Leo build: New to me YZ250
- Thread starter Leo_jb
- Start date
Leo_jb
City boy
New-to-me YZ250
I'll try to make this short. At the Penny Pines group ride over Memorial Day weekend, CJ let me take his YZ250 out for a spin. I was hooked. As luck would have it, Eric B had a co-worker with a 2002 YZ250 that was just sitting around decomposing in his front yard. A week later I'm the very excited, somewhat shell-shocked owner of a well worn, but mostly intact, 2002 YZ250.
What follows is three months of complete disassembly and replacement of virtually all moving parts, plus some that don't move: re-plating the cylinder, all new transmission bearings, crank, piston, rims, tires, shock linkage bearings, wheel bearings, steering bearings, final drive, etc., etc. Plus all new plastics. Invested twice as much money in parts as the original purchase price. Not to mention the innumerable calls and texts to CJ for advice and tools (couldn't have done it without him). Finally finished it about two weeks ago and have taken it to Metcalf a couple of times to start re-learning how to ride a two stroke. For your entertainment, a time-lapsed video I put together of the assembly.
youtu.be/5_S63TH2QkQ
I'll try to make this short. At the Penny Pines group ride over Memorial Day weekend, CJ let me take his YZ250 out for a spin. I was hooked. As luck would have it, Eric B had a co-worker with a 2002 YZ250 that was just sitting around decomposing in his front yard. A week later I'm the very excited, somewhat shell-shocked owner of a well worn, but mostly intact, 2002 YZ250.
What follows is three months of complete disassembly and replacement of virtually all moving parts, plus some that don't move: re-plating the cylinder, all new transmission bearings, crank, piston, rims, tires, shock linkage bearings, wheel bearings, steering bearings, final drive, etc., etc. Plus all new plastics. Invested twice as much money in parts as the original purchase price. Not to mention the innumerable calls and texts to CJ for advice and tools (couldn't have done it without him). Finally finished it about two weeks ago and have taken it to Metcalf a couple of times to start re-learning how to ride a two stroke. For your entertainment, a time-lapsed video I put together of the assembly.
youtu.be/5_S63TH2QkQ
OaklandF4i
Darwin's exception
:applause Awesome job Leo! Cant wait to see it at Stonybarf. :ride
onto1wheel
Riding All The Time
Nice!
I'm about to put all the new stuff into my YZ250 engine (cases already split).
You work pretty fast, will you do mine? should only take you, what, 3 minutes? :teeth
Looks like you are making it into a trail YZ? Will you be racing it, too? More mods to come?
I'm about to put all the new stuff into my YZ250 engine (cases already split).
You work pretty fast, will you do mine? should only take you, what, 3 minutes? :teeth
Looks like you are making it into a trail YZ? Will you be racing it, too? More mods to come?
anytwowilldo
Well-known member
Had not heard about this project Leo. CJ tells me 2002 is the year to have. I can't wait to see it at Stony. It will be a ripper.
2strokeYardSale
Moab on my mind
Awesome, I especially like the project manager early on in the video. But all that work and it's the wrong color!
Team YZ is going to shred at StonyBARF. I'm even bringing spare tubes for you know who.
Team YZ is going to shred at StonyBARF. I'm even bringing spare tubes for you know who.
anytwowilldo
Well-known member
I just had time to watch the video -loved it and she started on the 2nd kick!
If you don't need a plate or long range, there is nothing like a 220 lb. two stroke off road bike, specially if you tune it for low end torque. I can't wait to see it Leo!
If you don't need a plate or long range, there is nothing like a 220 lb. two stroke off road bike, specially if you tune it for low end torque. I can't wait to see it Leo!
SFMCjohn
13
... awesome video ... :cool
I'd say that bike found a good home ... :thumbup
... watch out No Whimps Trail ... :laughing
OaklandF4i
Darwin's exception
I've actually dreamed of attacking the No Wimps Trail on a two stroke. Yes, I have issues. :laughing How to carry enough gas or get fueled dropped is the biggest issue to overcome. Neither easily solved. I'm not trying that trail again on the 650. Someday I'll have a smaller lighter 4T desert bike to attempt it again. :ride
Leo_jb
City boy
Ha! That was the assembly! All the hard work was already done!
The hardest thing you have ahead of you is trying to get the transmission and shift drum into the case. I did mine twice just to make sure I got it right, and no, it wasn't much easier the second time. Combination of skill, patience, and a little luck.
Right now I'm trying to get the suspension sorted and learn how to ride it effectively. Needless to say I need a much different riding style than with my XR400. But - it does pull surprisingly well, and I can bog it way down without stalling it thanks to the 11 oz Steahly flywheel weight. As for racing - no immediate plans, but who knows?
onto1wheel
Riding All The Time
a different riding style will be needed, for sure!
If it's anything like when I went from CRF250X to YZ250, you need to learn to yank the throttle WFO a lot less, or you will get tired very fast (It wore me out, anyway), but WfO all the time sure is fun! just hang on tight!
If it's anything like when I went from CRF250X to YZ250, you need to learn to yank the throttle WFO a lot less, or you will get tired very fast (It wore me out, anyway), but WfO all the time sure is fun! just hang on tight!
Lunch Box
Useful idiot
I disagree. I find them to be more fun and more capable than 4T.
OaklandF4i
Darwin's exception
Once you acquire the skills to ride a 2 stroke properly, they can certainly be more rewarding and fun for sure. :thumbup Fourstrokes are/can be easier to ride for many, and often folks never learn to use the left lever properly because of it.
For us old timers who learned as kids on small bore twostrokes, we know that left lever is not only used as a traction control device, but for the bike's attitude and speed too. :laughing Going back to a two stroke from 450's has certainly raised my enjoyment level for riding again. :ride
For us old timers who learned as kids on small bore twostrokes, we know that left lever is not only used as a traction control device, but for the bike's attitude and speed too. :laughing Going back to a two stroke from 450's has certainly raised my enjoyment level for riding again. :ride
