83 Atc 250r

[sunblock]

Hi guys, I have been trolling these boards for the past couple of weeks looking for info on my new score. It is my first 250R. I was really holding out for an 85-86 but I found this one for a good price so it should be plenty of fun. Needs a new rear caliper and some frame work, but other than that it is in decent shape.

I have not really opened it up since the frame needs some work, but the 1st gear power band feels a little sluggish, it makes a lot of noise but not too much acceleration. while poking around 1st feels fine, and it will ride a wheel easy. 2nd and third have much more pull in the power band. but still less than say my liquid cooled cr250, which I would expect anyway. Are these air fooler engines known for a noticeably weaker power band? I am sure after I go through it all and work on the engine some it will be much better, but I am just trying to figure out what my starting point is and what to expect.

pics :

[Daddio]

Welcome aboard. I'm sure you will get all of the advice you need here. Before you get too worried about the power that thing is capable of fix your frame. That looks a little dangerous and I'd hate to hear that you got hurt on it because the frame broke in two at 60mph.

[Daddio]

This might give you an idea of what an aircooler is capable of when set up properly. Actually this one has the Hondaline 300 kit on it.

[sunblock]

yeah, I have been pretty cautious when putting around the backyard, I know I shouldn't drive it but its hard to let that new toy just sit without trying it out once Now I have played with it some I am going to let it sit until I have time to work on it.

[300rman]

what he isnt telling you is the laundrylist of other tweaks and whatnot he has into that bike....but yes, an can RIP when set up properly.
get that 250 jug ported good. it will make insane differences.

my old top end, i recently found out had a sleeve and piston from a different machine. this allowed it to use a jug spacer plate, thereby increasing the crankcase volume tremendously. between that, the extremely custom portwork, balanced crank, boyesen PRO reeds, i think that that top end was more violent than my worked over 300. with that 250, i never had to wait for the powerband, where the 300 i have to wait for it, or feather the clutch.

so yes, with some work, that can make stains in your pants.


on a second note, my fooler had frame breakage in those same spots.

[Daddio]

what he isnt telling you is the laundrylist of other tweaks and whatnot he has into that bike....but yes, an can RIP when set up properly.
get that 250 jug ported good. it will make insane differences.

my old top end, i recently found out had a sleeve and piston from a different machine. this allowed it to use a jug spacer plate, thereby increasing the crankcase volume tremendously. between that, the extremely custom portwork, balanced crank, boyesen PRO reeds, i think that that top end was more violent than my worked over 300. with that 250, i never had to wait for the powerband, where the 300 i have to wait for it, or feather the clutch.

so yes, with some work, that can make stains in your pants.


on a second note, my fooler had frame breakage in those same spots.

Actually those vids were from last year. That was with a stock 300 Hondaline kit on it. It is a different animal this year.
Also you are right about the 250 cylinders being very potent with minor mods. 1upfront said that his trail bike 83 250r that he took to trikefest was more fun to race than the 300r because it is set up for low to midrange power. You just dump the clutch and hold on for dear life.
I will say it again getting a machine set up and properly tuned is just as, if not more, important that a long list of mods.

[sunblock]

Thanks for the advice, that is what I was hoping to hear. Now I just have to find some time to go through it.