TT250 restoration - double the fun

**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

Originally Posted by Wired1

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/List...x?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-Mo...-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:Me** · 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!