I have been a creeper here for some time and truly believe groups of enthusiasts like these, when they get together and share experience, are what drive my love for riding. Thank you all for all the jams you've got me out of in the past. Maybe I am using the wrong verbiage in my searches but this is what I am currently taking on.
Bought a 2003 Yamaha TTR250 for $1800 bucks. The motor is strong and seems to have good compression. I would like a kickstart (woods bike) but as you all know the USA models only have an electric start. But can be retrofitted. I had her out on the trails and started to get a front end wobble. I was not riding too hard and front end wasn't too soft. Got it home and 1 of my boots was full of oil. Took the fork off to measure and I only just then realize that it has a 35mm fork on it. Can anyone tell me what kind of fork this is? Also, the fork tube is bent. Can anyone assist in identifying these tubes and triple tree?
-- Edited by TheDude_Abides on Saturday 23rd of January 2021 11:06:15 PM
-- Edited by TheDude_Abides on Saturday 23rd of January 2021 11:09:49 PM
-- Edited by TheDude_Abides on Sunday 24th of January 2021 12:53:22 AM
My first guess would be Honda XR250. I have some in the shed. But the ign switch now reminds me of a Serow (XT225) I'll take a look and compare... Choke on the bars? Is that a US spec thing?
Currently, it’s down to the frame, motor, and swingarm. Bought new, steering head bearings, used triple tree from a 2002 ttr250, new swing arm bushings, new front and rear sprockets 13-48, and new gold o-ring chain.
Couldn’t answer about why the choke is on the bars. I’ve never seen forks that you couldn’t unscrew the cap. The piston seems to be sealed. Is this a cheaper type fork?
Thats why I asked for different photos, it was the side panel plastic in the background of the first photo that gave it away😉 looked like a serow one???and the fuel tank front bottom corner. Not a ttr250 maybe ttr230?
-- Edited by ttr steve on Sunday 24th of January 2021 05:15:28 PM
Just researched the vin 9C6CG043840014689 rand found it’s a 2004 ttr225 with a 250cc motor? I guess the next question is: will the triple tree from a ttr250 fit the ttr225 steering head?
The motor looks like a 225 to me, unless it's a later xt250. Certainly not a dohc ttr250 engine.
The Serow forums seem to favour YZ125 fork conversions, but if you're changing the clamps as well, it all depends on the size of the bearings and the depth of the yoke. There's a load of dimensions mentioned in the usd fork thread:
The TTR250 forks will be longer so might need sliding up in the clamps a bit. As for will they fit? You're the one with both on the bench to measure! If the stem length is similar, and the bearing sizes match (might need to search for different ones to get the correct internal and external dimensions), it should work...
Thanks for the replies and info. Through my inattention, i only have myself to blame for this. No since crying over spilt milk. I have got a TTR250 front end to go on as soon as I receive the triple tree from the seller. I will keep everyone updated once I get it back together. General consensus is the TTR225 is junk. Are the frames the same at least?
Afraid even the frames are different. Virtually nothing in common, parts-wise. The 225 is much more like the xt225 Serow, looking at pictures. Serow is not a bad bike, lightweight and easy to ride, but they are less technically advanced than the TTR250 (both suspension and engine) - a good unthreatening trail bike.
Bad luck not getting what you expected, but if you have a bike that runs and rides, you have a bike you can sell on with confidence.