1988 WR250 revival 2016

This bike was purchased as a $500 parts donor but on closer inspection (with the exception of a few blemishes) but it is just too good to break up.
It looks awful, is low on compression, needed the clutch cover welded from a previous kick back event, the sleeve on the ignition side crank case is loose, not as bad as my 400 was, but requires repair, pipe squashed at the header, and so on.

Maybe my first impressions of the 400WR are swaying my judgement but this seems to be the ideal displacement for the Vinduro riding I am riding these days, I just can't use the 400 like it should be used, combination of age, lack of fitness, healthy dose of self preservation and tight event courses.
From what I keep reading, this is the 250 motor to have, torquey, good top end but tractable like the 400, only less power.
After listening to some on bike footage taken recently, I didn't realise that I spent so much time in the lower rev range! I will link to a Youtube clip soon, but you get the picture.

Anyway, the build begins! Here is what it looked like the day I bought it home.

Almost Mint!

I think you could make the silencer a bit longer though!!!

Had one new back in the day - fond memories....

Andy.

doesnt really look that bad, will look alot better after a good cleaning. the devil will be in the details. at the very least a great parts buy

the 250 mil is a good one..runs similar to the 400/430...just less crank inertia, quicker revving..they sound good too with a straight core.

The PO was running it with the muffler insert poking out like that!
I bought it as a non runner, but when I got it home, it took some fresh fuel and about three kicks to fire it up.
The PO had removed the kick start lever at some point and had no idea on the correct re-assembly, took about fifteen minutes to rectify that.
I was particularly impressed with the folding gear lever tip that he had manufactured too.
There were some great clues hinting at the maintenance of this bike too, although it is still on it's standard bore, it has had a seize at some stage.

Only $500 nice, and she runs too.

Around 360 USD I think.

you've done well there Mr Brown. nothing better than buying a poo bucket and finding out its a solid bike just covered in pooh....better than buying a nice clean looking bike and finding its totally worn out.

While it has been a long time since anyone cared for this bike, it has good bones!
I think it will restore nicely.

Bet that shifter tip is worth $500 alone

This ad speaks volumes about the PO!

rots of ruc wiff dat one

You wouldn't know that English is their first language!

its just possible that the original owner is still looking for it

A little progress today.

A little more....

And more.

wow, so whats your blast setup?

Just a very simple home made cabinet using garnet as the blast media.

buying a blaster soon. trailer, fergy tractor ol fj 40 landcruiser trayback all need blasting...