New/Old Beast

[ragncajn]

I picked up this old beast from my neighbor who is moving and doesn't want to list it. She runs, but is not easy on the eyes right now, and has been garage kept for the past 6 years (I couldn't believe it either). 4 years ago, my neighbor had the engine rebuilt with a new cylinder dropped in to increase it to 685cc. I've done a quick inventory and know that I will need new plastics, new signals, possibly some carb work, new bars and lots of elbow grease (this list will increase). This bike is TALL! Lowering links may be needed, but I haven't looked at how the rear suspension is set. Needless to say, this should be a fun project bike with no downside if she craps out.

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s249/ragncajn-xt225/DSC01503.jpg

[Juice]

Congrats!

[Klantz]

Man, that thing looks like fun!

[mattc]

Man, that thing looks like fun!

+1 sho does!

[ragncajn]

Thanks guys. I broke the bike down this morning to the frame and emptied the oil. It looks like I may need to have a top end gasket replaced, but I'm not sure until I get the engine good and clean. The xr650's oil reservoir is built into the neck of the frame and the engine doesn't have a window, so I had to crank the engine over for a good 3 minutes to watch the oil spit out of the drain plug. The oil filter cover bolts appear to have been over tightened. I'm still working to get them off. All in all, it was a productive morning. I plan on cleaning her up this evening and doing a final inventory of parts needed.

[Redbird]

Damn, I wish somebody would give me a bike... like that :D

Nice Score Cool12

[allanj255]

You lucky lucky barsteward. Nice project there.
"The oil filter cover bolts appear to have been over tightened. I'm still working to get them off"........................ Impact driver?

[ragncajn]

You lucky lucky barsteward. Nice project there.
"The oil filter cover bolts appear to have been over tightened. I'm still working to get them off"........................ Impact driver?

For fear of yanking the bolt heads off, I'm going to be gentle for now. I may end up cursing the bolt gods later....

[ragncajn]

A quick month has passed and I've made a good deal of progress. Ebay has been a great place for used parts, and I've been lucky to not get crap. I rebuilt the carb and replaced the home built pipe with a stock honda pipe. My neighbor was jealous when I had her purring because the bike never ran well for him. Here are a few before and after pics. New tires, mirrors and fender bag are on the way. I painted the side panels myslef with a plastic paint I found at AutoZone. We'll see how it holds up.

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s249/ragncajn-xt225/DSC01528.jpg
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s249/ragncajn-xt225/DSC01503-1.jpg
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s249/ragncajn-xt225/DSC01533.jpg
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s249/ragncajn-xt225/DSC01506.jpg

[Juice]

Looking good, congrats!