01 RM250 Power valve problems?

[01RM250K]

I've been reading the post about the power valve "problem" with the 01. Is there a "permanant" fix or no? How can I tell if its going out before it happens? Please help, this power valve talk has me worried about my bike.

 

[los36]

I think that your thinking of the problem that everyone mentions when talking about the 125's. I'm not sure if it affects the 250's or not.
It has to do with the p/v actuator rod. In the 01 engines, they are located near the primary gear and use a plastic retainer. Sometimes, the retainer will break and the rod will get into the gear. The 02 is moved away from the primary gear and uses a metal retainer.
Still, I'm not 100% if it is a problem on the 250 or not. Good luck.

 

[a454elk]

Ditto

 

[MN KDXer]

I have not heard of the 01 250 having the same problem as the 125, but I know this- The 02 RM250 does have a revised lower power valve linkage connection similar to the 02 RM125. IMO, it might not be a bad idea to investigate swapping to the 02 design.

Judging by the shop manual pictures, it appears the systems would drop right in. The 02 125 part is approx $40 + the gasket & time to pull the sidecover.

Our 01 125 experienced a failure of the lower plastic linkage keeper, but luckily there was no damage beyond the linkage and the plastic keeper piece. My 01 250 had no troubles with the plastic linkage.

I've heard of some more aggressive MX riders having several failures on their 01 125's, which makes me wonder if the failure is related to heat softening/melting the plastic keeper.

 

[DNERD]

I have seen the lower platsic retianer also fail on the 01 RM250.

 

[OPMTOMBALL]

I'VE HAD '01 FOR A YEAR AND HAD NO PROBLEM. BE CAREFUL WHEN DOING TOP END NOT TO STRESS PARTS.