Larry Wards pro ama Noleen / Sizzler Yz250

David wildman
Edited Date/Time 1/29/2022 4:07am
I just acquired a bike that I have been trying to get for about 15 years. The bike had changed hands between 3 of my friends. Everyone know it was a pro ama works bike that has ohlins suspension. Titanium hardware. No numbers stamped on the engine. I have been doing a lot of research and contacted the first person that I know of that onwned it and he said it was Larry wards #11 bike. I am looking for parts and advice. I am not sure if I should do a full restoration or just clean it up and replace what needs to be replaced. I am going to need all the plastics, graphics and seatcover for sure also a Noleen pipe and silencer. My friend had the suspension rebuilt by race tech but it’s an ohlins rear shock. I think it’s going to be difficult to find those parts. Any advice or parts information is greatly appreciated. Thank you.










3
|
wfoyz250
Profile picture for user wfoyz250
Posts
410
Joined
1/19/2011
Location
Spring, TX, USA
wfoyz250 11/5/2019 4:51am
11/5/2019 4:51am
Restore it! That's a piece of MX history that can never be duplicated.
7
sandman768
Profile picture for user sandman768
Posts
8191
Joined
3/21/2014
Location
Saratoga Springs, NY, USA
sandman768 11/5/2019 6:05am
11/5/2019 6:05am Edited Date/Time 11/5/2019 6:07am
Tear it down, look for some writings or engravings on anything, contact Noleen for help with ID of bike, maybe practice bike?
2
David wildman 11/5/2019 11:38am
11/5/2019 11:38am
I emailed Noleen and acerbis telling them about the bike and asked if they had any parts I could buy for it. I told them I would send th m pictures of th build if they were interested. I didnt recive a response from either one.
2
mb60
Profile picture for user mb60
Posts
5677
Joined
3/7/2010
Location
GRAPEVINE, TX, USA
mb60 11/5/2019 2:58pm
11/5/2019 2:58pm
Curious as that looks like a pro circuit pipe on it.
1

The Shop

See All »
David wildman 11/5/2019 5:15pm
11/5/2019 5:15pm
Mb60 yeah that’s what threw me off in the beginning. I was thinking it was an Emig or Bradshaw bike because of that pipe. The condition of the bike when my buddy bought it was pretty rough. He bought all the plastics, seatcover, that pro-curcuit silencer. It didn’t have one. So I don’t know if that pipe was original to that bike or not.
David wildman 11/5/2019 5:24pm
11/5/2019 5:24pm
wfoyz250 wrote:
Restore it! That's a piece of MX history that can never be duplicated.
I wasn’t sure if I should do the frame as it has both original pro ama stickers and it was painted by the team at one time, there is paint in the swing arm bolts and other places that wasn’t painted by the factory kinda tells the story. Kinda thought it would be cool to leave it. Idk I guess I will see what everyone thinks
mb60
Profile picture for user mb60
Posts
5677
Joined
3/7/2010
Location
GRAPEVINE, TX, USA
mb60 11/5/2019 6:50pm
11/5/2019 6:50pm
David wildman wrote:
Mb60 yeah that’s what threw me off in the beginning. I was thinking it was an Emig or Bradshaw bike because of that pipe. The condition...
Mb60 yeah that’s what threw me off in the beginning. I was thinking it was an Emig or Bradshaw bike because of that pipe. The condition of the bike when my buddy bought it was pretty rough. He bought all the plastics, seatcover, that pro-curcuit silencer. It didn’t have one. So I don’t know if that pipe was original to that bike or not.
Those bike were pretty close to production and would have had a Noleen pipe and silencer combo. Do you see any engraving on the cylinder ? The shock looks factory for sure and should be able to google some pictures of those bikes.
David wildman 11/5/2019 7:25pm
11/5/2019 7:25pm
I didn’t think the bikes came stock with Ohlins suspension in 1995 . I haven’t seen any engraving on the cylinder. I will look at it tomorrow.
Wycked31
Profile picture for user Wycked31
Posts
493
Joined
3/25/2014
Location
West Palm Beach, FL, USA
Wycked31 11/5/2019 7:34pm
11/5/2019 7:34pm
Noleen and Ward never ran Ohlins or Pro Circuit. This could anyone’s bike that ran a few AMA races.

Doubt it is a or was a team Noleen bike. Would have the ti-subframe and some factory support parts.

The engine case without numbers could just be a simple case replacement as they do not come with serial numbers.

Restore and have fun
David wildman 11/5/2019 7:59pm
11/5/2019 7:59pm
Wycked31 wrote:
Noleen and Ward never ran Ohlins or Pro Circuit. This could anyone’s bike that ran a few AMA races. Doubt it is a or was a...
Noleen and Ward never ran Ohlins or Pro Circuit. This could anyone’s bike that ran a few AMA races.

Doubt it is a or was a team Noleen bike. Would have the ti-subframe and some factory support parts.

The engine case without numbers could just be a simple case replacement as they do not come with serial numbers.

Restore and have fun
All these bikes have Ohlins suspension. Went backwards from each person who had purchased the person who got it originally and said it came from Ward #11 plates on it at that time.I went back from who had our


1
Wycked31
Profile picture for user Wycked31
Posts
493
Joined
3/25/2014
Location
West Palm Beach, FL, USA
Wycked31 11/5/2019 8:12pm
11/5/2019 8:12pm
My bad. I was working as a mechanic on the nationals from 93-95 and don’t remember the Noleen bikes having Ohlins.

Does the bike have the Ti-subframe?

Picture is worth a thousand words.

Enjoy the build
David wildman 11/5/2019 11:50pm
11/5/2019 11:50pm
Wycked31 wrote:
My bad. I was working as a mechanic on the nationals from 93-95 and don’t remember the Noleen bikes having Ohlins. Does the bike have the...
My bad. I was working as a mechanic on the nationals from 93-95 and don’t remember the Noleen bikes having Ohlins.

Does the bike have the Ti-subframe?

Picture is worth a thousand words.

Enjoy the build
I don’t know about all that. All I know is what I see in the pictures. I haven’t talked to anybody that knows much about the older race bikes or where to get the parts. Hoping to find there here. Thanks
Russ14
Profile picture for user Russ14
Posts
17
Joined
7/12/2012
Location
Grapevine, TX, USA
Russ14 11/6/2019 2:08pm
11/6/2019 2:08pm
The TI subframes back then were easy to come by, Yamaha offered them over the counter. Cant tell in any of your pics but most of the Noleen bikes had a welded on skid.
bradpr32
Profile picture for user bradpr32
Posts
218
Joined
9/24/2015
Location
AU
bradpr32 11/6/2019 4:34pm
11/6/2019 4:34pm
David wildman wrote:
I just acquired a bike that I have been trying to get for about 15 years. The bike had changed hands between 3 of my friends...
I just acquired a bike that I have been trying to get for about 15 years. The bike had changed hands between 3 of my friends. Everyone know it was a pro ama works bike that has ohlins suspension. Titanium hardware. No numbers stamped on the engine. I have been doing a lot of research and contacted the first person that I know of that onwned it and he said it was Larry wards #11 bike. I am looking for parts and advice. I am not sure if I should do a full restoration or just clean it up and replace what needs to be replaced. I am going to need all the plastics, graphics and seatcover for sure also a Noleen pipe and silencer. My friend had the suspension rebuilt by race tech but it’s an ohlins rear shock. I think it’s going to be difficult to find those parts. Any advice or parts information is greatly appreciated. Thank you.










hey mate , PM me with your email address
cheers
1
special K
Profile picture for user special K
Posts
90
Joined
5/4/2018
Location
Madison, OH, USA
special K 11/6/2019 5:27pm
11/6/2019 5:27pm
I think one of my 1981 yz125’s was the first off the line and was given to Bob Hannah as a gift for his then girlfriend who he later dumped for another track rat so she gave it to her new boyfriend out of spite and then he dumped her and sold it his bosses brother who then sent it to his nephew in my home town where it sat in his shed until I got it in 1991. Just joking guys. It’s hard to tell where any bike came from or who owned or raced it without real distinguished markings, photos or the original racers authentication. Sure would be cool if it is the real deal.
1
1
David wildman 11/6/2019 5:34pm
11/6/2019 5:34pm
Russ14 wrote:
The TI subframes back then were easy to come by, Yamaha offered them over the counter. Cant tell in any of your pics but most of...
The TI subframes back then were easy to come by, Yamaha offered them over the counter. Cant tell in any of your pics but most of the Noleen bikes had a welded on skid.
Yeah mine has a welded on skid plate as well. I can take a couple pictures of it if you would like to see it.
1
Tbteam
Profile picture for user Tbteam
Posts
2868
Joined
8/16/2006
Location
Ormond Beach, FL, USA
Tbteam 11/7/2019 8:26am
11/7/2019 8:26am
My Ferry bike.

7
450exc115
Profile picture for user 450exc115
Posts
712
Joined
11/6/2014
Location
Hebron, CT, USA
450exc115 11/8/2019 6:42am
11/8/2019 6:42am
It could be a Noleen bike. The easy way to tell is the skid plate, N engraved on the cylinder, and Ti Subframe. That said it might not be the 11 bike that was raced but a practice bike. Still cool nonetheless.

Pit Row

See All »
Ti
Profile picture for user Ti
Posts
76
Joined
2/25/2016
Location
USA
Ti 11/8/2019 7:17am
11/8/2019 7:17am
Larry Ward side panels on EBAY. They are rough.
SEARCH: YAMAHA LARRY WARD #11 AMA SIDE PANELS 1993 1994 1995 YZ125 YZ250
They are NOT mine... just saw them.
1
David wildman 11/8/2019 10:08am
11/8/2019 10:08am
Ti wrote:
Larry Ward side panels on EBAY. They are rough. SEARCH: YAMAHA LARRY WARD #11 AMA SIDE PANELS 1993 1994 1995 YZ125 YZ250 They are NOT mine...
Larry Ward side panels on EBAY. They are rough.
SEARCH: YAMAHA LARRY WARD #11 AMA SIDE PANELS 1993 1994 1995 YZ125 YZ250
They are NOT mine... just saw them.
Good find!
David wildman 11/8/2019 10:10am
11/8/2019 10:10am
Tbteam wrote:
My Ferry bike. [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2019/11/07/383709/s1200_14F2576A_674D_4D4C_A3DC_05145764CF45.jpg[/img] [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2019/11/07/383710/s1200_2CF453C5_ABEF_4951_B42B_1825476E0BFC.jpg[/img]
My Ferry bike.

That thing is sweet!
Lightning78
Profile picture for user Lightning78
Posts
6353
Joined
12/12/2007
Location
Huntington Beach, CA, USA
Lightning78 11/16/2019 9:59pm
11/16/2019 9:59pm Edited Date/Time 11/16/2019 10:00pm
Didn't all of the Noleen team bikes from this year run that special long rod kit that Factory Yamaha used in 94?

Look for a spacer between the bottom the cylinder where it meets the crankcase.

If thats was just a practice bike as some have suggested then why would it have a Pro AMA tech inspection sticker on the frame if it wasn't raced? It had to have been raced at some point in order to have that sticker by the steering head area… either way that's a GREAT FIND!!!
2
David wildman 11/16/2019 10:58pm
11/16/2019 10:58pm
Lightning78 wrote:
Didn't all of the Noleen team bikes from this year run that special long rod kit that Factory Yamaha used in 94? Look for a spacer...
Didn't all of the Noleen team bikes from this year run that special long rod kit that Factory Yamaha used in 94?

Look for a spacer between the bottom the cylinder where it meets the crankcase.

If thats was just a practice bike as some have suggested then why would it have a Pro AMA tech inspection sticker on the frame if it wasn't raced? It had to have been raced at some point in order to have that sticker by the steering head area… either way that's a GREAT FIND!!!
I don’t see anything under the cylinder. But I did find this. It Has most of these. The suspension, clamps, the skid plate, reinforced frame. 2 pro ama stickers. Titanium hardware. I talked to a couple people that know these bikes and they are sure it’s a pro bike no doubt about it. I was told it from the original buyer that it had #11 plates on it and was Larry Wards bike. Maybe he or his mechanic can verify it. Haha








3
David wildman 11/16/2019 11:07pm
11/16/2019 11:07pm
Lightning78 wrote:
Didn't all of the Noleen team bikes from this year run that special long rod kit that Factory Yamaha used in 94? Look for a spacer...
Didn't all of the Noleen team bikes from this year run that special long rod kit that Factory Yamaha used in 94?

Look for a spacer between the bottom the cylinder where it meets the crankcase.

If thats was just a practice bike as some have suggested then why would it have a Pro AMA tech inspection sticker on the frame if it wasn't raced? It had to have been raced at some point in order to have that sticker by the steering head area… either way that's a GREAT FIND!!!
I don’t see anything under the cylinder. But I did find this. It Has most of these. The suspension, clamps, the skid plate, reinforced frame. 2 pro ama stickers. Titanium hardware. I talked to a couple people that know these bikes and they are sure it’s a pro bike no doubt about it. I was told it from the original buyer that it had #11 plates on it and was Larry Wards bike. Maybe he or his mechanic can verify it. Haha








1
Banana_oil
Profile picture for user Banana_oil
Posts
534
Joined
10/20/2011
Location
Gothenburg, SE
Banana_oil 11/16/2019 11:42pm
11/16/2019 11:42pm
For sure it's the real deal, congrats! That linkage!
1
Banana_oil
Profile picture for user Banana_oil
Posts
534
Joined
10/20/2011
Location
Gothenburg, SE
Banana_oil 11/16/2019 11:45pm
11/16/2019 11:45pm
Pwk carb is not stock on yz250 right?
sandman768
Profile picture for user sandman768
Posts
8191
Joined
3/21/2014
Location
Saratoga Springs, NY, USA
sandman768 11/17/2019 6:42am
11/17/2019 6:42am
Banana_oil wrote:
Pwk carb is not stock on yz250 right?
At some point Yamaha did switch to the Keihin, not sure what year...maybe 96?
sandman768
Profile picture for user sandman768
Posts
8191
Joined
3/21/2014
Location
Saratoga Springs, NY, USA
sandman768 11/17/2019 6:44am
11/17/2019 6:44am
Wonder what the numbers on the head are? Possible head volume? Tear that engine apart, let’s see more!
SLOWTIME
Profile picture for user SLOWTIME
Posts
578
Joined
12/1/2014
Location
USA
SLOWTIME 11/17/2019 6:18pm
11/17/2019 6:18pm
So sick. Good rescue
1
David wildman 11/17/2019 6:59pm
11/17/2019 6:59pm
Looks like the same location to me. Mine has 2 one over the other. That was my original plan was to look up the pro ama Numbers. From what I have been told by the Vault and others I have contacted about finding info on this bike told me there is no record of what numbers where issued to what racers. That was a bummer no one saved that information.



2

Post a reply to: Larry Wards pro ama Noleen / Sizzler Yz250