I have zero prior experience with rebuilding bikes, just want to get that out there as a baseline. So this would be all new to me. I consider myself a handy person generally speaking. I can find a YouTube video and figure out any kind of basic maintenance process on my own whether it’s bikes, auto, home, etc. So I’m not a complete idiot with using tools.
That being said, it has been a long time dream of mine to pickup a cheap used mid-2000s RM250 to overhaul as my own 2005 Carmichael replica. This bike has always been the pinnacle in my mind. No bike has ever topped it for me. I see it in my dreams. Most RMs that pop up on my local listings are pretty roached out, but some seem serviceable with a good bit of TLC. Handful already have some restoration work already done but prices understandably run higher on those. I like the idea of rebuilding a clapped out one just for the challenge.
So for a complete beginner with no prior bike build experience, how realistically do-able would this be? I’d love to have a project to work on and get into as a side hobby and I’d have to start somewhere.
Just get a Clymer manual and YouTube
Go for it! YouTube has the answer to every problem.
Other than engine and suspension internals bikes are super easy to take apart and put back together. Most builds die due to lack of organization. So take pictures, bag and tag, or do like I do and thread the bolts back into the parts they go with after you take the part off.
Being older and cheaper marketplace bikes be preppared for some stuck bolts.
If you are planning a clean restoration go to harbor freight and get a bench top buffer, then get some scotch brite wheels from pryme, or Amazon. They make a world of difference.
Outside of engine and suspension the only special tools Id recommend is a motion pro bearing race driver and pit posse bearing race remover. These make a very aggravating job a breeze. There are a few more but you’ll find them as you need them.
It’s a fun process.
Download the Owner's Service manual...
https://www.manualslib.com/manual/826329/Suzuki-Rm250.html
and follow the instructions!
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Depends on how in depth you are going as it may require some special tools.
Anything short of lacing/truing wheels, splitting cases, rebuilding forks/shocks, is completely doable to a first timer. Those are really the only big 3 areas that I'd advise you have somebody help you with.
Pressing bearings in/out also takes time to practice and get good at.
True, guess it’s hard to know without a bike in hand. Especially for what kind of motor work would be needed. Not afraid to get in and work on that myself, especially since I hear 2t’s are a little easier on that front. What would be some specific things needing work to look out for on bikes that may set me further back or need special tools?
Just based on the ones I’m seeing for sale around me most would need to go all the way down to a bare frame and get a fresh powdercoating. Not sure how difficult it would be to deep clean engine case, some look like they’ve had mud caked on for years. For suspension I have a local shop that’s well regarded for Mx/mtb work so would be okay sourcing that work out to someone that knows what they’re doing.
If you're patient and smart enough, YouTube University can make you an expert on anything. Here's a short list of all the stuff I can remember looking up:
-Servicing the fork on my YZ250
-Tuning the deraileur and swapping the bottom bracket on my mountain bikes
-Wiring a doorbell
-Replacing spark plugs in a Toyota Tacoma and a heater fan in a Nissan Rogue
I say go for the rebuild. Be patient, and if you get stuck you can always post on here for help.
Go for it, Budget 5k for a basic build; 8k if you want it nice.
Doesn’t get any easier than working on a 2 stroke.
It's not easy. You'll have to dedicate some serious time to learning and also some capital to buy a lot of special tools to do the job right. Case splitter, fork seal drivers, bearing pullers etc etc. A lot of us take for granted the wrenching skills we've learned over the years.
I do think it's extremely fulfilling, and will teach you a lot about problem solving, but it's not easy.
There are so many variables here.
Tools, tools, tools, tools!
Money, money, money, money!
Drive to finish the project!
I see dozens of bikes every week that
someone thought they could fix,restore
and the project goes to shit!
bike gets tossed aside , sold on craigslist
save your money, buy a nice bike to put
graphics on!!!
Everyone needs to start somewhere. You learn doing things along the way. With YouTube videos and service manuals available for download it's much easier these days.
In the 90's you had to rely instructions you heard in the pits from more seasoned mechanics and trial and error which often lead to costly mistakes. It's much easier to get information these days
Go for it 100%!
I bought an absolute garbage ball of a bike. 2003 yz125 for $800. I took it down to the frame and started with new races / bearings. Then started looking at all the parts and cleaned what could be salvaged and replaced what couldn’t. Keep in mind this was my first bike build ever. At the end of the day I spent about 3.5k. I had my suspension done by the pros as well as a full engine rebuild. Everything else I did myself. YouTube is a lifesaver. And of course having the correct tools for some jobs such as removing and installing races.
depends if you have the time and more importantly the money. a full rebuild can cost as much as a new bike, and thats just in parts, not counting the time to do it.
I saw RC race that 05 in Indy SX . I never saw a bike soo perfectly setup . That he threw it where he wanted like a rm85. You really need a garage & counters to lay the parts out. Splitting cases is easy but getting the clutch basket & flywheel off for the 1st of the bike ever is not. My vise grip style basket holder, broke basket teeth off a 5 hr basket. Flywheel nut would not come off. I had the engine facing up & on the rt side . A bunch of parts fell out the left side last March. Cases , trans still apart . Like most people you never hv time to get it together. This was a 5 hr bike . I had a 04& 05 apart also Don’t ever do this parts r everywhere. To the point I didn’t think I would ever get 1 together
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