I had a 2005 YZ 250 with all those mods that I rode for 11 years and I couldn't kill it. I cleaned the air filter after every ride but I never even replaced a piston and it still runs strong and has good compression. I have to admit it's still as good as any out there, I just like the button now that I'm old.
Of course an old bike can not only be competitive, it can win convincingly as well. Virtually anything built after 1992, with proper setup, can still be plenty fast and competitive today in the right hands. My '96 CR500 & '97 KX500 are just as feared today as they were 20 years ago.
The 15 dislikes on this video so far are probably the people with brand new bikes that are jealous that they can't even ride their new bikes anywhere near what you can do even on a 20 year old bike. Awesome build by an awesome rider!!!
Your exactly right about that all the magazines ever build are bikes with lots of worthless bling so they can pay a professional rider to pin the throttle for ridiculous photos.
@@IRCTireUSAMoto hi, you say the valving mods made the bike sit lower in the stroke, might be a dumb question but does it lower the bike overall? I have the same 01 and struggle with its height in the nasty tech terrain, i need it lower! Thanks
@@IRCTireUSAMoto i been Searching for chain adjuster blocks that'll fit that model bike 01 yz250. NOBODY I MEAN NOBODY makes aftermarket axle blocks for them oem discontinued them, checked rocky mountain to. 🤷🏾♂️
Love your channel. I agree completely that a 2001 yz250 can be a competitive motorcycle today. But for the average dirt bike guy/mechanic like myself , a used yz250x in excellent condition is a safer bet. Speaking from experience my 2003 YZ250 build is over $5000 already and still not done. My used but excellent 2019 yz250x from Facebook Marketplace with 40 hours cost $5000 ready to go. I also have a 2019 yz125 with only 5 hours for $4200 ready to go. As a mechanic I love YZ projects but they often cost more money to complete than a good used newer bike. Often, more times than not, repair costs escalate beyond the value of the bike. Old bikes most definitely should be rebuilt/restored by those with the means and passion for motorcycles. I speak not to discourage anyone but share real life experience concerning the money required to rebuild /repair a yz250 . To take on a project like the IRC project one must expect the potential for a costly lesson in dirt bike economics. I would bet if every receipt was tallied, every sponsored part and little thing added up that went into this beauty of a yz250 we would all be shocked. Been there, have the T-shirt . Peace . Love this channel
@@MatthewC137 my intention was only to highlight the great possibility that a project like this can incur significant cost overuns and bring financial stress from unforseen parts, shipping , machining , labor costs requirements. In this video the yz250 cost $1200 and then it received new wheels , mousses, tires , full exhaust system , chain and sprockets, suspension work. What else was installed ? The nickel and dime stuff really adds up too . We have to add shipping charges too. What's the real tally at this point? My point was not to disagree or discourage but to highlight the very real practice of under-reporting what a project like this one can cost. I agree that there are nice garage queens out there yet to be found . But there are some real garage turds out there and they are a going to be a nightmare and cause the new owner a lot of regret. The rebuilding of old dirt bikes is awesome but buyer beware . It's your money.
Glenn Gertz don't be discouraged, you're on point. Rich's honesty is not in question here. I believe we all know him to be a genuine guy who's looking to get more people involved in the sport we all love. Wheels, mousse, tires and drive can hit a $2k ticket alone. Exhaust $500. Bars & grips $100+. Graphics & plastic $300 easy. Fuel tank $200+. Guards $300. Then piles of $30-70 here and there. Air filter, seat cover, misc bearing kit, carb hoses, brake pads, fork oil, seals, cleaning supplies............ not to mention a potential top end... "Oh look! A rabbit hole." Some bikes may not need all those things, but we're talking a 20yo machine. Even a pristine garage queen is drying up her rubber bits just hanging around waiting to be discovered.
@@MatthewC137 Rich's honesty was never in question here. John Howerton's assessment is spot on. It's about bike projects getting expensive due to unforeseen circumstances. And that's it . Thanks for understanding ✌️
I just bought a 2006 YZ for trail riding (aspiring hard enduro). Though its my first real dirt bike, I really like it and think they are very capable. Ive also added a flywheel, skid plate and some gummy tires and it makes the bike even more capable on the tech stuff. thanks for all the great content!
Love the video and channel! could you put a parts list with links in the description? I have a 01 yz250 and would like to follow this build. Thank you for being awesome!
Loving your stuff, glad I found your channel. You know you're old when you still see a 20 year old bike as "new" technology. Brings back memories of my old DKW 125 that I thought was the cat's meow way longer than 20 years ago and sneaking rides on my Dad's TM 400 and living to tell about it. :)
My DKW still said "Sachs" on the side casing and had a springer front end that weighed about as much as the Econoline van we used to haul the bikes. I was so jealous of my dad's Penton. That is, until I got my CZ with straight-cut gears!
I have the same bike, and found the 3 mods to reduce the hit and make it smoother on low throttle settings are, 12oz fww, #40 powerjet anf an X powervalve spring. Made a huge difference. Love this bike
@@traileater I removed one washer whenever I swapped mine over to the X spring, supposedly it makes the power band not hit as hard and helps make power more linear. But idk I'm going try to do the spring only swap but the washer on the reg YZ are 1mm thick the X model are .8mm in case you didn't know
I did the same thing with a 2001 yz I bought for 1300. That bike had an unbelievably strong engine. 13 ounce flywheel. If that bike had the right suspension and rider- it could win almost any off road race. However, i ended up with a good used 2016 250 xc-w for hard enduro riding. I sure like the fan and the e start.
Nice content but the build details were a little vague what condition was the engine in and did you receive any free or sponsor discount on parts as that seems to be the case on a lot of builds I see on UA-cam in my area bike deals like that are getting harder and harder to find.
I run a 2000 yz250 with Rekluse clutch, Rekluse rear handbrake, 18” rear tusk wheel, shinko cheater tire, Lectron carb, tubliss front & rear, G2 throttle, 52 tooth rear & 14 front, 2011 yz450F SSS suspension swap, and all the bash guards. It’s amazing, I love it and it’s def a woods weapon as well as hard enduro.
Steven Llewellyn Lol, I run almost the identical setup on an ‘02! The few exceptions are front & rear bib mousse & 13x50 gears. I’m thinking about the wide ratio gear kit so I can keep up w/ my friends on the fast/easy sections where I run out of gears...
@@stevebaum how you liking those bibs? I might switch to them even though I’m liking the Tubliss. I just did tuff like RORR and bike overheated 5 times. Put a Tusk fan & motion pro overflow kit on it now.
@@HardEnduroLlewellyn I'm new to bibs. I have the Nitro Platinum in front & Plush in back. I was initially surprised at the weight, but performance wise, They seem great. I'm not longer concerned about flats or rim damage. I don't have to carry tire tools! I had to alway check my outer tire pressure w/ the tubliss. The inner red liner was always good, but maybe my rims were worn, I don't know. I tried a lot of things and nothing worked very long. Maybe it's petty but I like to have my bike ready to go at any moment so this was annoying to me. I've had two tire changes and they still look good, but are shrinking. I've ordered some wedges to snug up the fit.
@@stevebaum295 I’ll have to get some. They had them for sale at the race and I regret getting them since I guess they’re out of stock at the moment. Yeah the tubliss I have to air up/check before every ride. Usually loose around 10-15psi on high pressure side in between riding sitting in the garage.
Absolutely! Most of my friends can’t keep up with me on a clapped 05 CR125 in the mountains. Pisses them off when they can’t get up hill climbs on there 450’s I can do on my 125. That YZ has better suspension than any KTM or Husky with their garbage WP. I own a 17 TE 300 as well so I speak from experience when I say the WP suspension leaves a lot to be desired.
They were great bikes! Finding one is getting hard in half decent shape. I bought an 05 for less than I could an 01. One thing to keep in mind or consider is 01 still had the 46mm forks. 04 was the only steel frame that got the 48. 05 I believe had the same with the aluminum frame then 06 finally saw the SSS. I have found the 46mm forks to be pretty good but years of neglect might make them a costly option so check out those used bikes before purchasing!
@@earl6969 true but its easier to get parts for the 06+ sss forks. My 95 had 46mm forks and i didnt have issues. My comment was more about getting parts.
I did this to my 2009, only difference was a 9oz fly and a Lectron. Dropped the front tooth to a 13 and that added lots of grunt. I use a G2 throttle tube as well.
I wonder how an engine swap to a 250x setup would suit this build. Steel frame + wide ratio = win? I assume you could use softer gearing like a 13/51-47 (I have a thing about only using odd numbers, if possible).
Looking for a bike for trail riding and hard enduro training. Is the lack of e-start on the YZ250X gonna be as big of a problem for me as I think it is?
I added a motion pro coolant recovery system to my 2018 yz250. Works great. I do lots of 1st gear superslow stuff and never yet boiled over. The trick is in how you jet and mix your gas. In 40 years of riding yamaha I've learned, 32/1 with pump gas, keeps the ping away and runs cool. I do like it a tad rich but I've got 125 hours on stock piston and original spark plug. So I must have it right.
This is a mans bike 😂 you probably wouldn't like it 😜 But if you must have an e-start yz250 your in luck because Panthera Motorsports makes an e-start kit for the YZ250
wow that escalated quickly, thanks for the info about Panthera, also fuck you 😊 Come riding with me one day and we will see if you still think having an E start makes you less than a man. Any idea if those kits are reliable and work in the real world? I am so sick of fixing my husqy I wish it was Japanese
@@mr2oomad hahaha 🤗. I've only read about the Panthera Motorsports starter. It's $1250 and it hangs off the case like Gasgas and old KTM starters. I think it's too vulnerable for hard Enduro. I've no plans to purchase it. My mate has a 2020 husky tx300 tpi and he just hammers it to pieces in hard Enduro. It's been mostly reliable . After 200 hours he's had to fix starter wiring behind the number plate and replace the subframe which is typical for hard Enduro. ✌️😅
Rich, great video! I have an 03 and will be doing the same thing you did to that 01. I also have a 96 cr250, these are my favorite bikes ever and dont want to part with them but I only trail ride now days due to my age (56). What suggestions would you have for me to do the same thing to the cr? They are both amazing bikes, I just need to make them more useful for the type of riding I do now.
Can I drive enduro with a 2018 YZ250, or will I crash it every 5 minutes? I'm considering buying one. It has already been modified with an 18" rear wheel/tire and a full FMF system. I'm a lower-intermediate rider, so I understand that I probably should buy a WR250F instead, but this '18 YZ250 I found is so gorgeous that I fell in love with it instantly. 😅
Hello, I have a 2021 yz125x that i do desert and some hill climbs but I feel it lacks low end power. Stock gearing is 13 50. If I drop down to a 12 front will that help? Also what do you think about putting a 11oz flywheel weight? I already have the resr 33s tire but still want to get more bottom end..
I had ridden this bike but for me it cost to much energy to pull the clutch because its not hydraulic. I want to buy a enduro for my girl. I should easy to handle and don't cost a lot. Any opinions?
Yeah, dirtbikes have barely changed. Most have a 4 stroke model but the design has been the same since the 90s. The only difference is materials used make some of the new ones lighter
Any mods for the power valve to smooth out then 2 stroke “hit”? I know the fly wheel weight would help with some of that but down low, these bikes ability to chug suffer. Anyway to take some off the top end and put it in the bottom end chug?
I bought my 01 used with a fww already installed, the power was still too abrupt and peaky. A friend suggested an X powervalve spring and a #40 powerjet. Those 2 things made a big difference and are inexpensive and easy to install. I highly recommend those 3 things to make it chug, and it still has plenty of power, and less spooge.
Loving my 2018 yz250, 13oz stealhly, home made skid alot like the sxs, protaper evo woods high bend, zeta full wrap hand guards, fasst co. Anti vibration inserts are a blessing 🙏. Clarke 3.2 gallon tank goes all day. Soften my clickers 1 click softer then the yz250x settings. Im 230lbs so the harsh suspension is not so bad for me. Shhhh,,,, shinko 525 cheater in a 19 inch out back and a shinko mx216 fatty up front. ( couldn't get IRC tires in Canada, they were back ordered and almost 90 bucks a tire more expensive than shinko) Its always hard to find the good stuff in Ontario Canada, parts for everything are on backorder due to covid bullshit. Avoid the sickness, ride your dirtbike...
I think the 2001 YZ250 made more and probably better power than my 2019 YZ250 when it was stock, (I fixed it). Fix it up, tune it the way you need, there is no reason why a late 80's bike would not work just about as well, (80's stuff probably definitely some Race Tech suspension help.). If it was not for the excellent Yamaha suspension (especially the SSS forks), I think my 1988 Honda would smoke my 2019 YZ. It might be the slowest 250cc MX bike I have ever had stock. Maybe not if you rode it like a 125,---wide open all the time.
If you're planning on doing this just remember not to go too old. Nostalgia got the better of me and I tried to modernize a 1996 Yamaha WR250 but at the end of the day I just couldn't/didn't like it compared to a modern bike. Still had lot's of fun restoring and riding it though. imgur.com/cDROkb6 imgur.com/ERIypKl imgur.com/8TG2su5
Love the bike, but not very detailed build series. We need to know more. I know several people with 01 yz250s and we are all trying to build them for single track/hairscrambles/hard enduro.
I really wish all the big dirtbike UA-cam channels would stop running the price of used YZ250’s up lol these things were always the secret affordable off-road weapon. I’m not sure about a 12/50 sprocket combo though 😳 maybe I’ll try it sometime. Love the video. Can’t wait to try some IRC ve33’s. My brother loves them.
Chad I agree. I’m running 13x50 for some slow / steep stuff and cannot keep up w/ my buddies on the open, fast sections. 12x50 would be painful once you are out of the woods.
Searching searching for chain adjuster blocks that'll fit that model bike. NOBODY I MEAN NOBODY makes aftermarket axle blocks for them oem discontinued them, checked rocky mountain to. 🤷🏾♂️
Rich, great vid as always. I do have one question. When you say "take a little valving off the top" I don't know what that means since valving is speed related and not position related. Could you add some more detail please? Thanks.
Sorry what was meant was adjusting the shim stack to make the bike ride deeper in the stroke. The bike was slightly stiff and harsh. After giving this info an experienced suspension technician can make simple shim stack adjustments accordingly.
I had this bike years ago, a beast... I had plans to make it into a supermoto, then life got the way. sold it :( Looking for one now put the pickings are getting slim if you dont want a complete shitbox that needs everything... anyways, still looking, maybe I'll find a gem :)
Great and very useful content. On point and well explained. That is exactly what I would do if I had to convert an old mx bike into an enduro weapon, however there is a little issue. It is very difficult to find one in decent condition. Most of the old mx 2strokes are in such horrible condition that it is hardly worth it to do anything with bikes like that. Usually it is one big of a disaster and overall it ends up being even more expensive than for an example ktm 250 xcw from 2007. And I doubt that yamaha is better than an older enduro ktm. Anyways, your content deserves a big thumbs up😊
@@IRCTireUSAMoto I had a 2017 YZ 250x I was very disappointed in the power delivery compared to the KTM I felt that Yamaha could do a much better job with all of their technology that they have at their availability. The YZ250 with the long rod kit I rode was a 1996 model also had a weighted fly wheel very very impressive.
@@hamiam2243 I have the same 2017 yz250x and I'm more than happy with bike performance, actually much more happy than I was about my previous 2011 ktm exc300.. Are you sure yours was jetted correctly? They come too fat from factory, almost unrideable before I jetted it properly...
@@DenisElpashev yes it was very particular about jetting different main, pilot and needle only thing I didn’t change was the slide or the jet needle The 1996 had a lectron carb That bike was as good as any new bike today lots of low and power very rideable.
Ham I am those 1996 YZs were dogs compared to the 1995. That’s why everyone put those YZR long rod kits in them. Makes sense it feels good in the woods because they were weak on the track.
I have an 07 yz250 all set up for single track. Retarding the timing 2 degrees and an RK tek head made a huge difference for bottom end power. Retarding the timing tamed the engine down a noticeable difference and mellowed out the motocross hit. Way better then stock. Also have an 11 oz flywheel weight.
2 strokers will always dominate 4 strokes. The electric market though as that technology matures will be interesting. Either way brrrraaaaappp life is where it's at.
I had a 2005 YZ 250 with all those mods that I rode for 11 years and I couldn't kill it. I cleaned the air filter after every ride but I never even replaced a piston and it still runs strong and has good compression. I have to admit it's still as good as any out there, I just like the button now that I'm old.
Of course an old bike can not only be competitive, it can win convincingly as well. Virtually anything built after 1992, with proper setup, can still be plenty fast and competitive today in the right hands. My '96 CR500 & '97 KX500 are just as feared today as they were 20 years ago.
The 15 dislikes on this video so far are probably the people with brand new bikes that are jealous that they can't even ride their new bikes anywhere near what you can do even on a 20 year old bike. Awesome build by an awesome rider!!!
15 people with valve issues.
A lot of the big off-road/mx magazines can learn from this channel. Quality content, no BS. Way to go👍🤟
Wow! Much appreciated!! Thanks so much for the support! We'll keep working hard!
Your exactly right about that all the magazines ever build are bikes with lots of worthless bling so they can pay a professional rider to pin the throttle for ridiculous photos.
@@IRCTireUSAMoto hi, you say the valving mods made the bike sit lower in the stroke, might be a dumb question but does it lower the bike overall? I have the same 01 and struggle with its height in the nasty tech terrain, i need it lower! Thanks
@@IRCTireUSAMoto i been Searching for chain adjuster blocks that'll fit that model bike 01 yz250. NOBODY I MEAN NOBODY makes aftermarket axle blocks for them oem discontinued them, checked rocky mountain to. 🤷🏾♂️
Love your channel. I agree completely that a 2001 yz250 can be a competitive motorcycle today. But for the average dirt bike guy/mechanic like myself , a used yz250x in excellent condition is a safer bet. Speaking from experience my 2003 YZ250 build is over $5000 already and still not done. My used but excellent 2019 yz250x from Facebook Marketplace with 40 hours cost $5000 ready to go. I also have a 2019 yz125 with only 5 hours for $4200 ready to go. As a mechanic I love YZ projects but they often cost more money to complete than a good used newer bike. Often, more times than not, repair costs escalate beyond the value of the bike. Old bikes most definitely should be rebuilt/restored by those with the means and passion for motorcycles. I speak not to discourage anyone but share real life experience concerning the money required to rebuild /repair a yz250 . To take on a project like the IRC project one must expect the potential for a costly lesson in dirt bike economics. I would bet if every receipt was tallied, every sponsored part and little thing added up that went into this beauty of a yz250 we would all be shocked. Been there, have the T-shirt . Peace . Love this channel
Glenn Gertz fo sho. Passion projects. Nickel and dime you to death. Look great, 10 hours later they feel like an old bike again.
@@MatthewC137 my intention was only to highlight the great possibility that a project like this can incur significant cost overuns and bring financial stress from unforseen parts, shipping , machining , labor costs requirements. In this video the yz250 cost $1200 and then it received new wheels , mousses, tires , full exhaust system , chain and sprockets, suspension work. What else was installed ? The nickel and dime stuff really adds up too . We have to add shipping charges too. What's the real tally at this point? My point was not to disagree or discourage but to highlight the very real practice of under-reporting what a project like this one can cost. I agree that there are nice garage queens out there yet to be found . But there are some real garage turds out there and they are a going to be a nightmare and cause the new owner a lot of regret. The rebuilding of old dirt bikes is awesome but buyer beware . It's your money.
Glenn Gertz don't be discouraged, you're on point. Rich's honesty is not in question here. I believe we all know him to be a genuine guy who's looking to get more people involved in the sport we all love.
Wheels, mousse, tires and drive can hit a $2k ticket alone. Exhaust $500. Bars & grips $100+. Graphics & plastic $300 easy. Fuel tank $200+. Guards $300. Then piles of $30-70 here and there. Air filter, seat cover, misc bearing kit, carb hoses, brake pads, fork oil, seals, cleaning supplies............ not to mention a potential top end...
"Oh look! A rabbit hole."
Some bikes may not need all those things, but we're talking a 20yo machine. Even a pristine garage queen is drying up her rubber bits just hanging around waiting to be discovered.
@@MatthewC137 Rich's honesty was never in question here. John Howerton's assessment is spot on. It's about bike projects getting expensive due to unforeseen circumstances. And that's it . Thanks for understanding ✌️
@@JohnHowerton137 I could not have said it any better , Thanks !!!
Great usable content 👌 especially for a more realistic build most of us can handle and have fun with
Raced a 2000 Yz250 for a few years in Hare Scrambles and Enduros. I loved that bike was one of my favorites.
I just bought a 2006 YZ for trail riding (aspiring hard enduro). Though its my first real dirt bike, I really like it and think they are very capable. Ive also added a flywheel, skid plate and some gummy tires and it makes the bike even more capable on the tech stuff. thanks for all the great content!
Thanks for the support! Its a great bike!
Love the video and channel! could you put a parts list with links in the description? I have a 01 yz250 and would like to follow this build. Thank you for being awesome!
Loving your stuff, glad I found your channel. You know you're old when you still see a 20 year old bike as "new" technology. Brings back memories of my old DKW 125 that I thought was the cat's meow way longer than 20 years ago and sneaking rides on my Dad's TM 400 and living to tell about it. :)
My DKW still said "Sachs" on the side casing and had a springer front end that weighed about as much as the Econoline van we used to haul the bikes. I was so jealous of my dad's Penton. That is, until I got my CZ with straight-cut gears!
Any fairly modern 2t is competitive today, its the rider and the shape of the bike.
I owned a 1996 Honda CR250 that I did a complete enduro conversion on. It is still competitive with the newer bikes nowadays.
This was great! So clear, and easy explanations etc. And awesome project. well done!
I have the same bike, and found the 3 mods to reduce the hit and make it smoother on low throttle settings are, 12oz fww, #40 powerjet anf an X powervalve spring. Made a huge difference. Love this bike
Did you remove a washer/shim in the PV governor whenever you swapped over to the X spring?
@@clydejohnson4251 no it was a straight spring swap, nothing else.
@@traileater I removed one washer whenever I swapped mine over to the X spring, supposedly it makes the power band not hit as hard and helps make power more linear. But idk I'm going try to do the spring only swap but the washer on the reg YZ are 1mm thick the X model are .8mm in case you didn't know
Very True they are Dam Good Bikes. & U can make thm into a Woods Beast. Jst like u did. Wick On ✊ IRC Tire Guy🏁
Building my 01 right now also. Things an absolute rocket
Me too! 100%
Really great video. Exactly what I'm doing. Building my hare scramble trophy stealer out of a steel frame yz250
I did the same thing with a 2001 yz I bought for 1300. That bike had an unbelievably strong engine. 13 ounce flywheel. If that bike had the right suspension and rider- it could win almost any off road race. However, i ended up with a good used 2016 250 xc-w for hard enduro riding. I sure like the fan and the e start.
E start is the biggest disadvantage! Other than that its a solid machine!
@@IRCTireUSAMoto 😆 ok- I'll take the e start off if you will take your kick starter off and bump start. Deal?
I just bought a YZ250X.. Its the best bike I've ever owned.
I have a 2016 250x.
Leaned the jetting, fww, head mod and pv mod and the engine rocks.
Apex Technical Innovations makes a really nice head for your bike. I agree that Brian Morrison is spot on with his mod advice.
@@glenngertz9429 Cylinder head or Cylinder?
@@FuZe. cylinder head 👍
Glenn Gertz I will have to check them out because my friends 250X needs one
Nice content but the build details were a little vague what condition was the engine in and did you receive any free or sponsor discount on parts as that seems to be the case on a lot of builds I see on UA-cam in my area bike deals like that are getting harder and harder to find.
Hermoso trabajo con la Yamaha 👍🏻
Personalmente soy un gran fan de Yamaha, aunque ahora monte una Husky a la que amo.
Felicitaciones desde Argentina 🇦🇷
Which sxs skid plate did you run?
I run a 2000 yz250 with Rekluse clutch, Rekluse rear handbrake, 18” rear tusk wheel, shinko cheater tire, Lectron carb, tubliss front & rear, G2 throttle, 52 tooth rear & 14 front, 2011 yz450F SSS suspension swap, and all the bash guards. It’s amazing, I love it and it’s def a woods weapon as well as hard enduro.
Steven Llewellyn Lol, I run almost the identical setup on an ‘02! The few exceptions are front & rear bib mousse & 13x50 gears. I’m thinking about the wide ratio gear kit so I can keep up w/ my friends on the fast/easy sections where I run out of gears...
@@stevebaum how you liking those bibs? I might switch to them even though I’m liking the Tubliss. I just did tuff like RORR and bike overheated 5 times. Put a Tusk fan & motion pro overflow kit on it now.
@@HardEnduroLlewellyn I'm new to bibs. I have the Nitro Platinum in front & Plush in back. I was initially surprised at the weight, but performance wise, They seem great. I'm not longer concerned about flats or rim damage. I don't have to carry tire tools! I had to alway check my outer tire pressure w/ the tubliss. The inner red liner was always good, but maybe my rims were worn, I don't know. I tried a lot of things and nothing worked very long. Maybe it's petty but I like to have my bike ready to go at any moment so this was annoying to me. I've had two tire changes and they still look good, but are shrinking. I've ordered some wedges to snug up the fit.
@@stevebaum295 I’ll have to get some. They had them for sale at the race and I regret getting them since I guess they’re out of stock at the moment. Yeah the tubliss I have to air up/check before every ride. Usually loose around 10-15psi on high pressure side in between riding sitting in the garage.
@@HardEnduroLlewellyn did you have the sss valved and sprung for your weight?
Absolutely! Most of my friends can’t keep up with me on a clapped 05 CR125 in the mountains. Pisses them off when they can’t get up hill climbs on there 450’s I can do on my 125. That YZ has better suspension than any KTM or Husky with their garbage WP. I own a 17 TE 300 as well so I speak from experience when I say the WP suspension leaves a lot to be desired.
Which SXS plate did you go with? They don't offer one specifically for this bike on their site
Did you ever get an answer about the skid plate? i am still looking for one
They were great bikes! Finding one is getting hard in half decent shape. I bought an 05 for less than I could an 01. One thing to keep in mind or consider is 01 still had the 46mm forks. 04 was the only steel frame that got the 48. 05 I believe had the same with the aluminum frame then 06 finally saw the SSS. I have found the 46mm forks to be pretty good but years of neglect might make them a costly option so check out those used bikes before purchasing!
My 01 yz 125 absolutely rips !!
I had Enzo do my 46mm on my 2003wr450f build.
They are on par with any 48mm.
@@earl6969 true but its easier to get parts for the 06+ sss forks. My 95 had 46mm forks and i didnt have issues. My comment was more about getting parts.
I got on sxs web site and couldn’t find a skid plate to fit that bike does the 06-present fit that bike?
Alu frame is different,did you search at e bay?
Yz rules!!!! I have a 2019 yz250x 2stroke and a 2001 yz250f!
12 to 50 Transmission. Is that the a rule for hard Enduro?
Where did you get flywheel weight from
Thanx for another great vid!
Any suggestion for an e-start on this YZ set up?
yes, yes they can. Even for moto X, kid at loretta lynns a few years back ran at 12th place on a 1987 i think cr 250.
I did this to my 2009, only difference was a 9oz fly and a Lectron. Dropped the front tooth to a 13 and that added lots of grunt. I use a G2 throttle tube as well.
Did sxs custom make that slide pate I cant find it on there website
Did you ever get an answer about the skid plate? I am still looking for one
I wonder how an engine swap to a 250x setup would suit this build. Steel frame + wide ratio = win? I assume you could use softer gearing like a 13/51-47 (I have a thing about only using odd numbers, if possible).
Looking for a bike for trail riding and hard enduro training. Is the lack of e-start on the YZ250X gonna be as big of a problem for me as I think it is?
There's no links in the description for the other vids. I'm really interested since I have a 2001 YZ250 that's fixing to get a restoration.
Sorry! We just added them!!
Hi, what mods are you going to add for cooling?
A trail tech fan would be plenty. Evans coolant as well.
I added a motion pro coolant recovery system to my 2018 yz250.
Works great. I do lots of 1st gear superslow stuff and never yet boiled over. The trick is in how you jet and mix your gas. In 40 years of riding yamaha I've learned, 32/1 with pump gas, keeps the ping away and runs cool. I do like it a tad rich but I've got 125 hours on stock piston and original spark plug. So I must have it right.
Dang now I really want my 99 back.
I agree it's about the time you put in it's not the bike it's definitely the rider
thanks for the video!
add a ve33s to a mtn bike, and you have instant hard enduro Machine!
My last 250 was a 2001 and wow it was awesome fast. Sold it for 1200 10 years ago
Thank you for sharing. Great info even for a rider who is just into riding trails.
Where do I buy the starter motor from? is the button easy to fit to the bars? 😆😋
This is a mans bike 😂 you probably wouldn't like it 😜 But if you must have an e-start yz250 your in luck because Panthera Motorsports makes an e-start kit for the YZ250
wow that escalated quickly, thanks for the info about Panthera, also fuck you 😊 Come riding with me one day and we will see if you still think having an E start makes you less than a man.
Any idea if those kits are reliable and work in the real world?
I am so sick of fixing my husqy I wish it was Japanese
@@mr2oomad hahaha 🤗. I've only read about the Panthera Motorsports starter. It's $1250 and it hangs off the case like Gasgas and old KTM starters. I think it's too vulnerable for hard Enduro. I've no plans to purchase it. My mate has a 2020 husky tx300 tpi and he just hammers it to pieces in hard Enduro. It's been mostly reliable . After 200 hours he's had to fix starter wiring behind the number plate and replace the subframe which is typical for hard Enduro. ✌️😅
👍........best channel on the PLANET!
The answer is always yes as it just depends on what rider is on it. 👍
Rich, great video! I have an 03 and will be doing the same thing you did to that 01. I also have a 96 cr250, these are my favorite bikes ever and dont want to part with them but I only trail ride now days due to my age (56). What suggestions would you have for me to do the same thing to the cr? They are both amazing bikes, I just need to make them more useful for the type of riding I do now.
Where could I find a skip Plate and lanky guard like that for my 2004 RM125 been looking everywhere
I want to build a similar bike, thanks for the confirmation lol, great content
What frame guards are those?
Which model SXS slide plate did you use? I couldn't find one for a 2001 YZ250 on their site. Will the '06-'20 fit?
Yes it will! Thats what we used. Just drilled different holes!
Thanks
I’m ready to take one to BAJA!! Great Bike🏁
What skid plate
90 percent rider
I run Michelin starcross medium on all my bikes gives me a all around tire not to soft not to hard good in trails and on the track
Do you know the part number of the sxs slide plate. I can't seem to find it for my 01 yz250 on thier website
Where i can buy a fly wheel load 12 ounce
Can I drive enduro with a 2018 YZ250, or will I crash it every 5 minutes? I'm considering buying one. It has already been modified with an 18" rear wheel/tire and a full FMF system. I'm a lower-intermediate rider, so I understand that I probably should buy a WR250F instead, but this '18 YZ250 I found is so gorgeous that I fell in love with it instantly. 😅
Hello, I have a 2021 yz125x that i do desert and some hill climbs but I feel it lacks low end power. Stock gearing is 13 50. If I drop down to a 12 front will that help? Also what do you think about putting a 11oz flywheel weight? I already have the resr 33s tire but still want to get more bottom end..
Hey rich how was the TKO. I looked for you but I could not find you
One over looked detail .. Chamfer the ports so the piston ring(s) don't catch the edges of the ports and have years of wfo with no trouble
I had ridden this bike but for me it cost to much energy to pull the clutch because its not hydraulic.
I want to buy a enduro for my girl.
I should easy to handle and don't cost a lot. Any opinions?
Hey I was looking on sxs website for the skid plate and couldn’t find it for a steel frame. Does the 05- and up skid plate work?
What front and rear IRC tires do you recommend for Ocotillo type terrain? Thanks
You could get away with running a soft sand/mud tire out there. Especially with all of the washes and trying to make it up places like blow sand.
Yeah, dirtbikes have barely changed. Most have a 4 stroke model but the design has been the same since the 90s. The only difference is materials used make some of the new ones lighter
when you are guys going to make an m5b gummy?
Any mods for the power valve to smooth out then 2 stroke “hit”? I know the fly wheel weight would help with some of that but down low, these bikes ability to chug suffer. Anyway to take some off the top end and put it in the bottom end chug?
4:10
I bought my 01 used with a fww already installed, the power was still too abrupt and peaky. A friend suggested an X powervalve spring and a #40 powerjet. Those 2 things made a big difference and are inexpensive and easy to install.
I highly recommend those 3 things to make it chug, and it still has plenty of power, and less spooge.
Loving my 2018 yz250, 13oz stealhly, home made skid alot like the sxs, protaper evo woods high bend, zeta full wrap hand guards, fasst co. Anti vibration inserts are a blessing 🙏. Clarke 3.2 gallon tank goes all day. Soften my clickers 1 click softer then the yz250x settings. Im 230lbs so the harsh suspension is not so bad for me.
Shhhh,,,, shinko 525 cheater in a 19 inch out back and a shinko mx216 fatty up front. ( couldn't get IRC tires in Canada, they were back ordered and almost 90 bucks a tire more expensive than shinko)
Its always hard to find the good stuff in Ontario Canada, parts for everything are on backorder due to covid bullshit.
Avoid the sickness, ride your dirtbike...
I feel you. I can't get my tasty trakmasters all out of stock :(
@@potatopobobot4231 those are horrible tires. Try the shinko mx216
Love my cheaters, too bad prices went up, not quite the bargain they were. Will do an irc next, my buddys swear by them.
Anybody know the part number for the SXS skid plate?
Answered my own question. 06-20 version will work, but have to drill new holes.
Very nice YZ 250 build! Is the bike for sale?
I think the 2001 YZ250 made more and probably better power than my 2019 YZ250 when it was stock, (I fixed it). Fix it up, tune it the way you need, there is no reason why a late 80's bike would not work just about as well, (80's stuff probably definitely some Race Tech suspension help.). If it was not for the excellent Yamaha suspension (especially the SSS forks), I think my 1988 Honda would smoke my 2019 YZ. It might be the slowest 250cc MX bike I have ever had stock. Maybe not if you rode it like a 125,---wide open all the time.
If you're planning on doing this just remember not to go too old.
Nostalgia got the better of me and I tried to modernize a 1996 Yamaha WR250 but at the end of the day I just couldn't/didn't like it compared to a modern bike.
Still had lot's of fun restoring and riding it though. imgur.com/cDROkb6 imgur.com/ERIypKl imgur.com/8TG2su5
My old cr250 had an almost exact setup as far as rim size, flywheel weight, and gearing.
The trusty Honda!!
Had a 98 RMX 250..Not bad at all..
Love the bike, but not very detailed build series. We need to know more. I know several people with 01 yz250s and we are all trying to build them for single track/hairscrambles/hard enduro.
Does irc make the ve33 in a 120/100 or 90 -18?
Not currently.
@@IRCTireUSAMoto maybe I the future? More tire size options would be great. Do you know why? A cost issue?
I really wish all the big dirtbike UA-cam channels would stop running the price of used YZ250’s up lol these things were always the secret affordable off-road weapon. I’m not sure about a 12/50 sprocket combo though 😳 maybe I’ll try it sometime. Love the video. Can’t wait to try some IRC ve33’s. My brother loves them.
I agree. 12T dig into your chain slider and the frame. Id go 13/51
Chad I agree. I’m running 13x50 for some slow / steep stuff and cannot keep up w/ my buddies on the open, fast sections. 12x50 would be painful once you are out of the woods.
Searching searching for chain adjuster blocks that'll fit that model bike. NOBODY I MEAN NOBODY makes aftermarket axle blocks for them oem discontinued them, checked rocky mountain to. 🤷🏾♂️
Rich, great vid as always. I do have one question. When you say "take a little valving off the top" I don't know what that means since valving is speed related and not position related. Could you add some more detail please? Thanks.
Sorry what was meant was adjusting the shim stack to make the bike ride deeper in the stroke. The bike was slightly stiff and harsh. After giving this info an experienced suspension technician can make simple shim stack adjustments accordingly.
@@IRCTireUSAMoto Awesome. Thanks 👍
I had this bike years ago, a beast... I had plans to make it into a supermoto, then life got the way. sold it :( Looking for one now put the pickings are getting slim if you dont want a complete shitbox that needs everything... anyways, still looking, maybe I'll find a gem :)
I can smell this video
Great and very useful content. On point and well explained. That is exactly what I would do if I had to convert an old mx bike into an enduro weapon, however there is a little issue. It is very difficult to find one in decent condition. Most of the old mx 2strokes are in such horrible condition that it is hardly worth it to do anything with bikes like that. Usually it is one big of a disaster and overall it ends up being even more expensive than for an example ktm 250 xcw from 2007. And I doubt that yamaha is better than an older enduro ktm. Anyways, your content deserves a big thumbs up😊
Yamaha is def better than an older Ktm imo
Awesome stuff!!
I rode a Yamaha 250 win a long rod kit in it made the power very useable, other wise I always felt the power was to much like a toggle switch.
It takes a little getting used to but the flywheel helped a lot!
@@IRCTireUSAMoto I had a 2017 YZ 250x I was very disappointed in the power delivery compared to the KTM I felt that Yamaha could do a much better job with all of their technology that they have at their availability. The YZ250 with the long rod kit I rode was a 1996 model also had a weighted fly wheel very very impressive.
@@hamiam2243 I have the same 2017 yz250x and I'm more than happy with bike performance, actually much more happy than I was about my previous 2011 ktm exc300.. Are you sure yours was jetted correctly? They come too fat from factory, almost unrideable before I jetted it properly...
@@DenisElpashev yes it was very particular about jetting different main, pilot and needle only thing I didn’t change was the slide or the jet needle The 1996 had a lectron carb That bike was as good as any new bike today lots of low and power very rideable.
Ham I am those 1996 YZs were dogs compared to the 1995. That’s why everyone put those YZR long rod kits in them. Makes sense it feels good in the woods because they were weak on the track.
thats a awesome build
Well of coarse it can be competitive haven’t you ever seen ronni max ride
I’d like to find out where everything bike build on UA-cam they bought it for 1000 that bike around me would be 3k
l like this one everyboddy say the same I find this one for 1000 but is you looking for one is not the same
Yamaha has NOT changed in 20 years so of course can be competitive!!!!
If it's a Yamaha, yes, yes it can
I just bought one of these used with 3000 miles on it
easily competitive
Hard Enduro and no electric start is a painful (and sometimes perilous) proposition if you ride sketchy hill climbs and difficult terrain.
now you kent find electric start for yz
great clip 👍
My 96 Honda cr250 is more than competitive,it will handle many 4 strokes .
Yes
cool bike 😁👍🏻✅
I have an 07 yz250 all set up for single track. Retarding the timing 2 degrees and an RK tek head made a huge difference for bottom end power. Retarding the timing tamed the engine down a noticeable difference and mellowed out the motocross hit. Way better then stock. Also have an 11 oz flywheel weight.
Thats awesome maybe we should try that!
@@IRCTireUSAMoto It without a doubt transformed the bike. I rode a new yz250X and its right on par engine wise. It lugs very well.
@@IRCTireUSAMoto Please do and report back in a video.
@@jaybray4901 any effect on fuel consumption with the timing change?
@@traileater From what I remember it stayed the same.
This dude really used garage band for his intro song😂
2 strokers will always dominate 4 strokes. The electric market though as that technology matures will be interesting. Either way brrrraaaaappp life is where it's at.
If dude can race TKO on an kdx200 and take 11th then yeah a yz250 will do fine
HAHA! Ashburn is a beast! You are 100% correct! More rider than bike!