Coming Home to 2 strokes and got a couple of questions for the experts.

[Stusmoke]

We put in a lot of time on the bike so I change the oil after every ride. One reason why I liked the Rotella T in our 250F's was the price. I have noticed that the Rotella T seems to breakdown pretty fast so that is another good reason to change the oil often. Put fresh Silkolene in the 250 and then put about 2 hours of ride time in and then changed it. It looked like it held up good and the bike seemed to shift good thru the ride time. Have enough oil for a few more changes by then I can make a good judgement on how it performs. Thinking about trying the Amsoil again.
My son really enjoyed the bike after being on the 4 stroke for awhile. He could not believe how much lighter it felt but he also said it was hard getting used to not having the engine braking and having to use more brake to help stop. Overall we are all pleased.
 

After riding my CR125 for about 6 months without setting foot on a four stroke, you should have seen me try to ride my brothers '96 XR250R yesterday. I just about went over the bars the second I let off the gas

With regards to oil on the 250F, you are right to dump the engine oil after 2 hours of riding at the most. The extreme temperature fluctuations cause the oil to break down rapidly and severely limiting its lubeability as it were I heard a mechanic at my local shop saying that after 2 hours of 250F motocross riding, 5W-40 essentially becomes 10W-40 and after ONE more hour on that it becomes 15W-40. about two hours of riding is roughly a full day at a motocross practise or race session by estimate, depends how many peopel there are. And thats on a bone stock 250F. Not one thats been programmed to run a little leaner.

Don't need to do the two strokes tranny oil that often though, I do mine every five hours to keep it nice and smooth and consistent. Let us know how the young fulla goes, its always satisfying to hear the same things from a 250F transplant: THIS THING IS A BLAST!!!!

[eprovenzano]

Welcome back to the smoking section Smithdad...    

I'm happy to see you and your son have not given up racing / riding but have found a less expensive alternative, not to mention a bike that will put a bigger smile on his face...  Yes there is a "re-learning" curve, but I'm sure he will make the transition rather quickly.  Agreed the lack of engine braking is "different", but once he re-learns how to carve and steer with the back wheel, he will forget about the engine brake...  Not to mention, I'll bet he's having more fun then he's had in a while.  Isn't that why we race / ride, for the grin factor.  I'll also bet your wallet is going THANK YOU...  THANK YOU... THANK YOU....   

Yes you are correct, the choice of which oil to run can be very personal...  You say there are no good MX shops in your area.  I'd stop and see what they carry, and then base your decisions on that.  As far as my bike(s), I run Amsoil syn premix, and AFT in the tranny.  If been using AFT for a loooong time with zero issues.  I've been using Amsoil as my premix of choice since its carried locally in my MX shops, and usually can be found at most MX shops.

I run Rotella T in my cruiser, and all my 4 stroke equipment.  My equipment doesn't see the abuse a MX bike receives so I am 100% sold on it. 

Again welcome to the smoking section...  Now just sit back and enjoy the ride.

[Smithdad]

Haven't gotten a manual on this bike yet so could anyone answer a question for me. Does anyone know what the stock main, pilot jets are and what the stock needle position is? Going to start at a baseline and work from there. Thanks

[Dirtsaw]

My 3 yz250,s 02, 05, 06 come stock with a 178 , 48, Clip #2 (Not positive on the clip w/o checking) but I'm positive on the main/pilot.

[Smithdad]

Mine is 178 and 50 and position 3. I sent Bill's email to find out the specs for the Work's pipe. It may be already set for that pipe.

[VintageBlueSmoke]

Yes ther eis no thread that will ignite faster than this!

When I was racing GNCC's and Enduros, I used Castrol GTX 20w50 in the bottom and Silcoline in the mix. I changed oil and air filter after every race. In 1999, I raced 48 events on a single top end and clutch. I replaced the ring once. When the top end came apart in race 48, we tore it down and although the clutch looked ready for replacement, the mains and other bottom end pieced looked pristine.

I now use either Amsoil (if I have it) or Mobile 1 Synthetic 15w50 - especially on my vintage bikes. I'm running Amsoil mix.

Welocme to the thread.

[Smithdad]

Think I have decided I am going to run Amsoil. Their product line will help out in other places besides just MX. If you have never tried it the MP Heavy Duty Metal Protector is a pretty good chain lube by the way.
Got an email back from Bill's Pipes. The jets 178 and 50 with clip position 3 is the suggested starting point for jetting from Bill's for the YZ250.
After 3 days on the bike he is getting happier each day.

[ford832]

If you have never tried it the MP Heavy Duty Metal Protector is a pretty good chain lube by the way.

I agree.It's may favourite-along with the other brand name for it-Maxima Chain Wax. 

[eprovenzano]

I was curious as to how you boy is doing after making the switch...  Sure there is a "re-learning" curve, but I was curious as to:
1.) how he felt about the change,
2.) if you've had a chance to race the new steed yet.

I'm sure your wallet will be much happier.

[Smithdad]

Funny you should ask that. TO answer your question. He LOVES it. He did have some issues adapting to not having engine braking but got past that pretty quick. Had to learn to use the front brake more. Novel idea. I think once I get the suspension set right for him he will be much faster. He already looks comfortable on it. His first race will be in May at an Area Qualifier just not sure which one yet.
THe reason I said funny you should ask is because he took the 250F for a quick spin around our track to say good bye and the motor seized up before he completes a lap. We pushed it into the shop and put it on a stand. I will get to it one day.

[eprovenzano]

Funny you should ask that. To answer your question. He LOVES it. He did have some issues adapting to not having engine braking but got past that pretty quick. Had to learn to use the front brake more. Novel idea. I think once I get the suspension set right for him he will be much faster. He already looks comfortable on it. His first race will be in May at an Area Qualifier just not sure which one yet.
THe reason I said funny you should ask is because he took the 250F for a quick spin around our track to say good bye and the motor seized up before he completes a lap. We pushed it into the shop and put it on a stand. I will get to it one day.

I'm glad to hear he's able to make the transition, and yes it is a novel idea to use the front brake instead of relying on engine braking...  I'm sure once he gains confidence in the bike and relearns how to ride a smoker his lap times will improve.  I'm sure with seat time he will find he can take different lines than the strokers take.   Sorry to hear about the 250F..  I was going to ask what you were going to do with all of your free time once you got the YZ dialed in...  Now I know...  rebuild the 250F..   

[Stusmoke]

Funny you should ask that. TO answer your question. He LOVES it. He did have some issues adapting to not having engine braking but got past that pretty quick. Had to learn to use the front brake more. Novel idea. I think once I get the suspension set right for him he will be much faster. He already looks comfortable on it. His first race will be in May at an Area Qualifier just not sure which one yet.
THe reason I said funny you should ask is because he took the 250F for a quick spin around our track to say good bye and the motor seized up before he completes a lap. We pushed it into the shop and put it on a stand. I will get to it one day.

POS thing. Give him six months on the 125, then sit a 250 under his arse and watch the 250F fireworks.

[Smithdad]

He was on a 125 for almost 2 years. After that is when we went to the 4 stroke. That is the last racing 4 stroke I ever buy. Had to  say racing because our little TTR is pretty cool.
We both LOVE the 250. Just got my hands on another clapped out 2001 YZ250 for a new project bike.

[Stusmoke]

I had a 2001 YZ250. That thing was absolutely BOSS! You will love it.