my first 250r now with pics

[RDH/86200X]

Im going to start off by saying that this is my first 2 stroke. So im sure im going to have some questions. Well the trike is a mix of parts from what i can tell. Its an 1981 frame and swing arm and i think its an 83-84 motor but i might be wrong as this is the first 250r i have been up close to. as for what it needs. Im going to need a complete top end, seat, and plastics sometime, i would greatly appreciate any help on what to look for, and what upgrades to consider. i will be post pics as soon as i find my cable. but im warning you guys its a little rough.

[falloutboy]

There's no better way to get to know your machine than spending quality time in the shop

[Gripit'n'ripit]

Rough is fine, it's how you learn. The motors for 81-84 are the same with exception of the shifting spindle and carburator size.
What plastics do you need? Engine parts? Going to take you're time and go through the whole engine?

Good luck and congrats just the same.

[RDH/86200X]

yeah im going to go through the whole bike. new bearings seals and gaskets everywhere. as for parts i havent had much time to look at it closely because i live in north dakota now and its in an unheated garage. but i do know that im going to need swing arm, jug, head, and piston also im going to need the seat ( pan foam and cover). the plastics i can live with until i get everything else where i want it.
what are good upgrades for the suspension, like will a 83-83 swing arm fit in the 81 frame or im i going to a have to get a 82 swinger to get rear disc breaks.
my wife is probably going to kill me because im going to have the motor torn apart on the kitchen table when she gets home from work

[Yamaha_Rules69]

Good upgrades would be 83-85 200x front end, but you change the appearance with the skinny front tire. They have better travel and better disc brakes. For the carb, a 85-86 250R carb is a great upgrade and will alow the motor, even a stock motor, to breath much better. Get a pipe, either old school aftermarket would be best, or a new DG, and that will really wake the motor up. You could also get the top end ported, to allow for much better power. I dont think the 83-84 R rear end will bolt on without a lot of mods, the frames and mounting points are different, and the second gen uses a link. Another thing to keep your eye out for is a Hondaline 300 top end. You can still use all the engine mods listed above as well.

[Gripit'n'ripit]

Need a swing arm? Manbearpig here on the forums may be able to help you out. Just purchased one a few weeks ago from him.

Can't upgrade to a 2nd gen swing arm without doing major frame alteration. As for having disc brakes over drums, that was a priority lower on my the list. Work on the engine until you NEED to stop better.
Like Yamaha_Rules69 said, Upgrade the carb. Some from a TRX or a CR250 (if you like twist throttle) may work as well as later gen R's.

Tapered roller bearings in the steering stem is a nice upgrade as well.

Try to plan ahead with how deep you're going into this machine. It's very easy to jump in and loose interest when it's spread around the garage.
Also (in my case) it is very easy for a build to get a little out of control and take a lot more time and money than you anticipated. Not trying to discourage you in anyway. We ALL WANT you to make a killer wheeler. Just a little planning ahead saves a LOT of aggravation.

Good luck.

[manbearpig]

Need a swing arm? Manbearpig here on the forums may be able to help you out. Just purchased one a few weeks ago from him.

Good luck.

hahhaha looks like its manbearpig to the rescue!!

ive got anything and everything you could ever want for 81/82R. just contact me...

[Gripit'n'ripit]

RDH: Using rear wheel hubs from a TRX a nice upgrade also. Gives a slitghtly wider wheel base.

Manbear: the "junk" swing arm you sent me is nicer than the one I'm running! Thanks for the help.

[RDH/86200X]

My current swing arm is cracked where the shock mounts to it. Also I'm going to be going though the bottom end as the crank bearings are a little stiff and I don't want to take an chances. I won't be able to mess with the bike till Wednesday. So I will know more then. I'm trying to get pics to upload from my phone but its not wanting to work.

[RDH/86200X]

well here is what im working with. on a good note the tank has no dents and no rust inside.

[RDH/86200X]

i just went and looked though the box of paqrts that came with my trike and there is no swing arm bolt.
also i got the numbers off the bottom end so if anybody could tell me what year my engine is. thank you
tb06e
2301356

[RDH/86200X]

Well I have good news and bad news. So let's start with the bad first. I am going to be pushing the 250 aside for now so a can save my money for things more important.
The good news. Me and my wife are going to be having our first child. She will be due beginning of October. But at least I will have a better reason to get a 70 now. Looks like this will be turning into a slow and detailed build.

[atc007]

Congratulations! Some things are much more important than 3 wheelers ! Did I say that out loud?

[Swinger]

Congrats on the soon to be new addition to the family.

[RDH/86200X]

So this build is going to take a lot longer that I had planned but I have been ordering parts. In the next week or so I will be getting some titan fast trekkers in the mail as well as a swingarm pivot bolt and a new to me set of motor mounts and bolts. My wife thinks I'm crazy for rebuilding this ( pile of parts) as she put it but I love putting my heart and soul into it plus I have a hard time letting a 3 wheeler die no mater what the cost is. Still in search if a stock bore jug and head and a swing arm for a decent price. Ttfn Ryan.
PS will post more pics over the week as it is no longer -15 during the day. I can work in my garage again. Yay me.