New member

**tl_tub** · 3rd April 2005, 19:31

Hi there everyone, I just found the website and after reading a few posts decided to join immediately

I have just moved to Tauranga and own a '92 Suzuki GSX250ssm, also known as the Katana. Unfortunately it is in pieces, most of which are here but the engine is in Christchurch (my last place of residence).
I am keen to repaint the bike and sort out a good quality engine for it - the current has around 57k kms and has light scores in the cylinders.

Any thoughts on what I should do with the paintjob (or even the engine)? I was thinking black with a chrome swingarm. A bit over the top maybe?

Well, nice to meet you all anyway, hopefully I can get the bike up and going sometime soon and get out there with you all.

Regards,
Brent B.

**Zed** · 3rd April 2005, 19:35

Originally Posted by brent_b

Hi there everyone, I just found the website and after reading a few posts decided to join immediately

...

Well, nice to meet you all anyway, hopefully I can get the bike up and going sometime soon and get out there with you all.

Regards,
Brent B.

Welcome along Brent. I see that you're a man who doesn't muck around - many lurk in the shadows for many a week before joining up! Good stuff.

Enjoy your stay.

Zed

**Storm** · 3rd April 2005, 19:36

Welcome to the site mate, hope you get it all sorted with a minimum of fuss

**wildcat_lgf** · 3rd April 2005, 20:11

Hey,

Glad to hear there are still a few of us out there who enjoy fiddling with m/c. I have just stripped my ZXR250C and had the frame and wheels painted gloss black, and just got back the fairings newly painted in Ducati yellow. Decals should go on soon, and hopefully have it all finished in a couple of weeks.

Welcome along...Personally I'm not a fan of chrome, but then some would say I don't have much imagination? Good luck either way

**tl_tub** · 3rd April 2005, 20:23

Hey Wildcat, I hope the bike turns out just as you want. Will you post some pictures of it?

Do you expect to keep your bike for a long time? What sort of shape is the engine in - do you have any work planned for it?
I would like to invest some money in my bike because I dont have that much interest in buying another at this stage. I think if I brought that big GSXR I would loose my license too quickly

**wildcat_lgf** · 4th April 2005, 08:15

Originally Posted by brent_b

Hey Wildcat, I hope the bike turns out just as you want. Will you post some pictures of it?

Do you expect to keep your bike for a long time? What sort of shape is the engine in - do you have any work planned for it?
I would like to invest some money in my bike because I dont have that much interest in buying another at this stage. I think if I brought that big GSXR I would loose my license too quickly

Hey Brent, The plan is for it to look like the photo on my profile. I have the same decals and paint colour etc so should look just like it! Not sure how long I'll keep it...depends if I get an offer I can't refuse

I won't get it finished for a couple of weeks but will try and get some photos up.

I'm looking at getting another bike, but depends if the guy makes up his mind whether to keep it or sell it...I'm still on my Learners as I've been too lazy to get the restricted as yet, so I'll be stuck on a 250 for a little while yet

Cheers

**Sparky Bills** · 4th April 2005, 08:56

Hey Mate.
Welcome along.
This is a great site for learning and sharing info.
Enjoy.

Martin

**MSTRS:Me** · 4th April 2005, 09:41

Another good keen man enters the fold. I think the 400 drops straight in to your 250 frame? Wortha crack Nigel

**tl_tub** · 4th April 2005, 18:36

Thanks for the friendly welcoming everyone.

Unfortunatly im another lazy one that has yet to get around to sitting my full license, which means I will have to keep the 250 for a while.

Putting a 400 into a 250 bike? It would have to get certified then wouldnt it? They would start asking questions about brakes and things like that wouldnt they? Very interesting thought though!

I got two prices for 2nd hand 250 katana engines in "good condition" today. I was told $700 and $750. I was surprised, but I guess I shouldnt be considering the price of all other automotive parts. I think it will work out a lot cheaper if I just get the old one up from Christchurch and stick with it, maybe replace the cylinders at the most.

Oh well, I can start dreaming about something else now

Have a great night everyone!

**sAsLEX** · 4th April 2005, 18:40

Originally Posted by brent_b

Putting a 400 into a 250 bike? It would have to get certified then wouldnt it? They would start asking questions about brakes and things like that wouldnt they? Very interesting thought though!

how would they ever know?? as long as its not a litre engine squished in there and kinda looks like it belongs no one at a testing station would pick it up!!!

oh and Welcome to the site!

**Ixion** · 4th April 2005, 18:54

Originally Posted by brent_b

Putting a 400 into a 250 bike? It would have to get certified then wouldnt it?

Yep, needs certification unless: (from the WOF manual)

Table 13-1-1. Modifications that do not require LVV certification
Fitting of or modification to: LVV certification is not required provided that:
Substitution of engines when compared with the OE engine, the replacement engine:
- is of the same or less cubic capacity, and
- has equal or less weight, and
- has the same or less power output, and
- uses the same fuel (petrol, diesel), and
- uses the same unmodified attachment points, ie, bolts-in, and
- uses the same ancillary equipment (accelerator linkages etc).
OE engine
the modifications result in not more than 20% more power than the OE engine,
which may include the fitting of:
- extractor or free-flow exhaust manifolds, or big bore exhaust systems
- changed intake manifolds
- changed or multiple carburettors
- modified fuel injection systems
- changed ignition systems
- alternative cold air box induction systems

So you can put a smaller engine in but not a larger one . Of course, in some cases only an expert could tell. Used to be a lot of 350 3TA Triumphs with 5TA donks. And 500cc Matchy/AJS engines in 350 frames.

**tl_tub** · 4th April 2005, 18:58

It would be great fun to put a 400cc engine in it im sure, but even if it wasnt picked up at a wof, I would have nightmares about the insurance company. They do anything to get out of paying!

**campbellluke** · 7th April 2005, 23:41

Hey Brent

Good to see that someone else has the same bike as me

Good luck with the bike.

**sAsLEX** · 7th April 2005, 23:50

Originally Posted by brent_b

It would be great fun to put a 400cc engine in it im sure, but even if it wasnt picked up at a wof, I would have nightmares about the insurance company. They do anything to get out of paying!

again how would they know!!! Just a wee bit of careful angle grinding to remove the 399cm written on the side of the engine and then no ones the wiser.
Except everyone you have told on here