bmass2844

Hey everyone. Just picked up a 1985 Rebel 250 monday night. Dont think the guy knew too much about bikes. The chain is extremely tight, has no slack or play at all. Either the air/fuel mixture or the choke has been adjusted incorrectly. So it floods itself out and smells of gas when it runs. But its only got 8400 miles so thats a plus. Its rough but I got big plans. When i got it home I started working on it in the back of my truck. HAHA. Didnt even wait to get it out. But now I got it in the garage and have ripped off saddlebag rails, passenger pegs and seat, mirrors, rear blinkers and that unsightly license plate/reflector assembly. I do have a few questions about wiring up some aftermarket blinkers and brake light. As well as some questions about my front caliper. (its locked up so the guy drained the fluid and i dont know how to diag. it.) Thanks guys.

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northbiker

thats awesome! ive been working on a bobber myself. im almost done. im not sure how much i can help you towards your questions but i can try. i may even have a few for you. let me know thanks

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Fridgitator

Welcome. It sounds like you have a nice project bike to work on. A bike of that age that has been sitting has a few obvious things to look into before riding it. The carb is probably fouled, the tires are suspect, and if the chain was too tight, the seal could use a good exam. I would start with filling the carb with Seafoam and letting it soak for a day or two while you deal with the front brake. While you're at it, clean the chain and sprockets to see what shape they are in. change the oil for sure, pull the valve cover off and make sure nothing is binding. One thing about Rebel engines that have sat for a long time is that a valve can hang and cause damage. Easy enough to avoid with a couple hours of garage time. Do you have a repair manual?

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bmass2844

All real good info. As far as the front brake, i pulled the caliper off and dont plan on putting it back on. i want only the basics on this bike. i can deal with rear only. Tires are brand new. Maybe 100 miles on them. and a new battery. I think the carb is toasted. Ill be pulling it off tomorrow to work on it over the weekend. Went by local honda dealer and they have NO parts in stock. Will do the advise you gave on the chain though. thanks again. p.s. I posted a few questions in the "wrenching" section about some aftermarket lights.

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cagie

I hate to sound ignorant, but why, why, why would anyone remove the front brake??? In quick stop situations, which is even more relevant these days with cage drivers being ever so inattentive to driving rather than just steering the car, using all the braking methods available could mean your life.

"The front brake is the most effective, giving between 60 & 80% of the bike's stopping power in hard stops, depending upon surface conditions." (NHTSA)

"Use brakes wisely. Use both brakes together. Brake firmly and progressively and bring the motorcycle upright before stopping. " (NHTSA)


top, rear brake only
middle, front brake only
bottom, both brakes
(http://thaisafedriver.com/MotorcycleFour.aspx)

It's your neck, but I sure wouldn't want to ride with you. That said, realize that's my opinion.

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Comments contained in my posts are not intended to cause physical or psychological stress and are mearly my two cents worth, and in this economy, that's cheap!
87 CMX250C 'the Pygmy Pony'
87 CMX450C 'Black Lithium'

cagie

BTW, what state are you in? I would think, if you want to keep a bike street legal it would have to have front and rear brakes. I could be wrong...

__________________
Comments contained in my posts are not intended to cause physical or psychological stress and are mearly my two cents worth, and in this economy, that's cheap!
87 CMX250C 'the Pygmy Pony'
87 CMX450C 'Black Lithium'

bmass2844

I completely understand where you are coming from. But also, keep in mind this is the smallest and lightest bike i have ever owned. I have been in multiple situations on my GSXR where ive needed the front with the back. And its nice to be able to put both feet down at a red light and not worry about rolling back. But this isnt an every day riding bike. Unless you know someone that will sell me a caliper with pistons that work, or can rebuild mine, im goin with just rear brakes. Im in Jacksonville, Fl. No helmets, no insurance, no blinkers, no problems!! haha. but i am looking at putting some aftermarket brake lights on for my own safety. any suggestions on that?

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cagie

Jack is down the road from you in Sanford. They can rebuild the calipers or find replacements. Jack is a real wizard when it comes to finding parts... 407 865 4101

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Comments contained in my posts are not intended to cause physical or psychological stress and are mearly my two cents worth, and in this economy, that's cheap!
87 CMX250C 'the Pygmy Pony'
87 CMX450C 'Black Lithium'

bmass2844

Thats great news. Thanks. Does Jack only do calipers? Or does he do carbs too? I need a carb rebuild real bad, but dont feel like messing with it. I just wanna slap on a re-man one and be done. Plus the guy messed with the choke cable so i dunno where to start with that. I know somethin is up cuz i dont need choke for it to start. And smoke along with the smell of gas makes me light headed.

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cagie

they rebuild carbs too!

As for the choke, check the plastic connector at the carb, sounds like it is goobered up. The plastic threads can easily become cross threaded and not seat properly causing it to bleed too much fuel (choke is actually a fuel enricher). But, if you say the carb needs rebuilt, then wait until you get it back to check the choke function, the rebuild may fix that...

__________________
Comments contained in my posts are not intended to cause physical or psychological stress and are mearly my two cents worth, and in this economy, that's cheap!
87 CMX250C 'the Pygmy Pony'
87 CMX450C 'Black Lithium'