Here are the things I did, or wish I did, on my '00 XC250:
- Check and tighten spokes (did this, they needed it).
- Check pipe bolt to tank clearance as described above. (did this, needed it).
- Lube all bearings. (did this, didn't need it. They were well lubed. I'd still check though). Jim at SMS told me he lubed mine before shipping it to me, so they may not all be that good from the factory.
- Remove and anti-seize all metal-metal fasteners. Did NOT do this, destroyed 4 bolts six months down the road when I needed to remove my forks. The allen heads on the triple clamp bolts stripped, and I had to drill them out. I've since done lots of anti-seizing...
- Double check all the obvious stuff like bolt torques, fluid levels (including the forks) and air pressures. Did this, they were all fine.
Warm it up gently, ride easy, repeat. After a few hours, I rejetted as GP described above, and it's good to go.
Also, I've got the high compression XC motor, and I run straight pump gas (92 octane out here) with no detonation. I'm still a bit on the rich side according to the plug, but I never ever foul and still get good mileage so I'm not messing with it :-)
Have fun,
david.
'00 GasGas XC250