Just got me a 2001 model. Traded it for a basket case 1986 TT350. I hope I made a good deal. At least my problems are 15 years younger now... Apparently my bike has been "imported" from the US a few years back. It has an electrick start only. The TTR has seen a fair bit of riding and has some loose linkages and chipped paint etc. but seems to ride ok. Have not had a change to ride much yet but I'm hoping to ride some ice roads and snow trails in the coming winter.
I already have a questions for you: Is there an aftermarket front rim&spokes set available? I have not found much info on this site or the major rim makers.
You got a good swap for a basket case TT350 to a "working" TTR250, well done - even if it's slightly frayed at the edges.
Replacing rim and spokes is not a regular DIY job but quite a few riders have been surprised by the ease of doing their own job. There are lots of helpful U-tube videos to help together with numerous explanations from the expert wheelbuilders.
If you Googled for a Finnish wheel builder you could select a local expert for assistance.
Here ar a couple of UK specialist suppliers that offer a supply of bits for Do It Yourselfers.
At least the suspension on the TTR is much better than on the TT. I guess 15 years of development help...
I think I can manage the lacing and truing of the wheel with a little help from friends with mountainbike wheel building experience. The problem seems to be to find suitable spokes. I'll send out couple more emails and see what I get. Or maybe I'll just buy a used WR or YZ wheel and have spacers turned.