1986 XL250R Honda - Good Project?

[aigel]

Cross posting from the trail bike thread, to get a little more attention, please! I am a week away from my M1 endorsement - California speak for motorcycle license. I'd like a light enduro < 300 lbs, something classic would be nice. I will ride in the woods, but want a plated bike so I can leave from towns / camp grounds without issue.

I ran across this:
1986 Honda xl250r street legal dirtbike

Is this a good project? Has 7k miles on the clock. Looks ridden hard. Are electrical gremlins tough to fix on these or do you think it is an excuse why it doesn't run and sell as pig in poke? I cannot find a lot of info on this particular year. Looks like a twin carb and some guys have issues with fuel delivery ...

I find it hard to get into something interesting and running under $2500. But $900 seems rich for a non running bike. I would have thought a project bike is in the $300 range, but maybe not?

What is the PPOT wisdom on this particular bike but also on the light enduro subject?

G

[aigel]

What is a good price for that bike then - non running? Can these be parted out for a few hundred - worst case scenario?

I'm always leery of "easy fix" stories. If it was an easy fix, it'd be done ....

Maybe I should just take a few grand and buy a good used no story xt250 ... As usual, the higher the price the better bang for the buck .... Everyone wants a 1200 dollar bike - 3500 - not so much demand ...

G

[nota]

the 250cc single 4v by honda was made in many years and models

I had a honda 250 enduro 4v 4 stroke that was a race non street bike
the clutch was wet and stuck until hot was my only real problem
you should find parts eazy to get as the basic motor was used 70's thru the 2000's
also used in atv's both 3 and 4 wheel
and should have good aftermarket support

btw i paid 100 for the bike running in the mid 80
and 900 for a non runner is high today
esp for a common bike

[stomachmonkey]

Short causing fuse for battery to blow?

So it's electric start?

Why not just kick or bump start it to verify the motor runs.

[intakexhaust]

Way too much $$. If that's your target type of bike, perhaps shop for a Kawasaki KLR 250. Great little dual purpose having the advantage for real trail riding. Fuel miser that gets you deep into the forest and back again.

[Arizona_928]

looks like he did the ole reverse polarity trick and installed the battery terminals wrong...
I took a chance on a non running gsxr one time. Granted it had been sitting in a garage for a long time, but it turned out ok. That bike has been stored out side. Lots of gnarly things could happen in a 2 months. Especially since it only needs a 2$ fuse...
Offer him a loooow price. Bet he'll take it.

[aigel]

Originally Posted by stomachmonkey

Short causing fuse for battery to blow?

So it's electric start?

Why not just kick or bump start it to verify the motor runs.

My research shows that some bikes may come with electric. The way seller talks, it does. He says he is injured and can't kick it over.

I know, I know. Stories! I think I'll go by there this weekend with some cash in my pocket and have a look. I am usually brave and have gotten decent deals before, because I am the only one showing up.

What is a good price, considering it may be a full on project? $300? Is $500 too much?

G

[aigel]

Originally Posted by intakexhaust

Way too much $$. If that's your target type of bike, perhaps shop for a Kawasaki KLR 250. Great little dual purpose having the advantage for real trail riding. Fuel miser that gets you deep into the forest and back again.

Interesting point. I looked at the KLR. It is water cooled. Blasphemy! Seriously though, there is one locally for $2250 and it is a lot newer. Much better than spending $900 on a pig in a poke for sure. 2004 Kawasaki KLR 250 Dual Sport

G

[javadog]

Personally, I would find a 250 too underpowered for off road use and way too underpowered for road use.

But, that's just me.

JR

[pcardude]

I used to have one. Loved that bike

[intakexhaust]

True, all those little 4 stroke are gutless but fuel misers. The Kaw KLR has a better suspension suited for off-road putzing and that's what counts. You want both kick and / el. start. Depending how light the rider and carrying gear, I recall they could achieve 80 mph on the road. Having the water cooled is a huge plus.

I had one as a guest loaner. Installed Acerbis hand guards and ally lever guards. Dropped a few times. Was an outstanding, trouble free bike.

[Cajundaddy]

My dad had one of those XL 250Rs and it was a fun putt-putt for the back of the motorhome. I come from race bikes and this was too underpowered for me at 24hp with a realistic top highway cruise speed around 60 mph. $500 tops for a no runner but it should kick or bump start easily. They are easy to work on with few surprises. Might be a fun project to fix and flip but I would want a more capable Dual Sport with a top speed of around 80.

The Suzuki DRZ400 is nearly perfect for this with 40hp, elect start, and a very nice chassis. I would want the Suzi for personal use.

Honda XL 250 R 1986 Specs and Photos
2000 Suzuki DR-Z 400 E specifications and pictures

This is a lot more bike for the $$:
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/mcy/5213839290.html

[Arizona_928]

Originally Posted by aigel

My research shows that some bikes may come with electric. The way seller talks, it does. He says he is injured and can't kick it over.

I know, I know. Stories! I think I'll go by there this weekend with some cash in my pocket and have a look. I am usually brave and have gotten decent deals before, because I am the only one showing up.

What is a good price, considering it may be a full on project? $300? Is $500 too much?

G

How much can you part it out for?

[pcardude]

Originally Posted by aigel

Cross posting from the trail bike thread, to get a little more attention, please! I am a week away from my M1 endorsement - California speak for motorcycle license. I'd like a light enduro < 300 lbs, something classic would be nice. I will ride in the woods, but want a plated bike so I can leave from towns / camp grounds without issue.

I ran across this:
1986 Honda xl250r street legal dirtbike

Is this a good project? Has 7k miles on the clock. Looks ridden hard. Are electrical gremlins tough to fix on these or do you think it is an excuse why it doesn't run and sell as pig in poke? I cannot find a lot of info on this particular year. Looks like a twin carb and some guys have issues with fuel delivery ...

I find it hard to get into something interesting and running under $2500. But $900 seems rich for a non running bike. I would have thought a project bike is in the $300 range, but maybe not?

What is the PPOT wisdom on this particular bike but also on the light enduro subject?

G

Man that brings back memories. Except mine had a Supertrap muffler and the non street legal sprocket. Mine also hadn't been painted all rainbow like that one.

[Norm K]

Gotta love the old "runs great, won't start" ...

[intakexhaust]

Another circa 80's budget would be the Yamaha XT350. Noticeable power vs. any of those 4 stroke 250 of the era. Pipe and rejet helped to. Also had the Yam XT600 thumper. It was OK in the fire roads but too much of a pig in the back trails. The 350 was better all around.

If I was shopping today, I'd be after a Suzuki DR400.

[aigel]

Originally Posted by Cajundaddy

The Suzuki DRZ400 is nearly perfect for this with 40hp, elect start, and a very nice chassis. I would want the Suzi for personal use.

Honda XL 250 R 1986 Specs and Photos
2000 Suzuki DR-Z 400 E specifications and pictures

This is a lot more bike for the $$:
2002 Suzuki DRZ 400 electric start green sticker runs great

Thanks for the input! Isn't the DRZ a lot heavier though? I need to be in the 280 or less lbs range. That bike you link is nice, but not street legal. In CA, if you don't have current plates and registration, you can forget about it. Back fees can eat you up and a bike that has not been plated when new can never be converted. That's why that bike is a lot cheaper, it is a pure off road machine which won't help with my plans, unfortunately. I'd have a nice 2 stroke then.

Edit: The link you posted quotes DRZ Dry weight: 119.0 kg (262.4 pounds)
Ok, that's a definite contender now.

G

[stomachmonkey]

Originally Posted by aigel

.... He says he is injured and can't kick it over....

Bull****.

He's trolling for an uneducated buyer.

Pass.

[aigel]

Originally Posted by nkowi

Gotta love the old "runs great, won't start" ...

"ran great when parked"
"a/c needs a recharge"

I think I won't bother. With you guys' input, I have other models to look at that will be much better than this heap. Pay a bit more up front and actually ride instead of wrench. I checked on parts and it can add up quick, including tires etc.

G

[aigel]

Originally Posted by stomachmonkey

Bull****.

He's trolling for an uneducated buyer.

Pass.

I do realize that. It is a pig in a poke and I was going to entertain him, be the only one to show up and offer low. But it looks like it will just be a waste of time. Time, something I don't have that much any more ...

G