TRX250R.ORG

Member Services => Introductions => Topic started by: Pontas on March 28, 2016, 01:36:23 PM

Title: TRX 250R from overseas
Post by: Pontas on March 28, 2016, 01:36:23 PM
Hello everyone.

My name is Miguel, I live in Portugal and just bought a 250R. They are extremely rare here so I just couldn't pass the opportunity to have this piece of ATV history.

She needs a lot of love but, with time (and money LOL), she'll be in good shape.

(http://forums.trx250r.org/vbulletin_imports/1704_7482_2017-04-18_9860.jpg)(http://forums.trx250r.org/vbulletin_imports/1704_7483_2017-04-18_4410.jpg)(http://forums.trx250r.org/vbulletin_imports/1704_7484_2017-04-18_1374.jpg)(http://forums.trx250r.org/vbulletin_imports/1704_7485_2017-04-18_6303.jpg)
Title: TRX 250R from overseas
Post by: huntertools on March 28, 2016, 01:54:33 PM
Welcome, looks like a good start. Have fun!

Allen
Title: TRX 250R from overseas
Post by: Tbone07 on March 28, 2016, 02:38:22 PM
Nice! Welcome to the site! :quad:
Title: TRX 250R from overseas
Post by: 2ndmoto on March 28, 2016, 09:45:35 PM
Welcome Miguel! Very good start. What kind of riding do you do in Portugal? Motocross, cross country, sand, trails?
Title: TRX 250R from overseas
Post by: Hawaiiysr on March 29, 2016, 03:16:07 AM
Aloha! And welcome. Looks like you have good R to start with.
Title: TRX 250R from overseas
Post by: Pontas on March 29, 2016, 06:35:45 AM
Thank you all for the welcome messages.

Quote from: 2ndmoto;66068
Welcome Miguel! Very good start. What kind of riding do you do in Portugal? Motocross, cross country, sand, trails?

Me, mostly trails, but as the 250R doesn't have a license plate, I'm going to ride it on the track. :)
Title: TRX 250R from overseas
Post by: havinnoj on March 29, 2016, 03:10:46 PM
Nice. Welcome!
Title: TRX 250R from overseas
Post by: 2ndmoto on March 30, 2016, 01:13:29 AM
Does Portugal have a good motocross scene? Dirt bikes? Isn't there an mxgp race there?
Title: TRX 250R from overseas
Post by: Pontas on March 30, 2016, 06:55:38 AM
Yes, we have a National Championship and a few Regional Championships. Unfortunately, only for dirt bikes, because the Quadcross Championship is on a hold due to the lack of racers...
We had an MXGP in Águeda until 4 or 5 years ago, but it's all about the money so, now, they don't come here. I hope they'll come back because it's awesome to see those races. I went to see it one year and they're pretty damn fast!!
Title: TRX 250R from overseas
Post by: 2ndmoto on March 30, 2016, 11:13:26 PM
Glad to hear there is some racing going on. Are quads and dirt bikes expensive to purchase and maintain in Portugal? Are you new to quads/dirt bikes?
Title: TRX 250R from overseas
Post by: Pontas on March 31, 2016, 06:23:19 AM
To purchase, yes. For instance, a brand new Yamaha Raptor 700 costs 10000€, which is more then 11000$... As for maintenance, it's not that expensive. It's normal, I think.
No, I'm not new to this world. I bought a Yamaha Raptor 350 in 2004, sold it and bought a Yamaha Raptor 700 in 2007, that is my quad right now. Well, it was my only quad until last week. :D
Title: TRX 250R from overseas
Post by: 2ndmoto on April 01, 2016, 12:22:14 AM
You will love the trx250r. I hope you get to ride it soon
Title: TRX 250R from overseas
Post by: meathead on April 01, 2016, 08:54:45 AM
Here's a couple pictures of one I just built. They are great machines. Their easy to work on, they start right up, ride & handle great ( with $$$$ in suspension on them) That's one thing you can spend a ton of money on suspension for these. I've got 2000 $ in suspension on this one. You can use good stock if you want if you can find it. I prefer after market especially the front. The stock rear shock works well. I was surprised actually at how good they are. I've used them. It's not real difficult to find a good one either. I've got 2 of them. (http://forums.trx250r.org/vbulletin_imports/1200_7488_2017-04-18_6532.jpg)(http://forums.trx250r.org/vbulletin_imports/1200_7368_2017-04-18_2390.jpg)(http://forums.trx250r.org/vbulletin_imports/1200_7487_2017-04-18_1304.jpg)(http://forums.trx250r.org/vbulletin_imports/1200_7367_2017-04-18_413.jpg)
Title: TRX 250R from overseas
Post by: Pontas on April 01, 2016, 10:51:39 AM
Good and clean looking quad you got there. :)
About the suspension, yes, I know. I have a set of Custom Axis on the front of my Raptor, so I know how much they cost... :ambivalence:
I already have an idea what I want to do on the TRX but, first, I have to learn more about the 2 stroke world, because I'm more used to the 4 stoke. For instance, the service manual says to use a 20:1 fuel mix, but I see that nowadays everyone uses 30:1 and up, some use up to 100:1... But then I have to switch jets and what not... I have to learn the process first because there's a few years now since I've studied the 2 stroke motors.
Title: TRX 250R from overseas
Post by: meathead on April 01, 2016, 02:03:20 PM
Yeah I run klotz oil and a mixture of 32:1 The oils they have nowadays is quite superior to the 2 stroke oils of the past. They say I could go to 50:1 but i'm old school. It was hard for me to go to 32:1. Gotta keep those crank & rod bearings lubed well. Jetting isn't difficult it's a pain in the butt. Right off the bat i'll tell ya that a 250R has a weak stator. I didn't know that until recently. It's hard to see the spark when you kick it usually. I just changed mine. It got so it wouldn't start in the cold. Now it fires right up 1st-2nd kick. I guess their known for a weak stator. The first R I had was a ATC 250R. It started in sub zero weather easily. so I was un aware of the issue. I'm not running any radiator shrouds. Because all I do is trail ride. It never gets hot anyway. My ATC 250R I could idle it for a long time with no air circulation and it would never get hot. So they run pretty cool for the most part. I don't beat the piss out of mine. Sure I open it up from time to time. It sure doesn't look like the pictures now. It's pretty muddy. It gets ridden, that's what it's for. I would like to build a showpiece that would be nice. That would probably cost around 8-9 grand to do it though. Yeah if it's jetted right you can putt and putt with one of these. I do it all the time and have no plug issues. You do need to open them up once in a while though that's for sure. I putt around all over the place and she rips as well.
Title: TRX 250R from overseas
Post by: Pontas on April 01, 2016, 05:00:18 PM
Thanks for the input.
In fact, the oils that we have today are quite better than the ones from the 80's. It's not the first time I read 32:1. Why that number? Why not 30:1 or 35:1, but specifically 32:1? Just curiosity...
Title: TRX 250R from overseas
Post by: meathead on April 01, 2016, 10:00:36 PM
My guess would be the easy math. At 32:1 fuel /oil ratio that's 4 ounces to 1 gallon of gas. So 4 gallons / pint of 2 stroke oil.  Like 20:1 that's 1 quart 2 stroke oil to 5 gallons of fuel. What you really want to avoid is detonation. So make sure you use a proper octane rated fuel and be mindful of your compression ratio
Title: TRX 250R from overseas
Post by: meathead on April 01, 2016, 10:24:04 PM
What units of measurement do you use. they will probably change when we totally convert to the metric system. So if you use the metric system on your gas pump. I would figure out a good mix easy to remember it doesn't have to be exact the volume of oil is really not very specific.
Title: TRX 250R from overseas
Post by: Pontas on April 04, 2016, 06:47:35 PM
We use the metric system, so it works a little different. But I got the 32:1 part, it's because of the unit system.
Title: TRX 250R from overseas
Post by: meathead on April 04, 2016, 08:36:29 PM
Never heard it called the unit system. I guess that's as good as anything. My wheeler is sitting to damn cold to ride. Warmest winter on record possibly the longest as well. At least it will start right up now.
Title: TRX 250R from overseas
Post by: meathead on April 04, 2016, 08:46:39 PM
I'm quite familiar with two strokes So anything you need to know just ask and I will try to help you.
Title: TRX 250R from overseas
Post by: 2ndmoto on April 05, 2016, 01:08:48 AM
Lots of knowledge on this site. If you have questions, feel free to ask. I typically run my bikes at 50:1
Title: TRX 250R from overseas
Post by: Pontas on April 05, 2016, 06:48:38 AM
Quote from: meathead;66328
Never heard it called the unit system. I guess that's as good as anything. My wheeler is sitting to damn cold to ride. Warmest winter on record possibly the longest as well. At least it will start right up now.

When I said unit system I meant that you use the US units and we use the metric system. I wasn't calling it the unit system. :congratulatory:
Thanks again for the help. ;)
Title: TRX 250R from overseas
Post by: Pontas on May 11, 2016, 12:23:29 PM
A little update from my TRX. It's almost all teared apart.

(http://forums.trx250r.org/vbulletin_imports/1704_7737_2017-04-18_8143.jpg)(http://forums.trx250r.org/vbulletin_imports/1704_7738_2017-04-18_4672.jpg)

Some of you might notice that there's a part of the subframe missing. Unfortunatelly, when I took off the rear fenders, I came up with that... Now, I'm thinking of what to do... Probably I'll go for an aftermarket frame. Let's see how it turns out.
Title: TRX 250R from overseas
Post by: 2ndmoto on May 11, 2016, 11:14:04 PM
Making a removable sub frame has been done numerous times on oem frames. Glad to see you are making headway
Title: TRX 250R from overseas
Post by: Pontas on May 12, 2016, 06:46:50 AM
Hmmm... That's interesting. In fact, I already thought on completing the subframe, because it's missing that last part where the rear grab bar is and where the seat and rear fender bolt. The problem is I don't know measures, how it is for sure, only by seeing photos of frames on the internet... That's why I thought on buying an aftermarket frame... Oh, and there's the footpegs question, but that one I could manage. But the missing part of the subframe? I don't know... :apologetic:
Title: TRX 250R from overseas
Post by: JesseA420 on May 12, 2016, 08:51:41 AM
if you zoom in on the footpeg/swingarm pivot bolt area, it looks like its been broken and rewelded multiple times, including the top rear motor mount area also. may be best to start out with a fresh gusseted oem frame at least.
Title: TRX 250R from overseas
Post by: Pontas on May 12, 2016, 10:40:24 AM
Yep, the footpegs have been welded before to the frame. The motor mount I'm not sure, but maybe/probably... I've seen an 89 frame on ebay for sale, but I keep telling to myself: if it is all screwed up like this one, I end up with a screwed up frame and less 600$, or so, in my pocket...
Title: TRX 250R from overseas
Post by: JesseA420 on May 12, 2016, 11:39:26 AM
just do your own due diligence, have them send u close up pics of the problem areas to check out. communication is key when buying this 30 yr old stuff used over the internet.

welcome btw :)
Title: TRX 250R from overseas
Post by: Pontas on May 12, 2016, 11:55:03 AM
Thanks for the help and the welcome.

Here is my main question: so, unfortunately I have to spend money on a frame. Is it better to buy an OEM one or an aftermarket? I know that stock frames are not that tough, so I thought: well, if I'm spending money, probably is better to spend money on a good aftermarket one... I don't know if I'm thinking it the right way, but it's what keeping up coming to my mind...
Title: TRX 250R from overseas
Post by: JesseA420 on May 12, 2016, 10:09:23 PM
aftermarket chassis is always better, ur budget is really the determining factor at that point.
Title: TRX 250R from overseas
Post by: 2ndmoto on May 13, 2016, 01:46:21 AM
Aftermarket chassis are a slippery slope. Not as much support. Might require custom parts. Every one I have dealt with has been a awful to deal with and I am not sure if the performance gains were worth the hassle and investment.
Title: TRX 250R from overseas
Post by: Pontas on May 16, 2016, 06:25:49 AM
Well, there's a huge difference in price from stock to aftermarket. And, by what I'm experiencing, it's not going to be easy to get an aftermarket one, because I sent an email to 2 builders last week and I still don't have an answer.
Stock ones, I saw this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/89-honda-trx250r-trx-r-250r-250-frame-NO-CRACKS-BILL-OF-SALE-ONLY-powdercoated-/141952861821?hash=item210d0cc67d:g:M1AAAOSwJQdXBy07&vxp=mtr

At least, this one has the part that is missing on mine...

Yesterday I saw 4 or 5 of them for 88/89 but I can't find them right now.
Title: TRX 250R from overseas
Post by: 2ndmoto on May 17, 2016, 01:09:45 AM
Keep looking, you can find oem for cheaper.
Title: TRX 250R from overseas
Post by: Pontas on May 17, 2016, 06:47:21 AM
Yeah, I know. I saw a few around for less than 300$, but I couldn't find them this time. I'll keep looking. ;)
Title: TRX 250R from overseas
Post by: 2ndmoto on May 18, 2016, 12:50:19 AM
If I still had mine, I would sell it to you. I let it go for $120. Stock '89. It had a few cracks, but was straight. You might post in the wanted section. There are a few guys on here with piles of parts.
Title: TRX 250R from overseas
Post by: Pontas on May 18, 2016, 10:25:33 AM
I'll do that. Maybe someone can help. ;)
Title: TRX 250R from overseas
Post by: Pontas on May 18, 2016, 10:40:06 AM
Speaking of aftermarket ones, I contacted another 2 builders, so I contacted 4 now, and still no answer... I always thought that, if I can't get a stock one, I'll get an aftermarket. I guess I was wrong...
Title: TRX 250R from overseas
Post by: JesseA420 on May 18, 2016, 12:30:07 PM
who are you contacting? just give them a call. everyone still building parts for these bikes are very small companies.
Title: TRX 250R from overseas
Post by: Pontas on May 18, 2016, 12:38:26 PM
I contacted CT Racing about the Arens frame, Walsh, Roll Design and Six 5 Design. LSR I don't need to because I know Atv Galaxy sell their frames and I already bought some stuff from them on ebay. About calling, it's a little more difficult for me because I'm from abroad, but I'll try calling using Skype or something.
Title: TRX 250R from overseas
Post by: 2ndmoto on May 19, 2016, 12:30:40 AM
My experience with Roll is their support is terrible. Try Laegers. I have had luck both with email and phone. With phone I have to leave a message, but I get a call back. Emails have always been replied to..
Title: TRX 250R from overseas
Post by: Pontas on May 19, 2016, 11:43:21 AM
Yeah, but Laegers I already know the price, and it's a bit too much... Meanwhile, I realized Roll are expensive as hell too, so, I think I'll go with Walsh/LSR/Arens or OEM.
Title: TRX 250R from overseas
Post by: Skeans1 on May 19, 2016, 11:42:58 PM
Quote from: Pontas;67613
Yeah, but Laegers I already know the price, and it's a bit too much... Meanwhile, I realized Roll are expensive as hell too, so, I think I'll go with Walsh/LSR/Arens or OEM.

I don't think Arens are made anymore and Walsh is showing their frames are out of stock.
Title: TRX 250R from overseas
Post by: Pontas on May 28, 2016, 04:31:46 PM
So far, I've just heard from Walsh and, actually, they're building frames for the 250R at the moment.
Title: TRX 250R from overseas
Post by: christph on May 28, 2016, 06:17:58 PM
I just went to their website and it looks like Roll Design is just building parts for Hondas now, the 250R and 450.  They used to make parts for the big 4.  Unfortunately it looks like they're suffering from the downturn in the quad market too.  I wish they would start building swingarms for the 250R again.
Title: TRX 250R from overseas
Post by: 2ndmoto on May 29, 2016, 03:57:49 AM
They will build your swinger, but you have to pony up to the price.
Title: TRX 250R from overseas
Post by: Pontas on July 26, 2016, 12:33:04 PM
Well, I haven't got that much time to look for one lately, but it's not being easy to find an OEM frame... One of these days, I'll wake up and order an LSR one and that's it! LOL! Otherwise, it'll take a long time to build my quad back up. :(