Rebuilding a SWAMPED Honda XR250 Dirt Bike

[@danb37]

I am the lucky buyer of this classic Japanese machinery....changed the oil, filters, rear wheel bearings. Washed it good. And installed a perforated steel tubeing into the silencer and packed it with the stringy FMF silencer packing. Sounds better. Oh and removed the red spoke covers. I'm on week 2. This thing rips. Thanks for providing this excellent bike.

[@aaronschultz8567]

Just seen this vid. It was my bike that fell in a river crossing. Glad your enjoying it. It was a tank until that day😂

[@danb37]

What's up with the two different forks?? Lol

[@RealSuburbanCowboy]

You just need the baffle end piece. It's an all metal muffler, no packing. People take those baffles out because they think the bike is faster like that. It is really just louder. Great job bringing it back to life.

[@billyjames9861]

On the XR400 there’s a starting trick - You crank the kick start until TDC (You know this because you sense the pressure being greater when kicking down on the kick start), then, you take it past a tiny bit, like 1 inch past TDC - Allow the kick start to rise again holding the compression lever in (If there is one), and choke on and kick. Don’t give gas at the throttle - They do have noisy tapirs though, although I set mine to a tight spec making sure the feeler gauge is really tight.

[@Garage2Trail]

Nice job on bringing the XR back to life. I’ve had my 98 XR400 since 1999 still on the original top end. Doesn’t blow smoke or use oil and still pulls hard. Always changed oil regularly. I’ll bet that will be the last top end that 250 will need if the oil stays clean!

[@bigbullhorn8443]

I’m amazed by how much I enjoy just watching you do this step by step.

[@Raven74947]

I've noticed after reassembling a top end the excess oil on everything can foul the plug. Helps to kick it over a few times with the plug out. Nice bike by the way, that one's a keeper.

[@mepham16]

"This head only needs a couple passes with the hone" 5 minutes later 😄 good job!!!

[@shawncordeiroTerraceBC]

38 seconds tard

[@dustinh4175]

It's now a xr260

[@Hanky_Bannist8r]

Good job Joe. Those old Xr's are great machines. Vinny looks like a very fast moving four legged chicken nugget 😁

[@brighamprice4630]

you know his name🥶🤯

[@lead5s]

i used to have fun on a xr100, im too big for one now but id ride that 250 all day long. those 4 strokes have a way of making me feel safe. unlike that yz490 you just fixed, that thing would put the fear of god in me

[@keithcrampton1438]

I know that people call you lucky to have all those skills vintage guybut you are a genius simply because you work so goddamn hard!

[@JoshuaBennett-z7t]

Who thinks vinny makes the videos even better like seeing joe working on bike but vinny helping is part of the fun lol

[@itsmephil2255]

Good to see Vinnie isn't scared of the bikes 🐶🏍

[@thomaswilliams507]

Always happy to see you return to a project

[@bigcaputo09]

Wow i was worried at first. Happy to see she fired up!! My good friend in the early 2000s had a 600. He bought it new. It was a beast to start even brand new! Great job!!

[@OldestYoungenInGuidePost]

Have you reported the scamming comment 👆🏽🤷🏻‍♂️

[@MM_in_Havasu]

Great rebuild job, probably plan on changing the oil/filter at least once more to get all the contaminated oil out of it. Valves may be loose or cam chain adjustment needed. Thanks Joe!

[@johnsb1550]

Think you broke it in trying to start it but it fired right up after 59 kicks, not bad.

[@DunnMotors]

Yes, 😆

[@rastenborg]

In the East it always seems to be coil problems from water crossings. The cover gaskets seems to pull in enough moisture to short the wiring. Since older parts are hard to find the rebuilders help a lot..

[@comedyash]

I would love one of these XR's as a easy to ride good all round bike glad you were able to save this one. I think it will need a few oil changes to get the water out, nice work!

[@roryk.3568]

Not sure if you got to it, but there are 2 drain plugs on the frame. The second is where the oil line attaches right under the main drain plug. It also has a screen in it if I'm not mistaken. If so it's worth taking out and cleaning after you run it in case there's rust in the motor.

[@darrinwoodward14]

According to honda,supposed to clean that screen every 3rd oil change.

[@GregSharpe-kv6wd]

a good trick to starting cold bikes, is turn the fuel on, lean the bike over from vertical for about 5 seconds which floods the carby. It should fire very quickly, save all that kicking. English bikes used to have a tickler prime on the carb to flood them, leaning does the same thing. Cheers.😎

[@Nighthawk1966]

Great job on bringing her back Joe ! Very nice re-build on BBC a great bike !!

[@Jimsalos]

Another great video! Your knowledge and skills are very impressive. Vinnie is a good sidekick, very energetic little dog

[@Ed-cg7dl]

Hey man! Could you do a fleet overview? Curious how many bikes you have and what you’ve been collecting. ALSO - go get a motorcycle lift! I’ve been saying this. Back saver. You’ll love it dude. With the volume you do you gotta just lay it down and spend the money haha. The harbor freight one kicks ass

[@dustinpierce7772]

you must be a good guy your dog loves you i watch you all the time keep up the good work i miss riding watching you work helps me

[@Lanman88]

Great machines... I build the ,RFVC, engines for people all over the US. Currently working on an 83 XR350r, and 83 XR500r for a member of the Cathy(chic fil a owners) family. Enjoy your videos, keep it up!

[@bobbymckinney1264]

Good job man you have brought another one back to life,it sounds pretty good,I would set Vinnie on the tank take him for ride

[@AlKoholic1972]

Love your vids, and I'm impressed with how far you've come along from the beginning. No more wd-40 on everything. One pet peev I have though is, when you have these motors tore apart, and are waiting for parts, why don't give them a good cleaning before reassembly. It drives me nuts when someone puts a fresh motor together,and it's still covered in oil and gunk from the past years of abuse. Your projects would look so much nicer in the end if they were spotless, and new looking. Otherwise keep up the good work. Ohh and a sticker here or there isn't a bad thing. Thet don't all need to be peeled off

[@danb37]

I agree! It's like cooking dinner. A good cook always has a sink of hot soapy water

[@DestinationDesert]

If the 250 is like my xr600 you need to find TDC, go one click past then kick. Otherwise your leg will eventually fall off!🤭 Great bikes just need that starting procedure. Great videos Joe! Vinny is a cute little bugger

[@ronniewilliz153]

That's what I was think too cus after he gave it a short kick an then a big kick it fired up.

[@ronniewilliz153]

But with my xr 200 you could randomly kick it an it would fire right up

[@DestinationDesert]

@@ronniewilliz153 Good to know! Looking at a xr250r for my wife. Wasn't sure if they were as finicky as my xr600r.

[@ronniewilliz153]

@@DestinationDesert that would be a great bike for her. I use to start my xr200 barefoot. It hurt a little but I've done it a few times tho.

[@wesboos9174]

Ya know how you have to break it in so the rings can seat? Well sometimes part of that seating can be kicking it over and over again.

[@stevenbrooks1243]

Definitely an XR fan myself have had a few and currently have one

[@craigmorgan4676]

Which one brother 600 r?😮🤔🤔🤔👍👌💪💪

[@ronniewilliz153]

I had a few too an freaking love them they are great all around bikes. I went from a cr 80 to a xr 80 then to my dad's xr200 an I use to have to dang near have my one leg over the seat an my other leg on the ground an my leg was almost at chest height over the seat when I had to stop lol. Ur I use to love that bike

[@martymcmannis6581]

That's what I call dedication.. over 50 kicks later it fires up on the first kick great job just don't run over Vinny!

[@shaunclidaras]

Get yourself a can of quick start....Spray in the airbox directly in the carburetor intake...Should start easily with less effort....Great videos ....

[@peteraitken6494]

This turned out really well joe defo a nice bike good to see vinny not scared of them and enjoying following you lol take care mate and all the best 👌👍🔧🔧🔧

[@jackdewinter6837]

I think the reason it wasn't first kick was you had the idle cranked so high and you giving it throttle every kick wasn't letting the pilot circuit work properly. Also your carburetor slide might be in backwards as it can be installed both ways but if installed backwards will be super hard to start on these keihin xr250 carbs

[@keithcrampton1438]

I would love to get one of your bikes vintage guy because you are a top STAR MECHANIC!

[@sulliandtylergarage1745]

Love the vids and my kdx project is going pretty well too , clutch slips and the shock needs rebuilt but thats it now! Keep up the good work

[@ericwalberg9261]

My 250, like my VW's sit all winter. I use a little Lucas upper cylinder oil & rotate a few times & they start nice. Thanks for the video

[@JesseMckensie-h3u]

Love your videos very good work 👍 Probably One of the best mechanics ever seen!!!!

[@TheYorkie1954]

spose all that kicking keeps you fit but A roller starter might be a god investment for the first starts

[@ant-one93]

Nice job, but I think that piston is in the wrong direction. Intake valves are the bigest, and the shapes on piston are for them 😉👍

[@ThomasJeppesen]

I noted that too. Would explain the loud ticking noises, when he rode it

[@Weegus]

Idling to high top end noise and you should check you oil when cold .

[@melfletcher2315]

I bought a XR250 new in 1986. Lasted 3 months, and cracked the head between valve stems. Waited months for a new head from Japan. Lasted another few months, and had a top end seizure, due to blocked oil gallery or something. Apparently it was a common fault on the early RFVC motors, and they ran very hot, also creating problems.

[@paxtonspeed]

I just bought an 02 in terrible shape. That cylinder probably needs a bore job. Try going up a few pilot jet sizes. Should help starting.

[@husqvarna545markii9]

My friend Mike aka DIrt bike Mike showed me a 1984 Honda XR 200R dirt bike at his house. He would of sold me the bike but it was to tall for me so a guy Sold a 1974 Honda TL 125 Trials bike to me for $500 what a kick ass price. It was a fun bike to trail ride. I had to for about a year 2007-08 then it burned up in my shop fire :( I miss the Honda Trials.

[@jmaxim80]

Nice work brother, keeping bikes out on the trail that would've other wise been in the land fill.

[@tomnekuda3818]

I've got an XR250 like this one in mint condition. After I would beat the hell out of myself on my Husqvarnas, I'd hop on my XR and it would be like a rocking chair. Easy to ride and smooth.... Vinnie is one sweet pup.

[@keithcrampton1438]

I used to work alone as a brilliant Superstar and people called me a genius!they said I was lucky but genius is not luck genius is hard work!

[@sterlingthibodeaux3690]

Hey Joe.. If you don't mind I have a few questions.. Is that a 4 1/2" hone? Where do you go to get the parts for the XR250? I've used Babbitts before and never had an issue.. just wondering.. Thank you for your rebuild videos, Joe.. step by step.. they're awesome!.. CHEERS!! (it was like around 56 kicks.. lol.. I got worn out watching you.. lol)

[@mattleggett5609]

Man those XR's always seemed to last forever and they're just a perfect trail bike my sister had a xr200 for yrs due to it being 4stroke made it easier for her to ride compared to the 2strokes us boys always had, thats not trying to take anything away from the XRs cause they definitely have plenty get up and go about em. My step-dad had the xr600 for a while which was a beast so anyway great job, great video, and great looking/running old bike ya got fs. Make a perfect keeper for cruising the trails on!!💯👍

[@edwardcarpenter2217]

If you put a screwdriver to the Head and the handle to your ear you can the tapping really good

[@danielamir9927]

Nice , also i will change the suspension oil probably with water miix also

[@Rokynutz]

Joe, loving the videos. Especially these XR videos. I don't know if its just the Mic you use, But, any movement of your gloves or feeler gauges...everything sounds like there's grit on them. Also, My I send you some gloves. haha those things have had many miles put on them.

[@chriscatley9932]

good bikes the old xr250r and the 400's iv'e had more than a few! loads of fun.

[@vettepicking]

I add diesel fuel to the oil to flush water out of the motor . Maybe run it for a minute then drain.

[@MusicSensations1971]

Hey Joe you might want to have Vinny start that for you LOL

[@MrAcoustic09]

I'm so glad that fired after all that kicking and it sounds sweet

[@Rene-up1dl]

Triple tree & swingarm bearing lube too. 👍

[@getdealtwithquick]

Good vid. I fill 1.8 quarts. Its high capacity is actually part of what makes this bike so user friendly and reliable. The stock carb is a POS. Mine somehow managed to get my bored out XR284 all the way up to 13K ft on Imogene pass (!) on the same jets I was running at sea level w/o dying, but cold starting, hot starting and after you drop it is a ridiculous PITA. I swapped it for an XRs only TM33 flat slide with boot adapter and after dialing the jetting and air screw it rips and starts first to third kick every time.

[@evane4400]

what jets did you use?

[@getdealtwithquick]

@@evane4400 I'm running a 25 Pilot and a 190 Main. That may seem a lot at first sight but we tried a ton of jets and this combo worked best for starting and top end power / temperature management on longer Highway rides. The key with this carb is not only to use the right slide (2.5 worked for me) and needle taper combo but to adjust the small air jet screw. I had annoying bogging until turned that out about 2.5 or 3 turns. Good luck.

[@evane4400]

@@getdealtwithquick thanks. strange though how the oem spec is 1.5 turns even though it seems to bog it

[@getdealtwithquick]

@@evane4400 I'm surprised we got the carb to run this well w/o modifying it. It's not built for 4 stroke applications. Bajarider on Thumpertalk welded some holes shut inside and basically wrote this was necessar, not IME. Throttle response, mid range pull and top end are outstanding now.

[@TroyRosenbaugh]

Sounds awesome!!! Great Job!!!!

[@joshbannon8989]

Get your hands on a XR400. You’ll love it. If you like the 250.

[@matthewstuckey665]

Excellent work brother joe.

[@user-wj9xq7ig2v]

Ya I was thinking maybe keep some relatively cleanish oil from your cars oil change for these first starts before putting the good stuff in.

[@nickstyles9440]

Cool bike could you do a video replacing the poings and condensor in a mid 70s yamaha. I have a 75 dt250 that has a new coil but needs points and condensor. I haven't found much info on how to do the job so I am asking if you can make s video explaining it

[@scottjackson638]

Your channel is amazing! It is like a mystery novel for people who love motorcycles. May I make a friendly suggestion (this is certainly not a criticism)? I hope that you are extremely careful avoiding skin contact with all the fluids and solvents that you use. These can (and do) cause serious health problems when you have long-term repeated exposure and contact with them.

[@davehendry8056]

great video buddy you know your stuff fixing these badboys looki g forward to the next

[@danielthomas7318]

Vinnie is rapid for a short dog!! What breed is he ? Nice video of change that oil sharpish and idle it down more. Also you should prime the oil pump not sure if you did or not ? Keep the content coming good work 👍

[@davebarrowcliffe1289]

Is the oil still milky?

[@fate9735]

anyone else waiting for that kickstart to snap off 😆

[@DaveLeit]

I love that Vinny gets to do a victory lap every time you fix a bike. A little torpedo running after you.

[@derrickphillips6607]

Ok,ok, the 🐶 loves the 🏍...

[@Aykosss]

Man, I wish you would clean your parts before you start working on them, it’s hard to watch! You need to flush that milky oil out with diesel or kero, there’s obviously still water in there! Good on you for saving another XR 👍

[@ghettsumm7949]

I'm amazed how you manage to keep your Ultra Black Permatex from drying out in the tube?,.... I've tried everything and still no luck. Now I just buy the mini tubes ;) Good save Joe.

[@ThomasJeppesen]

Love your videos! But as mentioned elsewhere, I think the piston is in the wrong way. Those marks on it should match the large valves, not the small ones

[@briangoscinak9725]

Handful of throttle is basically a kill switch for these bikes you raise the idle on carb if you need throttle to start

[@paul_nwsxs]

your going to have one very fit dog , after chasing you everywhere when your testing bikes does save taking him for a walk

[@joelfildes5544]

That little noise when the gasket slips over the locating dowel..! Or am I just a weirdo ?…

[@thooke222]

28:00 your dog came to check the tailpipe to see if it was a two-stroke, didn't see any smoke so he hit the road.

[@GeorgeT6566]

I would not ride that bike with out changing the oil in to get all the water out. That will destroy bearing in the engine. But I would think you know this already.

[@ianloveridge6735]

Great job, only thing I should say is, I’m pretty sure the dipstick only reads accurately when screwed in, always a debate on this, but surely will explain the extra oil needed…???

[@copperaudio9664]

Vinnie's getting pretty fast chasing you. 👍

[@shephusted2714]

sweet little ride - kind of lo power vs 2 stroke but still ok you just have rev out more and abuse the clutch a bit more aggressively - 2 strokes are a different animal - really nice efi is coming - maybe there will be some kits - it is good to see more tech in moto and it will proliferate probably just like impact efi had in cars #mercury efi

[@kyleburney6059]

You’ve probably heard this before and no offense intended but you can use your cordless drill to lap the valves in. making it a bit faster. Really enjoy your channel man keep it up buddy

[@Tijn1972]

Nice video again, btw where can I get the funnel you use for filling the oil. Seen them in other videos and they work very well.

[@TroyRosenbaugh]

If you got right piston. Shouldn't always have to check ring gap, it'll work perfectly.

[@remymorgan5931]

That ticking sound would drive me nuts

[@erikeverett]

i hear a slight ticking... don't know what that could be... sounds pretty good!

[@PongbyAtari]

Another job well done!

[@danb37]

Hello from Wisconsin. On year two with the Swamper. Changed those super cool gold atv bars out sadly. Got the rear brake working right. I didn't really have much to compare this to but this summer I bought another XR250 a clean 2001 and the swamper is fast fast!. Does this thing have a high lift cam in it? From the video that's a different color cam than stock ones. Xr250. Great low rpm torque for corners, great top end run out..

[@jamesboaz4787]

I love how the number 42 rests on the front. Its the answer to god the universe and everything hahahaha.

[@darksidemoto3693]

A few drops of water will turn oil ran thru a motor milky...also the dog chasing you is great!🤣🤣🤣

[@dustincanty2622]

Heck yah those bikes are very reliable to bad you don't live close love to ride with you especially all toys you got lol I grew up racing motocross for ten years can't Waite for next video to come

[@tonyflippen5024]

I'm needing some advice. I got a couple xr200s and I'm having issues figuring out why it's running like trash won't Rev out and it's a complete top end rebuild

[@johnpaolonejr1299]

Did I see an 87 or 88 YZ in the video when you pulled the XR back into the garage after your test drive in the woods? If so, is it for sale? Thank you

[@Mike_biglin_]

KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK LIVE YOUR VIDEOS MAN 🤘🏼💙 LEARN ALOT WATCHING UR VIDEOS BROTHER 🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼😁

[@JC-db4ih]

Never give xr s gas while starting and thicking is normal

[@gearheadted9210]

my '96 xr250 for starting after sitting all winter,kick it over a few times with compression release then kick it just past TDC slowly then kick it over fires up after two or thee kicks

[@unknxwnbuilds9955]

can you drop a link for the spring compressor tool? i have a predator 500 and idk which size to get

[@MINIMOTOMADNESS]

wow i have the same bike,electric start 1997 model but mines the baja with the metal tank

[@JohannesBehne-u4u]

at 19:47... is there a metal or paper sealing on the valve cover, or is it sealed with silicone?

[@levergun]

XRs are probably the best trail bike ever.

[@fierce1894]

yup they're reasonably cheap too

[@victorgerhardt1504]

Joe, why do you not use starting fluid (Ether)?