81 XR250R - Beat To Hell - School Project

[DasUberKraut]

So I just acquired this 81 Honda XR250R.

Looking for a manual for this if anyone has one. Seeing as the links on here are worthless now, I may have to buy one. Anyways. It's missing quite a bit. Beat up. It's going to be my school project I think. If I decide I like 2 wheels I may turn it in to Dual Purpose bike...Otherwise I'm going to attempt to make a trike out of it.

If anyone has the right side cover or the left side sprocket cover I could use em! Not sure what is all missing from under the right side cover. Guy claims it runs but has a tranny issue. If I do use the motor for a trike I'll be parting the rest of it out.

If anyone can help point out what I'm missing from the bottom end that would be fantastic. I've never had a clutched bike before and I've only seen the inside of my ATC 125m's.

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w33/Duggalo/IMG_20130309_135044_058_zps13518153.jpg

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w33/Duggalo/IMG_20130309_135101_963_zps4432f779.jpg

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w33/Duggalo/IMG_20130309_135115_530_zps5c3ecf2e.jpg

[ps2fixer]

I don't know anything about that exact engine/bike, but I do like the dual exhaust pipe header like the 350x three wheelers have :).

Quick glance at it and you are missing a ton of parts...

Shifter
bunch of bolts for the left side cover, and the right cover completely missing (unless it is in a box somewhere)
Entire clutch pack
Kick starter
Air filter is trashed
air filter cover
looks like the muffler is missing too?


Sounds like a lot of money will have to be dumped into it just to get the parts, might be a better option to get another similar bike missing other critical parts, but has a complete engine. Not to shoot down the 3 wheeler conversion idea, but it will end up much taller than most three wheelers and be pretty tippy / poor handling. My dad made a 3 wheeler out of a enduro front end before, works, light front end, but turning isn't the best and it was a wheelie machine. He still had a blast on it (I was too young to drive it lol).


Another idea to throw your way, you could keep an eye out on ebay for a complete bottom end which has what your missing + a good trans. Swap over the top end, do any top end work you want to (rebuild/refresh or w\e), and probably have a runner.

You could assest the engine's tranny health a little by putting it in gear and pull the engine over via the rear tire. Since the clutch pack is missing, it won't turn over the actual engine, just the trans section.

[DasUberKraut]

Thanks for the input. I've located most of these parts already. It was a long sleepless night.
Anyways I only have about $30 in gas invested in this so far. I don't mind buying the parts to complete it. Ebay prices are insane but I took my time going through pages and found some legitimately priced items. This motor is getting a full rebuild and paint.

Keeping the XR front end would not be an option. That would just make me look like a goof. I want it to be an actual trike. Not an abomination. LOL.

Thanks again.

[ps2fixer]

Haha, with only $30 into it currently, I'm sure that leaves plenty enough head room to get it complete. Good luck with the project, I don't know for sure what can interchange with that engine, but maybe a clutch pack from a big red/ 250x/ 350x is the same? Don't really have the time right now to check part numbers, but food for thought, and besides I have spares for them engines :).

[DasUberKraut]

I have a stupid question..

Doesn't the 350X sit really high? If I convert the stock frame I can just get an extended axle and keep the front end low.

I can't remember who made that insane 450R I think it was out of a bike. But that build is flawless.

[Chazz of Blades]

I have a '78 XL250 that's got the same motor. Watch out for extremely easy stripped threads, massive oil leaks oddly coming from between the headers in that recessed area behind the plug, and other issues.


I've got a 13:1 piston and rings for one though, I just don't like the bike enough to build it.

[beets442]

Thats a project and a half! That machine is not quick but lots of torque at mid range.Not a very powerful machine cause of its weight and size.
Check compression too.Some of those have tranny issues cause the clutch would get thin and not shift right(hard to shift into first?), hope thats what it is.
Good luck!