my 85 250r restoration

[200x_Basket]

this is going to be a tech article about the restoration of my 85 250r. in this article i will go over many things and have many pics for you all to view. i hope it will help others out in the future.
when i bought this 250r i did not plan to restore it, but the deeper i got into the project the more damage i found. i will also list the money spent along the way to show the cost and the dealer that i got the parts from. i try to get used parts to get the best deal. i also like to buy complete bikes to get parts. this allows me to have more spares or to sell parts on ebay to make up for the money i spend. my goal is to have a restored and bad a$$ 250r for under $1000. it will be a hard goal but i will do my best. i hope to have it complete in a three month time period.

I will come back and edit the cost and parts post as i go along. be sure to check any post that has been edited.

[200x_Basket]

1. The frame is busted all to hell from a set of welded on wheely bars breaking off and an idiot welding a square tube grab bar to the frame.
2. Front forks need a rebuild in a bad way.
3. Needs a new front fender.
4. The same idiot welded the shifter to the shaft.
5. The same idiot welded the flywheel to the crank. :mad: i may not fix this right now, it works fine.
6. The same idiot welded the hubs/axle together.
7. The same idiot welded the sprocket to the hub.:mad:
8. Found water in the oil.
9. The kick starter does not catch most of the time. it needs the starter ratchet and washers.

[200x_Basket]

well these are few
1. It came with a set or pro wedges
2. It came with a spare set of rims
3. the cylinder and head was worked by trinity in california
4. The brakes work but need pads.
5. It has a 350x headlight on it.
6. It has a DG pipe and silencer
7. It has an adjustable rear shock mount

[200x_Basket]

COST
1. 1985 3 wheeler $560
2. 1985 parts 3 wheeler (rolling ch@ssis) $150
3. sand blast new frame and other small parts $50
4. front fender $20 http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1842931283
5. throttle and other stuff $40 http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1842215282
6. new front & rear brake pads, and engine seal/gaskit kit from www.denniskirk.com $102
7. engine and carrier $250
TOTAL COST $1172 - PARTS SOLD = $537 NOT TO SHABBY

PARTS SOLD OR FOR SALE
1. 85 swingarm $46 http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1841704694
2.
3. Rear brake hub $10
4. Kicker $26
5. Right case half $53
6. Right and Left case covers $58
7. Transmission $212
8. Forks $20
9. Rolling Chassis $200
10. Shock linkage $10
TOTAL SOLD $635

PARTS NEEDED
1. new front fender (got it $20)
2. bottom end (I just got a running engine $250)
3. hubs (came on chassis)
4. Pivot bearings (got them $30)
5. 85 bearing carrier or complete 86 rear end ( i got one with the engine)
6. front brake pads (dennis kirk $19)
7. rear brake pads (dennis kirk $19)
8. 36mm carb and cable

SPARE PARTS
1. Tranny
2. Clutch pack
3. kick starter gears
4. counter balancer
5. tons of other little stuff

[200x_Basket]

this is the damage the guy caused.

[200x_Basket]

#2 frame damage

[200x_Basket]

frame damage #3
you can see the frame is broken and that the braces are missing. a good used frame is the ticket to repair this.

[200x_Basket]

this is the running bike after i tore most of it down

[200x_Basket]

i had the frame and some other parts sandblasted to be powder coated. i decided to paint them instead to save that $200. I used paint I had around the house. I will get all the infor and post it here. be sure to look back for the edit. it has 2 coats of primer, sanded, 3 coats of paint, 3 coats of clear.

[200x_Basket]

new frame #2

[200x_Basket]

changing pivot bearings can be a biotch. first you have to get the pivot bolt out. i was lucky and the bolt on the parts machine came right out. I was not so lucky on the running machine. i busted two 19mm craftsman sockets and it never moved :shocked: i eventually used a cut off tool and cut the head off of the bolt and the end of the threads. i then spred the frame apart to remove the swing arm. do not try this if you intend to reuse your frame. i have been told that you can get a drill and drill the bolt down enough to remove the swing arm. i then used a sledge hammer to remove the rest of the pivot bolt from the swingarm. use caution not to damage your swing arm. this took several hours and a lot of hammering and cussing. i did not have a beer handy so that made me even more mad :mad: well now i will explain how to remove the froze bearings. if you look close in this pic you will see a bearing. to remove it you will need to remove the two bushings on the ends. the best way i have found to do this is with a flat tipped punch and a hammer. put the punch in the hole and lightly hammer out the bushing.

[200x_Basket]

i have heard this is hard but i can do it in about two minutes. all you need is two sockets and a big vice. select one deep well that barely fits inside the bearing tube. then select one deep well socket with a inside diameter larger then the bearing tube. line them up in the vise and tighten down on them. it is best done with two people.

[200x_Basket]

here is the bearing

[200x_Basket]

i do not have new bearings at this time. i will be putting the swingarm back on now because i need a rolling chassis. it will not be ridden this way!

[200x_Basket]

i need this thing rolling so i can handle it better. i am now going to install the bearing carrier. it is busted and cracked so i am not too worried about this one. i have another cracked carrier that i am going to try to have it fixed. i used all the old parts here since i will be doing this again soon. the first step is to install the bearings in the carrier. i have been told that if you heat the carrier in the oven at 350 degrees for about a hour this will be much easier. i did not do this and it was a little difficult. i cleaned the carrier and found a socket with the same diameter of the bearing. i then lightly hammered the first bearing into place. next i filled the carrier with grease and installed the space. Next install the other bearing and both dust seals. now grease the outside of the carrier and install the o-rings on the ends of the carrier (i did not have any). now grease the inside of the swingarm and slide the carrier into place. install the brake mount and the c-clip. do not hammer the carrier into the swing arm, damage will result. the damage on mine was done before i owned it. this what you should have.

[200x_Basket]

carrier #2

[200x_Basket]

the hardest part of this was getting the grease zirk on the bottom of the shock to grease both sides. it had dried grease all in it. i used a can of starting fluid with a wd-40 spray nozzle and the red tube to clear it out. i simply removed the zirc, placed the red tube in the hole and began to spray. it took the whole can but i got it cleaned out and grease to flow out both sides. here is a pic of the bolt before i started.

[200x_Basket]

be sure you get all of the dust seals in place and put it together. i had to use a punch to help me line up the bottom bolt, shock, and the mount.

[200x_Basket]

not much to this. just be sure to grease teh hell out of it and the area where it contacts the dust seals. i also used some anti sieze where the brake hub and axle nut ride on the axle. just slide the axle in, slide the brake hub on, slide the theads and lock nut on, thread the large nut on (reverse thereads), slide the round block on with the groove facing outside, put the round clip on, tighten the nut against the round block, torque it to 50 ft lbs, tighten the locknut to the axle nut.

[200x_Basket]

not bad for a couple hours work

[200x_Basket]

ouch

[200x_Basket]

one of my braces was broken. i dont know how it broke like this.

[200x_Basket]

a little time on the welder and it is good as new.

[200x_Basket]

well that is all i plan to do for a couple of days. i ahve to order some parts. here is the final pic of the night.

[200x_Basket]

just picked this up! for $20

[200x_Basket]

this was included!

[200x_Basket]

like i said in the first post i am on a budget which i am over. neither of my trikes came with a grab bar so i decided to make one. i wanted it to be long enough to help me keep it tires side up in a big wheely :headbang: it is made of stainless steel. i hope you all like it.

[200x_Basket]

it looks a little thin but it is very strong. i am glad that i did not make it any shorter.

[200x_Basket]

as you can see in this pic i have the electrical and radiators installed. i have also got the throttle and grips on. the front brake is not the one i plan to use. i started to install the rear brakes but since i have to remove the swingarm i will wait a few more days.

[86waterpumper]

boy some paint really helps one out!! Looking good, I would think the thinness of the grab bar rails is a good thing, if somebody slams into you, I would want it to be the weak link, and not tweak the frame :p

[jenndnn3]

That is comin together very very nicely. I wish I had the know how to do what you are doin!!! Plus patience. I say you do great work. :headbang: Jen

[200x_Basket]

thanks!!! jenn it is easy. just take it apart and put it back together!

this post must be hell on a dial up modem :doh:

[Ed Grimly]

Ummm, yes,,, yes it is...
Some pictures would not even come up.

Are you going back with original colors like gray swing arm and the other parts or is this gonna be a one off kinda deal..
I still remember my black, white and lavender Tri-Z.. It was purty.

[85200xsnoxer]

looks great, nice work:cool:

[200x_Basket]

thanks. i plant to get back to work on it monday. i i have all the needed parts to finish it! :D

[200x_Basket]

It has been about 4 weeks since I have up dated my restoration project. I finally replaced the swing arm bearings and installed my temporary engine. The previous owner welded the flywheel to the crank so I am building a new engine. I have one running spare engine but it has a busted case, I also have one non running engine with perfect cases. The previous owner of this engine removed the cylinder and left the bike in the rain for a few years. IDIOT :mad: anyway tonight I split both cases and tomorrow I plan to rebuild one bottom end from all the parts. the bottom end really is not all that complicated. here is a pic of the tranny.

[200x_Basket]

the case that was rusted was a real mother&*(^#@ to split. it took me three hours to get it apart. Now I have all the parts to put together a nice engine and still have enough to put together a back up engine!!!

[Glenn]

This is a really great thread. I enjoyed reading about your progress. It's nice to see how detailed oriented you are and how you're doing things the right way. Congrats on all the nice work. Nice work area too!

[200x_Basket]

Thanks. I may be putting it up for sale as soon as i am finished with it. i think i will list this link when i put it up for sale.

[83Atc250R]

definatly do that you'll fetch more $$$. Hell i might buy it. You still got that 200x?

[200x_Basket]

i traded it for a 85 250r!!

[83Atc250R]

o really... thats good actually!

[250sx]

Originally posted by 200x_Basket
Thanks. I may be putting it up for sale as soon as i am finished with it.

:doh: :bash: :thmbsdwn: :nono: :booty: :wtf: :shrug:

[200x_Basket]

well i doubt i do. I ma just looking for ways to pay off that new race car of mine $22,000 is a steep investment :shocked: i have liquidated about $10,000 but I still have a long ways to go. I am planning on moving to the country in about 8 months so i may keep it. i need to get more ride time then i am getting right now. i have only rode my 83 250r about 10 hours since i finished it.

[200x_Basket]

I am really needing a 36mm flatside and cable to finish this project. I am dying to ride it. let me know if you have what i need.
thanks
chris

[Fuzzy]

Great work Basket. It`s looking real sharp. I hope you dont have to get rid of it.

[200x_Basket]

well i have made some progress. The engine that is in the bike is my temporary engine. it is ported and polished by trinity but the cases are all busted up with crappy repairs. i have built another bottom end and may swap the top end over this winter. as long as it runs good i wont bother. i still have not rode it yet because i am waiting on a carb.:cry:

[200x_Basket]

1

[200x_Basket]

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[200x_Basket]

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[200x_Basket]

next task is to polish this gas tank. can you believe i only have about $600 in this and i have a spare engine and a ton of other parts??? i will use 600 grtit and wet sand the tank and then use a buffing wheel and jewlers rouge to make it shine.
:headbang:

[Bandit_33]

Hey Basket are you going to put any kind of skid plates on that or leave it like it is?? Nice looking trike though!!! :headbang: :headbang: :hail:

[200x_Basket]

it has the front skid plate and i have not found a rear skid plate. some one had one but i cant remember who?

[Bandit_33]

Cool ! I need both front and rear skid plates for my Z ! :headbang:

[200x_Basket]

i need this adjuster if any of you have one.

[83Atc250R]

That is definatly comeing along great!!!

[84200s/m]

are thoes maxxis made for snow tires on it if so how do they work

[ATCRYDER]

I think you did a great job, man..

Interesting handelbars to say the least!! hehe

and ya g0t some rear brakes!!!!! :chuckle:

[200x_Basket]

those are pro wedge sand tires and i have never used them. let me get back to you next week.:D

[200x_Basket]

polished my tank!! i wet sanded it with 400 grit followed by 600 grit. i then used car wax and a electric buffer. i put the wax on real thick and started buffing while it was wet until it made a nice shine!! :headbang:

[200x_Basket]

1

[200x_Basket]

2

[200x_Basket]

before

[ATCRYDER]

that -definently- makes it look liek a nice machine!

So, you stripped the paint, polished it, and primered then repainted it?

Ill have to do that *again* with my tank!

Rob

ps--Isnt that a flat track kit tank>???

[250sx]

isn't that tank plastic?

[ATCRYDER]

I was just gonna edit my post and say that....

[200x_Basket]

it is plastic and what is a flat track tank? i just polished it, no paint!!!

[ATCRYDER]

oooh ok I think Im seeing---it was painted white and you jsut stripped it off right??

A flat track kit is...a kit for flat track that used to eb amde. Complete kits go for like $550 today! And it looks like a flat track tank & flares to me...anyone got any input on that?..

Rob

[200x_Basket]

it was never painted, just faded. it was very BAD!:bash:

[200x_Basket]

i am just trying to shine it all up in these pics

[200x_Basket]

2

[200x_Basket]

3

[hrc200x]

Very nice restoration. I think a true flat track tank kit comes with the tank, air scoops, radiator relocator brackets, and the lower tripple clamp. I have no idea why the kit would work without shaving some off the steering stops, unless thats why you need the lower tripple clamp because the stops on that are moved some???

[wildchild74]

You need to c my R, and my Tecate, You'll ****, I'm in Monroe , we should let me smoke ya sometime, J/J

Peace
Kevin

[200x_Basket]

how about sunday at dans ride!! i have to smoke his t3 first:demon: all in good fun:headbang:

[jenndnn3]

Very nice job Basket!!!!!! That gastank job is very impressive...Jen

[200x_Basket]

has this been made into an article yet?

[Caterpillar]

I don't think that rear grab bar is gonna hold up worth a shyte when you crash it.. It will bend like a 22 dollar hooker......or a warm twizzler.

[200x_Basket]

yep, i trashed it on the first flip. it did flip about 3 times!!

[Glenn]

Hellofa good job there! It looks really nice!

[200x_Basket]

well i finally got around to putting the new engine in. it has a boysen ram valve with the carbon fiber reeds, the 38mm mikuni, fmf fatty pipe and silencer, cr head gasket, 14 tooth front sprocket, ported cylinder, bored 100 over :shocked: , yada, yada, yada. i just hope it holds up :(

[200x_Basket]

i also put in new fork seals. the inside of the forks was a brown slugde :confused: and they are the 86 forks. i noticed the 86 front brake long ago but i never suspected it had the 86 forks. :D now i need a 86 frame and i will make it into a 86:headbang:

[200x_Basket]

i am being real careful witht he break in and from now on i will let it warm up before i rip on it.

[Glenn]

Lookin' good! Nice Christmas present!

[250sx]

Originally posted by 200x_Basket
i am being real careful witht he break in and from now on i will let it warm up before i rip on it.

we really need a smiley that says "duuhhh-huh" :D :doh: :loser: :yup:

[Ronjon851]

Looks real nice!!!!!I got the same bike and noticed on a photo of your swingarm that the caliper bracket is facing the opposite way that mine is.On partsfish font the bracket is shown to go on opposite of how you have it mounted.The flat side or front of the bracket should be faceing the rear.My question is how well do your two bolt holes that the caliper attaches to the bracket line up?I have a 85 and bought a 85 caliper but had to modify the bracket.I don't have a manual so I looked at the partsfish diagram.My bike could also have a 86 rotor assembly.I could get the bolt holes to lineup without the rotor on.tell me what you think.Thanks much!!!

[200x_Basket]

thanks. i think my brake is set up right.
here it is in action

http://www.3wheeler.org/rides/10-13-02-sandbar/pa130024.jpg

[86200X]

so how much did yah have in it ?

[performula]

Yes, how much did you throw into it and what happened to the pictures? :(