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The TTR250 FAQ web pages -> TTR250 -> Projects and restorations -> Help me understand! Im at a loss.
Post Info TOPIC: Help me understand! Im at a loss.
netwurk13


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Help me understand! Im at a loss.
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This is my first post because I litteraly bought my first TTR250 two days ago.  I've rebuilt classic CB750's.  Ive rebuild Harley's, Ducati, Kawasaki track bikes.  I have never.  Not once seen such astronimical prices for replacement parts.  I'm at a loss.  The TTR I bought two days ago was in a bit of chambles.  I rebuilt the carb.  It's a 2002 250.  The plastic tank had cracks everywhere.  When you go look at a replacement OEM its over 800 USD.  Thats crazy!  Ok, NP.  Lets look for aftermarket....NONE.  No one makes one...Only feasible alternative is an Acerbis tank which is super expensive plus the bracket system from Totallyttr.....A plastic oil fill plug is 25.....It's no where near reasonable to restore them..In two days im 1500 in....easy..and the cylinder was full of water with a stuck valve in the cylinder head....a million unexpected issues...A new cylinder head..OEM..900...I'm super frustrated and I cant understand why!  It's a trail bike!  From an excellent manufacturer...that should last the test of time....I had a broken camshaft cap....not available....I have a replacement seat foam coming from australia and replacement stuff from the UK....Am I missing something? Is their something with this model?  I've welded cast parts because of inavailability!  But this is crazy!  I just paid 18 USD for the rubber oring that goes under the valve cover bolt.  

They say Harley is the Apple of the motorcycle world with their prices....but this hit a grand slam compared to them.  I almost died when I saw that the plastic carb intake boot is $90.  I can get intake boots for new bikes and old bikes for 1/4 that price.....First time ever I feel like abandoning a project and cutting my loses...I could have bought a brand new bike to ride around with my son for 1/2 what I'm expected to spend now.



-- Edited by netwurk13 on Monday 15th of July 2024 01:26:36 AM



-- Edited by netwurk13 on Monday 15th of July 2024 01:32:49 AM



-- Edited by netwurk13 on Monday 15th of July 2024 01:33:58 AM

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tripodtiger


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3 edits! What did you start with??

Given what you've typed, maybe cutting your losses is the best option. It does sound like you picked up something that has been abused. If keeping it is just going to be a source of frustration & annoyance, get rid of it.

I was given one from a farm and it didn't have the problems you've found.

You could buy a second one, that's running. Tear the abused one apart for parts, as and when.


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In the Riverina.

'73 RD250, '80 XS1100, '81 RD373LC, '96 Tiger 900/sidecar, '02 TTR250, and another XS11 - this time a chain drive Period 5 race bike that may be ready to race eventually.
netwurk13


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Good point.

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Jeff B


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Everything went wonky after COVID hit.

Its not just TTR250's.  Have you looked at the even higher OEM parts replacement costs for a Suzuki DRZ400S at Rocky Mountain?  And this bike is still available!  The timing chain alone is 3x the cost of the OEM TTR250 chain.

TTR250's in poor condition are no longer good candidates for rebuilds unless you have spare parts on hand.  This is true for other older models as well such as the Suzuki DR250 and Honda XR250.  You would be better off to cut your losses and buy one in good running order that has been somewhat cared for (and stored inside a building).  They will last forever with regular oil changes and air filter cleanings.  Keep what you already have as a parts bike or sell it to regain some of your losses.  These bikes are still slightly better offroad enduro bikes with more torque than the new KLX300 or CRF300 at 1/2 the price.  For me, at the end of the day its about having fun and increasing my offroad technical riding skills than it is trying to impress others with a fancy farkled bike.  

 



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-Jeff
AussieChookchaser


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Start off with something that has been looked after with low k's. Everything is expensive now, times have changed. Why fix someone else's problems and abused machines. Life is too short.

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TTRfan


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As you have found, it isn't cost effective to refresh a shonker using new parts. Ideally, if you aren't in a hurry, you just sit back, keep an eye on eBay and this forum and pick up the parts as they appear at, hopefully, sensible prices.

There is a Wanted sub forum on here. Just list what you need and say where you are to save wasting any time on parts being offered from Iceland or wherever wink

If you were in the UK then Steve has over 90 s/h parts for sale and all of those will have been cleaned and checked and ready to fit! See here 

Happy hunting!

Brian



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KiwiJeff


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Hi Netwurk 13,
The Camshaft Cap is not available as a separate Part because it is “matched to the Head” at time of manufacture.
All the Overhead Camshaft Engines that I have dealt with are like this.
They are Line Bored at the time of manufacture so are “matched to the Cylinder Head.”
You could maybe get one from another Engine and get it re Line Bored but that would have to be done and checked by a very knowledgeable Machinist and it would probably really need to be built-up with aluminum or “Bushed” first so that a completely new “bore” could be attained.

It would be good if one day someone pops out new Fuel Tanks as I’m sure there would be a good market for them. Anything plastic, that carries petrol over a long period, eventually goes hard and brittle and when they are in this condition they wouldn’t handle a sudden impact.
This isn’t just a TTR problem.

Cheers
Jeff








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netwurk13


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thanks everyone...unfortunately, im commited....live and learn...i just honestly never would have guessed it wouldn't be feasible to rebuild...thanks for all the suggestions...i guess I've calmed myself....i have a machine shop making me the new camshaft cap...hopefully, i wont get any binding issues...if not i'll shim somehow...



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Ttboof


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HI i nearly gave up on the trr a few times but, once sorted they are a good reliable bike , the sprag has  been the only thing I've stuck with genuine Via partszilla . most other parts are aftermarket on ebay or totally ttrs .

EG ebay the inlet manifold is available on ebay for around $12 mines been on for a few years now  .  i went wisco for the piston and rings ( much lighter and cheaper than Yamaha  ) 

i have close to 85000ks on it now and still going ok . just keep up regular Maintenace and ride . 

 

 



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