Seller Said This Rare Street Legal Dirt Bike Won't Kick Over

I buy a 2001 Yamaha WR250F street legal dirt bike that won't kick over. Let's fix it. #Yamaha, #Dirtbike,
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The following video features activities performed in controlled environments by knowledgeable persons. DO NOT attempt to duplicate, re-create, or perform the same or similar activities at home, as personal injury or property damage may result. 2vintage( Joe Weber, the persons shown in this video and ANY CONTRIBUTOR, ARE NOT LIABLE FOR ANY such injury or damage. ALL 2vintage( Joe Weber) CONTENT IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY.
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[@dougaranda6187]

I was thinking “don’t drop the clutch basket”! 😉

[@scbourne33]

That’s was my thought when he was pulling it.

[@andyh3277]

Me Too!!

[@jimsworthow531]

yes good idea; Did he find the valve keepers for that dropped/damaged wedged valve?

[@Melicoy]

Yamahahaha

[@BricoleurTV]

Did that with my DT125 in 1987, 16 years old, couldn’t afford a new one. Drove it daily for two years with that broken basket, never had any problems 😃

[@kennycampbelljr5896]

I think he was lying about the $2100. Why would he sell it for $500 less than what hes being offered? Maybe he just wanted to meet the famous 2vintage.

[@lucascoxe1481]

I just sold one and had to take a $400 loss🤷🏻‍♂️

[@jerrywilcox9890]

He not famous 😂😂.

[@jerrywilcox9890]

​@LM-id1bb I don't lower the price on anything what I have it listed for is what it is.

[@Cultofpersonality09129]

Who cares!

[@jerrywilcox9890]

@@LM-id1bb if it doesn't sell goes out to the field and rusts away.

[@ZappBrannigan25]

I have one of these, I bought it for $600 the kid that sold it didn't know how to fix it and this is actual how I found this channel. The dip stick only works if you run it for 5 mins, and it seems like it is common for people to over fill the oil because of this it takes 1.3L. One of the things with this model, the valves need adjusting often I have heard. I haven't had mine long enough to know yet.

[@d.brayman3165]

Good call. Most bikes with oil in their frame have a similar check procedure.

[@deborahchesser7375]

Don’t be scared to adjust the valves, it’s easy and well worth it. I can hear valves out of adjustment from a mile away lol.

[@chrislindquist2003]

This will be the 3rd time mentioning in your various videos that Millennium Technologies right there in Wisconsin can fix that head and they do cylinders as well.

[@nachodog7766]

The way that antifreeze was draining, I was expecting a shake at the end! 😂

[@eclark53520]

Gotta love those 'I got someone offering me more money for it' after you already agreed to a price/deal. There is no better offer...it's a common ploy to get more money out of an interested and emotionally attached buyer. Pretty trashy thing to do also. This has happened to me so many times at this point. Now, just to punish this 'scam' I've started backing out of the sale when they do this. I tell them to take the better offer and that I would feel bad if they sold me to me for less. Usually the item is still for sale weeks later. Then I offer them less than my last offer. Sellers - Don't be trashy. If you agreed to a deal for a price, honor it and don't try to pull this crap.

[@chumps7974]

That's the tactic I use. It's been on sale for weeks....... here's my offer & I understand if you don't take it.

[@Snurre86]

Don't back out, just lower the price and say "call me back when you are ready to sell it for this (lower) price."

[@tru3sk1ll]

I agree 100% sellers honor your word, if you agree on a deal, stick to the deal

[@metrocaptain]

Joe, I think like you alluded to early in the video, it was probably running lean. The lean condition caused the valves to run hot and then they failed. That carb was pretty gummed up. I bet the valve dropped because it was red hot and then broke. My $.02.

[@2vintage]

Definitely could be!

[@jckrieger]

As a valve engineer, I agree. It's a 1 piece forging beyond the point of failure, so most failures here are due to overheating. It can be caused by insufficient lash, but that's rare with an aluminum head since it will gain lash as it warms up.

[@elodmihaly6665]

He mentioned they did a valve adjustment and it locked up after that The valves are titanium i would say it was a bad adjustment

[@ctbale1]

Even a really really bad adjustment the valves won't smack the piston. It was out of time. The sellers never lie! Haha

[@grantadamson3478]

@@ctbale1 That's what I think too. Out of time.

[@stevenrivers5168]

Been watching these videos for couple years. I’ve never touched a 4stroke engine before.. I just finished a full rebuild on my 2013 Kk 450 by going back and watching different videos. Thank you so much. 2 kicks and it fired right up and I rode all day today.

[@silasndrizzy4877]

Love to just sit in school and wait for 2 vintage to post 🙌🏼

[@snowyowl7042]

😂Same, admin at a university, working on class schedules on one screen 2vintage on other

[@leewaken5059]

Yamaha's choice of valve material was titanium, hence the absence of weigh. Replacing complete top end (piston, cylinder, head and valves...) still puts you ahead in the game. Assuming suspension is in sound condition, as well as all other rotating parts. (IE wheel, steering head, swingarm bearing etc...) Yes, the bike appears to be in excellent shape otherwise. Street legal,👍🏼 perhaps you should hold on to this one? Cool transportation for running errands in town for all of your projects. Beautiful bike (in my opinion) It just so happens in the year 2000, I became the proud owner of a 2001 YZ426F and I totally "loved" everything about it! Ok now I'm just rambling on, WAY off the subject................🙄🤐 Great purchase.👍🏼

[@matthewstuckey665]

Did my first oil change on my bike. I now it’s nothing big but you gave me the confidence do to it. Love the videos as always joe.

[@paulbudford]

We all have to start somewhere. 👍

[@matthewstuckey665]

@@paulbudford that’s true. Thanks 💪🏼

[@stevehall8805]

Just a thought but it might have over revved and floated the valves since more than one valve is bent. To clean the carb use vinegar. Sit all the dirty parts in it including the jets. It will soften the brown stale fuel and you can just wipe it out. Won't take long.

[@dannymelyea]

You need one of those cameras so you can see inside the cylinder would be a great investment for you

[@madhampster]

Check the fly wheel key. The engine stopping that fast might have damage it.

[@dillbuckler1239]

I watched the 400cc vid of this last night... I had to check both vids 3 times to make sure it wasn't the same😂😂😂 love watching bro

[@Zt3v3]

In CA a dirt bike with a plate usually brings about $1000 more than the same or similar bike without a plate.

[@av8or971]

most likely titanium valves.. Looks like the oil filter did its job, filtering the metal flakes to where they could not be spread around. why do people treat their motorcycles like this? obviously over revving it.. the carb is all plugged up, seriously people.. treat your things better. thanks for resurrecting another one Joe. I wish i had bikes near me that were available for cheap.

[@fred-san]

my favorite "vintage" channel

[@panthersblow]

You do a great job at filming and showing everything with detail from start to finish. Great channel!

[@MaxsGarajMahal]

Replace the valve seat, smooth out all the rough high spots to stop pre-detonation. Usual cause of valve drop is spring seat pressure too light allowing the valve to go into orbit making contact with piston or as I always said to my machine shop clients. Mr. Piston, meet Mr. Valve. Ain't it a fine how you doin'? Pressure test the jug for water tight, then cut out the seat, replace with new seat, grind it nice and smooth for the valve, same for others, replace springs with heavier springs. It also doesn't take much chain stretch on these 5Valves to cause valve interference.

[@chrisparola3949]

Suppose the. Valve adjustment was on the small ish side and no spin over heated

[@97delkron]

it is very common for dry sump systems to show no/low oil on stick if they been sitting a while. the oil slowly leaks past the check ball in line and it all sits in engine until is started. it will then pump back into oil tank. this is why is always recommended to start and run engine a few minutes before checking oil level or you can grossly over fill system.

[@bobbell5928]

Wasn't all that much oil in the case either as seen when he drained

[@PocketsRides]

Its a dry sump system. It has to run for a few minutes then sit for a bit on a level surface then check.

[@bryanj4811]

Yes like the DRZ-400

[@bananabrooks3836]

He should know this by now, he should know a lot more but persists with bad practices

[@user-pp2ze4yq3m]

@@bananabrooks3836 -- Let me guess . . . single?

[@GR40RCapri]

@@bananabrooks3836 zing 😳

[@Mullinz80]

Congrats on 400k subscribers. 💪👍

[@dustcommander100]

I wonder if the buddy that adjusted his valves may have mixed up some shims or something. I know you'll set them right after the reassembly!

[@zachgilpin3504]

2 stroke mechanic lover, but loving the 4 stroke videos.

[@wvangus82]

That bike would definitely be worth fixing, the on road title is just an added bonus!

[@paulgillingham1342]

@2vintage the wr250f and crf250x are very popular over here In England, average wr price 4/5k , enjoying your blogs and learned a few things .👌

[@_mccaff_]

Street legal wr 250s are one of the most popular street legal dual sports out there. Nobody offered him 2100 he was playin with your head lol. 1609 still not bad right now depending on how bad the motor actually is

[@kisaac6933]

This is a 250F, not typically street legal. You’re thinking of the WR250R, which is factory street legal.

[@_mccaff_]

@@kisaac6933 i know exactly what it is. On Facebook marketplace there is 7 street legal in 25 miles from my house for around 3 4 thousand. So its really not rare is all im sayin. They are everywhere street legal on marketplace.

[@Mickbono06]

Can’t wait to see this rebuild, and running again had one similar to this myself wich was 2001 (got stolen never seen it again hate bike thieves) very clean for its age. Looking forward to the follow up video. Love your work and videos bro. 💯🤙🏻

[@DRZWhisperer]

That's a bummer. I'm a sucker for those 5 valve Yamahas. I prefer them with stainless valves though

[@michi_danksta]

Yeah because yamaha doesn't know ss is better than titanium.....😅 People just never cease to amaze me

[@DRZWhisperer]

@@michi_danksta I usually don't respond to comments like this but people never cease to amaze me by their cynicism. When I get an old bike like this I replace the valve with the available ss valves because most of the time the ti ones are tired. Of course you have to get the proper springs for the heavier ss valves but they usually don't snap like the ti such as this one did but alas I must be a person that amazes some people using their head as a suppository. It is my preference to do this. Get off your high horse

[@Liesthroughisteeth]

Or just maybe, they guy was blowing smoke by telling you people wanted it for 2100.00 . Good on you for calling him on it. LOL

[@billmyatt1438]

Suspiciously clean top end cases You are meticulous in your work Pleasure to watch. Great content

[@davessparetime83]

Check and keep those good valves and cups.

[@matttaylor373]

love the build cant wait tell the next one on this bike thanks for the videos.

[@edwardweisenburg6585]

I've got a 1978 husqvarna 390 wr two stroke , street legal. Awesome find !!!!❤

[@GR40RCapri]

I have a box of vintage parts with some 390 wr parts in it 😅

[@tomg721]

That was a nice thorough diagnosis on the bike. Can't wait to see it rip.

[@regressmenot]

42:01 Don't drop thAT CLUTCH B A S K E T ! ! ! 🤣😉

[@308guy8]

Benny cracks me up bouncing around wanting to play

[@ericball6894]

You mean Vinny?

[@allan9603]

​@@ericball6894 it's either Vinnie or Vinny. Joe has never told us about how his name is spelled. I call him Joe's "Master Mechanic"😊😅😂

[@allensnook7760]

I like how he sniffed at motor then lost interest,like yup dad this one is a dud!!!!funny😊😊😊

[@allan9603]

@@allensnook7760 Vinny/Vinnie keeps us amazed!

[@308guy8]

@ericball6894 sorry I thought he said benny

[@GNX157]

Have a good look at the right side of the crank at the connecting rod pin. It looked discolored/blue, like it had gotten really hot, unless it was just shadows and the camera angle.

[@jeffreynehls3634]

More Vinny ! 🐕 Good stuff man.

[@dominicwebb8000]

I’d say a good machine shop could save that head. All depends on how much a 2nd hand replacement would be. Two new seats, a bit of tig work and your up and running.

[@timjordan3671]

I hope he tries this just to see if it will work out. But i kinda feel like its one of those things that wont ever be right. Also concidering the valves seem to be a weak point of this rig.

[@morganeast3403]

Junk the head not worth the headake....

[@hoosierfatha]

Cool video, great troubleshooting skills. those are titanium valves, the wr 450 are notorious for this problem. valves are so hard they can drive the seats in causing the keepers to fall off if they're not adjusted right away... my buddy put stainless vales in when the head was redone if remember correctly. there is a place in Southern California that can fix that head but the company name escapes me. its been 20 years or so....

[@user-hj5ml8rr8u]

IF it is vinny approved ... you know it will work out well....maybe the valve was defective ? Fastheads has new head with stainless valves ...Millenium might be able to weld and fix the head ? I guess Vinny was wrong this time ...

[@phillipwhitley2054]

Really interesting watching your skill of a mechanic 👍

[@2.3.9.8.9]

You should invest in a bore scope

[@peteb2304]

Would really help with price negotiations.

[@anthonyblacker8471]

Just from the very beginning that thing is SO clean!!! SUPER clean!! Oh I hope you get it working, STREET LEGAL? That's AWESOME edit: darn Joe I think the first thing i'd do (I'm 4 minutes in and I do NOT seek forward to see how the video goes) but man I'd absolutely have to put that thing into gear and push it a little just to see, I'd have to know why that kick starter isn't moving.. it seems crazy it would be blown, but who knows.. I can't wait to see!!

[@11IRideKx]

I don't know if the early WR250 transmissions have the common worn 5th gear dogs / shift fork as the 400's and 426's, but you may want to split the cases check that before reassembly. My 2001 WR426 has that problem. I know it's a very common issue. It will feel like a slipping clutch in 4th and 5th towards the higher RPMs. The dogs on the gears round out, or the shoft forks bend making it feel like the clutch. Jerky and slipping or commonly referred to surging. Also, Titanium valves. they hate to bend like any other valve, except titanium is very brittle. Also, I was given a registration from dealer and DMV in NJ when purchased new, even though title says "offroad use only."

[@nomasker1360]

Always makes carb removal or install easier if you heatgun the manifolds .

[@rhettsanborn621]

Buy a 03 or 05 cam with exhaust decompression built in. The starting procedure on these bikes is way to frustrating to not have it on. best upgrade i ever did to my 01 and its still running like new to this day. oh dont forget to replace the timing chain yamaha chains are known to wear (or stretch as some call it)

[@MrJmattr3]

Love your videos! A bike lift would make your projects go a lot easier on your back!

[@greathornedowl3644]

Great vid, dirty/low oil, running lean, what would cause that failure? Another learning moment. Your side job could be rebuilding carbs. What happened to Ol' School, 6 bolts and the engine is on the workbench. No bending, twisting, and scrapping knuckles

[@jacobsnyder6943]

I think you should get into flipping motorcycles! I know you have done a few. Love your vids!!!!

[@johnhicks735]

Joe I'd check out the woodruff key on it to. Cause it kinda sounds like it sherd it off.,or chipped it some possibly one to me. From them making the valve adjustment on it. Without testing and remeasuring the clearance gaps on the valves.

[@chadriddle3517]

Watching that coolant drain reminded me of pissing at 3am in the middle night ! Lol

[@davebartram1732]

Valve drop on WR is common , my WR450 went the same way, had to replace head an valves on mine here in 🇬🇧 WR is road legal enduro here in uk with electric start common bike here YZ is motocross again in uk same motor in both

[@user-xt7ou1eo4x]

Stop at Harbor freight and get a borescope camera to look in the spark plug hole. its fun watching your vids

[@sandmanbub]

The bike needs new tires too. Knobbies ain't a good choice for asphalt and are probably illegal in Wisconsin. Had to run street-n-trail tires on the street legal enduro I had in high school.

[@LG3Demons]

Great video as always joe

[@scottdeeslcutusa8117]

Thanks for doing a complete tear down...

[@bricehale6593]

Thats a nice bike man I still have my 01 yz250f I love it its super clean I picked it up for 800$ with the title ive had it for 3 or 4 years still runs great but I recently took it apart an put a new timing chain in and now it's hard starting and running ruff the old timing chain was really bad definitely needed it im thinking now it's got a new chain the valves are probably off

[@dentman67]

This what happens when you adjust and don't know what your doing. It's a shame

[@benschlack5814]

I totally agree

[@benschlack5814]

I totally agree

[@killerkork]

Joe, can you link that folding load ramp?...NEED THAT !! 😮

[@EasyMoneyCrew]

sick bike! so close to 400k!

[@davemorgan8775]

Hi, luv your vids but maybe it would be worth getting an endoscope and asking to look down plug hole before purchasing a locked up bike ?

[@thebigdustin]

Love that color way. My 2001 Yamaha R6 Champion Edition had something similar.

[@amcwagoneer]

Vin! Quiet on the set! Great videos keep it up young mustie

[@backyardbangers1012]

You can advance intake cam 1 tooth , chop grey wire to cdi , unclip white cover off airbox n cut out the round indents in the black part of the inner airbox behind white cover then obviously go up jet size tune air fuel throw on n aftermarket silencer then you have a regoed yz mate

[@debcamp2359]

Nice autopsy! Great job as usual.

[@bertrand5205]

@2vintage what cleaning solution do you use in your ultrasonic cleaner for your carburetors?

[@robrobinette]

Used WR250Fs are very hard to come by and they command high prices. I just broke down after looking for a used one for years I bought a new 2024 WR250F. Street legal conversions are pretty common with these bikes and that does add to the resale value. I live in Tennessee and it's fairly easy to convert and title the WR250F here so I probably will do it.

[@jamescorth9930]

Great Video. When is the next one coming out on this Bike. 👍🏻. James

[@PaulHigginbothamSr]

Hey Joe, that head could be reworked since I don't see any cracked passages. Not saying for this bike, but a guy could heli-arc that aluminum seat and have it turned out back to spec. I mean 500 could be saved or half of it with some work. Someday these might be hard to find.

[@PocketsRides]

These 01s are known for weak big end bearings. They were smaller than later years and didn't get enough oil if the oil wasn't maintained good. Titanium valves too which haven't been known to age particularly well over years of abuse.

[@badlyniceness2315]

Running it wide open,on streets and hiways cant help.

[@anactualpilot]

I have a '99 WR400F very similar, street legal, fun bike!

[@pmfilmsUK]

This guy is brilliant at what he does

[@robsnippe9597]

do you buy , fix and sell ?, love the channel , I am learning lots !!!

[@thieltech1]

Yes correct to check oil after run 5 mins and then let sit 1 minute. Dont screw cap in when checking. Just set on threads. Still lots for this young man to learn about bikes. But he's doing pretty well❤

[@drg7503]

I watched your vid. You never pulled the buckets before pulling the head. You would of seen the valve dropped. Not to mention cataloging the size of shims to what valves would of helped understanding why. Another thing is the timing looked synced correctly from dots on EX to IN being close enough to TDC. The one intake valve that dropped could of been a little over shimmed (too big of a shim). Once verified all but one valve was bent tells me timing was off and that since cam timing looked good or close you should of checked the flywheel woodruff key for being sheared. You didn't do that and should of checked that in the video. P.s. order a new cam chain also.

[@fhazen01]

Great video👍

[@yamahakid450f]

PC high compression piston and then Millinium technologies can save that head for cheaper than a new one, while doing extra port work. I'd send the cylinder off too for porting and polishing, it's cheap as an add on service.

[@jasonjavelin]

Man I’ve always wanted to own one of these, really like the looks of the WR! I’m on Kawasaki projects now but I want to pick up a WR or an XR250/400 someday. I’ll be busy with a basket case KX500 for a while lol

[@ragnarironspear1791]

Really clean bike 👍🏻🇬🇧

[@Dirt_Bike_Dave]

Need to run the stainless steel valves...also I think Millennium Technologies might be able to repair the valve seat area if the head for you...they work miracles

[@thebrokenbiker869]

Need to find out why the valve dropped. It might of been brittle but I think is was not hardened correctly

[@sandmanbub]

Just went through my machines in storage and found something I'd forgotten about. It's an air compressor for Flamethrowers. It's 2 stroke powered and maxes out just over 3,000 psi. It was last serviced during the Korean war. It was thrown out because the engine seemed to be seized, but it just had gravel jammed into the cooling fan on the crankshaft. Going to work on it a little and try to find a use for it. I could use it to provide pressure to the large caliber air rifles, maybe use it to cut metal with high pressure water jet, a home made flame thrower... Any suggestions?

[@kingyankee69]

Sounds like nobody could care less about what you got going on over there on the other side of the glass and had to tell someone. Well today is your day and I heard ya big guy. Sounds awesome and keep it up and you will have yourself something nice over there in no time 👍

[@sandmanbub]

@@kingyankee69 , did you think I was ringing the dinner bell for trolls? Sorry, but my question was for Joe.

[@kingyankee69]

​@@sandmanbub😂😂

[@paulwilkinson5163]

Over here in the UK,these bikes are called wr250f and they do a 400 and 450 all road legal versions,nice bikes

[@AnthonyRufo-rc1zm]

Win some lose some, that bikes in really nice shape for an '01, it's definitely worth putting the money into.

[@user-df8oe9cb4y]

Long way from you but Rams Head Service could fix that for sure. Fixed a couple of torched nitro harley heads for me way cheaper than replacement cost

[@andrewsock1608]

Ya the frame is street legal so it makes it desirable as you can do what ever like change motor and it’s still legal. The frame is what gets the street legal label.

[@shaunearl3910]

Il be watching the duration of this vid with a kean eye throughout the day whilst I'm supposed to be at work 😂. I had a 2002 WR 250f which I loved, however that oil drain plug on the frame you pointed out there vibrated loose whilst I was riding mine.. This bolt came loose for no more than a minute or so before I realised, however this was enough for mine to need an engine rebuild... Which cost me over £500 15 years ago haha. When I got the bike back it still had a rattle unfortunately. I then sold the bike for next to nothing 😞.

[@thieltech1]

That heads 100% repairable . Remove valve seat . Weld damaged area. Remachine Install new seat. Check guide and then a valve and seat regrind . New valve. Its the cost to repair that may be more then a good used head.

[@619Rider69]

On bikes with the oil reservoir in the frame you have to start them let idle for a minute then check after a minute gravity makes the oil go to that case when it sits

[@memorris2]

100% worth more being street legal. People just dont know how simple the process actually is to plate a dirtbike.

[@memorris2]

Let add.....its not cheap, but simple

[@RealSuburbanCowboy]

Dry sump engines will almost always have no oil in the tank if it has been sitting a long time. You could have the seat replaced and grind the damaged head smooth, but it's probably easier to buy a new or used head. I am guessing the bike got over-revved, very likely on a downshift.

[@5thgearedlined]

The dryer sheets is genius, Ima do that to my 125

[@foxlake6750]

I use them in my shed at the lake, the mice seem to hate them, also wrap them around any major wire junctions.

[@ctbale1]

Take a q-tip soaked in carb clean and clean the needle seat bore by spinning it with a drill

[@FourRingsAuto]

I struggle to understand why you'd pay 1600 for a seized bike. This would be less than $1000 aud here in Australia. 4 strokes with engine issues aren't worth any more. You end up $3k to 4k into the things plus the work. They don't sell for that here that age, even if rebuilt.

[@drew2062]

Weld that valve inlet shut and run it as a 4 valve.

[@jamieyz]

So where did the metal in the filter come from? Can't get there from inside the combustion chamber.