1990 VTR250

someone that doesn't want to have an old oven on the side of their shop tip:

Hang the painted exhaust pieces (typically how I paint them anyway) and pre-cure the coating using a propane torch thru all of the inlets and outlets. Keep in one opening until that area starts smoking off, go a bit longer, and then move to another one. Rotate around doing each one a couple times.

Greatly improves the durability for handing and mounting and has proven to be a very good first step for longevity. Plus helps protect against chemicals during the initial install and replenish of fluids in the area.

 

You lucky B! I wanna jump in and paddle around now.. shame on you! hahahaha

 

No Ka Oi Brah !!!! One thing is most riders here are not wearing helmets and they are wearing slaps ( sandals ) while riding!!!!! INSANE!!!!!

 

I remember dudes wearing slippahs on there xr250s. No thank u.

 

I REALLY didn't want to go this far. Slide the forks out, hang the shit to replace the steering bearings (cuz, I'm f-ing here).



Well... the bike had 3 different keys. And the custom 88 I'm building had the original matching 5K mile gear. So swap that over. The 88 doesn't have seat latch/helmet lock anyway. I might not even use an ignition switch, so gas cap only stored on the bike. Or a double sided key at worst. FINE.

And then I looked at the choke cable that needed attention. OK, that comes apart. The paint job I did on the clip-ons for my Sis years ago was looking a little haggard... well... I could freshen those up and the clutch perch. FUCK!!



The plan was to disassemble the forks tonite. Not feelin' it now. Dinner time. Tired AF anyway, long week.

 

Dude … live to fight another day.
Rest up my brother


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Looking good, Capt.

Just remember. It's not the destination that counts. It's the journey!

And one of the challenges in mechanical work is knowing when it's time to set everything aside and take a break.

You followed your instincts and did good!

And now when you come back to it - things will look much better!

 

Wife is going to her Parent's place Sat and Sun. Gonna be rainy around here, so I'm looking forward to some quality shop time to make some progress.

 

Sounds like a good time for a party!

 

Hell yeah. Maybe I'll also find a radiator to straighten all of the fins with a tiny flat blade.

 

LOL....

 

FINALLY got the front forks apart for the YSS PD Valves (Emulators). Bushings look brand new, as do the dust seals. Weren't leaking, but new oil seals going in. Oil looked very fresh too. Pretty sure I went thru thru the forks for my sister years ago when she got it.

Good news: Perfect fit with the damper rods



Unexpected news: Rods only have 1 set of holes. "Get to" drill 8 new holes.

 

Sandblasted and painted some front end hardware. Had an extra front cowl stay that I eliminated the front turn signal mounts as I won't be needing them.



Also used an extra side stand to eliminate the rubber mount and boot loop. With the rearset adapters the loop was fairly inaccessible under the footpeg anyway. Plus cleaner looking.

 

Drilling holes is all part of the fun with emulators Mike. I recall I had to do 6 x 8mm holes on my 86 VFR forks?

 

Yeah I know. This is probably my 8th set of Emulators, 2nd set of YSS PD Valves. Still have YSS PD to install in the 86 VFR700FII (getting 41mm RC24-II forks), and the VT250R Custom with 86 VFR forks.

The very first time I've come across damper rods with only 2 holes. All of my other other Hondas had 2 sets, 4 holes, @ 8mm already.

YSS definitely plagiarized the RT instructions.

 

Plagiarism is the sincerest form of flattery.