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I received a larger gas tank with the bike. I just started looking in to what it would take to get it swapped. I will likely leave the stock one on for the time being unless I get real ambitious, or bored.

This is the stock one I took off and yes I got gas everywhere when I took it off. I thought the FI quick disconnects would have self sealing connectors, wrong. Plus I had to disconnect the electric plug for the fuel pump while gas was running out on everything.

Carl - have you ever considered just going around and buying the nastiest, dirty gross bikes for cheap money, work your magic, and then selling them?

Hard to imagine there isn't some profit there, and you seem to be a natural at it..

You new bike is looking good, can't wait till we meet up sometime for a ride.

Jamee wrote:Carl - have you ever considered just going around and buying the nastiest, dirty gross bikes for cheap money, work your magic, and then selling them?

Hard to imagine there isn't some profit there, and you seem to be a natural at it..

You new bike is looking good, can't wait till we meet up sometime for a ride.

Thanks, I appreciate the input.

My biggest problem with that is the time it takes me. I am very slow and my wages would probably be $1.00 an hour!
Second is I have to be really interested in the bike to gain enough motivation to do it. It has to be worthy to be saved.

I am looking for some busy work come January as I will be retired (Yeah Hooo!) and have some free time, I think.
My girlfriend Beth suggested instructing others on how to maintain their own bikes. That interested me but again it takes me a long time to do some of this stuff. I don't know if anyone would have the patience to put up with me. For some reason I have never been fast at anything I do.

[quote="carlrf"]The age of the battery ____________________________________week. Also I see no provision for a hold down strap. Not sure how I am going to secure it just yet.




Update: Upon closer inspection with the side covers off I can see the seat base actually is intended to hold the battery in place. I guess it works. In the picture the seat is not all the way in position for illustration purposes.

Carl
Actually the step by step pictorials and descriptions of what you are doing is very educational on the things we need to be doing as on going maintenance/upkeep. Keep up the good work. At some point you can compile all this stuff put it on a dvd and sell it to those who want to learn how/what to do. Yes I agree it does take time and motivation. I never do as much of it as I plan to do.

The TE250 came to me with a chunked up Michelin Cross non-DOT 100/100 on the rear. It is certainly useable but I just had to have matching DOT tires for some reason.
The tire that came new on it (which is on the original black wheel I received with the bike) is a very large Metzler Karoo 140/80-18. I have the matching front as well. These are in near new condition and are for sale on CL BTW.

With all this confusion of tire sizes I researched "Café Husky" and it appears the general consensus is a 110/100-18 is the preferred size so, I bought a new Kenda K760 Trakmaster II Dual Sport Tire 110/100-18 to match the front tire.

I decided to tackle the task of removing the Karoo from the OEM black wheel and installing the new K760 this evening.
I got so involved with it I didn't get any pictures until the tire changing excitement was over. I am going to have to hire a photographer.
Boy I forgot how hard it is to change rear knobbies especially when trying not to scratch the nice black paint on the rim.
I put on scratch (not a gouge) on the side and two nicks in the outer edge getting the last part of the tire over the rim where I couldn't get my plastic rim protectors between the tire and rim.
BTW I used the Armor-Al to get the Karoo off, I didn't use any on the new tire as I didn't want to risk it moving on the rim when running low pressures.



There is always debate on where to put the stem lock nuts and/or how many to use. I opted (and usually do) to use one nut inside the rim against the tube and use the other outside the rim snug against the rim. I know there are different theories for various configurations but any OEM tires that have not been off before I have found as stated.



And how about that rim strip? On top of the rim lock or underneath it? I put it on top as it was when I disassembled it.



Is that more anti-seize I see on the rim lock? Cheese Wiz man, come on!

This bike comes new with two rear sprockets, a 40 and 50 tooth. 40 for primarily street use and 50 for more off road.
The 40T was on this wheel and I was given the original 50 as well. I don't think this bike has any business going over 50 on the tarmac, especially considering the compromise you make in the dirt with the 40. I am likely to experiment down the road but for now the 50 goes on.



The sprocket bolts had plenty of lock-tite on them and took some grunt to get them loose.
And I did put more lock-tite on assembly. I only had blue, I think something stronger was on there originally.



As near as I can tell with my fingers the bearings in the original wheel turn smooth and should be good to go.



The wheel spacers show a little wear where the seal makes contact but after cleaning and test fitting them in the seal I feel the are ok too.



Put a little grease in before assembly.

I was inspecting the chain and when looking at the master link something wasn't right.



Partial disassembly reveals there are two O-rings missing! Darn it man.



Fortunately there was a new master link in the box of parts that came with the bike.



I better inspect the rest of the chain closely on the bench. The chain has some surface rust but all the links move smoothly and with equal resistance from the O-rings and all the O-rings appear intact. However the new master link is just a tad looser in the chain bores than I expect it would be if it hadn't been run without the master link 0rings.



We're going to give it a go, I bet it will be all right for now with the new link and fresh grease.



I like the look with both the black wheels on it now!

carlrf wrote: Boy I forgot how hard it is to change rear knobbies especially when trying not to scratch the nice black paint on the rim.
I put on scratch (not a gouge) on the side and two nicks in the outer edge getting the last part of the tire over the rim where I couldn't get my plastic rim protectors between the tire and rim.
BTW I used the Armor-Al to get the Karoo off, I didn't use any on the new tire as I didn't want to risk it moving on the rim when running low pressures.

I swear by these for changing tires on my black rims- http://www.stubbytiretools.com

I have the ones with the handlebar grips for in the shop and the smaller packable ones in my tool kit that goes on the bike with me. They can be a little bit difficult to get the initial bite on the bead of the tire, but if you have the normal rim protectors and a good long metal tire iron to get started, these work great for the rest of the job.

That bike is looking good!

kendall_smith wrote:

carlrf wrote: Boy I forgot how hard it is to change rear knobbies especially when trying not to scratch the nice black paint on the rim.
I put on scratch (not a gouge) on the side and two nicks in the outer edge getting the last part of the tire over the rim where I couldn't get my plastic rim protectors between the tire and rim.
BTW I used the Armor-Al to get the Karoo off, I didn't use any on the new tire as I didn't want to risk it moving on the rim when running low pressures.

I swear by these for changing tires on my black rims- http://www.stubbytiretools.com

I have the ones with the handlebar grips for in the shop and the smaller packable ones in my tool kit that goes on the bike with me. They can be a little bit difficult to get the initial bite on the bead of the tire, but if you have the normal rim protectors and a good long metal tire iron to get started, these work great for the rest of the job.

That bike is looking good!

Good advice, thanks.
I hope I ride this one! Just bought a pair of boots, shopping for riding pants now. Was tempted to go to Chadwick this weekend with the group that posted, but fell sick. Also it's been 15 years since I have been in dirt/rocks so I must admit I am a bit intimidated to go with experienced folks trying to keep up. Good way to hurt myself. Something will work out. Will likely start out at Birdman's sometime for an easy break in.

There is always something hiding that's easy to overlook. Why did I pull the dust cover back on the throttle cables? I don't know but a new one showed up yesterday, may try to replace it today.




When I looked at this bike before purchase I thought there was nothing I was going to need to do to it, I should have known better. Not that I am complaining it is pretty nice and I knew I had to have it, stopped looking at stuff and handed him the money, love is blind I guess.

You could come ride over here. My son and I showed a 79 yr old guy around the trails this summer.

carlrf wrote:
Good advice, thanks.
I hope I ride this one! Just bought a pair of boots, shopping for riding pants now. Was tempted to go to Chadwick this weekend with the group that posted, but fell sick. Also it's been 15 years since I have been in dirt/rocks so I must admit I am a bit intimidated to go with experienced folks trying to keep up. Good way to hurt myself. Something will work out. Will likely start out at Birdman's sometime for an easy break in.

I hope you do too! I think we all thought it was a shame that you didn't get to enjoy Troy's old 450 after bringing it back to life!

Definitely take it easy getting back into it and keep it fun. There's no point in doing all this stuff if you don't enjoy it!

Savage wrote:You could come ride over here. My son and I showed a 79 yr old guy around the trails this summer.

Thanks, that's a possibility!

carlrf wrote: Good advice, thanks.
I hope I ride this one! Just bought a pair of boots, shopping for riding pants now. Was tempted to go to Chadwick this weekend with the group that posted, but fell sick. Also it's been 15 years since I have been in dirt/rocks so I must admit I am a bit intimidated to go with experienced folks trying to keep up. Good way to hurt myself. Something will work out. Will likely start out at Birdman's sometime for an easy break in.

Carl, I broke my wrist back in October, haven't been on mine yet since the injury, got a nice titanium plate, 10 screws and all the fun that goes with it.. I say this because am sure my first few rides are going to be timid, Unsure of my endurance, strength etc.. I'd be happy to join you for a ride. My best friend and motor sports buddy up in MN is in his mid 60's and we have a total blast.. Each year I find am no longer invincible, and seem to find myself with more responsibilities, thus, find the fun in taking the slower route then the faster one.

Besides, am fascinated with your attention to detail, something I seem to drive everyone around me nuts with..
Am not sure where you are located, but please feel free to hit me up anytime for a ride, even if it is just a short one. Troy can vouch for short rides and Savage can vouch for rescue operations.. */chuckle*

I have some land and house/nice garage out in Odessa, MO, so if you wanted some easy riding with a setup to tinker (suspension, jetting, etc) you would always be welcome, and anyone else for that matter. (5 acres, dirt roads, nothing that requires a degree of skill).

Feel free to send me a PM for contact info!

Jamee wrote:

carlrf wrote: Good advice, thanks.
I hope I ride this one! ------------------------------------- break in.

Carl, I broke my wrist back in October, haven't been on mine yet since the injury, got a nice titanium plate, 10 screws and all the fun that goes with it.. I say this because am sure my first few rides are going to be timid, Unsure of my endurance, strength etc.. I'd be happy to join you for a ride. My best friend and motor sports buddy up in MN is in his mid 60's and we have a total blast.. Each year I find am no longer invincible, and seem to find myself with more responsibilities, thus, find the fun in taking the slower route then the faster one.

Besides, am fascinated with your attention to detail, something I seem to drive everyone around me nuts with..
Am not sure where you are located, but please feel free to hit me up anytime for a ride, even if it is just a short one. Troy can vouch for short rides and Savage can vouch for rescue operations.. */chuckle*

I have some land and house/nice garage out in Odessa, MO, so if you wanted some easy riding with a setup to tinker (suspension, jetting, etc) you would always be welcome, and anyone else for that matter. (5 acres, dirt roads, nothing that requires a degree of skill).

Feel free to send me a PM, email, text, or phone call (320 838 3053, still MN area code / jamee@northwoodpc.com).

Awesome thank you!

Well the first oil change isn't going so well.

I knew the oil level was at the bottom of the sight glass when I bought it but could see a level with just a slight tip to the right. I had mentioned earlier I have ridden it to the inspection station approximately 12 mile round trip.
I also knew this bike doesn't hold much oil, less than a quart if you can believe that.

However this is pretty extreme to me and a bit scary.


Ok, I gulp and move on to the filter. The left lower bolt seemed quite a bit easier to remove than the top and lower right, just figured P.O. didn't get this one snugged up equally.
I remove the old filter and get the new one on out, put it in and replace the cover, easy peazy as they say. Everything is going good until the bottom left bolt, it just kept turning!


Nothing wrong with the bolts of course.


The threads are stripped in the side case, And the bore for the threads bottoms out just past the length of the bolt so repair is going to be a challenge.


At the moment I don't have a fix for this. I will start shopping for thread repair kits for a M5 bolt. I think I will be ill first.

Savage wrote:That looks like a clean, well-taken care of bike. All the bolts stuck together would make me feel good. That means it hasn't been monkeyed with.

That's what I thought but not so much.

carlrf wrote:At the moment I don't have a fix for this. I will start shopping for thread repair kits for a #4 bolt. I think I will be ill first.

Here's what I know, Carl. If anyone can figure out how to fix this, I know you can. You have the time, talent, experience, patience, and persistence to see it through. Admit it--while you'd rather not have this issue, down deep, you are a problem solver and enjoy the challenge at least a little.

Hell-Coil thread repair insert.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFYa6sjhh_E