First Project - 1980 SR250

[Bubba1982]

This is my first project, I have had a few bikes over the years but always wanted to have a proper project and with my very basic skills I wanted a simple but fun bike that would allow me to give stuff a go myself as much as possible.

Plans at the moment are to:

De lug and tidy up frame
Pod filter & re-jet
Strip the rest of the engine, inspect (might need help with this)
Replace any mechanic parts needed & clean
Full new gasket set, service etc.
Clean up the engine but leave unpainted
New chain & sprockets, brake shoes etc

Then I hope to:

Install a kickstart
Minimal wiring, clean/hide switches
Replace front end with XV535 forks, yokes, hub & disc brake
18" rims back & front, new tyres etc
Some kind of new seat

I have been checking out all the previous builds on here for inspiration and information on which have been great!!

Are there any mods or upgrades recommended on these bikes while I will have the engine apart?

My first job is to strip & clean the carb, I think it pretty much needs new everything inside parts wise so just keeping the body and will clean it up & order all the new bits. Think I might need a new diaphragm cover as mine is a bit rusty & corroded on the inside too.

Thanks in advance

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[Bubba1982]

I bought this bike in bits so have no idea on the engine mileage, it's had 16 owners since new so looking to replace any tired engine parts where needed. The piston & bore look to be in good condition..

Can any past SR250 builders offer any advice or upgrades I should look at doing when I have it all disassembled on the bench?

Thanks in advance


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[sbruton]

Hi Bubba1982,

Congrats on the new project and best of luck with the build. Since you're dealing with a basket case and are bound to run into a few snags along the way (i.e. missing, broken, or worn parts) my advice is to focus your time and effort getting it together and running - and then ride it, before you look at modding the engine. It would be a total shame to spend money on engine upgrades to find out down the road that you have some other major issue... if you're planning POD filter and open exhaust take the time to get the jetting correct. Save your money for good tires, drive train and brakes! There's no point making the bike go fast if you can't corner or stop in a hurry!

If you haven't already done so, check out some of the threads by Jadus, who has done a LOT of testing, modding and documenting performance.

Best of luck with the build and l look forward to watching your progress!

 

[Bubba1982]

Hi Bubba1982,

Congrats on the new project and best of luck with the build. Since you're dealing with a basket case and are bound to run into a few snags along the way (i.e. missing, broken, or worn parts) my advice is to focus your time and effort getting it together and running - and then ride it, before you look at modding the engine. It would be a total shame to spend money on engine upgrades to find out down the road that you have some other major issue... if you're planning POD filter and open exhaust take the time to get the jetting correct. Save your money for good tires, drive train and brakes! There's no point making the bike go fast if you can't corner or stop in a hurry!

If you haven't already done so, check out some of the threads by Jadus, who has done a LOT of testing, modding and documenting performance.

Best of luck with the build and l look forward to watching your progress!

Thanks much appreciated, yeah I agree that does sound like a more sensible plan.

Been looking at quite a few threads for inspiration and information, some great builds on here!!


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[Bubba1982]

Progress.. sort of!! More stripping down. On the hunt for an XV535 front wheel to go with my new forks & yokes.


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[JadusMotorcycleParts]

Looking forward to following your progress man!

 

[Psychopasta]

Hey Bubba,

Good luck with the project!

My advice, for what it's worth, is to consider this stage to be a trial build and to resist the temptation to get into chroming or making it shiny in any way at this stage. Get the rolling chassis back together, and buy/replace any parts that are either missing (duh) or worn and not safe. Get the engine back together and back in the frame. This will teach you a ton about the bike, without incurring the costs of a cosmetic upgrade.

At that point, you'll be better placed to decide how much time, money, blood, sweat, tears etc you want to spend ;D

- Pasta