1981 Honda XL250S

[Fluxone]

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So the current plug I have is slightly hotter than the L - perfect. Thanks for all the insight its been really helpful for me.

Just got back from a short night ride, pretty dark and wet but my lights are working nice and strong. I made a tiny adjustment on the carb to richen it up since I stalled it while idling twice yesterday. Its ticking over strongly now my guess is somewhere below 1200rpm but seeming much more steady.

Nice idea on the muffler-muffler, I think I may try it out.

Tomorrow is frame and fork maintenance, chain adjustment and maybe check the valve clearance. After that it is pretty much good for another few 1000k. I have to say what a nice solid engine this is - a true classic piece of engineering.

 

[Fluxone]

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OTG,

ha ha - you are right the front tire was absolutely flat - the first picks were from when I brought it home before any cleaning or maintenance. I have since replaced the 23" inner tube and trued the rim - the rubber is probably dangerous still though as its cracked and hard. I have about 200k on it now and it has softened up a bit again so I may just replace the rear rubber.

OTG, you have been a great help for a new Honda owner - had i not got your advice I probably would have bought all new parts - as it is I managed to either fix, tune or fab my own pieces so far. I did spluge and order the OEM clutch/brake lever, headlight and mirrors (I love the chrome) - though for those of you with similar bikes dont bother with the OEM headlight a 6V generic replacement can be had for $27 that fits the Honda assembly - damn it and I paid $65 for mine - should have checked the Motovan catalogue first.

I was wondering if members could provide any additional tuning advice on these older 4 strokes. The bike is pulling okay for a 250 but seems a little "flat" after a few WOT blasts - could it be running rich for an extended period after WOT. Generally if I am nice the engine is predictable but if I get excited then the engine seems get stuck in a bad mixture or something.

In addition I may try and service the throttle cables today - perhaps they are just slow responding.

have a good sunday everyone - I was already out for a ride this morning its a perfect day.

 

[Fluxone]

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just a quick update - I was unable to find a solid state relay for the blinkers so they still only blink while the RPMs are up - the electrical is 100% functional - 6V system is just plain crappy.

I have an OEM replacement relay (mechanical) which was about $5 so I will try that. I am not expecting any difference - but who knows it may help.

Also the bike is running pretty great - though the clutch release is a little jumpy - is it just my crappy shifting or can I adjust the release.

Still looking for something to make it quieter - I decided I am not putting an ounce of energy into the existing muffler assembly.

 

[Fluxone]

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Well the 6v system continues to plague me - but I have mostly dismissed it as a mere annoyance.

Been riding every day on the street with decent reliability - the brakes still suck and top speed is about 106km/hr with me in a t-shirt and sneakers but it is a joy to ride.

I am looking for a little tuning advice - I have stalled it a few times coming up to a stop - not where I stall by the effect of engine braking but by the sudden RPM change when stopping quickly.

Also at WOT the engine seems to miss or bog at times - where should I start the maintenance. Are these two issues connected - am I running too lean?

Any quick advice out there?

 

[old trials guy]

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Fluxone wrote:

I am looking for a little tuning advice - I have stalled it a few times coming up to a stop - not where I stall by the effect of engine braking but by the sudden RPM change when stopping quickly.

Also at WOT the engine seems to miss or bog at times - where should I start the maintenance. Are these two issues connected - am I running too lean?

Any quick advice out there?

With the spark arrestor missing and reduced back pressureit will likely be running leaner than normal. Have a look at the spark plug. It should be a very light tan color. Light grey is lean. White is really lean and needs immediate attention. Check your air cleaner and make sure it is clean and not too heavily oiled. That can also cause lean running.

Adjust the mixture screw. First set the idle. Next, turn the mixture screw in to about 1/2 from stop. Slowly turn it out and the idle should increase. Keep going until you get maximum idle but no further. Turn the idle down if it is idling too high. You might have to give it a few tries to find the sweet spot.

I hope this helps.

otg

 

[Fluxone]

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That makes total sense... spark plug is light grey too. Will try it out tonight - thanks again OTG.

 

[RustyOO7]

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You qualify for collectors plates. I just got my 84 Honda XL250R plated. You save big $$ on the insurance.

 

[Fluxone]

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Too late, Ive sold it and moved on to another bike - the xl was a great bike - for a collector.

If I could own a few bikes I would have kept it but alas its off to another owner - a classic for sure.

As for me, I have my heart set on a used suzuki DRZ - I was pricing out the KTMs but the added cost of insurance and maintenance isnt worth it to me.

 

[Grove]

Aww shame u sold it. great bike to have for super cheap riding.

I just got a TLR 200 and I could insure it with collector plates if I strip off all the bbq paint the previous owner sprayed it with.



Who else has old bikes around?