Participated in my first organized ride ever, yesterday & first LONG ride after getting back on a bike. We were in central Vermont on a fundraiser for storm damage relief from Tropical Storm Irene that hit here exactly a year ago. The area was REALLY devistated last year with some towns cut off for a of couple weeks.
A friend dug out his '86 XL 250 & of we went, following up the rear, as most of the riders particpating (probably around 60) were pretty hard-core. We spent about 7 hrs out on the bikes & I was very happy with it.
The route was 7 sections, around 120 miles total, some pavement connectors & some dirt roads, but lots of mileage in the deep woods (rocks, rocks & more rocks). The route was laid out by a local guy who really knew the BACK country & we used route instructions to stay on the course.
The TTR was great & seemed to run better as the day went on, as it's the most it's been run since coming out of the previous owner's storage. It is truly a tractor (I own tractors) & was very forgiving of the random "too high a gear" when climbing up some pretty rocky sections. Lots of 1st & 2nd gear climbs. I was also glad I had knobbies (my friend had trials tires)
In the end (no pun intended, but I'll go with it) I found the seat to be too firm later in the day. Anyone replace foam or recommend a fix? After a while, it keeps you up on the pegs which is probably a good thing anyway.
I also heard a new noise on the trail, which I though was the front end, but now that I'm home it seems to be coming form the rear shock/linkage. Any pointers for lubing that up, before I tear into it?
All in all, pretty happy with my little bike & have a much better idea of mods & improvements I would like to add.
There's a grease port on the rear swingarm linkage which would be worth a try first, also check the chain slider where it goes over the top of the swingarm pivot section, as if the slider wears out, the chain can quickly eat through the metal and if it goes all the way through I guess grease could escape.
Barra8 wrote:
The grease port ''nipples '' on the swingarm linkage only seem to be on older models so you ''may'' or ''may not'' have these fitted
TDVT wrote:
I also heard a new noise on the trail, which I though was the front end, but now that I'm home it seems to be coming form the rear shock/linkage. Any pointers for lubing that up, before I tear into it
Barra8 wrote:
If you are hearing a knocking/rattling noise greasing may not help. Brian has some ALL BALLS bearing kits and handy advise on fitting if you want one from him go here
Jarrah.
-- Edited by barra8 on Wednesday 29th of August 2012 07:28:54 AM
__________________
YAMAHA ROCKS!!!!!!
TTR250ACTIVE''BORED'' ADDICT!
Favourite quote: To be old & wise first you must be young & dumb!
My own: Your never too young to learn an old trick! :)
Sounds like it was a long day in the saddle. In the UK I had to get my seat rebuilt with new foam as the cows where I park it had torn a big chunk out of it.
I was offered a gel insert but declined as I thought it may poison my neighbour's cows. And it was expensive.
May be worth searching on line for gel inserts though. My well be cheaper on your side of the pond
There's a grease port on the rear swingarm linkage which would be worth a try first, also check the chain slider where it goes over the top of the swingarm pivot section, as if the slider wears out, the chain can quickly eat through the metal and if it goes all the way through I guess grease could escape.
__________________
Pete Brown
Keighley, West Yorkshire
'94 Yamaha TTR 250 Raid (with Open Enduro headlight, grrr...)
It WAS a pretty long day, was still feeling it a little this AM
Thanks for the suggestions, hadn't thought about a gel insert. My seat cover is slightly ripped at the back edges & is perfectly serviceable for now but could stand to be replaced. Thinking about all my mid-winter improvements. No cows to worry about however.
I'll check the linkage for the grease nipple. It's really just a squeak at this point but wouldn't want it to turn into a major issue. Those are scary pictures Brian has of the linkage rebuild. That one looked like it was ridden mostly underwater.
It may be worth checking the top bearing on the shock. Both my bikes squeak when the weather is dry and it is coming from the top shock bearing. The bearings are fine and I have greased the bolt at the top of the shock. But after a few months it comes back. It clears up in the winter though, when the weather is wet
If you have problems with the top shock bearing you will find a soloution on the TottalyTTr's site.
It may be worth checking the top bearing on the shock. Both my bikes squeak when the weather is dry and it is coming from the top shock bearing. The bearings are fine and I have greased the bolt at the top of the shock. But after a few months it comes back. It clears up in the winter though, when the weather is wet
If you have problems with the top shock bearing you will find a soloution on the TottalyTTr's site.
Peter
This was it. Besides being dry (the bolt, I mean) the bolt was also VERY tight. Lubed it up & since it's a nylok nut I just tightened it snug. All fixed for now.
No grease nipples on my bike (an'04). Chain slider is still good.
