Now it's time to get it ready for a dirt day. For now I'm going to just throw the front wheel from the donor IT on as my tire is rotten, and its got pretty good tread. Then I'll change the gear oil, lube the chain, clean and oil the air filter, and do a general nut and bolt check. Already told my honey that even though she will be riding it most of the time, I totally get to ride IT first. I mean, I've gotta make sure she runs right, fine tune the carb, and make sure everything works before I let my girl loose don't I? I am actually pretty excited to take it out again. Thanks guys for your positive comments and encouragement. This has been a rewarding project!
And that's where the pipe was supposed to be before someone crammed in radiators on each side. Some designers must have at some point decided that "people will want to change pipes many times per year, but that's not my problem". A design constraint should have been: "you get only one side for radiators, the other one is reserved for the expansion chamber. Looks good! Can I have one too please?
I was surprised how hard they are to find. Seems like most people are parting them out and putting the parts on EBay. I consider myself very lucky to have found a whole bike that actually runs within driving distance. I think I'm going to start hoarding parts like piston rings, gaskets and seals so I can keep her going. Still considering converting the original engine back to a 200 and slowly making the donor bike into a runner. But that's for another day. Now it's time to enjoy this one for a while. Maybe I should do some research on these Vinduro things I keep hearing about.
Well, today I was able to ride IT faster than 5mph with a decent front tire. I also added some fresh gas with a somewhat conservative mixture of 34:1. I had to warm up the case for best drain of the gear fluid. Ran kinda weird like a fat bog, so checked the book to make sure I had the carb set right. Seems I had the pilot air screw a little too open. So with fresh trans and properly set carb, took it for another quick ride. What was rather boring on the first ride turned into instant front wheel off the ground with a handful in first gear. The plug looked good, but a brand new plug always looks good with 2 miles on it... The air filter didn't like being cleaned and split down one of the seams. It looks like I'll be able to epoxy it back together, but have already been shopping on Ebay for a new one. Was happy to find several including a stock, Uni, and Moose racing offering which will go over the cage and drop right in.
Getting closer...Got the new Green sticky on IT, fixed the seam on the air filter and oiled, hit the rear linkage with the grease gun, and checked the nuts and bolts. Also ordered a NOS tail light lens (mine is duct taped together and the other bike's lens is also cracked badly) and a new Uni air filter today. Got my honey some dirt gear since we were sharing stuff so a riding in the dirt together day is coming soon!!! I'll get some pics and viddy, hopefully this weekend even.
I’m enjoying the IT rebuild….. Sorted a 85 200 here the other year and have had a blast with the nibble little thing and was shocked at how it would get down and pull. The seating position is a bit aggressive for my own good, as it taught’s an old guy to go faster than he rightfully should. However for a post vintage woods bike it’s a choice mount when willing to give the Husky a rest.
Already does. Actually a pretty good bike. Buddy with a 07 husky WR250 riode it and his comments were "they have not progressed much in 20 years" stating he liked it as much as his bike. Feels crazy light
True, it's kinda weird maybe, but recently I threw a leg over a13 &14 Yamaha Wr250 &YZ respectively. For some reason they just felt right sitting on the floor. Then when I took the IT for a spin, I realized how crazy similar they felt. 30 years apart and lots of technology later, the feel is basically the same. Maybe it's a good thing that time doesn't change everything.
Got my new Uni filter today! I was okay with the fixed one, but now I'm feeling much better. So excited to go riding on Sunday I can't stand it. I did notice that whilst messing around with the handlebar controls and checking the throttle wasn't hanging up that the float level in the carb it's too high. It started leaking gas out of the overflow after I shut off the engine. So I'll check on that while I'm installing the air filter tomorrow. Still gotta get this other bike with Husqvarna stickers ready too. She must feel so neglected...
Even with an unscheduled wheel bearing replacement on my honey's car I managed to get everything ready for tomorrow. I was surprised by the mailman dropping off the taillight lens that I wasn't expecting until next week! Even washed and greased the TE and slapped some chain line on her with a nut/bolt check. Reset the float level on the IT and it stopped leaking gas. New air cleaner and lens installed too. Good day but I'm tired. Grubbing and cashing out for tomorrow...
