1981 Yamaha YZ250 ?

mx-frog
Posts
130
Joined
6/20/2008
Location
CT US
3/1/2010 9:41am Edited Date/Time 1/27/2012 5:39pm
How good of bike was the 1981 YZ250? Was the motor strong? Also 5 or 6 speed? Thanks
|
vetarider
Posts
126
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Charlotte, NC US
3/1/2010 1:15pm Edited Date/Time 4/17/2016 9:06pm
I have one and like it.


Stock set up except the boost bottle was removed. I have everything to put it back on but haven't had the time. Mixed reviews if it's of any benefit so I'm not in a hurry.


The bottom end is a little weak but really comes alive in the mid to upper rpm's. It's a 5 speed.


I've had a couple of instances of head shake but I'm sure it's a set up issue that I haven't worked out yet. The front end seems light. There are several suspension shops very knowledgeable with this specific bike so modifying the forks and shock aren't a problem.


Brakes are decent for drum and the double cam on the front might help a little with braking power.


Seems to be a popular bike among the older crowd (that would include me). They don't last long on CL or Ebay. Some parts still available from Yamaha and decent used parts turn up but they tend to sell for a good price as well.


Chris
mx-frog
Posts
130
Joined
6/20/2008
Location
CT US
3/1/2010 1:27pm
Sounds good,I have a 1977 YZ250 and 400 that I really like but could use a little newer bike with longer suspensen. How does it compare to your 1978 YZ250?
vetarider
Posts
126
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Charlotte, NC US
3/1/2010 4:29pm
Handling wise the '81 feels much more solid. There seemed to be a lot going on with the '78. Probably related to fork and frame flex. Also, I'm not as concerned about hitting kickers or ruts with the '81. I'm more confident in the suspension and handling.

The '81 is much easier to keep on the pipe so it's not as tiring to me as the '78. At times it has more power than what I need but at least it's available, if and, when I do need it.

Also, the '81 is a good foundation to build a racer without taking too much time or effort. It depends on your riding ability and how much you want to put into it.

I haven't noticed that many good '81's for sale lately. You can search all CL sites using the following description with Google:

1981 YZ 250 site:craigslist.org

You can alter the search description "1981 YZ 250" since sellers list items using any combination of words to describe an item, just keep "site:craigslist.org
There are sites that will notify you as well if someone posts an ad with the item you're looking for.

Chris
mx-frog
Posts
130
Joined
6/20/2008
Location
CT US
3/1/2010 4:55pm
Thanks Chris-there's a nice one on Marks Vintage site,I might scoop up. I really like Yamaha's because of the narrow mid-section. I was told with a Works Performance shock and Race-Tech emulators you'll have as close as you can get to modern bike feel,but with drum brakes.

The Shop

vetarider
Posts
126
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Charlotte, NC US
3/1/2010 5:11pm
I saw that ad but had forgotten about it.

captmoto
Posts
5122
Joined
4/22/2009
Location
Rancho Cucamonga, CA US
3/1/2010 5:34pm
mx-frog wrote:
Thanks Chris-there's a nice one on Marks Vintage site,I might scoop up. I really like Yamaha's because of the narrow mid-section. I was told with a...
Thanks Chris-there's a nice one on Marks Vintage site,I might scoop up. I really like Yamaha's because of the narrow mid-section. I was told with a Works Performance shock and Race-Tech emulators you'll have as close as you can get to modern bike feel,but with drum brakes.
I have a YZ465 that was the Race Tech test mule. I was surprised at how good the suspension felt. They really have done their homework on the YZs. .You might be able to get the stock shock revalved and resprung for less than the cost of a Works Performance. I don't think big money for a shock is needed for a 5-6 lap moto. I had an 1980 with the 6 speed. Coming from an RM250 it felt like a works bike to me. There are lots of hard parts available from Yamaha and Wiseco makes pistons and rings for them. Barnett still has clutches. The YZs are pretty cool and have a modern feel to them.
newmann
Posts
24444
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
US
3/1/2010 6:52pm
My 81. Power wise, it feels weak. Not much low end, mid isn't anything exciting and top end is even less exciting. Tried the DG pipeand silencer combo, then went with the Pro-Form. It didn't do anything better than the DG except it fits really well.Big gap between third and fourth gear. Still have the boost bottle hooked up on mine, think it hurts more than it helps. It does handle good and the brakes really do work well with the dual actuated backing plate off the 465. I have a spare engine I need to do a little work on and try it out. Obviously could benefit from some crafty port work and extra compression.Mine has one of the Fox shocks.









Racerx930
Posts
767
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Stillwater, OK US
3/3/2010 10:55pm
I blame this thread for making me slightly more poor tonight.
3/4/2010 12:39am Edited Date/Time 4/17/2016 9:09pm
I had a new '80 model YZ250G back in the day. I feel it was the best 250 of the year. Low end was a little weak, put mid to top power was strong. Transmission was a little weak on the G model 250 and 465. Lost second third and fourth gear on my 250 four months from new.

For '81 ,Yamaha tried to bring the power levels to more low to mid range for the H 250 and 465. Personally, I think they detuned them a little bit too much. If you have ever ridden an '80 versus an '81 back to back, it is very obvious, especially on the 465's. The G models would motor them.
BVS40FL
Posts
141
Joined
6/23/2009
Location
Tampa, FL US
3/4/2010 5:20am Edited Date/Time 4/17/2016 9:09pm
I thought my '81 was fast at the time, but I had just moved up from a 125 and it was a big jump in horsepower. When I got my '83 it felt much faster.
vetarider
Posts
126
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Charlotte, NC US
3/4/2010 6:06am
Racerx930 wrote:
I blame this thread for making me slightly more poor tonight. [img]http://img535.imageshack.us/img535/8600/img3091i.jpg[/img]
I blame this thread for making me slightly more poor tonight.
Congratulations! Looks "mostly" there, at least the hard parts anyway. The plastic is easy enough to come by.
newmann
Posts
24444
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
US
3/4/2010 11:25am
Do you have the seat? I have a spare with new foam and cover already installed.
Racerx930
Posts
767
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Stillwater, OK US
3/4/2010 6:01pm
A buddy of mine saw the YZ and really wanted it today. He traded me 2 1979 CR250 Rollers and complete 1980 CR250 minus top end for it.. I'm a Honda guy, I can't help it!
FreshTopEnd
Posts
12477
Joined
8/16/2006
Location
Sacramento, CA US
Fantasy
4133rd
3/5/2010 5:34pm
Racerx930 wrote:
A buddy of mine saw the YZ and really wanted it today. He traded me 2 1979 CR250 Rollers and complete 1980 CR250 minus top end...
A buddy of mine saw the YZ and really wanted it today. He traded me 2 1979 CR250 Rollers and complete 1980 CR250 minus top end for it.. I'm a Honda guy, I can't help it!
Your friend got scalded!! Nice pull.
Jamesyzman
Posts
3
Joined
3/11/2010
Location
Tracy, CA US
3/11/2010 8:18am
lots of cash to cerry it out, I had a1980 yz 250 I rebuilt I wish I would of kept it ,It was scary fast I have the complete motor if anyone want to buy it, James at2096294596 in Ca. Tracy.
vetarider
Posts
126
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Charlotte, NC US
3/18/2010 12:06pm Edited Date/Time 4/17/2016 9:29pm
Frog - Did you buy the YZ? If you're still looking there's a nice one in my area .


I can send you the link.


Chris
CamP
Posts
6828
Joined
8/16/2006
Location
Colleyville, TX US
3/18/2010 4:51pm Edited Date/Time 3/18/2010 4:54pm
Sorry for the threadjack, but the Full Floater Suzuki's kicked everyone's butt in '81-82. The rear suspension is still excellent, even by today's standards, and with a properly setup set of 43mm forks, with emulators, you can fly on those old RM's. I raced YZ's in '81 and the monoshock totally sucked, by comparison.
mx-frog
Posts
130
Joined
6/20/2008
Location
CT US
3/19/2010 7:24am
Cam- have tried a new Works Performance YZ mono shock yet? I've heard with the multi rate springs and modern specs there great. Yes, I had a 1981 RM125 the Full-Flaoter was great, but for Vintage 1981 YZ's can be raced with 1978 -1980 twin-shock bikes.Any bike with a link-age such as1981 RM's and CR's,KX's race bikes up to disk brake models[1981-83].And remember the 1981 YZ's had 43mm forks also.
berniepiet
Posts
526
Joined
12/23/2009
Location
Atlanta, GA US
3/22/2010 12:52pm
Frog - Did you buy the YZ? If you're still looking there's a nice one in my area .



I can send you the link.



Chris

Chris:

I would be interested. I am in Atlanta.
vetarider
Posts
126
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Charlotte, NC US
3/24/2010 5:53am
Bernie - Did you receive the PM's? Unsure I know, it's a toss up between the one in GA and VA, huh? What was the guy in GA thinking when he painted the bike in those colors?

Chris
evomx244
Posts
214
Joined
1/19/2008
Location
Mason, OH US
3/25/2010 2:06pm
Just picked up a 1980 YZ 250 to go along with my 1980 YZ 125. Does any aftermarket company's make a rod kit ?
newmann
Posts
24444
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
US
3/25/2010 2:23pm
Bought the rod kit for my 81 YZ250 through Yamaha. Check them first.
jeffcrew
Posts
3
Joined
3/30/2010
Location
Fort Collins, CO US
3/30/2010 12:52pm
I just started restoring my old 1980 YZ 250G. It's in great shape just needs some TLC. Its been mostly sitting for the past 15 yrs and still fires right up. The main problem I have is that it won't stay in neutral . My plan was to split the case and go through the tranny, thinking it may be a bad shift fork, however before going that far I have removed the clutch and flywheel in order to check the shifter pins and cam. it all looks good and it shifts and stays in neutral flawlessly while spinning it by hand, so i am now thinking that there is no need to split it. Does anyone have experience with the 250G transmission? Should I put it back together and hope for the best? or keep going and go through the whole tranny?
Any resrtoraton advice is also welcome. I still plan to do the piston and rings, reed valve, carb, front forks, brakes, seat cover and plastic. Pics to come.
Racerx930
Posts
767
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Stillwater, OK US
4/19/2010 8:10pm
I raced an 81 yz250 at Diamond Don's and loved it.

This morning I got the one pictured above back and built her up with parts I got from one of my buddies. The bike started up 2nd kick after putting the motor together. I'm really excited to get it race ready.
DirtDgr
Posts
381
Joined
2/15/2009
Location
Lakeport, CA US
4/20/2010 7:28am Edited Date/Time 4/17/2016 10:16pm
I will be racing my 1981 YZ 250 in the Virginia City GP this weekend. Drew front row on Sunday(starts 10 riders at a time right on main st.)

Got her all ready.

3+ hour race with lots of rocks.

Fun!



Racerx930
Posts
767
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Stillwater, OK US
4/20/2010 8:13am
Anyone have a head stay they will sell me?
DoctorJD
Posts
2921
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Somewhere in..., GA US
4/20/2010 10:58am
I would love to find me an old 81' model as a project bike. One of the biggest regrets of my moto life was in 81' when I (17 at the time) rode up to the Yamaha dealership to put some money down on an 81 YZ125. On the way home from the shop, I stopped by my old shop teachers house to check out his bike, a brand new YZ250. He suggested I give it a spin on his personal practice track, and fell in love with it. I'd always raced 125's, so I was reluctant to make the jump to the 250. After a week of mulling it over, the lust for the new water-cooling won over and I got the 125 (which I hated).



CamP
Posts
6828
Joined
8/16/2006
Location
Colleyville, TX US
4/20/2010 12:31pm
DoctorJD wrote:
I would love to find me an old 81' model as a project bike. One of the biggest regrets of my moto life was in 81'...
I would love to find me an old 81' model as a project bike. One of the biggest regrets of my moto life was in 81' when I (17 at the time) rode up to the Yamaha dealership to put some money down on an 81 YZ125. On the way home from the shop, I stopped by my old shop teachers house to check out his bike, a brand new YZ250. He suggested I give it a spin on his personal practice track, and fell in love with it. I'd always raced 125's, so I was reluctant to make the jump to the 250. After a week of mulling it over, the lust for the new water-cooling won over and I got the 125 (which I hated).



Sounds like my 1981. I had a good deal worked out on an RM125, but Suzuki delayed the release until mid-season. I disparately needed a new bike and ended up on a YZ125.
FreshTopEnd
Posts
12477
Joined
8/16/2006
Location
Sacramento, CA US
Fantasy
4133rd
4/22/2010 11:35am
DirtDgr wrote:
I will be racing my 1981 YZ 250 in the Virginia City GP this weekend. Drew front row on Sunday(starts 10 riders at a time right...
I will be racing my 1981 YZ 250 in the Virginia City GP this weekend. Drew front row on Sunday(starts 10 riders at a time right on main st.)

Got her all ready.

3+ hour race with lots of rocks.

Fun!



Man, with the weather we've had and it getting sunny this weekend VCGP should be epic!

We always start our Reno to Vegas ride out of VC
bdnwtkfg
Posts
3
Joined
12/7/2010
Location
Tustin (Orange Co.), CA US
12/7/2010 11:06am
LOVE the picts.
I had one.
Power was a light switch. . . I Loved it! But ruined it when I switched to a CR500.THAT was a beast!

My Best friend has one still, and is original Owner. It is like new shape, has all orginal decals on tank and are in great shape. Desert tank as well. Motor runs great. Recent top end with maybe 5 light rides over the last 5-6 years. . . (I did the work)

This bike has hardley been ridden, he has just held on to it for prosperity sake. . . but he is getting back into it, and wants a new bike. . . so this one needs to be sold. . . !!!

this one is now for sale
if you are interested email me at bdnwtkfg at wans dot net and i will get you picts.
Asking Price is $1500

Post a reply to: 1981 Yamaha YZ250 ?

The Latest