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So I picked up an 89 VTR250 for $500 as of recent. Runs very nicely but can definitely tell the bike has been sitting in storage for some time. I have about 20 miles on it so far to bring out the kinks and there are definite kinks!
Firstly pics:
So the rattle can white paint job is a bit Rough, So I'm going to have my first go at a Vinyl wrap... Plan on running Black with red VTR decals from the European and Asian market VTR250... Pictures to post once completed. I'm trying to make it looks something like the 98 VTR1000 Fireblades:
When I bought the bike the PO told me the front tire had a small leak and said the rim or valve stem was likely the issue. I noticed the tire was going flat in about 24 hour time period. After getting back home from my last ride I noticed the bottom of the IRC tires was very badly dry rotted (clearly from sting for too long) and there was a hole that was making bubbles (with the soapy water trick)... So i have a new valve stem and a new front Pireli Sport Demon on their way in. Also the Front brake pads are on the low side and I plan on swapping those out. The bike is officially grounded until I swap the shoes.
Rear tire is also on the list of things to get... It's a Bridgestone that's in decent shape but it's old... I'll likely grab that rear tire after getting this first chunk of tasks completed. I'm also looking to go to a 520 Chain conversion, currently it sports the dreaded 428. (which isn't bad but you just can't buy any other sprockets other then stock sizes). I'll go through the process in doing that... Looks like it takes a Suzuki GS500 front sprocket and a Yamaha YZ250 rear. Common swap consists of a 14T front and 54T rear, that it like talking 1.5 off the front stock gearing. The bike is geared pretty low, 6th definitely acts more like an OD.
Fluids and plugs are going to be changed once I get the plastics off. The spark plugs I discovered were installed hand tight...
Lastly the PO stated the bike had a dead battery and bought a new one (a generic sealed). I've ridden it 2 times and each time the battery died. I ran my spare Li-ion I have for jumps and the bike read 14.2V at the poles when off and then on it dropped to 12.2V. Went for a run and when I rolled in the Voltage dropped to 11.2V. Regardless however high I revved the bike the Voltage never increased. So I read up and complete charging failure is a pretty common occurrence on these bikes... So brand new Stator, R&R and quality battery are ordered and are on their way in.
I've done it so many time with the GS's that it's almost common maintenance (HAHA). I read it's very common for these VTR250's to have their electrical systems go when left in storage for many year. As I dig in more, the more I realize that this bike must have sat for some time... It runs very well, I added Sta-Bil to the fuel and topped off with Ethanol free premium to keep the carbs set while I put her down for some more "revival" maintenance. However it looks like the bike was just hanging out with the other bike's the PO had in his storage shed. Glad to have my hands on it and bring it back to spec!
I'll keep up the thread with pictures as I dig into it more and more.
I plan to run the Pireli Sport Demons for I've read they are the best for handling for these classic machines. The 100/90 16" front tire is an odd size but I think the inboard disc is cool and totally functional to warrant a front end swap. The bike suspension is in real good shape and it handles very very well. I still can't get over the fact how quick this little 250 will get to 75mph...
I'll likely add an LED AUX light once I figure the charging system issues so there is a bit more viability. I plan to make it a fun weekend carver and I also intend to do some big rides with it...
Thanks for tuning in!
Firstly pics:
So the rattle can white paint job is a bit Rough, So I'm going to have my first go at a Vinyl wrap... Plan on running Black with red VTR decals from the European and Asian market VTR250... Pictures to post once completed. I'm trying to make it looks something like the 98 VTR1000 Fireblades:
When I bought the bike the PO told me the front tire had a small leak and said the rim or valve stem was likely the issue. I noticed the tire was going flat in about 24 hour time period. After getting back home from my last ride I noticed the bottom of the IRC tires was very badly dry rotted (clearly from sting for too long) and there was a hole that was making bubbles (with the soapy water trick)... So i have a new valve stem and a new front Pireli Sport Demon on their way in. Also the Front brake pads are on the low side and I plan on swapping those out. The bike is officially grounded until I swap the shoes.
Rear tire is also on the list of things to get... It's a Bridgestone that's in decent shape but it's old... I'll likely grab that rear tire after getting this first chunk of tasks completed. I'm also looking to go to a 520 Chain conversion, currently it sports the dreaded 428. (which isn't bad but you just can't buy any other sprockets other then stock sizes). I'll go through the process in doing that... Looks like it takes a Suzuki GS500 front sprocket and a Yamaha YZ250 rear. Common swap consists of a 14T front and 54T rear, that it like talking 1.5 off the front stock gearing. The bike is geared pretty low, 6th definitely acts more like an OD.
Fluids and plugs are going to be changed once I get the plastics off. The spark plugs I discovered were installed hand tight...
Lastly the PO stated the bike had a dead battery and bought a new one (a generic sealed). I've ridden it 2 times and each time the battery died. I ran my spare Li-ion I have for jumps and the bike read 14.2V at the poles when off and then on it dropped to 12.2V. Went for a run and when I rolled in the Voltage dropped to 11.2V. Regardless however high I revved the bike the Voltage never increased. So I read up and complete charging failure is a pretty common occurrence on these bikes... So brand new Stator, R&R and quality battery are ordered and are on their way in.
I've done it so many time with the GS's that it's almost common maintenance (HAHA). I read it's very common for these VTR250's to have their electrical systems go when left in storage for many year. As I dig in more, the more I realize that this bike must have sat for some time... It runs very well, I added Sta-Bil to the fuel and topped off with Ethanol free premium to keep the carbs set while I put her down for some more "revival" maintenance. However it looks like the bike was just hanging out with the other bike's the PO had in his storage shed. Glad to have my hands on it and bring it back to spec!
I'll keep up the thread with pictures as I dig into it more and more.
I plan to run the Pireli Sport Demons for I've read they are the best for handling for these classic machines. The 100/90 16" front tire is an odd size but I think the inboard disc is cool and totally functional to warrant a front end swap. The bike suspension is in real good shape and it handles very very well. I still can't get over the fact how quick this little 250 will get to 75mph...
I'll likely add an LED AUX light once I figure the charging system issues so there is a bit more viability. I plan to make it a fun weekend carver and I also intend to do some big rides with it...
Thanks for tuning in!
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