1999 YZ250: The Resurrection

VoodooHusky
Posts
68
Joined
2/21/2019
Location
Roseville, CA, USA
6/1/2019 8:28am Edited Date/Time 6/1/2019 8:35am
Ti bolts are ordered.

I had a successful ride yesterday and now it's time to work on the suspension. First the engine runs great. I'm pleasantly surprised by how clean and hard it hits down low. Nice broad power band. I'm not sure how the VForce 3 reed cage plays into that but everything I've read is they work well. Everything else is stock on the engine including the jetting. My plan is to add an 11 oz flywheel weight at some point but I'm going to ride at MMX on June 30th and will decide after that. I do like my two stroke hit.

I knew the stock 4.8 shock spring was too soft, after adjusting the race sag there was no static sag. I ordered a 5.4 spring although the RT website recommended a 5.5 spring. I'm not going to be doing any SX jumps and I'd rather error on the soft side. At $100 bucks delivered if it's still too soft I'll order a 5.6. I'll send the shock off to RT for a rebuild and possible revalve after a few more rides.

Surprisingly the fork and shock seals are tight with no leaking. The forks felt better than expected so next I'm going to replace the fork oil and along with the new shock spring and see how the bike feels. I'll set the fork oil height at 95-100 mm. I may install RT Gold Valves but that's after I get the shock rebuilt. I'm going to use Maxima Racing Fork Fluid 5wt. Any other suggestions on which fork fluid to use? I haven't kept up on which fork fluids are the best.

Also the new Luxon MX side cases worked as expected and look nice on the bike.
Mossy
Posts
438
Joined
7/6/2018
Location
Newport News, VA, USA
6/10/2019 11:22am
Beautiful bike you got there. Just a quick tip and also question. Make sure you check the “Air boot TO Air box” seal. My 97 yz125’s air boot, at the end of it where your little nuts tighten down to keep it tightened to the air box, was flaired outwards and I couldn’t get it to seal perfectly which ended up with me getting sand inside of it and you know how that went. Pinch Angry Silly

Anyways, I ended up using 3M heavy duty sealent/silicone that practically has it to where it can’t come apart now and it’s a perfect seal. My problem was, when I tightened the little nuts on to it, the boot seal then “flaired” outwards. That was my solution to it though.

Let me know if you had the problem, or what you would’ve done differently. Cool
1
kdubsteezey
Posts
96
Joined
4/3/2019
Location
Clatskanie, OR, USA
6/12/2019 2:26pm
Bike looks awesome!! Stoked to hear you got to ride it too!! I still have to wait a couple months to ride my project bike... its killing me...

I pretty much use Maxima oils exclusively for everything from pre-mix, to fork oil, to tranny fluid. I've had zero issues!
1
VoodooHusky
Posts
68
Joined
2/21/2019
Location
Roseville, CA, USA
6/14/2019 7:00am
Mossy wrote:
Beautiful bike you got there. Just a quick tip and also question. Make sure you check the “Air boot TO Air box” seal. My 97 yz125’s...
Beautiful bike you got there. Just a quick tip and also question. Make sure you check the “Air boot TO Air box” seal. My 97 yz125’s air boot, at the end of it where your little nuts tighten down to keep it tightened to the air box, was flaired outwards and I couldn’t get it to seal perfectly which ended up with me getting sand inside of it and you know how that went. Pinch Angry Silly

Anyways, I ended up using 3M heavy duty sealent/silicone that practically has it to where it can’t come apart now and it’s a perfect seal. My problem was, when I tightened the little nuts on to it, the boot seal then “flaired” outwards. That was my solution to it though.

Let me know if you had the problem, or what you would’ve done differently. Cool
Thanks for the tip. I don't believe the air boot had ever been removed from the air box and the metal frame was still flat. I'll be tearing into the bike this weekend as I install a Race Tech 5.4 rear spring and lube the linkage so I'll double check the seal and make sure no dirt is getting in there. I used Bel Ray waterproof grease to seal the two but a silicone seal should work better.

The Shop

VoodooHusky
Posts
68
Joined
2/21/2019
Location
Roseville, CA, USA
6/14/2019 7:06am Edited Date/Time 6/14/2019 7:08am
Bike looks awesome!! Stoked to hear you got to ride it too!! I still have to wait a couple months to ride my project bike... its...
Bike looks awesome!! Stoked to hear you got to ride it too!! I still have to wait a couple months to ride my project bike... its killing me...

I pretty much use Maxima oils exclusively for everything from pre-mix, to fork oil, to tranny fluid. I've had zero issues!
Thanks, do you have a link to your project bike?

I just got back from vacation and was happy to see the Ti bolts from RaceTi in the UK arrived. They should look way better than the crappy looking bolts holding on the covers.

I also received a set of used Works Connection frame guards. They look to be in great condition. I need to clean them up with a Scotch Brite pad and get them installed. The shifter side is missing the mounting bracket so I'll see if a zip tie will work if not I'll contact WC and see if they can sell me one.

On a side note I picked up a set of 1996 Suzuki RM250 Showa 49mm conventional forks that I'lm going to attempt to install on my 1983 Husky. If any of you are experts on these forks let me know because I have a few questions. Not to mention I need to have a custom steerer tube made.
kdubsteezey
Posts
96
Joined
4/3/2019
Location
Clatskanie, OR, USA
6/14/2019 8:05am
Bike looks awesome!! Stoked to hear you got to ride it too!! I still have to wait a couple months to ride my project bike... its...
Bike looks awesome!! Stoked to hear you got to ride it too!! I still have to wait a couple months to ride my project bike... its killing me...

I pretty much use Maxima oils exclusively for everything from pre-mix, to fork oil, to tranny fluid. I've had zero issues!
Thanks, do you have a link to your project bike? I just got back from vacation and was happy to see the Ti bolts from RaceTi...
Thanks, do you have a link to your project bike?

I just got back from vacation and was happy to see the Ti bolts from RaceTi in the UK arrived. They should look way better than the crappy looking bolts holding on the covers.

I also received a set of used Works Connection frame guards. They look to be in great condition. I need to clean them up with a Scotch Brite pad and get them installed. The shifter side is missing the mounting bracket so I'll see if a zip tie will work if not I'll contact WC and see if they can sell me one.

On a side note I picked up a set of 1996 Suzuki RM250 Showa 49mm conventional forks that I'lm going to attempt to install on my 1983 Husky. If any of you are experts on these forks let me know because I have a few questions. Not to mention I need to have a custom steerer tube made.
Yeah! Heres my build thread: https://www.vitalmx.com/forums/Bike-Builds,46/2003-CR250-Ground-Up-Buil…

I'm still waiting on the Pipe, rear spring from powder coating, Ti Pegs and graphics. Then this winter when I get my other knee surgery I'm going to go through the suspension, I'm thinking full B-kit shock, 2019 CRF forks with full Re-valve and coatings. And some engine work, VHM head, cylinder cut, Lectron carb. Something like that.

Are the Ti bolts just stator and clutch cover bolts or did you get more than that? Cant wait to see them all together!

Assuming they have them, I'm sure WC would be stoked to help you out. I reached out to them about my clutch perch pull not being ideal and they were quick to respond and helped me achieve what I was after.

My dad had a 96 Rm250, according to him and everyone I've talked to those forks are good! But thats all I know haha... for fitment, I'm not sure how much your looking to spend, but for my fork swap I was going to reach out to Ride Engineering and have them make a set of triple clamps in the offset you want (stock husky offset?) but bored out to fit the oversized fork tubes with the stock steer tube pressed into the triple clamps. I would reach out to them, I'm sure they could help or at least get you pointed in the right direction. Unless you have the OE RM clamps? Then a custom steer tube pressed into the stock clamps would probably do the trick.
VoodooHusky
Posts
68
Joined
2/21/2019
Location
Roseville, CA, USA
6/14/2019 8:49am
Great build on your CR250. We gotta save all the two strokes. I was originally looking at CRF and YZ-F bikes with electric start but I know 2T's so well I decided to stick with what I know.

I bought the Ti bolts just for the two covers. I'll post a photo of before and after later.

I have the stock triples from the RM so my plan is just to have a custom steerer tube made. I'll check with Ride Engineering to see if they can help me out with the tube.
VoodooHusky
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68
Joined
2/21/2019
Location
Roseville, CA, USA
6/14/2019 11:50am
Here's the Ti bolts installed. Subtle but nice improvement.





1
VoodooHusky
Posts
68
Joined
2/21/2019
Location
Roseville, CA, USA
6/14/2019 11:56am Edited Date/Time 6/15/2019 7:03am
And here are the photos of the 96 RM250 forks. When I saw the original lower fork cover still on the right fork I suspected they might be relatively low mile forks without a lot of nicks and scratches on them. The heavy duty covers would also help. Under those covers is PPF like you'd see on a car. I gave the forks a quick wipe down and after I'm finished rebuilding them they should look nice. These are for my 1983 Husky 250CR but that's a project for another day.









Spudnut
Posts
1943
Joined
6/25/2018
Location
USA
6/14/2019 4:58pm
Love the 99 great job. Here’s my 01, long live the king!
1
VoodooHusky
Posts
68
Joined
2/21/2019
Location
Roseville, CA, USA
6/14/2019 7:22pm
Very nice! Your bike looks mostly stock like mine. Is it? I wouldn't mind some different rims on mine but my rims are straight with no issues so I'll run them for now.

1
Spudnut
Posts
1943
Joined
6/25/2018
Location
USA
6/16/2019 7:09am
Thank you! Yep in this pic it was since then I’ve added a jd jetting kit, reeds, a pipe and had the frame powder coated satin black, also a different kit since the Mazda one was getting clapped but going back to either Mazda or 01 YOT for dream race weekend in washougal this August
1
Spudnut
Posts
1943
Joined
6/25/2018
Location
USA
6/16/2019 7:15am
On these forks I’ve had really good luck with maxima 10wt and 3 preload spacers in each fork, I run my level at 90 mm and really felt a good difference. Plenty of bottoming resistance now (I’m just a hair under spring at .48 but needed a .50) before that I hated these forks but now I can live with them
1
VoodooHusky
Posts
68
Joined
2/21/2019
Location
Roseville, CA, USA
6/16/2019 7:48am
Thanks. Using the RT calculator I used Maxima 5wt at 90mm and the stock .43 spring to start with. That might be a bit soft but I need to ride it more to see what I need up front. How thick are the preload spacers and where did you get them?

On the rear I just installed a RT 5.4 spring (4.8 stock) and again erred on the softer side. I'm going riding on Thursday to see how it feels. My first trip to a real MX track is June 30th so that will be the first real test on the suspension.
Spudnut
Posts
1943
Joined
6/25/2018
Location
USA
6/16/2019 7:53am
They come with the fork springs from race tech. I believe their 2mm a piece, I’m a heavier guy though so I’m sure you’re right in the ball park, have fun! You can really throw these suckers around compared to a 450 or even 250f, so fun
1
kdubsteezey
Posts
96
Joined
4/3/2019
Location
Clatskanie, OR, USA
6/16/2019 7:42pm
Great build on your CR250. We gotta save all the two strokes. I was originally looking at CRF and YZ-F bikes with electric start but I...
Great build on your CR250. We gotta save all the two strokes. I was originally looking at CRF and YZ-F bikes with electric start but I know 2T's so well I decided to stick with what I know.

I bought the Ti bolts just for the two covers. I'll post a photo of before and after later.

I have the stock triples from the RM so my plan is just to have a custom steerer tube made. I'll check with Ride Engineering to see if they can help me out with the tube.
Thanks man! Yeah we do!! I almost try to avoid looking at Craigs List so I dont go try to buy a new one before this one is done haha!

The Ti bolts look way better! Especially on the stator cover, getting rid of the Philip head bolts made it look way more top notch.

Yeah I would say that would be the ticket for the RM forks on the Husky!

Looking good 🤘
1
kdubsteezey
Posts
96
Joined
4/3/2019
Location
Clatskanie, OR, USA
6/16/2019 7:42pm
Spudnut wrote:
Thank you! Yep in this pic it was since then I’ve added a jd jetting kit, reeds, a pipe and had the frame powder coated satin...
Thank you! Yep in this pic it was since then I’ve added a jd jetting kit, reeds, a pipe and had the frame powder coated satin black, also a different kit since the Mazda one was getting clapped but going back to either Mazda or 01 YOT for dream race weekend in washougal this August
See you at the Dream Race! 687 CR250 🤘🤘🤘
kdubsteezey
Posts
96
Joined
4/3/2019
Location
Clatskanie, OR, USA
6/16/2019 7:44pm
Spudnut wrote:
Thank you! Yep in this pic it was since then I’ve added a jd jetting kit, reeds, a pipe and had the frame powder coated satin...
Thank you! Yep in this pic it was since then I’ve added a jd jetting kit, reeds, a pipe and had the frame powder coated satin black, also a different kit since the Mazda one was getting clapped but going back to either Mazda or 01 YOT for dream race weekend in washougal this August
See you at the dream race! on the 687 CR250 🤘🤘
VoodooHusky
Posts
68
Joined
2/21/2019
Location
Roseville, CA, USA
6/17/2019 6:27pm
Got my Works Connection frame guards cleaned up and installed. I bought them used on eBay but they didn’t come with the hardware so I had to improvise.



2
Mossy
Posts
438
Joined
7/6/2018
Location
Newport News, VA, USA
6/18/2019 6:36am
Mossy wrote:
Beautiful bike you got there. Just a quick tip and also question. Make sure you check the “Air boot TO Air box” seal. My 97 yz125’s...
Beautiful bike you got there. Just a quick tip and also question. Make sure you check the “Air boot TO Air box” seal. My 97 yz125’s air boot, at the end of it where your little nuts tighten down to keep it tightened to the air box, was flaired outwards and I couldn’t get it to seal perfectly which ended up with me getting sand inside of it and you know how that went. Pinch Angry Silly

Anyways, I ended up using 3M heavy duty sealent/silicone that practically has it to where it can’t come apart now and it’s a perfect seal. My problem was, when I tightened the little nuts on to it, the boot seal then “flaired” outwards. That was my solution to it though.

Let me know if you had the problem, or what you would’ve done differently. Cool
Thanks for the tip. I don't believe the air boot had ever been removed from the air box and the metal frame was still flat. I'll...
Thanks for the tip. I don't believe the air boot had ever been removed from the air box and the metal frame was still flat. I'll be tearing into the bike this weekend as I install a Race Tech 5.4 rear spring and lube the linkage so I'll double check the seal and make sure no dirt is getting in there. I used Bel Ray waterproof grease to seal the two but a silicone seal should work better.

No problem, glad to be able to offer some advice Cool Seeing your thread motivates me to go fix my 125. I pick up my new 18 Rmz 450 on Monday, haven’t ridden in a year and a half Grinning Evil I think after riding the 450 for a couple months I’ll be ready to man up, order a case splitting kit, and tear into the engine and fix it myself. Then March 2020 I’ll have a nice 2 stroke to take to the track as well Smile Anyways I’ll keep up with your build, looking great! Cool
hdogg21
Posts
276
Joined
2/6/2019
Location
Shakopee, MN, USA
6/18/2019 10:56am
Very Nice! 1999 YZ250 turned out killer VoodooHusky!
1
raynet27
Posts
9
Joined
6/18/2019
Location
Riverside, CA, USA
6/18/2019 7:00pm
Nice setup. Your bike looks really great.
1
VoodooHusky
Posts
68
Joined
2/21/2019
Location
Roseville, CA, USA
4/11/2020 1:47pm
Here are a couple of updates. I was able to find the mount for my WC frame guards so I'm no longer using a cable tie to hold it on. I installed an 11 oz flywheel weight and it made a nice difference. It didn't seem to do much to the power hit but it definitely helps put the power down. The bike now wheelies more coming out of corners so it's hooking up better vs just breaking loose and going sideways. I did some reading on wider foot pegs and added a set of 2014 YZ450F SS foot pegs. It's a subtle but noticeable difference and I really like them. Solld $40 upgrade.



1
VoodooHusky
Posts
68
Joined
2/21/2019
Location
Roseville, CA, USA
4/11/2020 2:08pm Edited Date/Time 4/11/2020 2:16pm
One frustrating thing about the bike was it was a bit hard to start. I wasn't sure if it was not being able to kick the bike properly or something with the ignition or carb. It was definitely the crappy designed kick lever and foot peg junction with my size 13 boot. I added a 2001 YZ426F kick lever and it now starts first or second kick hot or cold. You'll notice in the photos I filed down one side of the lever so it wouldn't interfere with the clutch cover. The lever doesn't tuck in as nicely but I've not had any issues with the two times I've ridden it. I also filed down the sharp edge of the foot peg where the lever hits. This mod cost me $50 delivered and well worth it.

My engine is stock with the exception of the flywheel weight and V Force reeds and it rips. This is the best powerband of any 2T I've ever owned. The only other engine mod I'm thinking of is having Apex recut the head. I don't need more power but I'm more curious in how a $70 mod can change how the bike runs.

I'm still tweaking with the suspension and have it working pretty well. I have some 2001 fork internals and will swap out the damping stack when I change the seals at some point. I might have them revalved as well. The stock fork springs are working well as at 61 years old I'm not doing any big airtime. I'll get the shock serviced and revavled later this year.







1

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