TDR250 Project

[GrahamQLD]

Hi All,

I didn't find one of these on this forum so far so I thought I'd ad my project pics.
I'm very fond of 2 strokes from having 25 year MX race background. Multi-cylinder being of great interest. I got really lucky and my Dad come across this bike in North QLD and picked it up for me. I've had other distractions (speedway bike chassis upgrade) and would now like to work quite hard on this restoration. Bike still runs but obviously hasn't been used in a long while.
Engine serial starts with 1Kt, hopefully this is correct.
The only things missing are: windscreen, radiator overflow tank cap, choke lever, speedo is not original.
I'm currently working on straightening and repairing the cosmetics before I strip it for paint and engine freshen up/inspection.

http://s1313.photobucket.com/user/graha ... t=3&page=1

[EPApolice]

Welcome Graham, that's a good score and the best colour too. I have one the same that you can see a picture of in the gallery section on this forum. Parts are pretty hard to find but not impossible. If you decide to run chambers never get rid of the original pipes because you won't find another set. I have Jim Lomas ones on mine and they sound good but I doubt I gained any performance. Body panels are the hardest to find but do turn up on yahoo Japan.
The TDR is a great bike for hooning on but after 100 km its hard work, perfect for the real tight stuff. Mark on here races one so would be a guy to speak to for detailed info.

[GrahamQLD]

Thanks Epa. You have a very nice example. The black is definitely the best.
I have all the original plastics/body panels, just some small edges missing. I've seen complete sets available now too, fibreglass I guess.

[EPApolice]

Yea there is a guy in the UK making reproduction panels now but they are from ABS and not glass, there are a few other sellers out there also. Join the forum that's the best bet
tdr250.co.uk

[GrahamQLD]

Hey Epa, Does your speedo have an indicator light in it? I think they are red. What does it indicate exactly?

[EPApolice]

Yes it does its a speed indicator light that comes on at 80kph. Just about all the Japanese domestic market bikes have it.

[mboddy]

Welcome Graham
Mine is a UK model and the speedo is in miles but with klms also marked.
I got a french speedo in klms for it.
Mark

[GrahamQLD]

Hi Guys. I'm looking into tyres for it at the moment. It has original rims and I want the motard look road tyres. It currently has some horrible big knobbies on it that look terrible!
Suggestions on an reasonable tyre/sizes? My background is all dirt, are the tyre size/desciptions still the same for the "slick" style?
rims are 17x2.5 and 18x2.15 spoked so they will need to be tubed.

[EPApolice]

Bridgestone BT45 in the sandard size for the bike work very well.

[GrahamQLD]

I've found a bt45 set 90/90 18 and 130/70 17 Sound about right?

[mboddy]

Bridgestone advise against 130/70 on a 2.5" rear.
Their Japanese web site says that 110/90 is best for 2.5" but you can also fit 120/80 or 130/80.
They say 90/90 is best for 2.15" front but you can also fit 100/80 or 100/90.

[GrahamQLD]

Thanks so much mboddy. I have been searching for that sort of info!

[hybrid]

Here's a vid for you.

[mboddy]

You probably want to choose the tyre sizes based on how you will use the bike.
If you just want it for sporty weekend riding then go with the Bridgestone recommended sizes.
If you want it for day to day then the original sizes will give slower steering and it may track straighter.

[hybrid]

You still racing one Mark?