New project '73 Yamaha RD250

[so-cal-sdr200]

 This came up just by chance in a neighborhood on line group talking about old
abandoned motorcycles and restorations.
Guy mentions he has an old bike in his garage that has not been started in
30 years or more. He would be willing to sell it for a ridiculously low price.
"Too low to mention on line"
He is the original owner, purchased 11/73. Presently has ~12K miles.
He did not explain why he took some of it apart years ago, and I did
not feel the need to ask.
Everything is there. In a couple boxes or still on the bike.

So I am sure I will be having questions and looking for suggestions on
upgrades and rebuild services.

I am planning pretty much a ground up restoration. May be into a minor
"Resto-Mod" and not trying to build a concourse restoration. Maybe clubman
bars, doubt I can use clip-on style. Possibly cafe style seat? Rear sets?
Performance expansion chambers? etc...

I hope to finish this project before the next 2-stroke Extravaganza.

Be glad to hear your thoughts.
I hope the picture attachment shows up. Not seeing it as I type.
Cheers, Jeff

[cygnus]

Nice score !

[Organicjedi]

Nice butterfly blue 250! Lots of great mods to do. Let your imagination and wallet be your guide.

[m in sc]

very nice indeeed.

[so-cal-sdr200]

Thanks for the positive comments.
I am not too confident in my ability to split the cases
and do the mains and seals. Most likely need the crank
rebuilt just to be safe.
I would feel fine just doing a top end, but, not much deeper.
Does anyone have a suggestion for a mechanic in the So. Calif.
area that can perform an engine rebuild?
Would / should I source all the bearing, seals, gaskets etc... or leave that
to the more experienced guru?
Everything else I feel fine doing on a restoration.
Here are a couple of the bikes I recently completed.
Cheer, Jeff

[~JM~]

...I am not too confident in my ability to split the cases and do the mains and seals....

I'm in the same boat. Done a few top-ends, rebuilt a V-8, etc. I found a spare RD engine & took it apart. It's not very complicated. The shifting mechanism arrangement appears to be the most daunting. Buy some Manuals, watch some videos & ask questions here. Document the disassembly & take plenty of pictures. Good luck.

[Cdffiredad]

http://erlenbachracing.co

He is a member here

[so-cal-sdr200]

Yes, It sounds and looks, ( by his web site ), like I need to talk to Mr. Ed Erlenbach.
Although I don't need a 146MHP RD250... I believe I saw his bike at the 2018 2-stroke
Extravaganza show.
As it was said before, the only limitation is imagination and how fat is my piggy bank.
I did just spend an hour or two in HVCcycle and Economy Cycle's web sites. Drool 

Anyone know if the Jim Lomas pipes for the R5 would, ( first work ), and fit second on a 250?
They are pure eye candy for sure.
They are much nicer in person than the pipes on my SDR200.

Thanks and keep the hints and suggestions coming.
This might be a long term project as funds become available.
Cheers, Jeff

[Czakky]

Those SDRs are too cool

[quocle603]

buy it. restore it. ride it.

[so-cal-sdr200]

Update. Stripped the bike down to the frame. 
And removed the motor.
Time for some serious grime and crud removal.
  Start identifying all the new parts that are needed. Get the
fenders, tail light, chain guard...etc to the chrome shop.
Frame, swing arm, triple clamps to the blaster/powder coat shop.
And start talking to some local builder that wants to do a motor
for me..
thanks for the links to, I believe, the two best local guys in
So. Cal. I will be contacting then in the next couple weeks.
Cheers and thanks, Jeff

[m in sc]

and yes, the JL pipes will work. 

[50gary]

Two thumbs up on that SDR-200. 
   Cheers, 50gary

[so-cal-sdr200]

Update as of today.
New Excel shouldered rims and Buchanon's stainless spokes laced and trued yesterday.
Installed the BT45 tires this morning. Front 90/90-18; Rear 110/80-18. The rims I
went with 1.85 front and 2.15 rear. Sure hope these fit. Pretty sure they will.

Frame should come back from paint next week. The chrome should be done by
mid August.

Bought a whole bunch of goodies from Economy and HvcCycle. Both orders arrived
on Friday. Felt like Christmas. 

Getting excited to putting the rolling chassis back together. Then find the local builder
for the engine. I should be contacting the suggested folks soon.

thanks for checking in on my project.
Jeff

[SoCal250]

Nice score Jeff. Progress is looking good.