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What to look for when buying 1998 XR250

By TwistR,
in XR250R & XR400R

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TwistR

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Hey everyone,

I'm looking at a 1998 XR250. I have a DRZ400, but think it would be nice sometimes to have a little lighter bike for play. This one has been sitting for 6 years, I know the guy, so I expect he will be honest with me. He's kept it reg'd so no problems there. It's not plated. What things should I look for or be aware of hidden problems due to it sitting? I will look at the usual, leaks, frame damage, etc.  I'm thinking it will need a carb rebuild, new oil in the front shocks, others???  If I can't get it running and it's otherwise in good shape, I'm guessing I shouldn't pay more than I could get for parting it out, but if it runs strong what is a fair price for it?

TIA

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TwistR

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6 minutes ago, WoodsRERider said:

To get her basically running....fresh fuel, carb cleaning, check fork seals / fresh fork oil, change engine oil, plug, clean air filter. I have a XR200 same year. Things are as reliable as they come.  Price. Not sure. If it's running around a grand? 

Thanks for the info. I hear these bikes are near bullet-proof. I'm wondering about starting it after 6 years of sitting. Other than checking the fluids and fresh gas, would it help to do anything else?

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TwistR

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13 hours ago, bajatrailrider said:

96/04 Xr250r almost bullet proof except the bad intake valves from the factory. So if needed don't put OEM valves back in .

Good to know. I'm also wondering if I should put a little oil in the cylinder before starting it up. It's got to be bone dry and it couldn't hurt I'd think.

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TwistR

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13 hours ago, WoodsRERider said:

I'd also suggest checking valve clearances as well. If she starts, I would probably let it idle for a few minutes then immediately change the engine oil as its got to be worthless after six years. 

I probably won't get to check the valve clearances before buying, even if I could. but I'm going to tear it down as a learning experience (means I'll be back on here a lot!!  ? ).  Good Youtube vids on doing it though. Agree, on changing the fluids immediately. I do that no matter what I buy so I know what's what. Thanks for the input. Cheers!

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arthur6

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There's tons of these bikes just sitting in garages
They're great bikes, it's too bad then don't have any real value
1998 is a white bike, the later red bikes sell for more even tho they're pretty much the same bike
The white bikes always look dirty & grungy 
When we get a bike that's been sitting we do the following...
Check the oil, make sure it's not over filled, MANY bikes are. Change if you like, we don't
Remove spark plug, check for spark
Remove carb, clear the pilot jet, put carb back on
Check - possibly clean the air filter, it might be rotten and falling apart into dust, after only 6 years it's probably OK
Start bike, 99% of the time it starts first kick
Once you get it running, buzz it around the block a few times
... next day check the valve clearance, it might make you feel better, valves are prob OK tho
Fork seals... IF they are leaking most likely the seal just need cleaned out not replaced

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TwistR

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7 minutes ago, arthur6 said:

There's tons of these bikes just sitting in garages
They're great bikes, it's too bad then don't have any real value
1998 is a white bike, the later red bikes sell for more even tho they're pretty much the same bike
The white bikes always look dirty & grungy 
When we get a bike that's been sitting we do the following...
Check the oil, make sure it's not over filled, MANY bikes are. Change if you like, we don't
Remove spark plug, check for spark
Remove carb, clear the pilot jet, put carb back on
Check - possibly clean the air filter, it might be rotten and falling apart into dust, after only 6 years it's probably OK
Start bike, 99% of the time it starts first kick
Once you get it running, buzz it around the block a few times
... next day check the valve clearance, it might make you feel better, valves are prob OK tho
Fork seals... IF they are leaking most likely the seal just need cleaned out not replaced

Thanks, I'll double check things. Good point about the air filter. The bikes been sitting for 6 years, but who knows how old the air filter is. I'll use all that to gauge how the bike was maintained.

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doh13

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If it was my bike  and I just wanted to see if it would run properly before really doing all the matainence I would clean the carb (if he used fuel stabilizer or drained the fuel from carb you may not have to)  spray some wd 40 in the intake if you do have the carb off.

Empty any old fuel

Clean tank

Spray some wd 40 in spark plug hole(optional)

Add a quarter tank of fuel and mix it 100:1  or 50:1  with 2 stroke oil  that way your cylinder will get plenty of oil on its first start in 6 years, once you get it started and warmed up you can simply dilute the fuel mixture by topping off the tank. I have never heard of anyone having problems by premixing fuel in a 4 stroke and the only issue I can think of would be carbon buildup if you use premix it all the time .I do this with my cruiser each time I put them away for the winter and haven't had a problem with carbon etc. the oil also seems to help stabilize fuel and keep metal tanks from rusting. 

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TwistR

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5 hours ago, Romy said:

My 99 XR400 was probably in a barn for a long time. I  cleaned the carb, replaced foam air filter (it was disintegrating) and most expensive: the tires were weather cracked/dry rotted so needed to mount new tubes/tires. Good Luck!

Seems like that's the usual scenario.....I'll check it all. Thanks.

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TwistR

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3 hours ago, doh13 said:

If it was my bike  and I just wanted to see if it would run properly before really doing all the matainence I would clean the carb (if he used fuel stabilizer or drained the fuel from carb you may not have to)  spray some wd 40 in the intake if you do have the carb off.

Empty any old fuel

Clean tank

Spray some wd 40 in spark plug hole(optional)

Add a quarter tank of fuel and mix it 100:1  or 50:1  with 2 stroke oil  that way your cylinder will get plenty of oil on its first start in 6 years, once you get it started and warmed up you can simply dilute the fuel mixture by topping off the tank. I have never heard of anyone having problems by premixing fuel in a 4 stroke and the only issue I can think of would be carbon buildup if you use premix it all the time .I do this with my cruiser each time I put them away for the winter and haven't had a problem with carbon etc. the oil also seems to help stabilize fuel and keep metal tanks from rusting. 

I just so happens I have some two-stroke oil I'm not using, so that's perfect and a good idea. I was thinking of putting a little motor oil in the cylinder, but doing this would make an easier start and get a light coating through the fuel system. That's good info. Cheers.

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TwistR

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Well, I pulled the trigger. Bike starts and runs well, felt pretty good. I was prepared to pay a fair price, but it turned out to be my lucky day. For $1100 I got the bike and a three rail bike trailer. I'm pretty stoked!!! The trailer is basically new, just needs fenders. Thanks for all the input everyone. I'll post what I do to it, mostly though it will be to get help.  :D

Much appreciate all you willing to help. Keep the rubber side down!!

XR250.4.jpg

shore.4.jpg

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