TT250 restoration - double the fun [Archive]

Wired1

25th November 2007, 08:07

My latest project is to restore two 1980 Yamaha TT250's to racing form in time for the VMX 2008 season. I originally bought a 1982 XT250 to get some dirt bike fun when I wasn't riding my Harley but have now sold the Sportster to fund this restoration project. Early on I advertised here for spare parts for the XT and was lucky enough to be offered the basis of my twin TT restoration project by another KB member (LB99) in Blenheim in return for delivering a bike for him. The bike delivery was a bit of a drama involving the police and a fair amount of too-ing and fro-ing but eventually I had the job done and was very happy to pick up the starting bikes (pictured in all their glory below).
I also got a spare engine frome Lindsay and have sourced another engine from a local wrecker (bazz) for the missing parts from number 1. Number 1 had a stripped final drive shaft, bent selector rod, broken cam chain (and bits in the case), bent and chipped valve and a few scrapes and scratches in the bore. As I write this I have just reassembled the bottom end of number 1 with the newer parts from the donor engines and are working my way up the bore to the head I am rebuilding. Oh, I also needed a new cam shaft as the top sprocket had ripped itself off the end of the old on in all the excitement.
I stripped the best two frames I had and have sent them off for sand blasting and painting last week. Both will be "Quick silver" which should make them go faster, one with a blue trim to tell them apart but other than that the plan is to make them identical.
Anyway I will post more pictures as these bikes progress.

barty5

25th November 2007, 09:25

http://hometown.aol.com/vintageyz/index.html

here is a link i have used in the past it is mostly for old yz s but you never know what will pop up in the addvertising lists we got some old 1983 tt600 part a few years back worth a shot

Damz

26th November 2007, 20:18

This should be good to watch bud, just bought an '81 TT250 myself, nice bikes!

Wired1

26th November 2007, 22:12

Thanks, I'll try to post a video of each stage as I do it on u-tube too. Right now I am finishing the motor, should get it done this week with any luck. Post a picture of your bike please, I'm still trying to track down the side covers and I would like to see what yours look like.

Wired1

1st December 2007, 14:01

Well I got the frame back from the sand blasters today. I used two different companys because the first one couldn't do powder coating. So both frames plus one swingarm and set of engine mounts, pegs and brake lever were done with sandblaster "A". These guys blasted the parts, undercoated them, painted them in 'Quick silver' and clear coated them. The other swingarm, engine mounts and triple trees were sent to sandblaster "B" who blasted them and powdercoated them blue. The plan is to use the blue bits on one bike and the other bike will be all silver with polished alloy trees.
I also completed the first engine overhaul this week and spent a total of about 6 hours all told. The donor engine had a stripped main shaft, bent selector rod, a few gritty bearings, plenty of sludge in the oil paths and a f*%ked left hand engine case. Luckily I had another left hand case so was able to frankenstein a complete engine together. The donor engine had also had a valve to piston episode and so had a damaged head, piston, valve, cam shaft and bore but I was lucky enough to find the missing bits in my pile of parts plus the local bike wrecker (Bazz). As well as the above mentioned replaced part the rebuilt engine also has new gaskets, seals, o-rings, some new bearings and a magneto from another donor as this one looked dodgy!

I have posted a video of the engine rebuild on u-tube and here is the link if you are interested (and have broadband! - it is 4 minutes long). I am planning on making a video of each stage of the rebuild so stay tuned! Click here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTSccuFB24E

Lastly, the only major item I can't find is the bloody side covers so if you know where a set are, or even one side, then drop me a line. I don't care what shape they are in as I can use them to make molds for new ones from fibreglass, I just need a pair to start with.

Bonez

1st December 2007, 17:24

Good on ya.

Damz

2nd December 2007, 07:53

Man thats nuts... Would love to know how to build engines like that! Like I said, as soon as my bikes outta the shop, ill put some pics up!

motorbyclist

2nd December 2007, 23:02

looks like a very good project you've got there...
i'm looking at selling my old '85 tt250 if you're interested, but it's the monoshock and disc brake on the front model, maybe a bit newer than what you're looking for

and see this first---> http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?p=1323116

Wired1

5th December 2007, 17:38

98tls

5th December 2007, 17:44

Great thread......love seeing guys bringing them back from dead,makes me want to finally start on the old yamaha triple thats mostly in boxes in the garage........its a money thing:(

motorbyclist

5th December 2007, 17:49

Does that mean it has a poked engine? I do like a challenge but I fear the trip from Auckland would make it too expensive.

surprisingly the old girl doesn't seem to have suffered any damage:woohoo:

Wired1

5th December 2007, 18:34

I'd better finish these two before I get into any more trouble with the wife!
I am now assembling the B bike. The story will probably change as I go along so don't get confused if you read my earlier entries and find they don't agree with what I'm saying now, but basically I'm building the mint version A bike and the to-be-ridden B bike. Both will be ridden and both will be a mint as I can make them but you always get some difference between parts so the best ones will go on the A bike which is in the backgound of the photos below. It's all going basically to plan at the moment, the paint is good and I have the old XT to copy from if I get stuck for where parts go. They are slightly different but basically it's the same bike.

Damz

8th December 2007, 11:50

Wired1

8th December 2007, 12:34

Hey just saw this on trademe, could help, but maybe not being a different year. Finally got my bike back yesterday, will get pics today for ya, if all goes well :)

http://www.trademe.co.nz/a.asp?id=131086580

Yes it's mine! I bought it thinking I could use parts from it including the side covers but none of it is useful so I am listing it as parts to see if I can get some money back for it, it's a pretty limited market so I might be stuck with it. They completely redesigned the '85 bike, even the engine is different. About the only thing useful is the front wheel which is wrong for this bike but I think will fit my bikes.

I put together a set of cases and covers earlier this week and took it along to the sandblaster to see what they could do with it. The result is below, they reckon it's called "bead blasting" which is a bit milder than sand. It looks brand new but is a bit dull. It was an interesting experiment but I think I will end up painting it black again, just looks too raw.

tri boy

8th December 2007, 12:41

I'm hooked.:yes::Punk::corn:

deanohit

8th December 2007, 13:37

Looking good mate!
What a cool pair of projects.

Dak

8th December 2007, 16:38

Aahhh, brings back memories, the very first bike I ever owned was a road legal one of these.

Wired1

8th December 2007, 16:43

Aahhh, brings back memories, the very first bike I ever owned was a road legal one of these.

Yeah, in those days you could register them even with knobblies, enduro headlight and no indicators. Thank the lord we're all protected from ourselves now by Helen.

Damz

8th December 2007, 16:56

Haha small world. Bummer the bits dont fit!

You wouldnt believe it, but my TT doesnt have the plastics on it...!! I could have sworn it did, but obviously my memory is fading..

Sorry dude!

Wired1

8th December 2007, 17:14

Haha small world. Bummer the bits dont fit!

You wouldnt believe it, but my TT doesnt have the plastics on it...!! I could have sworn it did, but obviously my memory is fading..

Sorry dude!

I would believe it, neither of my TT's or my XT have them either. There must be a pile of them out there somewhere...

Damz

8th December 2007, 17:18

Ill say. Would hate to imagine what theyd be worth on trademe! Probably worth making a mould and popping one out every couple days, nice bit of pocket money!

Hey could you please do me a favour, and have a look at this, from what your video showed, your a little more experienced than myself!

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=62635

psyguy

8th December 2007, 19:13

I put together a set of cases and covers earlier this week and took it along to the sandblaster to see what they could do with it. The result is below, they reckon it's called "bead blasting" which is a bit milder than sand. It looks brand new but is a bit dull. It was an interesting experiment but I think I will end up painting it black again, just looks too raw.

bead blasting process parameters can actually be manipulated to achieve quite shiny satin finish
however, if you want to paint it anyway, this doesn't matter - you got a good clean surfaces for the paint to stick well
have you considered powdercoating? - should give a fantastic result on such well prepared surface

good luck with your project, looking very cool :niceone:

Wired1

8th December 2007, 22:24

I was hoping for a satin kind of finish but this is more like raw aluminium. I will have to either polish it or paint it. The powder coating idea sounds like a goody but the last lot of bits I had done cost me $250 for the swingarm, trees and a few engine clamps so I imagine the cases would be more than that. I think I will paint it black with engine enamel, maybe do the barrel a different colour.

psyguy

9th December 2007, 06:55

have a look here for powdercoating prices:
http://www.hpcoatings.co.nz/prices1.htm

my engine is clearcoated and although it was done within only a few days from when it was bead blasted it shows signs of oxidation underneath the coat :crybaby: - i guess this is not too good for the longevity of the paint - so my suggestion is to use a treatment for any already formed oxide on the surface just prior to painting, especially if you're intending to use only the rattle-can engine enamel
i was told the appropriate way to paint an engine is to use the etch-primer, two coats of paint and two-pot clearcoat on top - but that gives a finish that's too thick (imho)

Wired1

9th December 2007, 11:43

Here's the latest update - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRJKBayopXE

motorbyclist

9th December 2007, 13:07

i was told the appropriate way to paint an engine is to use the etch-primer, two coats of paint and two-pot clearcoat on top - but that gives a finish that's too thick (imho)

i find the heat resistant paints usually hold on their own, but i prefer not to paint anyway unless there's something to hide

motorbyclist

9th December 2007, 13:17

Wired1

9th December 2007, 14:37

great video's man! i wish i could make it look that easy

(hehe, i bet you cut out all the "where did i put the pliers? why don't i have and metric bolts? why won't this fit? who the hell designed this and what were they thinking? oh shit i broke it!" and the classic "oh fuckit i put the piston in the wrong way around! why do i have a washer left over?" moments :lol:)

Yeah there were a few out takes like when I put the barrel and head on then realised I forgot the other cam tensioner. I had two goes at assembling the rear mono shock in the second video and had a dry run of some bits so that it would look more professional and smooth in the real run. I also cut out the bits where I was reading the manual! All up it took me about 6 hours to assemble the engine which I'm guessing is pretty slow compared to the pros, but the next one I do should be 2-3 hours all up. It's good fun anyway.

Damz

9th December 2007, 19:01

Bloody good effort bud, gonna be a nice bike when its done!! :yes:

Wired1

12th December 2007, 20:27

Well here's the next episode - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k16syr6W3z0
You're probably thinking I don't sleep but in fact a lot of this video was shot before the previous part but I've only just got around to putting the brakes back together - I was waiting for new shoes from the states.
I've also put a still picture below for those too cheap to get broadband - I don't know how you can live without it, I'll be running a cable it to the shed next time I'm in the mood for wiring at home (which is like never).

deanohit

12th December 2007, 21:07

Nice one mate, I've now subscribed to your videos as they're great to watch.
Keep up the good work.

Wired1

12th December 2007, 21:11

Thanks, yeah there's not enough kiwi content on that site. You've been busy with the tank mounted camera I see... I must try that when I can find an old camera that doesn't mind if it gets smacked!

deanohit

12th December 2007, 21:17

Actually it's mounted to the handle bars, but the latest vids seem to be copping a fair bit of viration since I switched to a heavier camera.

It's mounted on a cheap tripod taped to the bars, so hopefully if I come off, the tape or the tripod will snap off and the worst the camera will get is road rash.
I'm in the procees though of rubberising another video camera to protect it from knocks.

NordieBoy

12th December 2007, 21:46

Yeah, in those days you could register them even with knobblies, enduro headlight and no indicators. Thank the lord we're all protected from ourselves now by Helen.

Unless your bike is on the blinker exemption list :shifty:
Like for example a 1979 XR250.

Looks like we'll be racing each other :D

motorbyclist

12th December 2007, 22:56

Well here's the next episode - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k16syr6W3z0.

i love the bit with the wheels; remind me of, "here's some i prepared earlier"

Wired1

13th December 2007, 06:37

Yeah that's a two week gap - it's a bugger having to work full time!

Damz

13th December 2007, 07:01

Youve got some brilliant video editing skill! Makes the vids so much more entertaining, I like the "heres some I prepared earlier" too lol..

Oh, and the bearings getting tapped in:Punk:

Wired1

13th December 2007, 07:30

Oh, and the bearings getting tapped in:Punk:

Yeah I know, I thought about sneaking that out of the tape but I can't afford a press!

Wired1

18th December 2007, 21:26

I've just completed the forks and have uploaded the video - here's the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGApkxr_n5U
Here are some teaser photos for those with dial-up:zzzz:

Wired1

27th December 2007, 20:13

Here are some pics of the engine I had bead blasted, I painted it with engine enamel out of a rattle can and it looks bloody awesome - definitely recommend this simple and cheap process. I liked it so much I pulled the engine back out of bike #1 and used the second half of the can on that baby too and it looks almost as good.

Damz

27th December 2007, 20:58

erik

27th December 2007, 21:29

Just saw this thread now, nice work with the videos and restoration. :niceone:
Looks like you know what you're doing.

Wired1

27th December 2007, 21:39

Hell your right that does look extremely good.. Glossy! Im so jealous of your engine right now :rolleyes:

Hey you wouldnt happen to have a spare magneto cover for sale would ya? Mine is broken at the part which covers the front sprocket, and it fills up with mud and crap really quick.. Worth a shot!

All mine are broken like tha too. In fact I filed the one on my resto bike back so that it looks like it was always meant to be that short. When the chain breaks... yes that old story again, it also has a habit of smashing out the casing above the front sprocket. If you look at my three cases above they all have had this done - and that's where one of the mounts for the back half of the case sits. I reckon you're better off without it anyway, it makes changing the chain and cleaning easier.

Wired1

27th December 2007, 21:42

Just saw this thread now, nice work with the videos and restoration. :niceone:
Looks like you know what you're doing.

Thanks Eric, I've just been watching you zooming round Pukekohe like a lunatic. Nice gear changes.
And just for the record, it's easy to edit out all the bits where I'm reading the manual and I never show the mistakes, just the tries that work!

Damz

28th December 2007, 10:53

All mine are broken like tha too. In fact I filed the one on my resto bike back so that it looks like it was always meant to be that short. When the chain breaks... yes that old story again, it also has a habit of smashing out the casing above the front sprocket. If you look at my three cases above they all have had this done - and that's where one of the mounts for the back half of the case sits. I reckon you're better off without it anyway, it makes changing the chain and cleaning easier.

Haha no worries bud, thought it was worth a shot!

I think Ill do the same, cut off all the excess cover and just have the part that shields the magneto from any debri/water.. Should look alot nicer!

Wired1

8th January 2008, 16:29

I have just posted episode 5 to Youtube, here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLeNhBVKkUY

I was originally planning on finishing this series with number 5 but I got so much stuff to fit in I figure I had to cut this at 3.5 minutes or else nobody would ever watch it. The optimum length is 3 minutes.

Anyway, this is as far as I have gotten so far, hopefully I'll finish the bike in the next couple of weeks so that I can get onto my other projects - another TT250 and an XT550 coming up.

cooneyr

8th January 2008, 21:29

Shouldn't the clip on the master link have the open end away from the direction of chain travel?????

Cheers R

Wired1

8th January 2008, 21:33

Hmmm, I'll check it tomorrow. Do you think it makes a difference?

motorbyclist

8th January 2008, 21:52

in theory the clip will be less likely to pop off....

in practice i doubt it makes a difference

cooneyr

9th January 2008, 07:05

Wired1

13th January 2008, 08:36

If you were trail or adv riding the beast then would probably turn it round for piece of mind but for VMX (assuming this is what the bike is for) guessing it is not going to make much difference. The idea, as I understand it, is that the clip is less likely to be riped off when you get sticks/mud around the chain.

Cheers R

OK, I have reversed the clip. Actually I had to remove another link from the chain to get the full effect of the chain tensioners so luckily I remembered to put it back the right way around.
I am in the final stages of this project now. I put some gas in the tank yesterday and kicked it over but no spark bugger it. So today's fun job is to go through the wiring and find the faulty component or sparky error. I also noticed the fuel tap was leaking (oh joy) so had to quickly drain the tank and redo that connection.

cooneyr

13th January 2008, 09:56

OK, I have reversed the clip. Actually I had to remove another link from the chain to get the full effect of the chain tensioners so luckily I remembered to put it back the right way around.
I am in the final stages of this project now. I put some gas in the tank yesterday and kicked it over but no spark bugger it. So today's fun job is to go through the wiring and find the faulty component or sparky error. I also noticed the fuel tap was leaking (oh joy) so had to quickly drain the tank and redo that connection.

Looking very cool. Good luck sorting the electrics and getting the beast going. You have done a really nice job.

Cheers R

NordieBoy

13th January 2008, 10:36

So is it going to be race ready for Old Thumpers?

Wired1

13th January 2008, 11:02

So is it going to be race ready for Old Thumpers?

When is that? Sounds like a blast.
It is running now - I learned something new today about kill switches - it seems one side of the switch is permanently grounded so if you get the wires back to front it is off no matter which way you switch it!
Took her for a blast, the clutch isn't working so that's a minor issue, oh and I haven't connected the front brake up properly but they only slow you down anyway!
I hope I didn't forget the clutch rod... better check the video.

kneescraper

13th January 2008, 12:49

Love your videos mate, the little scooter you fixed up is awesome. Good stuff mate! keep it up.

BTW - Are the videos a one man effort or is there some one behind the camera?

Wired1

13th January 2008, 13:02

Nah, they're a one-man effort. Makes things a bit slower but otherwise you forget what you've done sometimes.
The scooter was my first rebuild a couple of years ago and unfortunately I sold it, it looked awesome and ran sweet.

kneescraper

13th January 2008, 13:06

Big thumbs up for the videos, awesome way to watch a rebuild. I hope when your finished you will link them together as one video...that would be cool.

Did you get what you wanted for the scooter? looks like it would have been many any nights in the shed to get that back to mint condition.

Wired1

13th January 2008, 15:04

Thanks, it is difficult to upload anything longer than 4 minutes onto Youtube and 3 minutes is the optimum.

Just finished the last episode having gotten the bike going this morning.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvKqhqXkgC0
Giv it a whirl and let me know what you think. I have a slight issue with the clutch but I checked the videos and I definitely put it together right so an old mechanic friend reckons it might be a bit stuck from lack of use and may free up when the oil soaks in a bit. He also suggested taking it up the road and pulling the clutch in under revs to see if MORE POWER can free it up a bit! I like this guy, he always has a bush machanic's approach to vehicle repairs.

My next bike is a 1983 XT550 which I have an engine for and will hopefully get a frame on Monday evening. Wifey is getting a little peeved with the number of bikes I have at the moment so I will flog off the old XT250 (unrestored) in the next few weeks to make room for the new toy. I am also part way through extending the workshop to make room for these so that will slow me down a bit, and I have to go back to work on Monday bugger it...

R6_kid

13th January 2008, 15:09

I will flog off the old XT250 (unrestored) in the next few weeks to make room for the new toy. I am also part way through extending the workshop to make room for these so that will slow me down a bit, and I have to go back to work on Monday bugger it...

How complete is it? And how much are you wanting for it?

Just watched the vids through from 2-6 and gotta say mate, awesome work on the restores as well as the quality of video editing you've done.

kneescraper

13th January 2008, 16:07

I love the video resto, so much better than looking though hunderds of pictures and not quite getting the whole idea.

You seem to put 100% effort in and for that you get a green bling. Good stuff mate...I look forward to watching more of your videos. :)

Wired1

13th January 2008, 17:13

How complete is it? And how much are you wanting for it?

It's on Trademe now at this address: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=136068332&ed=true
I paid $500 for this and then spent another $400 on it getting it to work and new tyres etc so I'm hoping for $800. I've seen worse in Nelson for a lot more so we'll see I guess. It's worth more as parts of course, and I can't be buggered restoring it as I've got the two TT250's and an XT550 to play with. It will suit some young bugger wanting to have a blast in the dirt or some older guy wanting to recapture his youth!.

NordieBoy

13th January 2008, 18:25

When is that? Sounds like a blast.

Nelson Motorcycle Club 100th birthday celebrations.

2nd Feb - Beach racing at Rabbit Island
4th Feb - Flattrack at the Richmond Race Course
6th Feb - Old Thumpers at Pohara

Entry forms on the NMCC Website (http://nmcc.org.nz).

I won't be racing as it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to photograph something like this.

Wired1

13th January 2008, 18:28

NordieBoy

13th January 2008, 18:34

They do look nice and tidy with just the airfilter there and no airbox.
Better hope for no rain :whistle:

Looking forward to racing ya :D

By "racing" I mean you riding off into the distance and me breathing dust.

Wired1

13th January 2008, 19:57

So although I've finished this project you might notice a few bits missing like the headlight, and the right side cover. Well these are the two bits I haven't managed to find yet. I might just make a filler for the headlight and be done with it, I'm unlikely to be riding it at night anyway.
And as for the side cover, it seems that the design of these bikes meant that the muffler eventually turned the right cover to a molten blob, so I will go back to plan A of making an alloy one using the left cover as a template.
For the second bike I would like to make a pair of alloy ones to get that nostalgic retro thing going, and if I use 1.5mm alloy they won't weigh much (or bugger the weight and just skip breakfast on race day!):scooter:

kneescraper

13th January 2008, 20:28

I can watch those videos many times over...such a awesome rebuild.

NordieBoy

13th January 2008, 21:04

Thanks, I'm a stone's throw from Rabbit Island so I will be there, not sure if I want to put my bike on sand but I'll check it out. How competitive are these guys? I'd like to give her a run but I don't want some dickhead riding over the top of me or, more importantly, my bike. :Police:

And I heard the Pohara one was for twin shockers only?

The beach and flattrack racing is all classes - Pre 75, pre 80 (small, mid and open), pre 86 (small, mid and open), Quads, Super Quads, MX1, MX2, MX3.

Thumpers is pre 80 only.
They run their own rules, you're more likely to get a prize for wheelieing the track than winning :D

Wired1

18th January 2008, 20:03

Well now I've got a stag do to go to on the same day as the beach races so that stuffs that idea. I'll still go to the flat track meeting but won;t race my TT just yet, next month.

I learned how to put the clutch together properly tonight, it took me five attempts and a bit of manual reading but I finally got it right so now I have a clutch which is a real boon if you want to get away smoothly. I took her up the road and found all the gears in the right places so this weekend I'll take her out to the river and see how she runs after the first hour.

I'm also making up a headlight blank to fill the hole, and a lower rear guard to keep the crap off the back of my lovely clean engine. I threw the air box away and the other thing that did was form the lower rear guard.

I'll post pictures when it's all done.

Wired1

20th January 2008, 16:31

Sold the old XT for enough to buy a Mig welder so that's a good swap I reckon. Now I find out I gotta buy a bottle of CO2 gas and a regulator too but that's OK.

Today I made a headlight blank for TT #1 and a right hand side cover out of an old piece of galv sheet I found under the bench. I think it was my son's but he won't miss it. Not a bad result, although alloy would have looked cooler. It seems the reason there are bugger all right hand side covers available is the exhaust pipe melts most of them into slag. Anyway this should stop me burining my bloody leg on the exhaust pipe.

DEATH_INC.

27th January 2008, 21:11

Holy shit, that brings back some memories! Nice work.
I had one of these things a few years back (my third bike if I remember correctly), spent a small fortune on it and barely got to ride it as it was always in the shop.....
Just wrecked (a few months ago ) my brothers old XT250j too, shame I got no bits left for ya's.... had a YZ front end in it and a IT 250 rear shock.
Also when ya on the hunt for bits, keep yer eyes open for a yellow YZ250d or g or something (late 70's) with a TT250 engine in it which was stolen a while back....

Wired1

15th February 2008, 21:10

Well I've gotten a little sidetracked with the XT550 but finally finished putting the second TT250 engine back together this afternoon.

The second bike has all the best bits and will have a lot more attention to finish quality - not to say that the first bike wasn't pretty, just that this one will be more so.

I have just posted a video of the engine rebuild on youtube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfxbTDHq2OM

SVboy

16th February 2008, 15:44

Great thread! I had an 81 xt way back when. Great bike!

NordieBoy

16th February 2008, 18:52

Looking very nice...

Wanna re-build an XR250 for me?

:dodge:

Wired1

16th February 2008, 19:21

Looking very nice...

Wanna re-build an XR250 for me?

:dodge:

No but I'd encourage you to do it and I'll even give you a hand if you get stuck. I don't think I have any special skills etc just a lot of determination and I don't watch much TV which gives you a shit load of time to do things. I've been trying to find a TT500 for a project but they're like bloody hens teeth so I might have to settle for an XR500 - if I can find one old enough. I'd prefer the pro-link as long as it's the first one, as I used to have a twin shock and they were a bit on the heavy side.

NordieBoy

16th February 2008, 21:56

I'd prefer the pro-link as long as it's the first one, as I used to have a twin shock and they were a bit on the heavy side.

Heavy?
You didn't have the limited edition "anti-gravity" version?

Wired1

19th February 2008, 16:58

Yeah even the 250's will get off the ground. I know it's blasphemy but the XR500 is a better bike than the TT500 in most areas, even the twin shock with it's heavy arse end. For some strange reason Yamaha lost their styling sense when they struck back with the XT550 - which is an even better motor than the XR and older TT500, but the bike has no style. I am restoring one of these at the moment and I am scratching my head trying to fit an older TT500 alloy gas tank on my XT550 frame - if I could pull it off it would make an awesome handling and powerful bike into a very cool looking one too. I need to find a local who can weld alloy and modify the tunnel - any suggestions?

NordieBoy

20th February 2008, 07:53

I am restoring one of these at the moment and I am scratching my head trying to fit an older TT500 alloy gas tank on my XT550 frame - if I could pull it off it would make an awesome handling and powerful bike into a very cool looking one too. I need to find a local who can weld alloy and modify the tunnel - any suggestions?

Try Chris Bennett at Bennetts Plumbers in town.
They love doing bike stuff and Chris, Kerian and Shane out the back all do VMX.

Wired1

22nd February 2008, 20:04

I did the next best thing and bought a 1980 TT500 today so I'll now keep the XT550 stock and put the bling on the big thumper. The new bike is pretty buggered looking but it is exactly what I was looking for (I think).

Damz

22nd February 2008, 20:25

Awesome. So will the new beast be getting a make over like its little brother??

Would love to have a ride on a tt500, just out of curiosity

OregonKiwi

26th February 2008, 12:35

I saw the shots of the TT500, & thought what a load of shit. Then i looked at your other projects (TT250), & said that's cool wish i had the time & experience to do that nice of a job. I had that same model bike back in the mid 80's-great bike.
Well done.

Doctor Flamo

20th April 2008, 14:08

Anyone out there with tank and carby for 1979 tt250?

Doctor Flamo

20th April 2008, 14:11

i am looking for a tank and carby for a 79 tt250

Wired1

20th April 2008, 14:32

There's a carby on turdeme for $50, probably a fair price. I've got a spare tank, the 1980-82 plastic one. PM me if you want it.
It's hard to find but here's the listing: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=150121873

Wired1

6th May 2008, 19:22

If anyone is interested I'm selling off the first TT250. I currently have the second one plus a TT500 and an XT550 all in pieces in the shed and I need the room and the funds so something has to go. I'll probably keep the second TT250 but there is only so many bikes you can ride and I want the shed back! Plus I still want to restore an SR500 and I'll need room and cash for that too if I can ever find one...

Here's the link on Turdeme: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Classic-vintage/auction-153920141.htm

Damz

6th May 2008, 21:02

Thats a great price for a very nice bike, someone will pick up a bargain!

cooneyr

7th May 2008, 08:22

Sorry to hijack but I juts watched your last video again and I'm wondering what you used to clean the tank when you scrubbed it? My DR650 plastics and tank are starting to look a little tatty.

Cheers R

Wired1

7th May 2008, 08:27

No problem - it took me a while to figure this out and the other day I read how the experts do it in a VMX magazine and it was identical to how I do it so it must be right. I sand the tank with wet and dry sandpaper for an hour or so, starting with 200 grit and working my way up to about 800 grit once you get past the stained or sun-faded layer. Then hit it with metal polish (like that stuff in a toothpaste-like tube) or cutting compound or even Jiff. Polish it for another hour and it will look like new.

Wired1

31st May 2008, 22:30

I'v been a bit side-tracked with my XT550 and I also just bought an SR400 that I'm busy trying to get registered, but I've finally spent a bit more time on the second TT250 and have made a couple more videos of the progress.

Part 2: http://nz.youtube.com/watch?v=1l-ifRDjQrY
Part 3: http://nz.youtube.com/watch?v=UykiaHqZg9M

and here's a couple of teaser photos...

Buddha#81

31st May 2008, 22:46

Nice touch in part two with the croc's and socks........if it good enuf for the Olympic athletes.

Good stuff as per usual, keep it rolling make for good winter viewing.

motorbyclist

31st May 2008, 23:22

man i wish i had the time and money to do what you're doing

keep posting! if i can't do it myself i'll be dammned if i can't watch the pros have a crack at it!

Wired1

31st May 2008, 23:38

Thanks guys, unfortunately I'm not rich - I can't even afford real safety boots! I have to keep selling these bikes to fund the next one but I'm hoping I can keep this one. I recently sold the first TT250 and that's what is funding the completion of this one as well as the pruchase of the next one. I've just bought an SR400 which will be the next project but first I have to get it legal enough to ressurrect the plate then I can tear it apart - should be a hoot. I've just finished an XT550 which has sort of been a bike I've been slowly doing in the background as parts came up so I'll sell the XT550 to fund the SR400 rebuild.

NordieBoy

1st June 2008, 09:16

Brilliant inspiring work man.

Dammit.

The SR looks like it's already ready :D

deanohit

1st June 2008, 09:25

The SR looks like it's already ready :D

Only needs a fresh coat of mud, and it's all good. :banana:

Wired1

1st June 2008, 09:41

Yeah she's a beauty, I especially like the knobblies! I had a few problems with the LTSA but finally they found two different files for the same bike and have agreed on the history so I'm going to get a warrant as soon as I can and register it before they change their minds. To get a warrant I need two tyres, working indicators and lights, brake lights, and a muffler. For the muffler I have bolted on the supertrapp off the TT500 so that will be interesting to see how deaf they are!