Hey, what to you know...it runs.

[cp1969]

My 2003 that I bought last Saturday. Needed carburetor cleaned out. So, I decided to run the valves, too, plus replace the plug. I also too out a bunch of preload that was in the spring. Seemed to me to have an awful lot.

I drained the tank and only had about 1/2 gallon of gas in the lawnmower can. When I finally put the petcock on reserve, it started. Starts very easy now, even hot, which I've heard can be somewhat difficult. Not so with this one, thankfully.

First photo is how it looked this morning before reassembly. Second is after the maiden ride.

Been a long time since I've ridden a 250...great fun!

I asked the PO if he'd laid it down and of course the answer was 'heck yeah! More times than I can count!' No, seriously, he said he'd knocked it over twice in his garage. I can see why. The kickstand seems to be an inch or two too long.

[neander]

nice bike

[cp1969]

Thanks! It's not pristine by any means but it's plenty good enough for me.

In my first post, I meant to type "took out" preload, not "too out". You can see how much preload was in the spring in the left photo. I took out at least half, if not more, of that. I don't know if that helped the seat height or not but now, once aboard, I can more or less flat-foot it. I like that.

I just wish the weather was warmer.

Oh, I also checked the battery and it was hovering at about 1.5 volts before I installed it. I put it on my trickle charger but apparently that isn't even enough voltage to trigger the circuits in the charger. At least the battery for this thing is not very expensive.

[TownsendsFJR1300]

The kick stand seems longer now because you lowered the suspension. If you decide to keep it lowered, you'll probably need to shorten the kick stand accordingly (cut and re-weld a plate on the bottom)

[cp1969]

Originally Posted by TownsendsFJR1300

The kick stand seems longer now because you lowered the suspension. If you decide to keep it lowered, you'll probably need to shorten the kick stand accordingly (cut and re-weld a plate on the bottom)

Does reducing preload reduce seat height? All I thought it would do is make it sag easier.

I think if I'm feeling feisty I'll shorten the kickstand but also make it adjustable (telescoping).

I just noticed today the kickstand switch is absent from its location and cable-tied to the frame, where it looks like it could easily get clobbered. Is there a good reason to fix this? I've never seen what the purpose of kickstand switches is.

[TownsendsFJR1300]

Originally Posted by cp1969

Does reducing preload reduce seat height? All I thought it would do is make it sag easier.

I think if I'm feeling feisty I'll shorten the kickstand but also make it adjustable (telescoping).

I just noticed today the kickstand switch is absent from its location and cable-tied to the frame, where it looks like it could easily get clobbered. Is there a good reason to fix this? I've never seen what the purpose of kickstand switches is.

Reducing the preload lowers the entire bike (should say mostly the rear), including the seat. I was teaching a friend (short female) how to ride and lowered the rear spring preload and forks(so she could reach the ground), it was a low rider to say the least.... There are some places tnat can trim down your seat for a lower seat height without you having to drop the suspension...

As for the kick stand switch, some, myself included, just hot wire it together (eliminate it) as it'll get crap in there sooner or later and strand you. I removed the entire switch, followed it up the frame and solderier the ends together and heat shrunk.... Just rememeber to raise the kick stand when you start out... I Disconnected the clutch lever switch too (same reason)... Mines an 05

Scott