el 250 possible purchase

[hazza]

HI,

Im going to look at an EL250 on saturday that hasnt been started for around 18 months. The guy seems very, very genuine although nothing personal to him i will take that with a pinch of salt as i tend to trust nobody. Im not an expert mechanic rather just a keen amateur. Ive had no experience with four strokes but ive rebuilt my two strokes many times. Just wondered if people think im taking on too much of a project. I know it needs some attention to the exhaust downpipe (small hole) and the guy said the carbs will need draining and cleaning as its sat so long. Id expect the battery to be shot too. is there anything else i will need to check for. I will give it a full service once its running.

The guy actually said to me how good are you with a spanner, because you wont be able to just buy it and use it as its been on his bike trailer (covered) for so long.

Regards

Harry
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3 Honda NC50's(Sold)-->'72 Puch Maxi S (Sold, want it back!)--> '90 Yamaha RXS 100 (Stolen)--> '87 Honda Cub 90(Sold) --> '95 Kawasaki Eliminator (Sold) --> '98 Bandit 600 (Sold) -->'07 SV650S (Current)

[Moo.]

Shouldn't be too hard, the main thing is to get the engine running, give it a good service, change the oil and filter and maybe new plugs. Probably put a new air filter in, or give it a wash if its a sponge. Clear out the carbs and balance if it has two. Other then that go over the bike and check all the bearings, chain and sprockets, tyres may need replacing from standing so long Obviously wash the tank out and give it fresh fuel.

The only real difference between a 2 stroke and 4 stroke is a seperate oil compartment, which is why servicing the oil filter and changing the oil is important, the rest you should be able to handle all a good learning curve
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A2 Passed 18/6/10

[hazza]

well thats what i thought I cant help but tinker with things anyway and now ive finished my dissertation (*sigh*) ive got plenty of time on my hands. Id really like to further my knowledge of four strokes. Hopefully it will be a nice little commuter for me once sorted.


*edit* what is the method of balancing the carbs?

Thanks for any replies

REgards

Harry
____________________
3 Honda NC50's(Sold)-->'72 Puch Maxi S (Sold, want it back!)--> '90 Yamaha RXS 100 (Stolen)--> '87 Honda Cub 90(Sold) --> '95 Kawasaki Eliminator (Sold) --> '98 Bandit 600 (Sold) -->'07 SV650S (Current)

[jimspeed]

I've got one and had it for just over a year now (almost sounds like the one I bought to be honest)
fairly basic and simple to work on except the carbs, I was going to remove mine to clean them out but it looks like that is an engine out job so I gave it a few tanks of fuel cleaner instead and it runs ok. bit rattley on idle but mine goes quiet once the clutch is in and 1st gear selected.
The bits I have bought for mine have been cheap and ER5 rear shocks fit if you want to stiffen the ride up a bit (they were cheaper too lol) the only bugbear is the odd tyre sizes they use.
fairly quick and high powered for a 250 (mine is 34bhp most 250's seem to be 20 or so).
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Hyosung cruise 125(passed test on, sold) Kawasaki el 252 (better than expected but sold on) Kawasaki GPZ500S first "big"bike.(sold) ZZR600 E5..Z750 2007,ER5, currently on a 2008 Enfield bullet electra x and loving it..
,"Alpha-9: Is there any correlation between dyno rod and dyno kits?"

[Frost]

[hazza]

The guy has three of them. He has an 89' model that when he brought it was mint, but has too been on unused for a period of time. He said he originally brought the bike for spares for the older model as it came up at the right price, but was taxed and MOT'd when he brought it.

They do sound awful on tickover, but they all sound like that from what i can hear on youtube. Maybe its a kawasaki thing as my brothers GPZ sounds awful too. id like to hear what they sound like with a k&n and/or baffles removed.
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3 Honda NC50's(Sold)-->'72 Puch Maxi S (Sold, want it back!)--> '90 Yamaha RXS 100 (Stolen)--> '87 Honda Cub 90(Sold) --> '95 Kawasaki Eliminator (Sold) --> '98 Bandit 600 (Sold) -->'07 SV650S (Current)

[Robby]

It is has been standing a long time and you have a lot of time on your hands, I would take it apart and give it a frame up rebuild. Not necessary, but the sort of thing I do for fun and it means you can clean and grease every bearing. Minimal cost, lots of benefit. Also means you can scrape off all of the rust and paint over the exposed areas.

If it has been standing with the fuel tank empty then it is likely to have rusted, so you want to get rid of the rust before using it. Rust will get into your carbs, even past a fuel filter, and clog up the idle jet. Phosphoric acid is the best method I know to sort out a rusted tank, just be sure to remove the fuel tap and plug the hole with a cork or something because phosphoric tends to eat rubber.

Apart from that, usual big service. Change the oil and filter, then do it again after 500 miles. New plugs and air filter, check of swingarm and steering head bearings, quite possibly new tyres, new brake fluid, fit a fuel filter, give it a really good clean and wax, possibly new fork seals. Get rid of all the rust.

It will cost a few quid to recommission, being left standing is no good for bikes.

[hazza]

Its only been standing for 18 months or so, which i wouldnt assume to be a huge deal, but correct me if im wrong. Thanks for all the replies, at least if i get stuck there are plenty of people on here to offer their advice and knowledge (Y)

Thanks

Harry
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3 Honda NC50's(Sold)-->'72 Puch Maxi S (Sold, want it back!)--> '90 Yamaha RXS 100 (Stolen)--> '87 Honda Cub 90(Sold) --> '95 Kawasaki Eliminator (Sold) --> '98 Bandit 600 (Sold) -->'07 SV650S (Current)

[hazza]