Honda 1983 VT250F

Quick post.

Murdo's recent VT250FE build has inspired me to post a few pics of some of my builds. This one is nearly finished. I wanted to take it to the Island Classic this weekend (23rd & 24th Jan), but am running out of time to complete all the necessary work. Unfortunately, I never take many pics when I do a build, so will see if I can get some background pics of the bike before the teardown.

These pics are over a period of time, so don't think it all happened in the last week or so.

I will post pics of the completed build as soon as it's done.

Cheers

Frankster

 

Thanks for the link Murdo. Great price too!

Those inboard brakes work really well with the normal line, so braided should be dynamite and it will look cool too. I've been burning the midnight (and Early Bird) oil trying to get this thing running for the Island. I did find a few pictures of it from when I bought it a few years ago. It wasn't in good condition. The PO said it was a runner and just needed a new battery...yeh right!

 

Are you painting the caliper? I thought about doing this, but first thing's first...get the bike running!

 

I was thinking orange calipers to match my frame colour. Took this pic last night at about midnight. Red seat and cowl don't go with matt black and orange frame. I will go to a black seat and I think I have a black cowl somewhere.

 

Airbox Mod:

Anyone who has worked on a VT250F knows they have a formidable airbox. Hard to remove and even harder to re-install due to canals and odd shape underneath the unit plus the fact that it's in multiple parts; one attaches to the metal Carb plate and the other attaches to the frame and to the carb plate part. The airbox basically squeezes in amongst throttle cables, wiring and the radiator fan. Well, I've done this mod a couple of times and it works pretty well for me...

I cut the bottom off the airbox section that holds the filter and then glass in a section with a plastic sheet in between two fibreglass sheets. the end result allows me to continue using the stock filter and rubber air inlet ducts. It also makes taking the thing out and reinstalling it a piece of cake. As a bonus, I've noticed the radiator air flow is improved as the old airbox is basically right up against the fan unit. I haven't noticed any ill affects to tuning from making this change.

I make the cut just below the curv (see Airbox 2 pic) that rests the airbox on the cross member of the frame. I keep all the internal plastic work so that the filter has its normal resting place and the restraint clip can still be utilised.

 

Does your airbox look more like this? Also, part number 3 (Air cleaner element spring) appears on this schematic, but not on the parts schematic for my model...even though my airbox has to have it or the filter roles around!

 

Ah yes, I did see that in one of your posts. Much easier than mine.

 

Ok, part 2 of the 1983 VT250F airbox mod.

I found an old filter, so it's easier to show how this works. This can be done with or without the airbox modification (cutting the bottom off - see earlier post in this thread). The VT250F air filter is becoming rare and I've yet to find an aftermarket provider. Even second hand ones can be pretty useless (see first & second images).

step 1: Take said air filter that's NQR out of airbox

step 2: Remove external filter material with pliers or similar tool. Clean it up properly as we don't ant any matter being ingested by the carbs (third image). You can try removing the internal filter material, but this looks a little more difficult and I've never tried.

Step 3: insert form filter material into vacant area (fourth image) and reinsert into airbox. I get my filter material from clark rubber.

Important Note: You will be changing your induction system characteristics when you make the airbox mod and the air filter mod, so best to "tinker" with your air/fuel if you notice a difference. The air filter mod on it's own normally makes the engine feel like it's revving quicker...in conjunction with the airbox mod it almost feels exactly the same as an unmodified bike. Disclaimer: Individual results may vary.