RD 250 - known issues?

[ManDownUnder]

Hey guys - long time no hear...

Question for all you experts... I have a mate here at work, just bought an '84 RD250 (yes you read the right).

It seems to go ok, and he invested heavily in it ($500)... what are the known issues with these things?

Cheers
MDU

[What?]

There are lots of issues, fortunately most of them are fairly simple. Usual rules like using good oil apply. Run high octane gas, and for hard running install colder plugs to prevent burning holes in pistons. In the same vein, don't remove the air filter, or run a less restrictive filter, without also increasing the main jet size. A well fettled RD will go well for a long time. And , as this one probably has, the pipes may be in serious need of a de-coke.

[wkid_one]

try http://www.micapeak.com/reg/bikes/RDRZ/ , and filter to view problems....

 

[Stormer]

Is it the air-cooled or liquid-cooled(LC) model?

If it`s air-cooled, throw away the standard pipes and get some decent chambers. Up the main jets a bit and he`ll be flyin'.

Used to have an air-cooled 350 with chambers and port job. No power under about 6500rpm, but over this look out!

The motor`s fairly bulletproof if the timing is kept spot on, and you don`t use to hotter plugs.Two strokes are simple as to work on, no valves and stuff to worry about.

LC model, not sure, but never heard any adverse things about them. They handled a lot better though.

[Urban Terrorist]

I was going to recommend http://www.yamaha-rd.com/ but after a quick look at the site its down. It's worth bookmarking though. They have a great wealth of knowledge about RD/RZs and general 2 stroke stuff.Hopefully it'll be up and running again sometime.

[Redstar]

the RD 250water cooled is bulletproof there are no problems except finding one that was not thrashed within an inch of its life because they invited it!
the air cooled was such too. my 5th bike was an xs250 four stroke
yam a gutless if well made dog!

[SPman]

Originally posted by Redstar
my 5th bike was an xs250 four stroke
yam a gutless if well made dog!

Hey I saw one of those yesterday - the owner was running it down a hill to get it started!

RD's - like all strokers, great when theyre goin well, dogs if they arent.

Had my first (and only) tank slapper on an RD!

[inlinefour]

I want one, but they are becoming hard to find in the right model I want. I'm after the RD250LC model of the early 1980s. Has to be in reasonable condition, but not a problem if requiring a rebuild

[Sensei]

A guy I know races one in Post classic's . If you need some help Etc Drop me a PM & I'll get his number for you
SENSEI

[NC]

Nick named 'Rapid Death' I think that sez it all.. :sly:

[gav]

I want one, but they are becoming hard to find in the right model I want. I'm after the RD250LC model of the early 1980s. Has to be in reasonable condition, but not a problem if requiring a rebuild

But its a Y.A.M.A.H.A ??????????????????????
oh, heres one!!
RD250LC
howabout a 350LC?
RD350LC
and theres 2 or 3 real tidy early 70's RD350's as well, what are you waiting for??

[moko]

I`ve had 2 air-cooled ones and an LC.Best advice I can give is keep it standard,mechanically at least,it`ll last longer,be less likely to sieze,better on the road and you`re neighbours will still speak to you.Great little bikes and still a few around,RD400`s way better,a real classic but you havn`t got one of those so it`s pretty irrelavent really.Things to watch?The plugs will have been in and out a lot so the threads can be shagged in the head,easily fixed but check as it`s a good sign of a careful previous owner and not some ham-fisted clod.Talking of which it`s always a good idea to carry a couple of spares and a plug spanner around with you,they dont last very long and even if they start to oil up a plug change is better than limping home.
They were never the fastest 2-stroke 250 but seemed to last a bit better than the opposition,nice little bike mate,enjoy it.

[guzzi_nz]

U guys should remeber the RZ 250 The first road version had one a alot of years back it was cool first true 100 mph 250 in mid eightly also haved a rd 350 lc what a wheelie machine

[gav]

My old RZ350 ........

[inlinefour]

The one on TM is an absolute shitter, not worth pissing on. I've owned a raced RZ350LC and it was OK but I'm really wanting a complete original RD250LC only, not a pile of crap like on the auctio, but thankyou for pointing it out for me