shaunc
L plate rider.
Posts: 11
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Post by shaunc on Dec 1, 2019 22:10:33 GMT 1
Hi All,
New to the group.
Had the mandatory ’ported’ LC in my youth which I promptly seized, flat out along Rawtenstall bypass).
Wind the clock forward nearly 40 years and I have recently acquired x2 RD projects: a very original Mars 250LC and a YPVS.
Given these bikes didn’t set me back much, the ‘saved penny’ has just burnt a huge hole in my pocket - I saw a new/old LC for sale and couldn’t resist.
Now, while this bike has effectively just come out of it’s original crate ‘brand new’ it was put in that crate nearly 40 years ago. My heart would like to fire the bike up straight away and enjoy .... My head tells me that all seals and gaskets will need to be replaced.
Would very much welcome the groups thoughts on this. Thanks in advance.
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Post by veg on Dec 1, 2019 22:22:16 GMT 1
Welcome in Shaun sounds like you have your hands full. One of the old Padgetts bikes then. All seals, runners etc will need changing if you’re going to use it, would recommend a motor rebuild as it’s been stood for so long, etc etc I wouldn’t run it great piece of art until it’s done.
Post pics we love pics
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Post by dusty350 on Dec 1, 2019 22:27:48 GMT 1
Hi Welcome to the forum Sounds like you've jumped right back in !! Good on ya And I would certainly be changing crank seals for new genuine Yam. Check bores and bearings for corrosion, change all/any fluids, tyres, battery etc - the usual safety checks etc. They don't like standing for years unused. Nice to have a time warp bike but it could be costly to get it on the road after 40 years of inactivity. Good luck Dusty
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Post by donkeychomp on Dec 2, 2019 0:33:11 GMT 1
Wow. Great find. As above and forks, chain etc...it'll cost a lot but so worth it. And ride the bike don't have it on display somewhere...please!
Alex
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Post by earthman on Dec 2, 2019 9:34:20 GMT 1
Wow. Great find. As above and forks, chain etc...it'll cost a lot but so worth it. And ride the bike don't have it on display somewhere...please! Alex I agree, all vehicles/objects made up of moving parts were meant to be used at the end of the day. Having them sit still is really no good for them.
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Post by shaunthe2nd on Dec 2, 2019 9:47:03 GMT 1
It seems such a shame to have to open the engine up on a brand new bike but that's the reality if you want to ride it. As well as the other work needed as mentioned above: tyres, brake fluids and maybe pads, fork seals and oils most likely, battery, oil pump etc Unfortunately, it will cost you time/money to get it rideable, and this will reduce its value somewhat.
Bit of a conundrum! I think I would keep it untouched and un-ridden, as a museum piece, and ist it in my lounge. I would put my time and money into getting your 250LC project sorted and into riding condition. You will not lose any money that way, and wouldn't be so worried about riding it.
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Post by rigga on Dec 2, 2019 16:48:47 GMT 1
If its unused and as new, i wouldn't touch it, leave it as it is, as you do any work, ride it and add miles, its uniqueness has gone, and I'm betting you paid decent money for it too.
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Post by steve h on Dec 2, 2019 19:20:01 GMT 1
Crankseals in mine are original and ok. Engine never been split.
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Post by muttsnuts on Dec 2, 2019 20:03:27 GMT 1
its an interesting conundrum, and until earlier this year I'd have said exactly as above, expect crankseals etc to be hard, however, I had 2 bikes identical to yours come in earlier this year for commssioning and setting up, with the expectation of the engines needing to be split, however, neither of them needed it much to my surprise.
They both needed fork seals as they weeped after a little bit of use, the carbs needed a full service and set up and both needed setting up on the dyno as they ran pretty awful, both had the same issue as it turned out, so once I sussed it on the first bike, it was an easy fix for the other
Both bikes have been run regularly since then with one covering a few hundred miles trouble free and the other has done just over 1000 miles, again trouble free, so at this time, I'd say commission it, get it checked/setup properly and run it as is and see what gives, have the expectation of an engine split in the foreground of your mind, so if it needs it, then its no surprise, but if it doesn't need it, then its a nice surprise.
HTH
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Post by tacky1 on Dec 2, 2019 20:22:02 GMT 1
Would it need all new seals etc, No ethanol has ever been run in it, Isn't that the problem. Just curious...
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Post by 4l04ever on Dec 2, 2019 23:43:48 GMT 1
You could do a leak down test to get a good idea of crank seal condition. If it holds pressure, it should be good to go :-)
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Post by earthman on Dec 2, 2019 23:46:01 GMT 1
Would it need all new seals etc, No ethanol has ever been run in it, Isn't that the problem. Just curious... It's more about the lack of oil and general movement around the crank seals I'd say, nothing to do with ethanol in that respect.
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Post by steven on Dec 3, 2019 0:57:39 GMT 1
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Post by hoist1 on Dec 3, 2019 2:18:30 GMT 1
Crankseals in mine are original and ok. Engine never been split. 👍. If you are going to run it or strip it anyway just make sure 2 stroke oil is reaching the engine, add oil to the petrol. Take pump cover off and when running hold the pump open for a while, make sure you are outside. Let things clear a bit then have some 8 plugs in for a short gentle ride, go from there, nothing to lose.
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Post by hoist1 on Dec 3, 2019 2:24:21 GMT 1
Crankseals in mine are original and ok. Engine never been split. 👍. If you are going to run it or strip it anyway just make sure 2 stroke oil is reaching the engine, add oil to the petrol. Take pump cover off and when running hold the pump open for a while, make sure you are outside. Let things clear a bit then have some 8 plugs in for a short gentle ride, go from there, nothing to lose. If the carbs leak petrol, give the float bowls a tap with a screwdriver handle.
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Post by hoist1 on Dec 3, 2019 2:40:16 GMT 1
And change gearbox oil if it has any.
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Post by hoist1 on Dec 3, 2019 2:46:57 GMT 1
First take plugs out, put some oil into cylinder and turn over gently.
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Post by steve h on Dec 3, 2019 4:19:23 GMT 1
Crankseals in mine are original and ok. Engine never been split. 👍. If you are going to run it or strip it anyway just make sure 2 stroke oil is reaching the engine, add oil to the petrol. Take pump cover off and when running hold the pump open for a while, make sure you are outside. Let things clear a bit then have some 8 plugs in for a short gentle ride, go from there, nothing to lose. Ran fine last time it was kicked over..sweet as... But it is a 2 stroke so It may shit itself out of spite next time.. If it does its no prob as I have enough sable to fix it ie clys, heads oem gaskets, ect ect ect
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Post by hoist1 on Dec 3, 2019 4:54:32 GMT 1
👍. If you are going to run it or strip it anyway just make sure 2 stroke oil is reaching the engine, add oil to the petrol. Take pump cover off and when running hold the pump open for a while, make sure you are outside. Let things clear a bit then have some 8 plugs in for a short gentle ride, go from there, nothing to lose. Ran fine last time it was kicked over..sweet as... But it is a 2 stroke so It may shit itself out of spite next time.. If it does its no prob as I have enough sable to fix it ie clys, heads oem gaskets, ect ect ect Steve, I meant shuanc ‘s , hard to beat the original fitters, yours not messed with. Steve.
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Post by hoist1 on Dec 3, 2019 8:59:51 GMT 1
Ran fine last time it was kicked over..sweet as... But it is a 2 stroke so It may shit itself out of spite next time.. If it does its no prob as I have enough sable to fix it ie clys, heads oem gaskets, ect ect ect Steve, I meant shuanc ‘s , hard to beat the original fitters, yours not messed with. Steve. Was just sort of highlighting the example of yours.
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shaunc
L plate rider.
Posts: 11
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Post by shaunc on Dec 3, 2019 21:14:41 GMT 1
Dear All,
Thanks for such great feedback. Feels like I’m part of a big like-minded family.
It’s rare to have one’s opinions changed at this age (call me stubborn) but that is exactly what’s happened. Yes, and I get it completely, one or two of you guys/girls have urged me to ride it because, in one sense, it’s tragic not to but the overall feeling from the replies (and something I’d not fully appreciated) is just how unique this thing is and that, if I as much as fire her up, that uniqueness will be lost for ever.
The heart is still objecting vehemently but I think on this one I’ve got to go with the head.
I think the best compromise is to have the ‘new’ one in the lounge (not mentioned it to the missus yet) and get one or both of the other two projects completed and run them ragged.
I will of course send photos once it’s delivered. Expect to hear lots from me in the future. At this stage my preference is to go with the old LC and sell the YPVS. Some of the finished restorations I’ve seen are just drop dead gorgeous.
Thanks again, all.
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Post by nobby62 on Dec 4, 2019 21:52:46 GMT 1
If its unused and as new, i wouldn't touch it, leave it as it is, as you do any work, ride it and add miles, its uniqueness has gone, and I'm betting you paid decent money for it too. What he says.....plenty of riders about to ride on....maintain the rare uniqueness of this example.. its a no brainer
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Post by earthman on Dec 4, 2019 22:27:27 GMT 1
You could do a leak down test to get a good idea of crank seal condition. If it holds pressure, it should be good to go :-) This is great advice I feel, along with using a scope/tiny camera down each plug hole. Personally I'd do all the cheap/easy checks I could before starting any engine that's stood still for years.
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Post by shaunthe2nd on Dec 4, 2019 22:28:19 GMT 1
Agreed, that's exactly what i would do.
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Post by hoist1 on Dec 5, 2019 7:32:22 GMT 1
Probably best to preserve its value and have another as a rider. Bikes are best being used but engine wise ( seals ) , it’s contaminants and conditions of storage. If yours is to be stored indoors I think it’s not just being warm and dry , can prob be too warm. Main thing is the right conditions and constant.
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Post by headcoats on Dec 5, 2019 9:41:15 GMT 1
If its unused and as new, i wouldn't touch it, leave it as it is, as you do any work, ride it and add miles, its uniqueness has gone, and I'm betting you paid decent money for it too. I would agree with that
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z900rs
Newbe
Hi folks, own a few old Mx bikes but aching for another LC
Posts: 2
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Post by z900rs on Jan 31, 2021 18:48:56 GMT 1
Hi Shaun, are you moving the Ypvs on. Thanks Dave
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Post by veg on Feb 4, 2021 21:24:41 GMT 1
?
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