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Well, I’d been thinking about getting back on to a trail bike, sold the V-Strom 650 and started researching. Eventually tracked down what I thought was a cracking deal on a 2004 DR-Z 250. Why a bloody DR-Z 250 I hear you ask? Lots of reasons, really. For one I always liked the old DR range, had a ’91 DR250 for years. Great bit of gear. I recently rode a mate’s DR-Z 250 and all that nostalgia came back in a rush – what a hoot! These things go ok, for an air-cooled 4-stroke 250. Reliable as an axe. E-Start is a plus. 6-speed gearbox. Nice plush suspension, although it would need to be worked on to suit my weight.
Sadly, when I got my mitts on the bike, it turned out the seller had neglected to mention that the rear shock was blown. :angry:
So I whipped out the shock and thought “Bugger it, I’ll get the whole suspensions done!”
I called Jay Foreman from Suzuki racing in Newcastle, who I have dealt with before when I had a DRZ400. Back then he did suspension both ends of the bike for about $650. Turns out the DR-Z250 is a bit different in the suspension area, but that Jay has worked them up before, to race them in the Thumper Nats! So I was speaking to the right bloke.
For under $1000 he put in the correct springs and worked his magic (emulators? More? It is a black art to me!).
Shiny new stickers to go with the reworked guts. Fit everything up in an arvo.
Forks were no probs…
Shock needed the airbox removed to fit, fatter spring than stock.
Checked the air filter, seemed dry, but the oil was there, just at the bottom. Gave it a wash and dry, then applied my Motul oil which is blue, goes on as a liquid then dries super tacky. Photo showing the old oil at the bottom of the filter.
Buttoned her up then went to start her. Battery was dead despite having been on a trickle charger for weeks. Probably the old battery is cactus. Fortunately, she starts with the kick starter.
Basil the border collie was impressed!
Apart from a broken wire to high beam, she is right to go for a blue slip. Runs nicely, lapped the back yard a dozen times (after which there was no problem starting with the button).
Almost there!! Now to get it to the workshop for a Blue Slip!
Welcome back to the dirt Ecks :cheer:
Smart looking bike there mate
bags of fun ahead of you.
Bol :woohoo:axel wrote:Nice going Ecks. Welcome back to the knobbies. Finally found a nice one that was affordable. I still recall riding that DR400 of yours at Cotumbal. Very nice ride after you had the suspension done. We will see you on the trails then!Cheers Axel, really looking forward to getting back in to the single trail stuff. Time is limited, but I won’t be losing sleep about this bike sitting in the shed in between rides!
Are you going to the Catombal Rally on the long weekend in June?
KING BOLLOCKS wrote:Welcome back to the dirt Ecks :cheer:
Smart looking bike there mate
bags of fun ahead of you.
Bol :woohoo:Thanks Bol! Nothing too flash, but I reckon I’ll surprise the shit out of a lot of blokes who judge a rider by their bike!
Nice one Ecks like Chris said doesnt matter what you ride as long as your having fun doing it.
PS your front brake line needs to go to the inside of your fork leg
Ollie
Ollie wrote:PS your front brake line needs to go to the inside of your fork leg
OllieGood pick up there Ollie, you wouldn’t want to crush that against something and have to get home with no front brake :blink:
Ollie wrote:Nice one Ecks like Chris said doesnt matter what you ride as long as your having fun doing it.
PS your front brake line needs to go to the inside of your fork leg
Ollie
Oops! Thanks Ollie! :blush:
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