Some advice on my YZ 250 98' plz?

[Leadster]

First off this is my first post on here and you will be seeing alot of me since I have just started motocross
So hi everyone.
So bear with me if I ask the most basic of questions, because at the moment I really don't know that much about them
( But I am learning! :yeehaw: )

right where to start....
Yesterday I picked up my bike, Yamaha YZ 250 98' model.
In great condition, engine, plastics, etc.
Started it up which took only 2 kicks, engine sounded mint, rev'ed it about 8-9 times abserloutly fine. Plus checked cables fine, breaks in A1, sprokets fine and so on.
Took it home started it up only took 1 kick this time, turned it off using the emergency stop.
Now this is the wierd bit ......
10 mins later tryed to start it, no luck, tryed again, no luck, tryed at least 10-15 times gave up because my ankle was hurting like a bitch.
Left it for another 15 mins again no luck, I checked the gears, was in neutral, and I even pulled the toke lever up to help, also made sure the switch was also on, AGAIN NO LUCK. Checked in the tank there was hardly any petrol at all, could that be it? Or even if you have a tiny amount, should it still start up fine?

I was also thinking could it be the spark plug, it might be dirty, but I will admit, I don't know how to remove the spark plug yet ! :bang:
But I was showed by a friend and I think its basically in the middle of the bike, with a adjustable screw to tighten and loosen, am I correct?
So that made me wonder for awhile, but then later that night .... tryed to start it, yay ! Fired up second time. Stopped it, then done it again with 2 kicks, well pleased then turned it off and put it to bed for the night :boss:

So basically whats going on? I mean could it be not enough petrol in the tank? Or has all the oil been used up? Could it be that the spark plug is dirty? Could it be something else at all?!
The seller told me the engine is in A1 condition and I do believe him, not only that but the kick start is brand new aswell so it could'nt be that (or is it?)
Any advice would be much apresheated :cool:

Also I dropped the bike (Well it is bloody heavy!, I know ....)
And the front brake lever snapped clean off :|
Can a clutch lever be used as a front break lever? If so then thats good.

Few questions:
Should I use this spray lube called FX-7 (I THINK) or oil to be used on my chain? WD-40?
Do I need to use 2 different oils for my bike? 2 stroke for mixing with petrol, and normal engine oil for engine?
Where else should I lube/oil?
What is tranny oil?

Any info would be great.

 

[ellandoh]

use the search function on this site and you will get a lot of info . get a manual for your bike read up on the basics ,two strokes take oil which is in the tranny hence tranny oil, and oil mixed in the petrol start with 32 or 40 to 1 and oil on the air filter. go to your closest motorsports store tell the clerk you want all chemicals for routine maintenance with your budget in mind and stick to those brands always. get a dvd on basic riding , GET SAFETY GEAR, go riding and stay safe :cool:

clean and change fluids in your bike after at least every weekend of riding.

heres a bare necessity list for you
safety gear, first aid kit, a manual, gas, premix oil, chain oil, air filter oil, waterproof grease, extra spark plugs, plug wrench+metric toolset, legal riding area with all applicable permits for your area

 

[Yamadad]

WOW, lots of questions, so I'll take a hand at them.

It sounds like the bike was flooded. 2 strokes are easy to flood, easy to start when flooded, but it takes a knack to do it. I would suggest you talk someone and have them show you. Easier than explaining, I think.

The oil in the crankcase is different from the oil you mix with the petrol. Some guys use standard car ATF, but I would suggest you go to a shop and buy specific oils. That way you get exactly what you need. Same thing with chain lube.

The brake and clutch levers are different and specific.

Start talking to other riders and cruise this and other forums for more questions and answers.

:aj:

 

[ellandoh]

actually , ive found that a flooded 2stroke is easy to start......i just hold it wide open while kicking, this allows a lot of air to go with all the gas and bang........ i mean braaaaaap

 

[Leadster]

Yeah sorry to ask so many questions, but again, I am really greatful and new to the sport. Also can I have you're opinion on something? I know the first bit of safety kit will be a helmet. This is the one I am hoping to get some time soon:

http://cgi.****.co.uk/ws/****ISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=46161&item=4562742901&rd=1

What you think? Nice eh? :boss:

After a helmet, should I get boots, or a chest protector, ive already got goggles (scott).
Or are they both important as each other.
I would get both but money is VERY tight seeing as I have just bought my bike.
Again any help would be great :nod:

(In the URL I posted, the **** should be e.bay, odd)

 

[Kevin003]

Boots would be the next thing on my list to you. I don't even use my chest protector, and when i do it only helps by deflecting rocks kicked back at me from other riders or following someone in trails.

 

[Leadster]

Hi again, another few questions, turning it off using the emergency stop button, is that ok? Or is their another way to
stop the engine. :ride:
Also how can I remove the spark plug to clean it?
Thanks.

 

[PEace]

I wouldn't really call it an emergency stop, alot of people set the air screw so the bike will idle. Pressing the kill switch is basically the only way to stop the motor (well except for purposly stalling it). So in other words, yes use the kill button.

 

[CspineRider]

How old Are you? And I can see this is obviously your first bike. Why in the hell did you get a 250? This bike is way too much bike for you if you have never rode a 250 2-stroke before. And I can tell by the non-mechanically inclined questions you ask. I am not going to answer all your obvious questions. There is too much info you need to learn, and I would get a service manual before you even try to repair, replace or add any fluids or that bike will be a gonner before you even ride it. I am not trying to be a dick, but I see too many people that no nothing about basic mechanics ask these questions, and it is too much to answer and explain. As far as I am concerned no one should try this sport if they have no basic knowledge of mechanics. IE: "I don't know how to remove the spark plug yet !", "
But I was showed by a friend and I think its basically in the middle of the bike, with a adjustable screw to tighten and loosen, am I correct?, "Should I use this spray lube called FX-7 (I THINK) or oil to be used on my chain? WD-40?
Do I need to use 2 different oils for my bike? 2 stroke for mixing with petrol, and normal engine oil for engine?
Where else should I lube/oil?
What is tranny oil? " My reccomendations are for you to get the service manual, get a a helmet and boots and chest protector and take a riding class. Oh and buy some tools. I am sorry but this sort of thing just really bugs me and am having a bad day at work. Didnt mean to come over strong, dont take it personally, I just dont want to see a great bike go down the tubes and have you get injured.

 

[Leadster]

I am 17, and I got a 250 because I have been riding my friends 125 for ages, and seeing as I wanted a bike in the first place I decided to get a 250. Reason is because after awhile the 125 started to bore me, in the way of speed.
So it was pointless me going out buying a 125 when I knew after awhile I was going to get bored of it. Again speed was the main issue. Heh, im a speed freak :boss: :ride:

Yeah I can understand you being pissed off with my asking the most basic of questions but yes you are right, I am new to the sport. Its just I would rather ask here then in person at get laughed at by aload of people if you can see what I mean. Heh, you might luagh at me on here, but that wouldn't bother me. Yes I am trying to get a serivce manual, ive been looking at e-Bay and waiting for one of come up. I don't really want to get one from a shop because they can be bloody expensive manuals. But if I have to, then I will have to.
Helmet is on the way, then boots, then chest protector. Things like elbow pads and knee pads will be bought later, maybe even a kidney belt (Are these really nesserary?)
About tools, I got 99% of tools that anyone would ever need, so I should be alright on that issue. Seroiusly tho, I have so many tools its stupid, because say, what you would have, so would I but probably 3 of them.

I was thinking about taking a riding class but not sure because atm money is tight and I need first to buy:
Petrol, 2 stroke oil, engine oil, spark plugs, lube, normal oil, a new break lever. Plus: Helmet, boots, chest protector.
And if you think thats it, not a chance, then I got to get:
Chains for my bike, locks, and other things for my bike to be locked up. So a riding class can wait for the mo. But thanks for you're advice, I will look into it :cool:
And don't worry, I will look more after this bike, more than my girlfriend ! :laugh:
I think if I do any damage to the bike, I would probably do damage to myself. So I know I will be careful on that one.
And anyway, if I did come off and hurt myself, knowing me I would 100% say "O ****, I hope my bike aint damaged !"


But can someone PLEASE answer this for me, I have tryed to find the answer but no luck.
Where im from, England, don't know if this appiles to American fuel but we have: unleaded petrol (gas) And leaded petrol (gas).
Can I use both fuels for my bike. Because I don't want to go and put leaded fuel in my tank and after awhile it completely breaks down on me.
So can I use both, or only 1 of them.
Thanks.

 

[ellandoh]

get one or the other and make sure it is 92 octane or higher.

mix up what you will use within 3 weeks or less. i dont know for sure if the fuel and premix oil separate or not so i always shake it up ..........normally in the back of the truck on the way to a ride.

 

[Leadster]

Arh I see, thanks for help.
When you say "shake it up" Do you mean the petrol and oil mixed?
Or each one shake them, then add them together or doesn't it really
matter.
Thanks.

 

[ellandoh]

after the fuel and oil are mixed is what i was talking about :cool:

 

[Grimm250]

Info about your yz 250

Hey it’s Mike. If you have any questions about engine rebuilding, chemicals to use in the trans and fuel system, just give me a shout. My email is: [email protected]

I recently just purchased a Suzuki 250 and I had to figure out everything the hard way like you. I am 6-2, 155 pnds and after I few rides taking it easy, I found out that the 250 was the best bike I had ever ridden. I am not that large in weight and it is my first year on a 250, but I can sure ride well. All I have to say is practice using the clutch and respect the machine don't try to show off right away until you develop skill and balance. :aj:

Thanks: Mike

 

[Leadster]

Thanks mike, lol I think I will be e-mailing you for info.
Thanks.

 

[The_STiLe]

use premium, but if it isnt available either one will be fine