XR280 questions

Russ · Feb 23, 2002

Hello,
I just ordered the 280 kit for my 2001 XR250 from Wade at Summers Racing. Does anyone have any experience with this kit. I am running the stock pipe with the baffle removed. Wade said that he would be sending the appropriate pilot and main jets, but didn't say exactly WHAT sizes they would be. I've owned the 400 and an ATK605 along with a slew of other bikes. Believe it or not, I really like the 250 best. It's fun to flick around and great for tight, sloppy east coast riding (western Pa). Problem is, my buddies pull away on what few straight aways we have around here. I know the 280 kit isn't going to make a desert racer out of the thing, but I just wanted to know what I might expect. I thought it might be the best bang for the buck. You know, the whole "no replacement for displacement" thing. Any reliability issues? I hear the kit doesn't leave much of a cylinder wall, but has anyone REALLY had any problems? Oh, I guess it's really not too late to cancel the order, but I'd really hate to do that. Thanks for your help!
Russ

SFO · Feb 23, 2002

Ochster or Dlsprtr

Have forgotten more about these things than most people know.
Try pm ing either one.
Summers racing has some integrity so I wouldn't have a last minute freak out.

KTM-Lew · Feb 23, 2002

Hey Russ,
Ochester should be able to answer any questions.

Told you that "girls" bike wouldn't have enough smoke. Yea, its me!!! I'm Baaaaack:scream:

KDXfile · Feb 23, 2002

I had a 96' model with the 280 kit and a Supertrapp exhaust and it's the best thing to do to that bike for the money IMO. The power increase is substantial with no loss is in reliability that I experienced. It always started easy. The bike had plenty of torque and you could wheelie it any time you wanted to clear obstacles. I was a long time 2-stroker and couldn't get used to the engine braking so I sold it. I wish I had kept it though.

ochster · Feb 23, 2002

Russ,
Reccomended jetting for starters will probaly be a #45 pilot, and #130 main. You don't say what brand piston, but my preference is a JE.

If you are using the 77mm piston and just trail riding, you will probably be just fine with the stock sleeve. I like the 78mm kit, and alway's use a oversize sleeve/liner. I have had problems ovaling the bore otherwise.

The only reliability issue, directly pertaining to this mod I can think of, is the oem rod. With a little time and some aggressive flogging, not to mention increased compression, seems to take it's toll on the small end. The answer is a Hot-Rod, or other aftermarket. I like the Carrillo, but know it's overkill for the average guy.

As far as what to expect... All else being stock, IMHO it simply makes it an even better woods bike, especially for the larger/faster riders.

A little off topic..I'm waiting for my 80mm nikasiled aluminum sleeved cylinder, to come back from Advance Sleeve as we speak.

xrsforever · Feb 23, 2002

waste of money without adding a 34mm flatside mikuni...IMHO

Jh85 · Feb 23, 2002

Don't XR 250's come with 34mm Mikunis stock?

ochster · Feb 24, 2002

I believe the 280 kit adds much more fun (competiveness) to this machine. I also agree though about the stock carb. not allowing it to be all it can be.

No, oem is a 30mm.

Duwvesmith · Feb 25, 2002

The 280 kit is the way to go. I've been riding mine for 6 years now and have had no problems. I recommend the lightened flywheel from Thumper Racing because the original flywheel weighs too much. The lightened flywheel allows the engine to rev quicker but does not sacrifice tractability one bit. Thumper will try to sell you stronger clutch springs, and they may be needed for racing, but I have the originals in my 95' and they hold just fine.
I agree that the XR is a great bike. It really is under rated. I think this is because the bike is so easy to ride and has no bad manners.

Have fun, you won't be disappointed!

DualSportr · Feb 26, 2002

The answer is a Hot-Rod, or other aftermarket.

We've been having some trouble with the Hot Rods (and Niks also) in the last year or so. Bad enough that we now refuse to use them in strokers or OEM rebuilds.

Not saying this is a bad product or bad companies - the forgings from overseas are the culprit. Looks like bad ingredients, or not enough heat in the mix - creating a brittle product.

Anyway - yea, the stock rods are prone to small end wear/pin tip issues. Use a good quality oil, change it frequently - and gear the little guy up so you don't over rev it as much and you'll get years of happy use out of the OEM rod.

Regarding the heavy duty clutch springs - some riders (even big guys who flog these bikes) never have clutch slippage problems on the late model XR250, others have them even on stock bikes - I've never been able to find a common denominator here - I guess it's just karma! Anyway, if you do start experiencing clutch slippage, save yourself time and hassle, replace the fiber plates and put in the stronger springs. Otherwise, like Duwvesmith says, the stockers are fine.

Wade and the rest of the gang at SRC are top-notch. A REAL class act, which is somewhat rare in this business. If I didn't work for Powroll, I'd send my own stuff there!

ochster · Feb 27, 2002

Dualsportr, My "Stroker" crank from you guy's came with a shrunk Hot-Rod. It now resides in a customers bike, do I need to be concerned? as in teardown immediately and replace? and if so, what product would you "shrink" to fix it?

DualSportr · Feb 27, 2002

When did we do it?

If it's been awhile, the older Hot Rods were no problem - and much better than the stocker because of the b u s hed small end.

I really hope they can get a good supplier again - the design is excellent.

ochster · Feb 28, 2002

It is nearing 18-20 months ago... it litterally wen't unused until recently.

For the normal rebuild/repair, I just recomend and use the oem crank set-up. Prices at dealer cost are pretty reasonable considering it is ready to install. Like you say, it gives the "new" owner the ability to take advantage of frequent oil changes with a quality lube. Unfortunately many of these bikes needing service, or changing hands, were not diligently maintained from when they were new.

DualSportr · Feb 28, 2002

It is nearing 18-20 months ago... it litterally wen't unused until recently.

No problems then. That was part of the 'good' batch!

XR280 questions

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