Jim's 1988 VTR250 Interceptor

After 3 years of looking, finally found one worth looking at. Had to drive 8 hours to get it but hopefully was worth the effort. PO said the engine had a "knock" in it so I got it pretty cheap, $600.00.

Since I am a total glutton for punishment I had to buy it.

The last thing the guy said before I drove off was "I hope everything goes well for you"

"It won't" I replied!

So time to dive in.

I have zero knowledge of these VTR250's as they seemed to be pretty thin on the ground even in the day. Everyone I knew wanted a 600 back then.

 

Well Jim the bike itself looks solid ... It simply may need a valve adjustment or as you know a bearing could be toast. I think you will be happy once you get the issue or issues fixed. Been where you are and the I'm happy I took on my project.
Please keep us posted on progress as I am sure plenty of us LOVE those 250's!

 

Yes! Congrats. You'll find most of the engine very familiar.

In very Honda fashion, the 88 has host of things that are different from 89, mostly the engine, so keep that in mind depending on what you may end up needing. And then 89 to 90 was primarily the updated front end and wider rear wheel.

Have fun!

Ken is very jealous of Barbie's bike.

 

LOL, A friend of mine said Vanilla Ice called and was looking for his bike!

 

This bike has never been touched, the tool kit is missing but the owner's manual is still intact and probably never even been looked at.

 

Vanilla Ice !!!
Ha ha ha


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I dumped the oil, was concerned it was really low because it did not register on the oil sight glass.

Good news is about 1.5 quarts came out and was as black as night as expected. No metal that I can see and the oil filter looked free of metal also.



No metal!

 

But my dreams have been crushed before....any ideas what the next step should be? Pull the cam covers?

 

That’s where you would go


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If it runs and after seeing what came out, I would be inclined to put some fresh (cheap) oil in and personally hear what someone else thinks is "bad".

Could just be a cam chain tensioner, which of course was improved in 89.

 

Congrats, Jim.....I love those bikes! Good luck & please keep us posted!

 

What a pretty looking bike, and I mean that in a good way. I love the bright colours on bikes and purples pinks and blues can look really good.

I'll enjoy watching this one progress Jim.

Nice Find!

 

capt is right, the oil-filled cam chain tensioners tend toward noisy chain rattles, and both of mine are noisy.

my '89 is the only bike ive been riding for the last 3 years, 38k miles on it.

 

Yeah, I think after hearing all about the shortcomings of the 1988 models, I think I am going to pull the cam covers off.

 

Good luck brother…


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Hey Stray, I am honored to have your attention. No way I will ever get to your level of presentation though!

Good work you are doing on YouTube!

 

Thanks S-Man, it seems like I always buy your suggested bikes these days!

As always your input is very much appreciated, especially since you owned several of these VTR's!

 

Thank you, hopefully the motor is not trashed.

The rest of the bike is in pretty good shape considering most of these must have been beat like a "rented mule"

 

Man, I want to do this but I feel like I would be pulling the pin on a hand grenade LOL!

 

first knock suspect was a spun rod bearing i believe but no metal in oil seems to rule that out.

i bought a 1990 vtr one summer, rode it less than 400 miles b4 it spun a rod bearing (at speed, full throttle). suspected fuel dilution due to undetected carb fuel leak.

i bought a no-title grubby vtr from PA and transplanted that engine into it.