Anyone vintage racing a 79 KX250?

Cancerman
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Cancerman
Edited Date/Time 2/27/2016 8:56pm
Anyone have a 79 KX250? I got one free, I'm considering building a vintage bike to go racing. This thing needs everything, so I don't wanna restore a turd. I also have a 1980 YZ 250, but then I'm racing the next class up. I think there are better bikes in that class, or maybe I just need to look some more. Opinions anyone?
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kiwi
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kiwi 2/23/2016 3:24pm
2/23/2016 3:24pm
Cancerman wrote:
Anyone have a 79 KX250? I got one free, I'm considering building a vintage bike to go racing. This thing needs everything, so I don't wanna...
Anyone have a 79 KX250? I got one free, I'm considering building a vintage bike to go racing. This thing needs everything, so I don't wanna restore a turd. I also have a 1980 YZ 250, but then I'm racing the next class up. I think there are better bikes in that class, or maybe I just need to look some more. Opinions anyone?
Hi bud.....yeah stick with it,they getting rare. I'm restoring one and itching to ride it at my Twinshock events. I also ride a 81 IT 250h same as your yam but in mx styling with a Preston petty no-dive front end....best laugh I've had for ages on a dirt bike. Happy trails.
darren7878 2/24/2016 5:49am
2/24/2016 5:49am
Really good bikes. Great engine. Worth the effort
riv187
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riv187 2/25/2016 7:50am
2/25/2016 7:50am Edited Date/Time 2/25/2016 7:56am
I raced a 79 KX250 a few years back 2003-04 in flat tracking versus modern 250 bikes. I got 2nd in a full field. That reaffirmed that it was fast. I had a 78 RM250 C2/foxs and Simons,,79 CR250/foxs,,and the low hour 79 KX250/with foxs as well..all at the same time back then,,running and dialed in. My buddies and I took the 3 out and did our own shoot-out- trail riding,,field drag racing,,,and old abandoned MX track (Zanottis in Butler PA). The KX was #1 with each of us wanting that one by end of day. None where slow..each had a personality..the KX was just smoother power delivery from down low to screaming.It's pull the CR 2 bikes each long straight..the handling was good, neutral,suspension was equal with the foxs on each bike. The forks where superior to the Crs,,and equal to Simons. The clutch was smooth,,stock mikuni carb worked well,,,the ergos was clean and no bulky protrusions like on the C2 or CR..easy to work on. There are problems to watch for from owning that and 2 fixer/uppers I have now. The heads like to crack from head-stay towards spark-plug. It happened to mine,,and I saw 2-3 more on ebay that way too. Tough fix so replacement is only thing I could see to solve it. Stock shocks are welded together...the length is 16 1/2sh" ..you'll want 16 3/4" foxs..try finding that length in foxs!.Rare length.I built mine from 2 sets! Mine was stock except the foxs and boysen reeds in end. Stock pipe,Stock silencer,stock forks,stock jetting,stock ports,, with 20/1 premix ran great at 1200ft. The fixers uppers will be same when done...no need for exotic parts or engine mods to make this a awesome bike. My only regret was selling that bike to raise $ for my homes deposit. I heard it went out west eventually to a serious collector..maybe the Primm collection.
yzweldon
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yzweldon 2/25/2016 11:44am
2/25/2016 11:44am
There was a nice one next to my Husky at Legends and Hero's last Saturday

The Shop

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Cancerman
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Cancerman 2/25/2016 11:32pm
2/25/2016 11:32pm
RIV187, thanks for you insight and experience. This KX I have is fugly. I've gone over the frame, but as I made a list of what it is going to need to be a raceable bike, it's pushing 2K, and that's with my serious discounts I get. So my dilemma is, do I love this thing enough to chase down all the little things that are hard to track down, or pick up something I can just clean up and lightly mod. Good thing I'm not in a rush. Thanks guys.
darren7878 2/26/2016 2:38am
2/26/2016 2:38am

This bike was a complete wreck when I got it Sad




Tumblin
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Tumblin 2/26/2016 8:10am
2/26/2016 8:10am Edited Date/Time 2/28/2016 6:50am
Cancerman wrote:
RIV187, thanks for you insight and experience. This KX I have is fugly. I've gone over the frame, but as I made a list of what...
RIV187, thanks for you insight and experience. This KX I have is fugly. I've gone over the frame, but as I made a list of what it is going to need to be a raceable bike, it's pushing 2K, and that's with my serious discounts I get. So my dilemma is, do I love this thing enough to chase down all the little things that are hard to track down, or pick up something I can just clean up and lightly mod. Good thing I'm not in a rush. Thanks guys.
Speaking of Fugly, this somewhat rare '78 is in boxes and shelved for later days as I ponder the same.

Cancerman
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Cancerman 2/26/2016 7:19pm
2/26/2016 7:19pm
darren7878 wrote:
This bike was a complete wreck when I got it :( [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2016/02/26/125585/s1200_image.jpg[/img]

This bike was a complete wreck when I got it Sad




Boy that is sweet. $$$$ lots a work.
Cancerman
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Cancerman 2/26/2016 7:21pm
2/26/2016 7:21pm
Cancerman wrote:
RIV187, thanks for you insight and experience. This KX I have is fugly. I've gone over the frame, but as I made a list of what...
RIV187, thanks for you insight and experience. This KX I have is fugly. I've gone over the frame, but as I made a list of what it is going to need to be a raceable bike, it's pushing 2K, and that's with my serious discounts I get. So my dilemma is, do I love this thing enough to chase down all the little things that are hard to track down, or pick up something I can just clean up and lightly mod. Good thing I'm not in a rush. Thanks guys.
Tumblin wrote:
Speaking of Fugly, this somewhat rare '78 is in boxes and shelved for later days as I ponder the same.[img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2016/02/26/125641/s1200_beckys_ipad_378.jpg[/img]
Speaking of Fugly, this somewhat rare '78 is in boxes and shelved for later days as I ponder the same.

That looks like showroom compared to mine.
Beast666
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Beast666 2/27/2016 3:10am
2/27/2016 3:10am
Cancerman if you don't want to restore it i might be interested in it.
lostboy819 2/27/2016 4:52am
2/27/2016 4:52am
darren7878 wrote:
This bike was a complete wreck when I got it :( [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2016/02/26/125585/s1200_image.jpg[/img]

This bike was a complete wreck when I got it Sad




The 79 KX125 and 250 are still one of the best looking MX bikes ever. Very nice restore. Cool
lostboy819 2/27/2016 4:57am
2/27/2016 4:57am
Cancerman wrote:
Anyone have a 79 KX250? I got one free, I'm considering building a vintage bike to go racing. This thing needs everything, so I don't wanna...
Anyone have a 79 KX250? I got one free, I'm considering building a vintage bike to go racing. This thing needs everything, so I don't wanna restore a turd. I also have a 1980 YZ 250, but then I'm racing the next class up. I think there are better bikes in that class, or maybe I just need to look some more. Opinions anyone?
I would restore it but not race it. The KXs are harder to find nice stock parts and not very many options for aftermarket stuff to make it a good vintage racer. YZ465s and YZ250s are easy to get parts for as is the CR250 My choice depending on what class you will ride would be a YZ. The 79 KXs are still some of the best looking MX bikes ever.
Cancerman
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Cancerman 2/27/2016 9:21am
2/27/2016 9:21am
Lostboy, my KX is going to need many hard to find parts. I also have a 1980 YZ 250 , The issue with that is I would have to race the in the same class as 1985 and under linkage equipped bikes like full floaters, pro links and uni tracks, which are way better bikes. A link bike is a safer bike to race. If my YZ was a 75 to 79, I would be racing comparable bikes at comparable speeds. I raced the 80 model 250 & 465 when they were new. I know their weaknesses, once the floater and others came out, I was not competitive any more. I then switched to Honda's, which were the pro link equipped. Huge difference.
bob567
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bob567 2/27/2016 10:12am
2/27/2016 10:12am
Last summer I had a line on a original owner AAA quality 79 KX250 for $3900. 100% original down to the tires & grips. Owner would not budge on the price. I finally decided I didn't care about the price and was going to buy the bike. He had passed away and his family did not even know about the bike when I spoke to them. Somebody got that bike for free.
Cancerman
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Cancerman 2/27/2016 11:54am
2/27/2016 11:54am
bob567 wrote:
Last summer I had a line on a original owner AAA quality 79 KX250 for $3900. 100% original down to the tires & grips. Owner would...
Last summer I had a line on a original owner AAA quality 79 KX250 for $3900. 100% original down to the tires & grips. Owner would not budge on the price. I finally decided I didn't care about the price and was going to buy the bike. He had passed away and his family did not even know about the bike when I spoke to them. Somebody got that bike for free.
Wow. The $3900 price seems to be the norm, for the AAA restored kx250 that year. They start at $3999 and don't go below $3500. You can easily put that much into one, so I see why the price. And that is with stock shocks. Most of the restored ones have stocks that have be rattle canned rebuilt. The YZ are the same. You can spend big coin upgrading the monoswaper. I have several Suzukis so I may unload the YZ and KX and look for an RM 79-80, or 81-83. I'd love a Husky or Maico but big $$$. Last weekend I went to a vintage race, the 76-79 class was packed, those guy were having such a good time, at the end of the moto, they all stopped at the finish line and were high five each other! Just a bunch of guys having a ball.
riv187
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riv187 2/27/2016 12:06pm
2/27/2016 12:06pm
bob567 wrote:
Last summer I had a line on a original owner AAA quality 79 KX250 for $3900. 100% original down to the tires & grips. Owner would...
Last summer I had a line on a original owner AAA quality 79 KX250 for $3900. 100% original down to the tires & grips. Owner would not budge on the price. I finally decided I didn't care about the price and was going to buy the bike. He had passed away and his family did not even know about the bike when I spoke to them. Somebody got that bike for free.
Cancerman wrote:
Wow. The $3900 price seems to be the norm, for the AAA restored kx250 that year. They start at $3999 and don't go below $3500. You...
Wow. The $3900 price seems to be the norm, for the AAA restored kx250 that year. They start at $3999 and don't go below $3500. You can easily put that much into one, so I see why the price. And that is with stock shocks. Most of the restored ones have stocks that have be rattle canned rebuilt. The YZ are the same. You can spend big coin upgrading the monoswaper. I have several Suzukis so I may unload the YZ and KX and look for an RM 79-80, or 81-83. I'd love a Husky or Maico but big $$$. Last weekend I went to a vintage race, the 76-79 class was packed, those guy were having such a good time, at the end of the moto, they all stopped at the finish line and were high five each other! Just a bunch of guys having a ball.
Hi Cancerman,,where you at Waldo? I was on my 76 YZ125x slugging it out.
I like the 76-79 era as there is enough good Jap bikes with 6-11" travel. Short bikes from 75 back are nicknamed spine packers by a few friends for a reason. I have no trouble riding up a class with 76-79 stuff against early 80s class. Sunshine Vintage Motocross had 211 entries at Waldo !!!!!!
Cancerman
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Cancerman 2/27/2016 12:38pm
2/27/2016 12:38pm
Yep, I was there with a young friend. I had the RM500AF there. Crashed in practice, not physically ready to really race yet. I was overly enthusiastic, not really thinking of what it takes to race a fast modern bike. So after going over the bars, (cross rutted), I sat it out, I let the 17 year old race My bike. I had such fun that I'm going to build up something to vintage race and get in on the fun. I want to be ready for next season. Back in the day, I raced a yz125c. I know the YZs well. Too bad we didn't get together, I can be a great cheerleader!
project racer 2/27/2016 1:25pm
2/27/2016 1:25pm
The 79 KX 250 was a great bike. Way better than the following two years of the first UNI-Crack 250's.

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riv187
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riv187 2/27/2016 3:04pm
2/27/2016 3:04pm
Cancerman wrote:
Yep, I was there with a young friend. I had the RM500AF there. Crashed in practice, not physically ready to really race yet. I was overly...
Yep, I was there with a young friend. I had the RM500AF there. Crashed in practice, not physically ready to really race yet. I was overly enthusiastic, not really thinking of what it takes to race a fast modern bike. So after going over the bars, (cross rutted), I sat it out, I let the 17 year old race My bike. I had such fun that I'm going to build up something to vintage race and get in on the fun. I want to be ready for next season. Back in the day, I raced a yz125c. I know the YZs well. Too bad we didn't get together, I can be a great cheerleader!
Cool, I had a less than spectacular day,,just after I passed my buddy and his Mugen and 2-3 others I washed the front and did a soil sample. Then shortly after, I did another one trying to catch back up. Final moto 19 the- ttrophy nation race, I was running strong and holding my own on the little YZ and a rapid tapping started and I hit the kill button. After 9-10 hours racing time the rod bearing I believe started to fail. Still had compression when I tested it so didn't hurt cylinder yet.Oh well..time to rebuild it. Fortunately I do my own boring and cranks so it won't be too much. You'll really have fun with our club,,,good people,,,no politics,,,strong competition,and wide variety of tracks. You need a 76-86 bike to test the waters,,I'll lend you one,,Brian
863-899-0307
Cancerman
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Cancerman 2/27/2016 8:56pm
2/27/2016 8:56pm
Cancerman wrote:
Yep, I was there with a young friend. I had the RM500AF there. Crashed in practice, not physically ready to really race yet. I was overly...
Yep, I was there with a young friend. I had the RM500AF there. Crashed in practice, not physically ready to really race yet. I was overly enthusiastic, not really thinking of what it takes to race a fast modern bike. So after going over the bars, (cross rutted), I sat it out, I let the 17 year old race My bike. I had such fun that I'm going to build up something to vintage race and get in on the fun. I want to be ready for next season. Back in the day, I raced a yz125c. I know the YZs well. Too bad we didn't get together, I can be a great cheerleader!
riv187 wrote:
Cool, I had a less than spectacular day,,just after I passed my buddy and his Mugen and 2-3 others I washed the front and did a...
Cool, I had a less than spectacular day,,just after I passed my buddy and his Mugen and 2-3 others I washed the front and did a soil sample. Then shortly after, I did another one trying to catch back up. Final moto 19 the- ttrophy nation race, I was running strong and holding my own on the little YZ and a rapid tapping started and I hit the kill button. After 9-10 hours racing time the rod bearing I believe started to fail. Still had compression when I tested it so didn't hurt cylinder yet.Oh well..time to rebuild it. Fortunately I do my own boring and cranks so it won't be too much. You'll really have fun with our club,,,good people,,,no politics,,,strong competition,and wide variety of tracks. You need a 76-86 bike to test the waters,,I'll lend you one,,Brian
863-899-0307
Yeah, half the fun is building up a cool bike that you enjoy. At least for me it is. My bike builds are my "Therapy", since all my health issues started 5 years ago. Kind of keeps the mind running. I'm kind of leaning towards maybe an early drum brake Suzuki Floater, since I already have a couple of Zuks. I'd love a Husky or other exotic but that stuff breaks the bank. Both the KX and the YZ I have are really more parts bikes, so either one of them will cost some real cash to make it to my standard. I already put a new crank in the YZ bottom end, split the cases, checked out the tranny, etc. I have a good cylinder & head, frame is ready, etc. Needs plastic, tank, all the little stuff. I think I'll start to sell some of this stuff off, build up some seed money for either an 76-79 twin shock, or an 81-83 RM. Unless something falls in my lap. I guess I've never really been into the green machines very much. If I did the KX, I'd have to make it into something really special for me. I'll Keep your number handy Brian. I'm planning to be at the next race in March, the 20th I think.

Mike

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