hellabroke Posted October 25, 2016 Share Posted October 25, 2016 Decided to get a project for the summer. It will also be a bike to learn on, as I currently do not have a motorbike license but have rode a couple bikes years ago. I purchased a seemingly rare Yamaha srv250 which should make a good base for a simple cafe racer build. Thinking of only changing seat, bars, lights and mirrors. Not much else needs doing other than a good tidy up. Overall it is in good condition and mechanically sound. Picking the bike up tomorrow and will post up some photos later. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hellabroke Posted October 26, 2016 Author Share Posted October 26, 2016 Picked the bike up today and it rides great! However, a tune up wouldn't hurt down the track. The bike came with a full service history dating back to when it had just 4000 km on the clock. Here a few photos of the bike. Note I couldn't resist getting stuck in so some photos have the side covers and rear mudguard removed. Over the weekend I plan on removing more pieces in the preparation for repainting the frame and other components to the factory green colour, which I much prefer over the red. Like this, Also going to order some new bars and lights for a cleaner look. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moffmo Posted October 26, 2016 Share Posted October 26, 2016 Ohhh that's nice. Good purchase! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RevDWC Posted October 26, 2016 Share Posted October 26, 2016 Looks like a great base for a project. Always wanted to have a ride on one of these as they look like a sweet little 250. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hellabroke Posted October 27, 2016 Author Share Posted October 27, 2016 Some progress was made today Going to tackle the engine removal this weekend. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hellabroke Posted October 30, 2016 Author Share Posted October 30, 2016 Got the engine out over the weekend What would be the best way to polish up the engine as it is full of grime and oxidation? Also, any good sand blasters in the Christchurch area? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goat Posted November 2, 2016 Share Posted November 2, 2016 Could get it vapour blasted. But quickest and easiest way to get a donk looking good is to just wire brush it, degrease it, mask off any side covers etc and then paint it. That how most factory stuff is, even classic "bare aluminum" engines are painted aluminum colour. Look at all the honda CBs for example. Once you've painted it, then you just polish any removable covers etc. I can't recommend a paint, as i roll my engines the same condition as the rest of the bikes. Clean but used. Its really hard to get the die cast stuff looking super clean as its a rough surface. The only way to really do it, unless you're willing to invest loads of hours with brass toothbrushes, or just paint it, is vapour blasting. Aparently they can do whole engines. Can be spendy though, but will get that new look. Also: Avoid soda or sand blasting. It will get it clean, but it will be stained really easily (finger prints etc) as it leaves the surface rough (at a fine level). Vapour blasting does some weird shit that sorta peens the surface over, so it doesnt stain, and stays looking top for aages. Choice bike by the way! Always thought these were very pretty for a 250! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Gruntfuttock Posted November 2, 2016 Share Posted November 2, 2016 Swoopy frame, Yammy V-twin and sculpted tank. Much to like... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hellabroke Posted November 3, 2016 Author Share Posted November 3, 2016 Could get it vapour blasted. But quickest and easiest way to get a donk looking good is to just wire brush it, degrease it, mask off any side covers etc and then paint it. That how most factory stuff is, even classic "bare aluminum" engines are painted aluminum colour. Look at all the honda CBs for example. Once you've painted it, then you just polish any removable covers etc. I can't recommend a paint, as i roll my engines the same condition as the rest of the bikes. Clean but used. Its really hard to get the die cast stuff looking super clean as its a rough surface. The only way to really do it, unless you're willing to invest loads of hours with brass toothbrushes, or just paint it, is vapour blasting. Aparently they can do whole engines. Can be spendy though, but will get that new look. Also: Avoid soda or sand blasting. It will get it clean, but it will be stained really easily (finger prints etc) as it leaves the surface rough (at a fine level). Vapour blasting does some weird shit that sorta peens the surface over, so it doesnt stain, and stays looking top for aages. Choice bike by the way! Always thought these were very pretty for a 250! Cheers for that Might just go down the paint route with the engine after giving it a good clean. Heard some good things about the heat proof VHT paint and its not overly pricey either. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hellabroke Posted November 10, 2016 Author Share Posted November 10, 2016 Made some progress... The frame and a few other bits got sand blasted at EPC on Leeds Street. They did a pretty good job and wasn't too pricey either. I also painted the engine this week and it turned out better than i expected. Still need to polish the engine covers at some stage. Until the frame gets painted, hopefully this weekend, I cant proceed much further. In the mean time I purchased some heat wrap for the exhaust and some bar end mirrors. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hellabroke Posted December 13, 2016 Author Share Posted December 13, 2016 So after a lot of patience waiting for the frame to be painted professionally, I decided to give it a crack. It came out great if I say so myself just need to get the tank and mud guard done when I get access to the paint booth again. Since painting the frame I put everything back together and it started first pop! I finally got my license today so was able to take it for its first 'legal' ride. Other than a few rattles that need attention its sweet. So happy with how it turned out. With still more to do, it will be a nice ongoing project to keep me occupied over the holidays. 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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