Posts
28
Joined
10/13/2014
Location
US
Edited Date/Time
9/20/2018 12:08pm
Hi All,
Just stumbled on this forum and thought that since it's an "old school" forum I get some good suggestions and questions answered about upgrading and restoring my 87 KX250.
It sat in my cousins shed for about 8 years, and it ran before that, but he stopped riding it after he had problems getting it in second, then later neutral.
I took it completely apart and found some gears broke and replaced them a la freebay. Plus while I had the case split, replaced every bearing, cir clip, and bushings, new rod, piston & rings, etc.
Here's the engine after assembly.
I stripped and painted the frame, and added new bearings everywhere.
Built a homemade kickstand modeled after a stock one during that time period. Replaced the front disc, rebuilt both calipers, added new pads, just to rear until I replace the front disc.
And after all the work.
I've since painted the pipe and order new plastics that should arrive in a week or so.
It wasn't supposed to be a total rebuild at first, but I got carried away. Along the way I found other things wrong that I initially didn't plan for, like a broke silencer frame mount, loose foot pegs, wrong swings arm nut, wrong rear brake pedal, wrong brake lever, and mouse nest in the airbox.
I eventually got her running but then had problems starting her after a stall or shutting her off. In the end, I went down a size on the pilot jet, adjusted the float level, went back to a stock pre mix, and learned how to start a 2 stroke.....or more less I'm learning how she like to be started cold and hot.
My plans are to find a larger front disc, get another master cylinder maybe from a klr 650, replace my silencer, new grips, tires, seat cover and some other things.
dinky,
Just stumbled on this forum and thought that since it's an "old school" forum I get some good suggestions and questions answered about upgrading and restoring my 87 KX250.
It sat in my cousins shed for about 8 years, and it ran before that, but he stopped riding it after he had problems getting it in second, then later neutral.
I took it completely apart and found some gears broke and replaced them a la freebay. Plus while I had the case split, replaced every bearing, cir clip, and bushings, new rod, piston & rings, etc.
Here's the engine after assembly.
I stripped and painted the frame, and added new bearings everywhere.
Built a homemade kickstand modeled after a stock one during that time period. Replaced the front disc, rebuilt both calipers, added new pads, just to rear until I replace the front disc.
And after all the work.
I've since painted the pipe and order new plastics that should arrive in a week or so.
It wasn't supposed to be a total rebuild at first, but I got carried away. Along the way I found other things wrong that I initially didn't plan for, like a broke silencer frame mount, loose foot pegs, wrong swings arm nut, wrong rear brake pedal, wrong brake lever, and mouse nest in the airbox.
I eventually got her running but then had problems starting her after a stall or shutting her off. In the end, I went down a size on the pilot jet, adjusted the float level, went back to a stock pre mix, and learned how to start a 2 stroke.....or more less I'm learning how she like to be started cold and hot.
My plans are to find a larger front disc, get another master cylinder maybe from a klr 650, replace my silencer, new grips, tires, seat cover and some other things.
dinky,
I originally had it level like yours but I was concerned that it might hit something when I drive in trails, so I made another bracket than put it higher.
I'm not aiming for an "original" look, but I was tired of putting it up on a 5 gal pale every time I had to work on it.
At some point I'll get the uni trak sticker along with the radiator cover stickers.
BTW, your build was the first post I read when I found this site....I have to say you spent "a lot" more $$$ on your build and it shows.
I just can't justify spending that much, although my wasn't cheap either.....
BTW, do you know what oversized rotors will fit? I'm trying to match them up based on the inner diameter and bolt pattern diameter of later KX 250's like a 94. I'd also like to use a 2 piston caliper and know I'll have to made a bracket of some sort.
dinky,
I'll post more pics as I make progress.
dinky,
The Shop
Are you hoping to go with an OEM style seat cover? I got one for my 89 a few months ago and it was pretty affordable. Now I'm thinking about replacing the foam while I'm at it.
Where did you get your seat cover from?
I saw this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kawasaki-KX-KX125-250-500-1986-87-Stock-Seat-Co…
And I'm hoping he still has some once I'm ready to order.
dinky,
This is the correct seat cover for a 1987 KX250:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/KAWASAKI-KX125-KX250-KX500-1987-SEAT-COVER-KVRO…
I also looked at the one you pointed out...but it's overseas and I usually don't buy overseas.
If it's good quality, then I just might go for it.
Shipping for me in NJ says will take a month...is that accurate?
Also, if the cover is not molded, can you install it without any wrinkles? And it doesn't look like it got a molded front or back...so how difficult is it to put on and get the "KX" letters in the right spot on the seat?
dinky,
Here's the list of part numbers: http://mrdeveloppement.free.fr/fournisseur/braking/kawa.htm
Use the "STANDARD" measurements.
dinky,
I had to transfer the timing marks from my original stator to the new one.
I wish they came with these timing marks.
Also, the wires on the new stator come about 1in or 2in short...not sure why since it's a "direct" replacement.
Anyway, here she is,
dinky,
The timing marks would be nice, but I would think if you get it close to where the other stator was located you cab play around in different locations. You will know when it's right by the feel
Before you start it just check the spark with the plug against the cylinder. I'm curious Iif the size of your spark is any stronger with the new stator
He's the one who referred them to me recently. So when I went down there to have my rod installed, he saw his RRP stickers on the pictures I was showing him..I'm guessing he was the owner.
I got the bike for free from my cousin who lives about 10 miles down from RRP the beginning of this year. I'm not sure what work they actually did on the bike, but looking inside the motor, I'd say they at least honed the cylinder and did the top end. I could still see the honing marks when I looked inside the jug....
About the stator, I noticed a stronger and more consistent spark when I was testing for spark.
The bike started and seemed to start easier, but I'm not sure if it will fix the hard starting problem I have. I'll have to play with it more this weekend.
BTW, do you know of places to ride in North Jersey?
dinky,
Pit Row
I took all the side plastics off since I had a starting issue....I replaced my worn kick start lever with a brand new one which helped, increased my jets for the cold weather and got a crash course in "how to start a 2 stroke".
Probably, 85% my fault. Now a pay attention to TDC on the kick start lever and kick it like you mean it.
In 20 deg weather I was able to start it in 4-5 kicks.
I still have a ways to go....need seat cover, front rotors, brake lever, tires, and other things I would "like" to upgrade.
dinky,
I found this seat cover that looks promising:
http://vintageroost.com/collections/seat-covers/products/kaw-sc-8700-kx…
dinky,
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