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Yeah, I'll be doing the motor. Something is jacked up in the tranny so I'll be splitting
the cases. I won't get to that for a while because I want to get the chassis kinda squared away
and then I'll have to shelf this project for a little bit while I get caught up on other stuff.
Not sure on footpegs yet, either! Mine came with some older aftermarket ones that
are in good shape, but definitely scream "1995".
crosses over or something.
The stuff was well yellowed and the tops of the fenders in particular were HEAVILY oxidized. I started with a fine grit sanding sponge with lots of soapy water and Soft Scrub. Then broke out the car detailing tools using polishing compound at a low speed. Finished with a clear coat polish at a little higher speed with constant movement. Came out pretty good!
I'll eventually get new plastic and graphics but the plan is to ride it for a while (when that day comes) and get things dialed in, THEN put on the new plastic and graphics.
The Shop
a 270mm rotor.
I'll only be able to spend limited time with it the next month or so but will be picking away at it
here and there.
I'm so torn on what color to go with it! When I started the project, I had it firm in my mind of going
with purple frame route. But I'm really starting to lean towards that "works" blue and white
scheme they had. Decisions!!
This one is off of an '04. I did have to grind a little on one of the frame tabs that was just a little
too close to the banjo bolt. Much cleaner set up and it eliminates the remote reservoir and hose which
makes me really happy because now I can get rid of those clips that hold the hose and that flimsy tab
for the reservoir. Thanks, Zach!
I have had no luck finding a right side frame guard (I got hold of a left side one) so I got one off
of a '98 and sorta massaged it a bit. I think it will be passable, though I'll keep my eyes out for a '95.
So it was time to look at the motor. I clean it off and what do you know, there is the plate under the cylinder indicating It's a long rod motor! Can't believe I didn't notice this a long time ago! hahaha See? I knew this bike had been owned by someone decent in the past before some tweaker crackhead got hold of it!
Anyway so I started taking things apart and it looks primo inside! Piston and cylinder look fantastic, clutch plates look good and so on. Something's goofy with the tranny so I'll have to split the cases and see what's going on in there but for now I'm laughing. This bike suddenly has become even more bitchen than I thought!
the blue and white scheme, with a few adjustments.
Anyone know what causes this gold-ish stuff? Comes off with a scrubby pad. 927?
No, it's not bearing cages; everything feels very tight and looks really, really good inside.
I am very pleasantly surprised. Shit, once I get the tranny figured out, I'm just putting in rings
and putting it back together!!
Also did some shock shim stacking today. I am no suspension guru but I love learning and figuring things
out. That stuff takes years. After reading mucho threads and stacks that people are running, I'm going with the long-standing method of "Gawddamn, let's try this and see what happens! "
Pit Row
On that subject, one thing I noticed is how far back the radiators are. Like if there were no steering stops, the
fork tubes would hit the frame without even touching the radiators.
I wasn't about to go totally nuts grinding off flashing and seams and I don't want it looking like some sort of Glamis bike. Just a nice brushed look that will still be somewhat easy to take care of after riding.
For the motor mount plates in particular, I didn't want to powder coat them
but I do want some corrosion resistance. Here's my DIY set up. Pure nickel anode ($6.00),
nickel sulfate with distilled water ($10.00), Crock Pot at thrift store ($3.00). 1.5V "D" battery.
Keeping it simple.
Brush finish for the part and get it clean AF. Left it in there for an hour or so for good measure
with occasional agitation. It comes out of the solution sort of a dull grey but a little buzz
on the polishing wheel and it's just what I'm looking for; a sorta shiny matte finish.
I'm going to have to do more parts!!
Better part of an afternoon to un-lace the wheel and then clean up the hub all pretty-like.
Wheel bearings were also in perfect shape so fresh grease and good to go.
Then I've been having really good luck with a soft brass wire wheel on a LOW speed
drill or grinder/polisher or whatever.
Finish with red Scotchbrite by hand.
Sweating in main bearings. Getting ready for motor assembly.
Did a test install of the tranny (without the crank) because I've always heard the
Yamahas are difficult. But this one went together super easy and went through all the gears just fine.
Post a reply to: 1995 YZ-250 long rod. Tom Morgan porting magic. :)