to parts diagram. Has a more rearward situated petrol cap hole, with screw holes for fuel cap surround thing, both not featured on MC16 tank (I think I'm becoming an NSR expert). Anyway, this won't be a problem with my custom subframe, but in the mean time I'll improvise a mounting solution.

 

[Moa]

Got some of these on order from tyga-performance. Unfortunately I won't be buying much more from them, as shipping bulky items is ridiculously expensive. Just adding a front fender or some end cans to the order bumped the shipping price up by $130 USD!

 

[Moa]

Dammmit!

Was removing the cylinder studs. The last one was very tight, and in the process of muscling it off...

Well there goes my only good cylinder. Ah well, this shit happens.

 

[stroker crazy]

Tough luck, Moa!

Crazy

 

[Moa]

Yep, tough luck indeed. And an expensive lesson in removing studs! But anyway, moving on. The front discs I ordered arrived today. They sell these discs locally, but I ordered direct from the distributor in Oz for $200 less after shipping.

 

[Moa]

Front brake discs installed, and system bled. Just the rear sets to go, and we have a fully functional roller.