Hi All, Im all the way from South Africa, any other SA guys here?
Just bougth a TTR 250, Been riding a Vertimati Motard the last couple of year, and saw a TTR, and though i must have it. Been snooping around the Forum for over a week now, and decided to join in on the Fun.
Anyway, long story short. Bike i bought was in general good condition. Motor wasnt running, open her up and founs the outlet valves bent. I supect it was the timing chain`s fault as it was as stiff as hell. (Why would that happen? There was enough oil in bike.)
Pictures below, My plan is as follows. I will systematically pretify the bike, want to keep it as a runner once the motor is fixed. Will do bits at a time. My last rebuild bike (The Vertimati) took 4 years..... all kinds of issues always come in the way.
I might place this under the Project and Restoration Forum once i have more Updates and progress.
Im form Port Elizabeth, that is the Eastern part of SA, you might have seen on the news that the whole bloody garden route almost burnt down due to bushfires.
Mechanically I`m sorted, So i should have it running quite soon. Im very tempted to strip the bike completely and refurbish it, but no, first need to get it riding.
Yes, I find it really strange that the cam chain is so stiff. I really struggle to even bend it with my hand. So that will be replaced. tensioner and guides are still fine.
Ill be in in touch.
Regards
Shaun
Pic of my vertimati i rebuild from the ground up, (sourced parts all over the world - What a mission)
Welcome from a fellow South African ... from Cape Town; and it looks like I will need to come visit PE to catch some tips and tricks on rebuilding.
Loving my TTR - my daily commute and weekend warrior. Just fitted an Acerbis XR650 tank for some extra range for the Cederberg / Tankwa backroads, but apart from that she is all stock.
Good luck with the restoration and will follow keenly.
My boet stays in Cape town, Works in Somerset. Post a pic of your bike with the XR tank if you can, i would like to see it. Im planning a trip up to Cape town with the bike once im done, Will be doing 90% gravel road. (Trough the Baviaans,langkloof etc..)
And if you do find another one for sale, let me know, He also wants a TTR, but cant find one. The ones on Gumtree are all gemors.
I have started a forum on Projects for my prettifying....
Ah lekker man, sounds like an epic trip on the cards!! The light bike will make the Baviaanskloof ride through a lot easier (more fun), quite envious I will admit.
Here is my bike, just before commencing the tank replacement, and testing it after.
The most PITA was actually finding the exact right spot for the indicators, having to both clear the tank in fully locked position and brush / hand guards.
I will keep my eyes open for one for your boet ... have been keeping my eyes on Gumtree just out of interest, and the ones lately has been going for quite steep prices. There is a member of our Sunday bush / sand bashing sessions that also ride one, but he seems quite stuck on it.
Will go have a look at your thread on projects, again, envious of how easy you guys make it seem. Lekker weekend there in PE.