The $1100 Yamaha YZ250 Dirt Bike

[@PaulHigginbothamSr]

This is the bike I would love to own. You can't ride on forest roads unless it is licensed. That might make a difficulty. But I rode this bike back in the day and it was like riding in a comfy rocking chair. Even in a rock pile. So yah Joe, tis a goot vun.

[@cheto2952]

And one more thing boss big respect to you on letting him farm there regardless of the tax break you get, 50 acres is a lot for a small farmer to lose. You're a good man and I'm sure that farmer isn't stressing about next year.

[@mikehudg2209]

Very cool 😎 I owned and raced a 94 yz 250 back in 93/94 [ got the 1st 94 in Minnesota late 93 it was a great bike !! For 94 I installed a 310cc long rod kit with cylinder spacer kit , man those were the good old days , brought back a lot of pre-mix memories Joe 😀 thank you for all your videos - great way to start out Sunday morning 🌄

[@bunnyman6321]

You still ride?

[@robertlawler1387]

Had 93 and bought new one in 95

[@mikehudg2209]

I still ride and race

[@EarthSurferUSA]

@@mikehudg2209 A longer rod does not increase the engine displacement, (size). Only a change in bore and/or stroke can do that. Using a longer rod is often used when you are increasing the stroke though to keep the rod angle better for the down stroke, but your not going to gain 60cc on a 250 cylinder with it. If you are not also using a big bore cylinder, I am pretty sure it is not 310cc. Easy math of the bore and stroke it actually is, to get the cc size. I am starting to ride again after almost 2 decades off. No more racing as I am 59 and will just stick to whooped out trails in Michigan. I like this bike better that the new YZs that are way too tall, (I have the 2019). I have never had to modify a bike so much to make it a nice bike for me.

[@mikehudge78x]

@@EarthSurferUSA if I recall the kit I had was from CT racing . I bought it through thunder sports performance which I still purchase parts through almost weekly, I have been friends with these folks long as I can remember. Now you comment on cc etc I remember the kit came with a new crank . Piston and sleeve . The cases had to be modified for sleeve to fit and yes it was 310cc I believe ct also offered one for the 250r 3 wheeler as well . I have been racing open class 2 strokes since.1983 and still do . Yz 250 is a great bike for track and woods - I am 55 so I realized where you are coming from my current race bike is a 92 ktm mx 500

[@ballinonwheels]

I have to say it, you have literally done what I was thinking of doing for the 3rd time! Every idea or thing I need help with you have done, you definitely deserve a like!

[@Olivia-cv8do]

As a teen I make 25 an hour fixing up friends family and even word to mouth customers and almost half my knowledge of this stuff comes from watching your videos over the videos, these videos really are amazing Joe! Always learning super helpful stuff

[@cadman9615]

Good for you. That’s great your learning this skill set 👍🏻

[@richrhocks]

37:28 looks like it pulled the front wheel off the ground a bit. I sure do miss fields like that to ride in and the seasons changing.

[@mmaaddict78]

You got a smoking deal on that machine. Always nice when "just needs the carb cleaned" is actually true lol

[@faroutgenetics59]

I just want to let you know I have had bikes my whole life when I was about 8 years old my mom got me Rupp mini ,even though we were poor so I quicky started learning how to repair them later in life I always had dirt bikes my son came along and got him into riding I used to buy older bikes and we would ride,anyway you impress me I thought I was good with bikes bt you are super good like the best I ever seen;

[@jamesbeckwith780]

That Boysen float bowl was to help with a Bogging that some year YZ’s had. They would starve for fuel on hard landings. Own a couple different YZ’s in that era. 89-94.

[@johnlaezza3496]

One thing you may want to add to your checklist are the reeds. Bad reeds can also cause a poor running bike. Reeds shouldn’t be damaged and should rest flush to the reed valve, you shouldn’t be able to see light between the reeds and the reed valve. Also, do some research on setting your idle based on you air screw. This is more of a jetting topic, but it’ll get you a smooth idle and a strong power band up to 1/4 throttle. Great job getting this bikes back to life.

[@OldestYoungenInGuidePost]

Yes mate 👏🏼👏🏼👌🏼 Definitely new reeds 💪🏻 The ones that are in sound stiff and slow 🤔 So boysen ones And a little scuf with sandpaper on the flywheel pick up ⚡️ Clean exhaust port , clean or replace the air filter, spark plug And probably a chain 😬🤕 😂👍🏼👍🏼

[@TheStevo420]

Beautiful, glad it’s in nicer condition the the 125 you had torn apart years ago

[@chuckmarlin6192]

I had one of those, identical to that. It had the same graphics and everything. I loved that bike. I had a lot of fun with it. It was a good all-around bike, especially for its age.

[@2vintageDeamonFan]

Always excited when joe uploads

[@82Beatz]

Joe! I woke up, made coffee and sat on the couch. Boom new episode. ❤

[@drock5298]

Thats a boynseen super float bowl I had one on my 93 yz125 there made to have more instant throttle response. Thats when stuff for 2strokes was cool.

[@darylmathis7125]

These are already Great Bikes at 250cc! I bought my 1991 YZ from a retired desert racer about 10 years ago, W/ the Ohlins 360cc big bore & long rod kit by Noleen Racing. It has more than enough power everywhere! I raced it for a few years & it was as fast or faster than any new 450f!

[@bossmonkey1126]

Yea, that's why everyone races those in the 450 class now because they are way faster. I love the short rod kits too.

[@darrinwoodward14]

The floatbowl was made by Boysen also.it was called a super bowl.

[@reggiexp69]

it looks like a super bowl :)

[@jakeowens1770]

AAAH yes the 90s when every bowl needed to be smoked

[@markdamiter1909]

I had a ‘94 YZ250, I rode that bike twice a week for 8 years - all time favorite bike!

[@backyardbangers1012]

I got the exact bike for similar price 10 years ago and it had identical plastics and graphics. Pretty sure was factory colours bud. Hi from australia and thanks for uploading

[@sethjones6235]

High idle and the boggy is probably a lean bog due to intake manifold leak which is why they had RTV on it. Spray a little WD40 or carb cleaner on the intake boot and listen for idle change. Id just get a new on anyway as you know those old rubbers just give up after a bit. Cool bike! Nice job.

[@Jimz-z1f]

That's a sweet bike. I remember when those were brand new in 92. Those were the days of Damon Bradshaw on the yz 250

[@213bunch]

Very nice! I had a 91 yz125 fully restored and we put the same graphic kit on lol. Good old bikes!

[@badlyniceness2315]

Another success story..nice to c you sporting boots..u are a credit to your Ma and Pa..

[@chathamguy1able]

she sounds lean on bottom end to me == that is a weard carb i have never seen one like that great video

[@graemebartmann7872]

The YZ's and WR's from that year were fantastic 👍

[@Joukno26]

He can bring damn near ANY dirt bike back from the dead. Subbed.

[@stevefritch3180]

Great video Joe! I am starting to think you may have a better selection of used dirt bikes and quads to buy in Wisconsin. I live in Toledo, OH and very rarely can I find a good used 250 for a decent price. Anyways, great video and keep up the great work sir!

[@raptor700dad7]

Hey Joe not sure on the yoda but on my GM if you turn some bikes from corner to corner ( pass side front driver side rear ) you can close tailgate . I was always nervous about stuff falling out ! Field was fully cut on TTR vid lol !

[@FuZe.]

Reminds me of my bike, I have a 1988 CR125R and got it for 500 dollars, had been sitting for 10 years in a garage. Good to see another bike get saved

[@dennisbagatin4480]

Great find sounds like it's works pretty good for sitting so long ✌️

[@peteraitken6494]

That’s a really nice bike joe sounds good too cracking deal you got take care mate and thanks for sharing 🔧🔧🔧❤️👍👌

[@motofarmer82]

Looks like you got Boyesen super bowl float bowl there and Boyesen rad valve reed block. Great find!

[@thebattlefrontgamergriffin8136]

Hey Joe you got a very nice bike on this deal but I noticed at around 37:40 and up when you let off the throttle, it kinda sounds like she's surging/hunting on you. It might just need to be ran a lot, but I think that there's either an air leak or it's running really lean. Cause my 95 KX250 was doing the exact same thing and when I fixed it, I found out that there was a pretty heavy air leak where the carb and reed manifold touch. But all in all beautiful bike man. I love it!

[@clintonlied]

Sounded like a lean pilot to me.

[@thebattlefrontgamergriffin8136]

@@clintonlied yea that could be another reason too

[@Kalus_Saxon]

92 was a total guess but I was bang on. pink shock meant nothing I tend to look at the rad plastics.. the bigger they are the older it is..😂

[@davidcarnell6032]

I watched this sunday but didn't comment, you most likely get a lot of arm-chair quarter backs, I heard you say that it was still boggy but I thought I heard an air leak on the down shifts (surging), otherwise great to see you back to bikes.

[@LucidityNetworks]

I love where the air screw is on that carb, I wish that's where they still put it.

[@DavesInHisGarage]

Looks to have an old skool boyesen reed cage and reeds plus boyesen anti bog float chamber, decent upgrades as I've them on the 93 yz125 that with ported cylinder and exhaust makes them totally come alive 👌👍

[@danshorthouse]

Nice video as always! Just to add when you did the oil change and the oil was clear you said ‘ bottom end should be solid’ just mentioning this as on a 2T the bottom end isn’t in the gear oil, only the gears/clutch and one face of the crank bearings/seals. Just a *note Kind regards

[@pfll9755]

You so lucky to have these great projects, someday I will start my projects, here when lived most of all dirt bikes and other small engine is over price some can't even make deals, haha most of all projects bikes I have seen is all outside where I live, hey I will keep watching for your updates....

[@clutchitsystems100]

Good purchase !!! Good year of YZ250!!

[@zx6smitty]

I love all the 2 stroke bike content

[@Misumena.V]

Such a cool bike! Have you ever taken a bike out for one of your famous 'first rides' and it blows up? That's always something in the back of my mind whenever I finish a project!!

[@OldestYoungenInGuidePost]

That's the best video you've made 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👍🏼

[@edward.devries]

Not sure if anyone commented already, but the bike has an aftermarket Boyesen float bowl and Rad Valve. That’s why it has the UFO shape to the float bowl.

[@rgarizonahomestead2729]

you do purchase a lot of bikes. thanks for sharing the rebuilding the bike back to working order. take care and have a great Sunday

[@Jay-ju9jw]

Joe, enjoying a cup of Joe watching your content! Good stuff man. Keep up the good work!

[@craigmorgan4676]

Stunning Joe ,I have one of these from california last registered in 2009 92!Love it!Its now in the Uk 💪👍👌👊👊👊👍

[@jax8646]

I have a 1991 and it still rips when I get it to start up 😂

[@maxkielbasa6079]

I don't ride dirt bikes but after watching your videos I am craving an old dirtbike

[@alfagtv152]

Hi Joe, could I just tell you about some terminology . When a nut lets the spanner slip it is rounded off, when you can't grip the screws with a screwdriver it is rounded out, when the thread is gone it's strpped out. Cheers

[@creationism08]

Hi 2 vintage I've been watching you channel for very long I have 2 dirt bikes But I'm working on it slowly I'd love to see a pit dirt bike fix up or something coz I learn so much from you boss

[@realistikvideo]

Hey dude. Thanks for all the great videos! Been watching your channel and I’ve learned a lot! I recently picked up a 2003 YZ250 and want to turn it into an enduro bike. Suspension is fine. Gonna go 13/50 for gearing. Is it worth investing in a Lectron carb and an 18” rear tire? Also, I have heard not so great things about Rekluse clutch. Should i keep it stock, or go Hinson or something? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[@artlizarraga677]

The bowl in the carburetor is also a boyesen float bowl !

[@puff427]

Best sound in the world...love the fmf....Great bike..b safe.peace

[@kevoshaw4184]

Another awesome bike and video mate do love the off road bikes mainly old school dirk bikes as I've owned many in the days 👍

[@simonlines9618]

Awesome bike joe good work what a deal - great video

[@ucrazy2rc460]

Great as always , could you put the GoPro on the back fender so we can see the tire roosting as you shift , And mix that in a little bit , keep up the great work

[@ucrazy2rc460]

@@titletownclowns1545 like you said it looks good , nothing like tossing a little dirt

[@CAKEface75]

lean on idle and part throttle, air leak or needle clip adjustment.

[@MrThespian4]

The bowl on the carb is a boynson super bowl they were a thing in the 90s

[@SouthAusFishing]

the sound of 2 strokes echoing in the woods 🥰

[@oliwalldo92]

Love this came out when I was born

[@joshuarainey6796]

I too had the 94 125,what a ripper for a smaller bore!

[@BlockBoyOutdoors]

I’m watching you in the deer stand

[@EarthSurferUSA]

I was a bit bummed in Michigan back int eh 80's because of winter, and back then, (young and dumb), I wanted to move to CA. so I could ride all year long. But it turned out, winter time was a great time to get my bike in perfect shape for the next summer. I got good at working on my bikes, then modifying my bike, and after a bunch of machine shops and a few college degrees, (of which I was still just above poverty), I started a business and port little 2-stroke engines for a living. That can be a nice winter project, if you can still get parts. It is going to snow soon here in Michigan. I don't mind. :)

[@kernelbadness]

Hanging/Lean idle. Could just be an idle adjustment (air screw). Or could be an air leak.

[@TroyRosenbaugh]

Greakin pull plug. Lube cylinder, check for spark.

[@Nighthawk1966]

Great job on that really nice bike Joe !

[@tonytrout4321]

I just turned 46 this year and even though I've been around dirt bikes nearly my entire life, I've never had the chance to ride a good ol' 2-stroke dirt bike. :'( I would LOVE to find a cheap (money-wise) 2-stroke to ride (even though I'm mildly disabled) because it sucks not having something to do or ride in the Spring & Summer months here in extreme Western North Carolina. :(

[@vinniepasquale5190]

Murphy?

[@jamesgnarkill3112]

Go Iowa state!!!....... Hello from Des Moines.....I enjoy the content..thx!!!

[@ironleeFPS]

I still like that dual sport Honda XL in the background more than anything.

[@stockaf_studios]

That petcock looked shocked when it got taken apart.

[@danny8633]

Looks just like my 98 125, except without the stickers. Mine was a package deal but sold the other one so basically kept this one for 0$ 😁 oil drain was stripped though and front break still needs fixed , but starts right up

[@RadioReprised]

TM flatslide with a Boyesen float bowl....sounds lean.

[@Jmfwyant815]

Love the channel bro. Keep doing the damn thing. 👏

[@chrismays7455]

You should keep this one she's a classic

[@benschlack5814]

Would it kill you to take the adjuster apart and replace the nut

[@GrumpysGarageDave]

I thought the exact same thing

[@978twostrokegarage2]

Dam Joe your killing it I have this in 125 same year same color just like the 87 Yz 490 you have I have that one in a 125 lol great score

[@Deathlobster137]

“They’re finally harvesting the beans” was not on my 2vintage bingo card

[@MRMechanicRC]

Dang bro, for $1100 you sure got one heck of a ripper! Cleaned up nice too.

[@ryanbasile6805]

that is actually a really good carb. its a mikuni TM model. its the next step from a VM.

[@ianrochon1728]

Keihin Flat-slide, not a Mikuni.

[@larrybrown9310]

@@ianrochon1728 it says TM on it it’s a mikuni TM I have a 93 with the same carb

[@Bent_Wild]

Getting these kinda deals and fixing them this easy must be blessed Try finding a deal like that around here you get laughed at. Must be nice 😊

[@BigTree412]

You're breaking your own rules Joe air filter always first .. love the channel

[@ianloveridge6735]

Just fully finished a frame off rebuild on a cr250, mines a 92 too, mines was a bit more than just a carb clean lol 😂

[@cadman9615]

Nice job on that fix👍🏻. I was in HS in 92 so I’m gonna sound like your dad…get that 3rd bay door open when you get your bikes running & get that exhaust out…lol. Sorry I know you know this.

[@andrewmapes8205]

they definitely could have done a better paint job on the frame. There is overspray on the chain roller, bolts are painted over, they even painted the swingarm nut lol

[@Workerbee-zy5nx]

Floawt bowl is know as the super super bowl.

[@markbrynteson5141]

Stole that 250! This is such a great channel man. It’s nice following what you do when you get a bike then start digging in it, you do all the shit I would do.

[@phillmitchelllpool2092]

Brilliant job but always adjust the chain off it’s stand as it needs adjustment when it’s in stance with just a little weight as it will slacken when your on it if you do it on its stand 👍🏻👍🏻

[@aydengonzales956]

Needle position, or main jet right! Could be reeds

[@TroyRosenbaugh]

Clean stator coils and flywheel, might beef spark up. I bet.

[@Andwhat85]

Sounds like it's drawing air in, I'd check the reed block make sure the bolts are tight I had the Same issue on my 98 yz250

[@Snotric]

Nice had a 94 yz250, miss that thing

[@willherring9140]

Lean chug! Sounds like needle position or bump the main

[@davidcorder95]

Heck yeah brother I have an 2017 kx450f after that gets paid atv or mid 80s 250 or an hotrod miss with just an Michigan boy born and rasied

[@chunkygrows791]

I tell you what they don't make them like that anymore, hard to beat a YZ-250, you have a really nice bike in you're hands, until the next one, peace and enjoy!

[@owensbama1923]

Yeah it's bogging. Also sound likes it surging or hunting some also. And the float bowl isn't weird you just aren't old enough. Lol

[@Currockpatios]

I had a 86 rm 250 was a beast of a bike

[@fellingtreez]

Motor mount loose at 12:40

[@CanuckenEH]

Another good video. But you didn't bleed the rear brake proper lol. You should have filled the resevior completely full with fresh fluid and pumped all that gross old black fluid out. Done by pump pedal, hold it down, then losen bleeder, then tighten bleeder, then release pedal. Over and over until all the old fluid and air are pumped out.

[@cheto2952]

Sounds good make a few adjustments on the carb and you'll be fine. Maybe a top end just because it's been sitting and the don't know factor on the top end.