Project XT250?

[car]

I'm on the lookout for a project trail bike. Went to see an XT250 today. Early '80s, no plate or papers. Didn't run, but almost did. Kicked over, compression felt good, had spark. Clutch is allegedly burned out, clutch cover has been holed at some point and welded. Oily underneath, but the welded hole looked like it had held. Frame looked sound enough, straight, swing arm moved freely without noticeable play. Head bearings are completely shot, but forks mercifully free of pitting. No lights or dash, no batteries, plastics missing or cracked. Owner bought it a runner, but with said fried clutch, never got round to fixing it. I can well believe it -- the guy must have had half a dozen old beaters on the go.

All in all, I was tempted to make the guy an offer. But the thing that always seems to kill projects is parts availability, which is why I'm looking for some NZ-local advice. What's the XT250 going to be like for parts, from breakers or otherwise? If I need to replace the clutch and half the bottom end, am I going to be able to find parts here?

Given that it has mount points for a dash, the front wheel is geared for a speedo, I'm guessing that the XT250 was sold as a road-registerable bike, even if this one's never been registered. Which, correct me if I'm wrong, means it should be easier to get the thing registered?

Anyone anything to say about the old XT250 in general? Were they a "run forever" kind of a bike, or "run if you're lucky" kind?

Thanks in advance.

[Squiggles]

Might pay to pm wiredkiwi on here, he might know of some sources, he did an awesome rebuild on a tt250: http://www.youtube.com/user/wiredkiwi

[Wired1]

Thanks Squggles, if only I could drag my arse back into the shed to finish the second one! There seem to be a few of these around the central north island up for sale at the moment and for bugger all too so you might be able to get a spare bike if you keep your eyes open. A lot of parts are still available from the Yamaha shops for these like gaskets, seals, swing arm bushes etc and a lot from ebay like nice new fenders. The hard things to find seem to be the CDI (although I think the TT/XT500 one works) and carby.
Post us some pictures to have a giggle over if you buy it.

Update: here's a motor and carby - http://www.trademe.co.nz/a.aspx?id=183139661

[theporkbonekid]

Hi I am selling a xs 250 motor complete 1980's...Trademe...member sam11 not asking for much....if interested. also have a few parts as I have just parted out the bike...

[engineer002]

HI

I had one of these and to be honest it was pretty much bullet proof,the only issue i had with it was the swinging arm bolt goes through the back of the engine as well as the swing arm and it seizes solid and is a real bitch to deal with. Apart from this i ran mine on and off road for 4 years before i sold it on.