XL250S motor the same as a 250R?

[3 on the Tree]

Hi everybody, I am buying a 1980 Honda XL250S Enduro later this afternoon and I have a few Q's. I understand this is a posting about a bike; I have a thread going in the bike section and it wasn't getting much attention. I was looking for answers quickly since I am leaving in 2 hours now to go get this thing.

First of all, will this bike have the same motor as a 250R? It is a single cylinder, single carb motor with 2 head pipes. I've never owned a 250R to compare to.

Here's a pic of the bike I'm buying:



I was wondering, if this is the same motor as a 250R, if there is anything I should be aware of before I buy.

Also I am going to check compression before I purchase it. I found a manual online that says this model should have 199 P.S.I. I have checked compression on cars, but never on a kick-start only bike. What is a good way of going about this? Also, what poundage is acceptable (say, for example, it only comes up as 170 P.S.I.)?

Please let me know. Thank you.

[Hurricane635]

No, the motors completely different. Turn the gas of, pull the plug out and kick it several times with the throttle wide open and record the highest reading. 170 should be fine.

[Kfx-xc-racer88]

no it's a 4 stroke!!! 250r is 2 stroke! totally different.

[fabiodriven]

You aren't serious are you? Why do we not have a "Face-palm" emoticon? William?

[2fiftyR]

Fabiodriven, I love your replies lately

[3 on the Tree]

Sorry guys, I never owned a 250R so I know almost nothing about them. I didn't even know that they are 2 strokes

Well, now that I look stupid I have another question since I am on a roll.

I am buying this without a key since the owner has lost it. Is there a simple way to bypass the ignition on this that doesn't involve cutting and splicing wires?

[Kfx-xc-racer88]

buy another ignition they are quite cheap, or take the old ignition to a locksmiths!! i had a key cut to fit my lock a few weeks ago for about $10

[3 on the Tree]

I know how to get a key cut, I called a local motorcycle dealer and they said there is a 4 digit code that I can give them from the ignition and they can cut me a key based off of that number. The issue is I am getting this thing pretty cheap since there is no key and I can't hear it run. The more I think about it I don't want it to run in front of the seller since I don't want the price to magically increase.

What would be the bare minimum amount of acceptable compression; 150psi.? 100psi.? What I am getting at is if it is too low, I don't want to have to tear the motor apart and re-do rings.

P.S. What was the purpose of twin head pipes on a single cylinder motor?

[bcredneck]

cut the wires you might have to conect some together but uslualy cut the wires

[fabiodriven]

You can probably pull the plug out of the rear of the ignition and jump the right wires with a paper clip. I used to do that on my buddy's CB750. It's a lot easier than you think.

[fabiodriven]

cut the wires you might have to conect some together but uslualy cut the wires

That's great advise considering he specifically said he doesn't want to cut wires.

[gsw902]

Most older bikes all you have to do is unplug the ignition switch. I had a 76 xl250 and thats all I had to do to it. I also used to ride my brothers suzuki ts 400 and his 83 Big Red while he was at work, and thats all I would have to do to them

[captainweezy]

Great advise on cutting the wires. NOT Why would you want to junk the bike out like that?? Its in pretty sweet shape.

[3 on the Tree]

Thanks gsw, that is quick enough I will try your idea. If you read a few posts up, I almost don't want to start it in front of this guy becasue I don't want the price to increace lol.

[3 on the Tree]

Well guys, I'm about to take off to Peoria to buy this thing so wish me luck. It's about a 2 hour drive southwest of me. I'll let you know the outcome and take some pics later tonight. Thanks for the input.

-Mike K.