twistedkeys

By the way, after 180 miles at almost 100% throttle I finally had to switch to reserve.

Also when it's the compression stroke the valves should be moving, where as 180* around they're going to be pumping. If that wasn't already said. I fixed it by the way.

Yeah there's one down the street, no big deal, but it's over $100 for a custom 45 tooth. UPDATE: took my bike 90 miles to a ski resort yesterday (yes, with skis). There was no other way than the freeway to there so I hopped on and went for it. On the way down I had a head wind and was only reaching 50-60 MPH. On the way back my GPS died, but I was keeping up with cars on a posted 80 MPH, who knows if they were going 90+. But this was with a windshield, completely full throttle, and in the powerband. At that speed the little bike will drastically slow down if there's any hill or head wind. It's really lacking power on the highway (unsurprisingly). This is with a 16-41 ratio, had to add a link in the chain to get it to fit from my 13-41 but everything worked out.

Just a quick question, when is the compression stroke? And how do I know when to stop on that one?

Thanks guys!

By 5 minutes I meant the actual process of sticking the gauge in, loosening the nut, tightening the valve, tightening the nut, back and forth until it's just right. I presume the flywheel fell out of place when the handlebars fell from the right to the left while I was working on it. It seems like the TDC marking is RIGHT before it wants to fall, but that's probably because it's TDC

Higher means more teeth right? Too bad I can't really find anything less than a 41 on the rear :/

Thanks man. I found that on my left side panel it lists the sizes. Thing is, I just finished adjusting it, spent a good 5 minutes getting it just right, put the tank and seat back on and it goes all CLACK CLACK CLACK on me...

Um not really. I'm trying to get it to cruise at 65-75mph for when I take it down to SoCal. I don't think this will go faster than 70ish top speed. Cruising in the powerband for hundreds of miles is the thing that worries me.

Yeah this is true. I found a small owners manual online for free that listed how to set cam chain timing, as well as valves. I'm not sure if it's ok to post links like that here though?

Just changed the gear ratio on my '81. Thought I'd let everyone know some things about this. 1. DO NOT buy a gear lower than 12 in the front. The locking brace is literally 1-3mm too big and will bump up your chain. I installed a 12 and had to shave that bracket down a bit. 2. For a 12-41 it was a 97 link chain at the shortest adjustment. 3. As far as I know you can't physically buy anything smaller. They do sell 10-11tooth fronts, but as I said, you'll have to do some modifications to the locking bracket to get it to hold the chain right. Or fabricate a new one. 4. I have not tested top speed, although I am cruising at 25mph in the mid 3rd gear, instead of the low 4th gear. Still very peppy.

Hey guys, just joined the forum, dropped in to say hi. I bought my SR in....September of 2012? And have been riding it since, even in the -20*F ice and snowy weather here in Utah. Possibly a couple of you might recognize me from TT, I have quite a bit of posts there but that was for when I had my dirt bike, they're not so great with road bikes. I'm going to college to get my bachelors in software engineering, I'm 18 years old, and have been riding for 5-7 years (without an indecent might I add!) Anyway, the bike has been ridden by older fellows all its life in our little town. It's been passed on to me through $400. Although it's not in tiptop shape, it's still a pretty clean ride. I've come here to seek other owners of the model and additional information on the bike, and possibly someone to ride with! Thanks to the two people that actually read this and ride safe!

Oh yeah that's right, for some reason I always get the vales and points mixed up... And yeah I can go say hi there for all the two people that care lol.

True that! As far as I go, I don't see how telling everyone I don't have a job and I'm attending college will help solve any problems with my bike =)

I have a 1981 SR250, great bike, but I don't know much about it... Firstly, I need to reset the timing due to tapping in the top end. I opened those little caps on top of the cylinder that use hexes, and found the ignition points. Thing is, which one is exhaust, and intake? Also, has anyone experimented with performance? Coming from a dirtbike background I'm thinking shaving the head, doing a big bore conversion, etc. But are there better more efficient ways for these little streetbikes?