STEEL VS ALU Framed YZ250s

lumpy790
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lumpy790 9/22/2015 7:23am
9/22/2015 7:23am
I like mine

1
coastlinecascott 9/22/2015 8:02am
9/22/2015 8:02am
The 46mm fork is super plush. On the track it was easy to override it without going really stiff. The sss allows me to go full bore into a rough section without fear of the forks doing something crazy. Also sss is still plush at thr same time.
mikebrownsound 9/22/2015 9:18am
9/22/2015 9:18am Edited Date/Time 9/22/2015 9:20am
DrSweden wrote:
2002 frame differs from 2003 and 2004, it's heavier 1-2 lbs? and flex less. 2005 frame differs from 2006-2015, dunno weight but after getting some critique...
2002 frame differs from 2003 and 2004, it's heavier 1-2 lbs? and flex less. 2005 frame differs from 2006-2015, dunno weight but after getting some critique being rigid, the 2006 was worked on for more flex.

I'm almost ready with my project: 2003, totally restored. I have KYB SSS, stock and some Öhlins to choose from. I think the 2003 fork felt pretty plush riding around before bying the bike, will give them a try before converting to KYB SSS. Will use the Öhlins TTX rear though...

Vuillemin cracked his 2006+ frame on his YZ250, it broke along the weld under the tank, about two dm in length? After being re-weld, it hold up good I think...
I just had a chat with Vuillemin and he cracked the frame 06 frame in 2011 when he baught one, And like you said he got the bike rewelded and it was fine but the crack was like 20 cm he said atleast. Maybe the bike he baught from craigslist were already defected. Anyway take a look at this beast

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zw7OiXNX7VQ
ginger969
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ginger969 9/22/2015 9:35am
9/22/2015 9:35am
jerry atrick moto wrote:
My 2003 i just finished [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2015/09/21/105666/s1200_DSCF2191.jpg[/img] [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2015/09/21/105667/s1200_DSCF2196.jpg[/img] in progress picture almost done [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2015/09/21/105669/s1200_2028.jpg[/img] before pic locked up and was going to be parted out. gave 325.00...
My 2003 i just finished





in progress picture almost done



before pic locked up and was going to be parted out. gave 325.00





What frame color is that? that's the color i'm going to do haha

The Shop

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keeptwostrokesalive 9/22/2015 10:15am
9/22/2015 10:15am
So after seeing this thread I am very intrigued on this idea. I have a 2006 yz250 and love the bike, but my biggest complaint is that it never feels comfortable going in to corners. It always wants to stand up on me, and I always feel like I'm fighting the bike to stay in the rut. I have the suspension revalved to my weight as well, that helped but I still feel like it could be better. Plus I do feel like the bike is a little bit harsher then I would like, maybe from the aluminum frame. I owned a 2004 yz125 way back then and LOVED that bike, it turned great and was just all around a lot of fun. My question to you guys that have put SSS suspension on a steel framed bike, is it really that much better turning wise and overall plushness feel? If I were to do this conversion I want to start with a 2004 yz250, and I would sell my bike for around $3000 to give me plenty of room to make modifications and such.
ginger969
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ginger969 9/22/2015 10:23am
9/22/2015 10:23am
keeptwostrokesalive wrote:
So after seeing this thread I am very intrigued on this idea. I have a 2006 yz250 and love the bike, but my biggest complaint is...
So after seeing this thread I am very intrigued on this idea. I have a 2006 yz250 and love the bike, but my biggest complaint is that it never feels comfortable going in to corners. It always wants to stand up on me, and I always feel like I'm fighting the bike to stay in the rut. I have the suspension revalved to my weight as well, that helped but I still feel like it could be better. Plus I do feel like the bike is a little bit harsher then I would like, maybe from the aluminum frame. I owned a 2004 yz125 way back then and LOVED that bike, it turned great and was just all around a lot of fun. My question to you guys that have put SSS suspension on a steel framed bike, is it really that much better turning wise and overall plushness feel? If I were to do this conversion I want to start with a 2004 yz250, and I would sell my bike for around $3000 to give me plenty of room to make modifications and such.
So i have owned 2 ALU framed YZ250's, a steel framed 03 YZ250 and a 2002 YZ125...I started this thread because I always remember the steel bikes just feeling better...I ride dirt jump mountain bikes too and there is a HUGE feel difference between the alu/steel framed bikes. The ALU framed bikes are extremely responsive and knife sharp feeling in the air and corners where as the steel framed dj bikes are more forgiving and feel like they're more absorbing in bumpy lines as well as landings and turns...Just a thought but seems somewhat relevant Smile

Picking up a 2002 YZ250 Wed and will start the overhaul and comparison to my 15' ktm 250sxf haha
DrSweden
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DrSweden 9/22/2015 10:29am
9/22/2015 10:29am
keeptwostrokesalive wrote:
So after seeing this thread I am very intrigued on this idea. I have a 2006 yz250 and love the bike, but my biggest complaint is...
So after seeing this thread I am very intrigued on this idea. I have a 2006 yz250 and love the bike, but my biggest complaint is that it never feels comfortable going in to corners. It always wants to stand up on me, and I always feel like I'm fighting the bike to stay in the rut. I have the suspension revalved to my weight as well, that helped but I still feel like it could be better. Plus I do feel like the bike is a little bit harsher then I would like, maybe from the aluminum frame. I owned a 2004 yz125 way back then and LOVED that bike, it turned great and was just all around a lot of fun. My question to you guys that have put SSS suspension on a steel framed bike, is it really that much better turning wise and overall plushness feel? If I were to do this conversion I want to start with a 2004 yz250, and I would sell my bike for around $3000 to give me plenty of room to make modifications and such.
Why don't you buy a $150; 2003-2004 frame and Ebay? You need the T-bone from the 2002-2004 linkage (the rest is the same) and you also need to bulk up the thriple clamp stoppers on the steering stem. You could have your dream bike, new bike for what a muffler cost...

If you are happy with that new bike, you could sell the 2006 frame for 300-500?
DrSweden
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DrSweden 9/22/2015 10:33am
9/22/2015 10:33am
mikebrownsound wrote:
I just had a chat with Vuillemin and he cracked the frame 06 frame in 2011 when he baught one, And like you said he got...
I just had a chat with Vuillemin and he cracked the frame 06 frame in 2011 when he baught one, And like you said he got the bike rewelded and it was fine but the crack was like 20 cm he said atleast. Maybe the bike he baught from craigslist were already defected. Anyway take a look at this beast

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zw7OiXNX7VQ
Cool you confirmed with him. Crazy you post the link above, saw that video a few hours earlier today. I guess we are hovering the net for the same stuff! Smile

Hey "bought" is how you spell it! Wink
keeptwostrokesalive 9/22/2015 10:41am
9/22/2015 10:41am
keeptwostrokesalive wrote:
So after seeing this thread I am very intrigued on this idea. I have a 2006 yz250 and love the bike, but my biggest complaint is...
So after seeing this thread I am very intrigued on this idea. I have a 2006 yz250 and love the bike, but my biggest complaint is that it never feels comfortable going in to corners. It always wants to stand up on me, and I always feel like I'm fighting the bike to stay in the rut. I have the suspension revalved to my weight as well, that helped but I still feel like it could be better. Plus I do feel like the bike is a little bit harsher then I would like, maybe from the aluminum frame. I owned a 2004 yz125 way back then and LOVED that bike, it turned great and was just all around a lot of fun. My question to you guys that have put SSS suspension on a steel framed bike, is it really that much better turning wise and overall plushness feel? If I were to do this conversion I want to start with a 2004 yz250, and I would sell my bike for around $3000 to give me plenty of room to make modifications and such.
DrSweden wrote:
Why don't you buy a $150; 2003-2004 frame and Ebay? You need the T-bone from the 2002-2004 linkage (the rest is the same) and you also...
Why don't you buy a $150; 2003-2004 frame and Ebay? You need the T-bone from the 2002-2004 linkage (the rest is the same) and you also need to bulk up the thriple clamp stoppers on the steering stem. You could have your dream bike, new bike for what a muffler cost...

If you are happy with that new bike, you could sell the 2006 frame for 300-500?
That is an interesting idea, but I think that would be a little more work then I would like. I don't have much time with college, work, volunteer/internship, and girlfriend. I was hoping I could either trade my bike for a 2004(and they give me cash) or just sell mind and then but one. Then I would only need to get forks and a few other things but could ride the bike as is for the time being
keeptwostrokesalive 9/22/2015 10:44am
9/22/2015 10:44am
Before doing all of that I would really like someone that has ridden a 2006 and up yz250 and a 02-04 yz250 with SSS suspension to talk me in or out of doing this projectTongue
ginger969
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ginger969 9/22/2015 10:44am
9/22/2015 10:44am
keeptwostrokesalive wrote:
Before doing all of that I would really like someone that has ridden a 2006 and up yz250 and a 02-04 yz250 with SSS suspension to...
Before doing all of that I would really like someone that has ridden a 2006 and up yz250 and a 02-04 yz250 with SSS suspension to talk me in or out of doing this projectTongue
Is the suspension on the pre SSS forks that different? Just wondering...
keeptwostrokesalive 9/22/2015 11:00am
9/22/2015 11:00am
keeptwostrokesalive wrote:
Before doing all of that I would really like someone that has ridden a 2006 and up yz250 and a 02-04 yz250 with SSS suspension to...
Before doing all of that I would really like someone that has ridden a 2006 and up yz250 and a 02-04 yz250 with SSS suspension to talk me in or out of doing this projectTongue
ginger969 wrote:
Is the suspension on the pre SSS forks that different? Just wondering...
The only experience I have with the other forks were on my 125, and to be honest I have no remembrance at all of how well they felt. Mainly because I was slow and didn't give a crap then, I just rode the crap out of that bike. But ask anyone who has really tested both sets of forks out and they will tell you the SSS is the best hands down
FI2T
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FI2T 9/22/2015 12:26pm
9/22/2015 12:26pm

My 04 with 09 yz450 forks, shock and swingarm. I have had both. The steel frame is better for me. I also have an 04 with stock suspension. Riden back to back there is no comparison. The 09 suspension is on another level of greatness.
DrSweden
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DrSweden 9/22/2015 12:40pm
9/22/2015 12:40pm
keeptwostrokesalive wrote:
Before doing all of that I would really like someone that has ridden a 2006 and up yz250 and a 02-04 yz250 with SSS suspension to...
Before doing all of that I would really like someone that has ridden a 2006 and up yz250 and a 02-04 yz250 with SSS suspension to talk me in or out of doing this projectTongue
I build an yz250 with 05 frame, 06/09 suspension, 02 mill. I put ton of work, but it didn't came out that good. Something with the rear and front suspension felt bad. Frame to rigid? Probably just bad shock and wrong clicks.

If you want conversion examples, go to thumpertalk. They have a lot of guys with experience and ride reports. Seems a majority think it's good to combine the steel frame with later suspension (at least forks). I have a feeling with my skills it means shit, can I tell the diff? Add a flywheel and the right clicks with fresh bushings, sliders and the right amount of oil will probably overtrump any year between 2002-2015...

http://www.thumpertalk.com/forum/79-yamaha-2-stroke/
ginger969
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ginger969 9/22/2015 12:47pm
9/22/2015 12:47pm
FI2T wrote:
[img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2015/09/22/105756/s1200_20150716_175552_1.jpg[/img] My 04 with 09 yz450 forks, shock and swingarm. I have had both. The steel frame is better for me. I also have an 04...

My 04 with 09 yz450 forks, shock and swingarm. I have had both. The steel frame is better for me. I also have an 04 with stock suspension. Riden back to back there is no comparison. The 09 suspension is on another level of greatness.
That's pretty much exactly what I'd want! Do you have more pics by chance?

Also - The process is pretty plug n play or?
mikebrownsound 9/22/2015 2:00pm
9/22/2015 2:00pm
DrSweden wrote:
Cool you confirmed with him. Crazy you post the link above, saw that video a few hours earlier today. I guess we are hovering the net...
Cool you confirmed with him. Crazy you post the link above, saw that video a few hours earlier today. I guess we are hovering the net for the same stuff! Smile

Hey "bought" is how you spell it! Wink
I admit my grammar sucks ass haha. I always write as i think Tongue thats why ! Yeah the black coated frame makes it more exotic. I guess im not the only one missing the two strokes.
coastlinecascott 9/22/2015 2:33pm
9/22/2015 2:33pm
FI2T wrote:
[img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2015/09/22/105756/s1200_20150716_175552_1.jpg[/img] My 04 with 09 yz450 forks, shock and swingarm. I have had both. The steel frame is better for me. I also have an 04...

My 04 with 09 yz450 forks, shock and swingarm. I have had both. The steel frame is better for me. I also have an 04 with stock suspension. Riden back to back there is no comparison. The 09 suspension is on another level of greatness.
ginger969 wrote:
That's pretty much exactly what I'd want! Do you have more pics by chance?

Also - The process is pretty plug n play or?
Just need to press out your steering stem and put it on the new clamps. Really easy to do
ginger969
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ginger969 9/22/2015 4:27pm
9/22/2015 4:27pm
FI2T wrote:
[img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2015/09/22/105756/s1200_20150716_175552_1.jpg[/img] My 04 with 09 yz450 forks, shock and swingarm. I have had both. The steel frame is better for me. I also have an 04...

My 04 with 09 yz450 forks, shock and swingarm. I have had both. The steel frame is better for me. I also have an 04 with stock suspension. Riden back to back there is no comparison. The 09 suspension is on another level of greatness.
ginger969 wrote:
That's pretty much exactly what I'd want! Do you have more pics by chance?

Also - The process is pretty plug n play or?
coastlinecascott wrote:
Just need to press out your steering stem and put it on the new clamps. Really easy to do
Got it...Can I swap just the rear Shock or do I have to do the whole swingarm? What's the advantage with the whole swap for the rear?

Pit Row

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coastlinecascott 9/22/2015 4:32pm
9/22/2015 4:32pm
Just the shock. It will fit. The steering stem is really easy to press out.
coastlinecascott 9/22/2015 4:34pm
9/22/2015 4:34pm
Also i used a 2012 yz450 triple clamp setup. It did not require me to extend the frame stop.
ginger969
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ginger969 9/22/2015 4:41pm
9/22/2015 4:41pm
coastlinecascott wrote:
Also i used a 2012 yz450 triple clamp setup. It did not require me to extend the frame stop.
ok great thanks man!
Wiff3
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Wiff3 9/22/2015 6:50pm
9/22/2015 6:50pm
'03 YZ125/167 with '08 250F forks and shock. This combination works really well.
keeptwostrokesalive 9/22/2015 7:12pm
9/22/2015 7:12pm
I have a shock off of a 2008 yz450, will that bolt right on to a 2004 yz250 or will I need a new swing arm and linkage? I have a swingarm from a 2008 yz450 too
FI2T
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FI2T 9/22/2015 7:32pm
9/22/2015 7:32pm
In 09 they cut weight off the swingarm and linkage. Not much money to shave a couple lbs. Forks are simple. Swingarm and linkage were easy as well. My Frankenbike has a 345kit and is much lighter then the stock 04. I don't have a bunch of pics. I can take some if you're looking for some specifics.

jerry atrick moto 9/22/2015 7:37pm
9/22/2015 7:37pm
jerry atrick moto wrote:
My 2003 i just finished [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2015/09/21/105666/s1200_DSCF2191.jpg[/img] [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2015/09/21/105667/s1200_DSCF2196.jpg[/img] in progress picture almost done [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2015/09/21/105669/s1200_2028.jpg[/img] before pic locked up and was going to be parted out. gave 325.00...
My 2003 i just finished





in progress picture almost done



before pic locked up and was going to be parted out. gave 325.00





ginger969 wrote:
What frame color is that? that's the color i'm going to do haha
2008 Ford Edge Vapor Silver Metallic code ZY. Base coat clear coat.love the color have used it on other steel frame Yamaha like the yz400f under my name. I like it better than the blue because i can use any color plastics with the silver frame.
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jmc2 9/22/2015 8:00pm
9/22/2015 8:00pm
mikebrownsound wrote:
I just had a chat with Vuillemin and he cracked the frame 06 frame in 2011 when he baught one, And like you said he got...
I just had a chat with Vuillemin and he cracked the frame 06 frame in 2011 when he baught one, And like you said he got the bike rewelded and it was fine but the crack was like 20 cm he said atleast. Maybe the bike he baught from craigslist were already defected. Anyway take a look at this beast

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zw7OiXNX7VQ
Saw that bike on display at Glen Helen this weekend. Spoke with Jay Clark and he said to look for it in MXA soon. Nice scooter!
ginger969
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ginger969 9/22/2015 11:24pm
9/22/2015 11:24pm
jerry atrick moto wrote:
My 2003 i just finished [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2015/09/21/105666/s1200_DSCF2191.jpg[/img] [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2015/09/21/105667/s1200_DSCF2196.jpg[/img] in progress picture almost done [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2015/09/21/105669/s1200_2028.jpg[/img] before pic locked up and was going to be parted out. gave 325.00...
My 2003 i just finished





in progress picture almost done



before pic locked up and was going to be parted out. gave 325.00





ginger969 wrote:
What frame color is that? that's the color i'm going to do haha
jerry atrick moto wrote:
2008 Ford Edge Vapor Silver Metallic code ZY. Base coat clear coat.love the color have used it on other steel frame Yamaha like the yz400f under...
2008 Ford Edge Vapor Silver Metallic code ZY. Base coat clear coat.love the color have used it on other steel frame Yamaha like the yz400f under my name. I like it better than the blue because i can use any color plastics with the silver frame.
Now did you spray it yourself or have it professionally powder coated? If you did spray it yourself what was the process for you? Thanks!
jerry atrick moto 9/23/2015 5:31am
9/23/2015 5:31am Edited Date/Time 9/23/2015 5:36am
Painted it myself got the spray gun and paints from Orielly auto parts. Had the frame sand blasted then used self etching primer.,purchased a quart of ZY base coat , quart of clear. hardener and reducer. Primer and base coat are single stage. Clear has to be reduced and hardener added, Not hard to do at all just make sure you use a respirator!!!! I put old bolts in all the threaded holes in the frame tape off bearing races and Paint .
keeptwostrokesalive 9/23/2015 7:36am
9/23/2015 7:36am
FI2T wrote:
In 09 they cut weight off the swingarm and linkage. Not much money to shave a couple lbs. Forks are simple. Swingarm and linkage were easy...
In 09 they cut weight off the swingarm and linkage. Not much money to shave a couple lbs. Forks are simple. Swingarm and linkage were easy as well. My Frankenbike has a 345kit and is much lighter then the stock 04. I don't have a bunch of pics. I can take some if you're looking for some specifics.

Have you compared the handling characteristics to an aluminum framed yz? What are your opinions there
keeptwostrokesalive 9/23/2015 7:37am
9/23/2015 7:37am
coastlinecascott wrote:
Been running my 03 yz250 with 2012 yz450 suspension and triple clamps. Handles and turns on a dime
I'll ask you too, have you compared the turning and handling characteristics to an aluminum framed yz?

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