List bikes this engine will fit in

[cleopatrisha]

I inherited a good running 1981 yz250 motor and would like to know which bikes this engine will fit in. so I can go on a hunt for a frame for it. because this engine is too good to just sit around collecting dust.

 

[WoodsRider]

A good fabricator could make that engine fit in any bike. If fabricating isn't your forte in life then probably a YZ 250 frame from '77 to '81 (I think). I believe '82 was the first generation liquid-cooled YZ. It'll probably drop into the '78 to '83 IT250 frame as well.

 

[2 strokes for life]

WoodsRider, you are absolutly right. It will also fit in the DT250 frame. But who really wants that?

 

[WoodsRider]

It will also fit in the DT250 frame. But who really wants that?

Right, but I remember reading an article in a British motorcycle mag that the DT/IT/YZ frames were the same. As were the engine cases. Suspension and internal engine components were the biggest differences. I know the monoshock DT's kept the steel swingarm, when the IT/YZ went to aluminum. The article also said Yamaha was still selling new DT's in the South American and Asian markets. Maybe a "late-model" DT frame, with the swingarm and front-end off an IT/YZ.

 

[_JOE_]

Shifter kart :laugh:

 

[2 strokes for life]

Right, but I remember reading an article in a British motorcycle mag that the DT/IT/YZ frames were the same. As were the engine cases. Suspension and internal engine components were the biggest differences. I know the monoshock DT's kept the steel swingarm, when the IT/YZ went to aluminum. The article also said Yamaha was still selling new DT's in the South American and Asian markets. Maybe a "late-model" DT frame, with the swingarm and front-end off an IT/YZ.

That might also work. I love all those bikes and would not mind having one of those newer DTs.

 

[WoodsRider]

That might also work. I love all those bikes and would not mind having one of those newer DTs.

I'm sure it would be fine and perfectly legal for post-vintage MX. The rules seem to change quite frequently and differ between various vintage organizations.

Only reason I'd go with a DT frame is chances are it would've been less abused than a YZ or IT frame. No use putting a good motor in a frame that's bent, stretched or has more cracks than a plumbers convention.

 

[2 strokes for life]

WoodsRider, yeah you bring a good point about the frame. My IT and DT frames are great, and the DT has no rust.

 

[letsride24-7]

Shifter kart :laugh:

I second that one!!!!!!! I'm building a small buggy with a CBR600 motor :p