Tolle's 250.

[justalonewolf007]

Well...uhm...

I never really left, just lots and lots of lurking this year.

Here's what has been going on sorta...

- Still racing on my mighty 'Mini.
- Not as good at writing (FAR less time for race reports).
- Still dealing with some alcohol-ey stuff.
- Lost many loved ones this past year, and my two dogs.
- Still broke as ever.
- Student loans are kicking my butt!
- Still hunting for that elusive perfect bike.
- Still love riding.
- Still working the agriculture stuff.
- New partner in crime (Armyboy)
- Still a friggan goofball :whoa:
- Still scared of doubles.
- Got a real sponsor!

Soooo...not much has changed. I will have to post up a few of my stories from one or two other sites I frequent as frequently as this one - they aren't exactly bike related, but entertaining nonetheless.

Not only that, but I will try keep things updated on a project I just bought today (I'll be picking it up tonight).

I just bought a basket case 2001 CR 250. for 500 bucks.

- Almost all of the pieces are there.
- My dad is stoked to put it back together.
- We *might* (probably won't) lower it for me to race.
- It's been beat to the grave and back.
- The main plan is to put it back together, make it run, and sell it.
- Cash goes towards a much nicer condition 125.
- 125 gets lowered and a big bore kit.
- I'm not going to sell my 105.

More to come later.

 

[Chili]

Good to see you back, was thinking of coming down to race DMC this weekend but it didn't pan out. Might make next weekend at Brooks though.

 

[justalonewolf007]

I think you'll like Brooks - I didn't at first, but it's all kinds of fast and flow there! I think it's the only track I've ridden that I've ever been able to hit 6th gear. It is fairly sandy/loamy and gets beat up fast, but with a little luck, there will be plenty of rain or cooler temps and it'll be in great riding condition.

Thief River Falls (7 Clans Casino) track is one of my favorites, so you are missing out. One double, lots of safe tables...with the dumping of rain we had, the track should be perfect after practice.

 

[Porkchop]

Hey 007, the stories of your adventures are great, try to write more ,ride more, drink less. Ice tea can be your 2nd best friend, It's up to you whether armyboy or riding is in 1st, it's quite ok if they're in a tie. My condolences to you regarding the loss of those you care about, I lost 5 pals last year.
I too have been lurking for months now, with only a few quips or comments, no rants recently& no advice on customizing riding gear, or track ettiquite. Write on 007!
Best regards, Porkchop..... :blah: :cool:

 

[rmc_olderthandirt]

I was wondering where you had gone to!

Yes, please post (or provide the link) your "other" stories. I am interested in what else you write about.... :-)

Rod

 

[justalonewolf007]

Here is a list of definite needs/maybe needs so far.

- Front wheel (not just bent in one spot).
- Rear wheel needs truing/spoke tightening, but from eyeballing it several times, it was straight.
- Pipe is mangled. Wish I would've looked at that, but I think I can find a stock one for cheap.
- Handlebars (might have some that'll fit).
- Chain (maybe sprockets).
- Throttle grip tube thinger (felt kinda busticated).
- Grips (have 'em).
- Plastics are beat and cracked to the grave and back. (Might help resale value a whole bunch).
- Gas cap vent hose
- Front brake lever

This list will get a bunch longer I'm sure, but again, this is just a project to tinker with. I don't plan on putting it into mint condition, just solid rideable/sellable condition.

 

[justalonewolf007]

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2071327&id=1110271946&l=fe676bd5ac

Pictures!!!

 

[justalonewolf007]

Update:

I got the first crash out of the way. It was most certainly embarrassing beings as the engine is not yet inside it yet. Having did some work, and admiring said work, I decided to hop on for a few practice laps (mental), and threw a leg out to see how things would feel in a corner (bars are pretty dang wide yet!!!). My triangle stand decided to relax a little, promptly sending myself and the Monster in the direction that gravity usually directs things.

First crash over. Thankfully undocumented, but I may need a new triangle stand.

New bars are on, and looking awesome in all their red anodized Tag Metals glory! In replacing the bars, I discovered the throttle tube was definitely busticated (in lots of pieces with a couple big ones left). I also found a 4 dollar brake lever and installed that too.

The throttle tube was ordered last friday, and got the call today that it has arrived at the dealer. When I pick it up, I'll ask for a foot of hose to use as a gas cap vent, beings as a chat with the parts guy at the race had me enlightened to the fact that they sell it for cheap. While I'd love to get one of those sweet little short vents, they are 12 bucks compared to a single buck for the foot of hose.

Tonight, I spent some time digging around for some closeouts, and found new shrouds for a whopping $5.74. No, that isn't even 5.74 a piece! It is indeed 5.74 for both! For that price, I'm okay with silver even though I had originally planned to have them in black! I also found a chain adjuster block for 16 bucks, so I added that to the cart, and threw in a few bolts for good measure, and a jersey (because sometimes I feel the need to be spoiled and buy clothes for myself...wait...what?!).

Updated list:

- Front wheel (not just bent in one spot).
- Rear wheel needs truing/spoke tightening, but from eyeballing it several times, it was straight.
- Pipe is mangled. Wish I would've looked at that, but I think I can find a stock one for cheap. (Possible source found, but still looking).
- Handlebars (installed, but how far do I cut them down???).
- Chain (maybe sprockets).
- Throttle tube (Arrived)
- Grips (have 'em, not installed yet since I haven't decided about cutting down the bars).
- Fenders and numberplates still needed, shrouds are on the way!
- Fix triangle stand, or pick up a new one.

 

[_JOE_]

Triangle stands don't like extra weight.......

I cut my bars 3/4 to 1 inch on each side. Just glue the throttle side onto the new tube and slide the left one on with water, then sit on it (maybe have someone hold it up for you :nener: ) to see how it feels.

 

[whenfoxforks-ruled]

Love the 250 project, and I wish I had some good parts to spare for you, nada, mine was really thrashed also! Measure your perfect push up width on the ground, cut the bars to that width. I like bench racing on milk crates, its closer to the ground! I do have a few blown shocks to spare come to mind? For the shorten project? I have got to check on the miles to the friendly tracks! I have been missing the racing action due to about half of your reasons, stupid economy and something in the air, or the alcohol? I do not use/abuse, but half my house does. Ditch the 125 plan and make the 250 work, it has a much broader power band available, and it should be a heck of a lot cheaper to maintain. Vintage Bob

 

[justalonewolf007]

I may cheat and use the same measurements that I'm used to from my Mini's bars.

I went to a gigantic sledding swap meet this weekend, and as per the norm, someone managed to sneak in a few bikes and parts. I was really figuring that I could find a pipe there, but the only close candidates were not actually identified and the seller gave a helpless shrug when I asked what brand the pipes were for (had a box with about 5 or 6 for 40 bucks a piece).

My only scores were a goretex jacket for 40 bucks, and a platform stand (what the heck do you call 'em when they aren't a triangle stand or a lift stand???) for 20 bucks. Well...I guess I did get some pretty crazy indigestion from eating a small order of cheese curds. Probably deserved it too. Or Something. I don't know.

Either way, suspension mods will most likely be on the back burner until next year or possibly the year after. If I did or do switch out for the 125, it'd go to Eric Gorr for a 144 kit (if compatible).

Now, I present a question that has me wondering. I don't exactly have access to the information to figure it out. If you know, or can find out easily, or know someone that knows, direct'em to this thread please!!

Question/issue #1 - Wheels

I want to put a 20/18s on the bike, beings as it needs new rims anyways. I can get them on DK for about 99 bucks a piece. HOWEVER, it says they are only compatible with a 2002 and newer 250s...

Do I have to cheat and use 2002 hubs? If I don't, are the number of spokes going to be compatible (did they change between those years??) What size spokes do I get? I am assuming they have to be shorter, but how much shorter? Do they even sell them in that size (they have to somewhere...) My searches may be off, but I am having a tough time figuring this out.

I also need to get a repair manual, and according to my biggest source of help (the dad) Mr. Clymers just isn't going to cut it if he's going to help me out.

 

[justalonewolf007]

Pictures!!!

Before the new bars

Bent brake lever...

When I pulled the grip back, a bunch of throttle tube crumbles and bits fell out, so that got ordered.

This is scraped up pretty badly, but will it be okay with a new cover?

 

[justalonewolf007]

More pictures...

Had to try out the bars before I put them on. I know, I know AGATT, but I was at least wearing sturdy, over the ankle style boots!

This is after my very first crash. I re-bent the stand but it is just not the same anymore. It is really really awkward trying to pick up a big bike with no handlebars to grab on to or use for leverage.

SHAZAM!!! New bars and fixed/straightened the rubber mounts. I was really pretty stoked over this.

4 dollar fix for the brake lever. Old vs. new.

Installed

 

[whenfoxforks-ruled]

Did you put a new throttle pipe on?

 

[justalonewolf007]

Nope - That comes a little later tonight. I have the old one just lightly slid on the bars. My main working area has been in the garage, but beings as I'm not exactly allowed to keep it there, I push the monster back and forth to the shed where it gets stored every night. There is no decent lighting anywhere else except a smaller workshop, and that is filled with my brother's car.

 

[justalonewolf007]

Bars are trimmed down and new throttle tube is on. I have things fitted down, but am a little worried about brake lever clearance. I had to fiddle and fidgit to get things to where I could still reach comfortably. It did seem to work okay so far in stopping the front wheel when I spun it, but it could be different with a load on the wheel too.

Pipe cutter works friggan excellent for cutting bars down to size!

 

[justalonewolf007]

Gunk in the throttle housing...thinger.

The old one was pretty busted up (can you tell I like busted vs. new comparison shots?).

I got a measurement that indicated an inch needed to come off, but figured I'd be safer if I left a little extra on in case I messed up somehow. I gave myself a whopping 1/8th inch.

I had to make some notes since there was a slight interruption in my work. Somehow I've goofed up the order...but ah well.

This thing worked so slick. It took a little extra time, but it saved a TON of effort.

 

[justalonewolf007]

1/32" difference between the two pieces. I figured that wasn't too shabby.

I did manage to cut myself on this end...

So I took a file to the bugger and smoothed things out.

Fitted up and looking pretty good so far.

This is my only concern. The lever does push against the throttle housing some when I squeeze it. There isn't much room to play around with this, given my fingers are so doggone short.

 

[whenfoxforks-ruled]

Is the brake lever too far down? I do not recall the throttle cable atop the brake reservoir like that. Vintage Bob

 

[justalonewolf007]

Er...It's a matter of clearance and reach. If you are average to normal size dude, hold out your pinky finger. Study that for a moment, and then consider this next fact:

That thing is pretty dang close, if not bigger, to the size of my index finger. No joke.

With the bars cut down, there isn't much clearance left to arrange things and still be able to reach the lever. I'm sure there are options out there like the short throw levers...and those will probably be installed after a while. But this was a four dollar fix compared to the 70$ sunline setup.

The brake may look like it's further down than it should be because of the picture angle. With the Monster on the stand, the handlebars are at least my chin height.

No real updates as of recent except for that last one. I've been putting in as many hours as possible at the welding shop, and trying to learn how to drive truck on the side. On top of this, I've been helping take care of my mom who is in recovery from a knee surgery (I suck at these sorts of things, but hey, I can fetch stuff I guess!).

 

[justalonewolf007]

More parts are here!

 

[_JOE_]

Try pulling the throttle tube out away from the brake then slide it back in so that the cable runs in front of the reservior instead of on top of it.

 

[whenfoxforks-ruled]

Try pulling the throttle tube out away from the brake then slide it back in so that the cable runs in front of the reservior instead of on top of it.

That will work also? Either way, the cable being routed correctly should solve the odd lever throw. And nice job on the measure, I know way too many people that do not know what a 32nd matters.

 

[justalonewolf007]

I looked at rotating the throttle tube some, it was pretty limited beings as I filled my day with cleaning up and parts searching.

The brake lever is exactly where it feels comfortable for me to reach and pull. So I'd prefer to leave it there if possible. Maybe more fiddling can be done with the throttle position. I know that I had to fiddle with that too, in order to get it so I didn't have to crank my wrist way under the bar to get the full twist.

But now that I mention it, that sounds weird. Theoretically, the throttle tube could be all the way upside-down and you still have to twist it that 1/4 turn to make things happen. Based on the properties of circles and tubular things...it shouldn't matter where you grab so long as that 1/4 turn is still achieved.

I will have to fiddle more with it and do less thinking. Maybe the thinking screwed it up. :whoa:

 

[whenfoxforks-ruled]

Nice. There are throttles available with adjustable degrees of throw, 1/4 turns are common. Back in the day, I swear they were 1/2 or more! I really like the tighter throttles, an 1/8th or less! But, this takes a lot finer wrist adjustments to keep you off the ground, the engine responds quicker! But I know it can be done.