To rebuild or not to rebuild?

[GeoffM24]

I just bought a 1999 RM 250 that is in great shape. Judging by the paint, frame and condition the bike has been ridden very little.

The compression seems to be very good too.

The top end has never been rebuilt.

Should I mess with what seems to be a perfectly good engine?

Should I tear it down and rebuild it to be safe?

 

[jmics19067]

I would atleast take off the exhaust and intake and look inside. That might give you a better judge if you want to or not. I probably would tear it down and give the suspension and brakes a thorough inspection and lube also. If you go thru it completely now you will never have to second guess and you can start setting up your maintenace program from square one.

 

[Durt Cycler]

4 years on a topend is dangerious. I would rather spend the money to give it a nice topend rebuild then having the piston seize and cost about 5x the cost of the topend rebuild. It is pretty much basic maintance.....

 

[darringer]

I would pull the top end apart and check it out. While you're in there, check the rod, and put in new rings, at least. For the small cash outlay, it is piece of mind to have seen everything for yourself.