Like the transition, as it really brought it to a much more current look. I love the air-cooled bikes. They run like clockwork, and make great torque right off the bottom. They're lightweight and most of it is lower in the frame. I've run my wife's CRF150F many a time with buddies on bigger bikes and even in a race last year, and people are surprised by just how well they perform. The one thing I'd throw out as cautionary are the seal savers. While the dust boots help to keep dirt away from the seals just like the seal savers, they also protect the fork legs from getting scratched, chipped, or indented from tip overs or debris such as rocks and roost. But it seriously looks good - nice work!
Great Job...Miss your vids... I'm looking at a XR400 & XR250....since you have had both do you think one is better then the other? I sorta like the 6 speeds on the 250....but the 400 is such a torque monster....
I love coming back to this video. A great example of what someone can do with just a bit of work on an old bike. I also like eveRide's video on the Blue Angel, even though he went really far on that one! Currently am going through MrDuhfactor's KLX rebuild playlist and am looking forward to overview of the XR400.
Looks great. The XR 250 deserves to look decent, it may be the worlds greatest off road bike in a grin for dollar competition, have run these for years, not the fastest, best handling but fun for the dollar they have no equal.
What was the process for painting the side fender? I've got a 93 XR250L and i'd like to make it look more modern than it currently is, i like the 90's look but the color is just dulling out, not shinny.
Wet sand with 400 grit once, then 600 grit a couple times. Get some Krylon Fusion (red pepper for honda) and hit it once with a light coat. It should be dull after the first coat and it's ok if it's not completely covered. Let it dry for 24 hours. Then do a second coat to get it covered well. Again dry 24 hours. Third coat should be heavy enough to be glossy but not run. Fourth coat if you're just that kind of guy. Might want to let it sit a few days to totally cure. I don't think it will keep on font and rear fenders, but it seems to hold up for a few seasons everywhere else.
That is without a doubt one of the coolest bike transformations I've ever seen. I love the color scheme of black and red as they look awesome together. Great job! I may be a little biased since I have an '84 XR 500R.
I think you would like this red bike. You and I have both ridden the WR250R on the trails I'm riding in this video and I actually like the red bike more. It doesn't have as much overall power, but It's smaller, lighter and the torque is in down low instead of high. You should come try it out. I even have an extra seat we can hack up.
No, I just used LED on the tail light. First with the stock socket and then with the whole new assembly in this video. Talked a little more about it here th-cam.com/video/fY0P8fEG4Sg/w-d-xo.html
Hermit wheres the end of Summer Review of the XR250R? I'm looking to buy a smaller bike (Ride a DR640) for single track and for my wife and daughter to ride. Looking at the older 250's. Thanks in advance.
Yes, I need to do that just didn't get it done on my end of summer trip and didn't have enough time on the bike before then. That 250 hasn't bit me in any way, I really like it. It's definitely a step down from the WR250R on the road and I hate riding it more than a few miles or more than 45mph on pavement but I've gone 60mph for 10 mile stretches. Prefer it over the WR250R and DRZ400S on tight twisty woods riding. It's not as plush, polished, or powerful as those bikes but it's shorter and lighter which makes it easier and more fun to ride in the woods. If I could only have one bike I think I'd still take the WR250R because it is more versatile and after that the DRZ400, but for a second bike that a friend can ride I really like the XR250R, especially for the $1000 I paid. The one thing that might be an issue for a beginner is no electric start. If you think that's an issue for your girls you might want to check out the DR250 instead. Harder to find and get parts for, but other than that I hear they give the XR250R a good run for the money.
I also keep coming back to your XR250R videos, and was hoping for the XR250R review. Of course now I am wondering where the XR400R fits in your WR/DRZ/XR hierarchy. Learning what you did for jetting on the XR's would be interesting too. (I live between you and CDS feller). I'm looking to augment my KDX200 with an XR/WR/DRZ/KLX somethin-or-other, and you and CDS, eveRide, and Mr DuhFactor are a huge resource!
looks great. I am in the process of making my 04 xr look new and street legal. I tried a set of graphics however the tank graphics bubbled up bad because of fuel vapor through the tank. Is yours doing that?
I know your at a higher altitude but how is your carb tuned? main/primary jets,needle valve and mixture screw? great looking bike bud keep putting out these great videos!
How did you wire the headlight up? I just bought the same one you have to my 93 XR250R. Did you use an adapter, different wiring other than from the stock headlight? As mine stands, my stock wiring doesn't wire correctly to the new headlight.
I made my 99 XR250R street legal, not good for rides over an hour and they start looking old fast and even modded they are lacking on the hi-way. From what I remember, My 79 XL 185s felt more comfortable on the street, if this is possible?
I have the same bike, same aftermarket headlight and same opinion as you: The headlight is very dim and not safe for night riding. I even put in an LED bulb but it's still dim. I have a stock headlight on my CRF 450X and it's very bright for comparison.
You went to rampart without me? jerk! Also, nice job on that title card. looks like something eveRide would come up with. I'm glad you got that new break light, that other one was way way to dim.
You would have hated it. It was on a Tuesday, and nobody was there, the trail was dry, it was 72 degrees... Come to think of it, I probably should have told you I was going.
I'm joking of course. I hope I'm not offending or annoying you guys by joking around. Well............annoying would be ok! Keep up the great videos and I'll see you at thanksgiving.
just a tip if you don't like your brand name on your forks covers pull them inside out I did it on mine great they just all black now no shirty acrebis name on wat you can see
Hey man I know these videos are hella old but I've been wondering about the 250 vs the 400, I have a 400 and I've been wondering does the 250 feel alot lighter or is the difference in weight negligible? And is the seat height lower on the 250?
Thank you for making these videos. After watching your videos and some other ones about the 1996-2004 Honda XR250R, I am looking for one out here in California. What speedometer and tachometer are you using on your XR250R?
Wow nice job on the old xr my son found a 91 on Craig's list it's in pretty good shape they're asking 900 dollars for the bike I don't know much about them other than their reliable and nimble
Thanks for watching! I have stock exhaust on both those bikes. On the XR I removed the baffle out of the tip. It sounds good and performs as well as anything aftermarket. Some bikes have really corked up exhaust and can really benefit from an aftermarket pipe, but not the XR or DRZ.
I like how it turned out. That exhaust note sounds nice too. Makes me want a small 250 again.
Do it!
I love the old xrs it takes me back to the old days
Nice Job, it feels great to take pride and personalize any thing. You have a good eye for the right stuff
Thanks!
Great video. I have an '01 Xr200 that is being neglected. This is motivating me to get it fixed up and looking nice.
Do it!
I just bought my first dirt bike and it is a 2003 XR 250R. Yours is a hottie for sure.
Looks awesome man! Great work!
Thanks. I'm going to be really sad when you destroy it.
Thanks for sharing
Just did my 99 up. Used the 97 tank graphics
Like the transition, as it really brought it to a much more current look. I love the air-cooled bikes. They run like clockwork, and make great torque right off the bottom. They're lightweight and most of it is lower in the frame. I've run my wife's CRF150F many a time with buddies on bigger bikes and even in a race last year, and people are surprised by just how well they perform. The one thing I'd throw out as cautionary are the seal savers. While the dust boots help to keep dirt away from the seals just like the seal savers, they also protect the fork legs from getting scratched, chipped, or indented from tip overs or debris such as rocks and roost. But it seriously looks good - nice work!
Great point. I think I'll at least get the longer ones.
Ha, they always appreciate the longer ones!
Nice bike mate, really looks like a good amount of time and care has been put into the old girl
Thanks. It was really a satisfying project.
You should have put telescopic fork covers on this bike like the one in the DRZ
Great Job...Miss your vids... I'm looking at a XR400 & XR250....since you have had both do you think one is better then the other? I sorta like the 6 speeds on the 250....but the 400 is such a torque monster....
I couldn’t get past one minute with the breathing. Cool bike
looks like a totally new machine! nice job
Thanks!
Rocky Mountain ATV actually does sell a mx style rear fender for the XRs. I got one for my xr400r a couple weeks ago, its made by Polisport.
Yep. Can't get it in black though.
I love coming back to this video. A great example of what someone can do with just a bit of work on an old bike. I also like eveRide's video on the Blue Angel, even though he went really far on that one! Currently am going through MrDuhfactor's KLX rebuild playlist and am looking forward to overview of the XR400.
Thanks. Sounds like we have similar taste.
Looks great. The XR 250 deserves to look decent, it may be the worlds greatest off road bike in a grin for dollar competition, have run these for years, not the fastest, best handling but fun for the dollar they have no equal.
I really think that looks just about perfect!
Thanks!
The whole time I'm watching this video I'm wondering why you're breathing so hard.
Same..
Or he just got off the bike and riding is known to get you breathing especially off road
very nicely restored and modified..
Thanks!
My XR looks like poop and I love it that way LOL
I get it. It's kind of like rat-rods, right.
Frickin Jim's Frickin Adventures same mine is all white
Mine has patina and I like it :)
Looks great, what a difference that made, awesome job!
Thanks!
Nice bike. The slow down take a deep breath enjoy.
Thanks for the links just picked a clean xr250 for $700
What was the process for painting the side fender? I've got a 93 XR250L and i'd like to make it look more modern than it currently is, i like the 90's look but the color is just dulling out, not shinny.
Wet sand with 400 grit once, then 600 grit a couple times. Get some Krylon Fusion (red pepper for honda) and hit it once with a light coat. It should be dull after the first coat and it's ok if it's not completely covered. Let it dry for 24 hours. Then do a second coat to get it covered well. Again dry 24 hours. Third coat should be heavy enough to be glossy but not run. Fourth coat if you're just that kind of guy. Might want to let it sit a few days to totally cure. I don't think it will keep on font and rear fenders, but it seems to hold up for a few seasons everywhere else.
How do you not have more subscribers?? This channel is awesome!!!
Hey, thanks! Love hearing that!
You did a stellar job there. Don't fret, I ate enough pizza for the both of us.
Ok, good. I was worried about that.
NJ dude. XR's are great bikes. I miss mine dearly.
That is without a doubt one of the coolest bike transformations I've ever seen. I love the color scheme of black and red as they look awesome together. Great job! I may be a little biased since I have an '84 XR 500R.
Thanks! Working on an XR400 over this winter. Hoping it turns out just as good.
love the black/red design. it looks very cool, i definitely prefer it over white/red combination. good job! 👍🏻
I'm really considering getting into a dual sport or cruiser. I've never rode a bike before but this seems to fit my lifestyle. Thanks for the vid.
This is great! Really inspiring. Now I wanna wrap my 2005 quad lol.
Do it, and send me the video.
hermit you're a genius
Thanks!
Why not making the Side exhaust work
Awesome Bike. I have an 2000 XR200r. Do you know if I am able to put the disc brakes from the XR250r onto my 200r?
Working on one too. What is the baffle you have in the muffler?
Many great tips and links. Thanks.
Holy guacamole that a sweet looking bike. Looks brand new. Great job herm
+BACK40ADV Thanks!
chewed up handguards always look the best.
I used to have a red bike...but then I took an arrow to the knee. Good job on that XR. Looks hermitastic!
I think you would like this red bike. You and I have both ridden the WR250R on the trails I'm riding in this video and I actually like the red bike more. It doesn't have as much overall power, but It's smaller, lighter and the torque is in down low instead of high. You should come try it out. I even have an extra seat we can hack up.
Did you do anything special to the stock electrical to add the head light and tail light
No, I just used LED on the tail light. First with the stock socket and then with the whole new assembly in this video. Talked a little more about it here th-cam.com/video/fY0P8fEG4Sg/w-d-xo.html
Sounds and looks great. Nice job.
Did you touch the stator at all or add in a rectifier to add those custom lights? Thanks.
Nope. LED rear and ah horn with it's own battery. Working so far. Here's some info on it th-cam.com/video/fY0P8fEG4Sg/w-d-xo.html
Sound majestic.
hey mate could i do this to my 1985 honda XL200 i want to put a plastic fuel tank on it but at the moment it has a dented metal fuel tank
Performance tip: red paint makes it go faster!
Got it!
Love the bike
curious where are you looks like an awesome place to ride
She looks great - bikes a credit to you!
Thanks!
Sweet bike, these XR's are so underrated! I would love a 400 and a 250 !
I think if I knew then what I know now my first to bikes would have been a 250 and a 400.
I have a TH-cam page where I ride mine and it is fun ,,fast and light xr250
Just got a 2003 XR 400 mint with street lighting kit and titled love it!
Hermit wheres the end of Summer Review of the XR250R? I'm looking to buy a smaller bike (Ride a DR640) for single track and for my wife and daughter to ride. Looking at the older 250's. Thanks in advance.
Yes, I need to do that just didn't get it done on my end of summer trip and didn't have enough time on the bike before then. That 250 hasn't bit me in any way, I really like it. It's definitely a step down from the WR250R on the road and I hate riding it more than a few miles or more than 45mph on pavement but I've gone 60mph for 10 mile stretches. Prefer it over the WR250R and DRZ400S on tight twisty woods riding. It's not as plush, polished, or powerful as those bikes but it's shorter and lighter which makes it easier and more fun to ride in the woods. If I could only have one bike I think I'd still take the WR250R because it is more versatile and after that the DRZ400, but for a second bike that a friend can ride I really like the XR250R, especially for the $1000 I paid. The one thing that might be an issue for a beginner is no electric start. If you think that's an issue for your girls you might want to check out the DR250 instead. Harder to find and get parts for, but other than that I hear they give the XR250R a good run for the money.
Hermit DaVlog thanks Hermit
I also keep coming back to your XR250R videos, and was hoping for the XR250R review. Of course now I am wondering where the XR400R fits in your WR/DRZ/XR hierarchy. Learning what you did for jetting on the XR's would be interesting too. (I live between you and CDS feller). I'm looking to augment my KDX200 with an XR/WR/DRZ/KLX somethin-or-other, and you and CDS, eveRide, and Mr DuhFactor are a huge resource!
nice vid really like the older bikes
Me too.
Very well done. I really like what you done with her. Stay safe
Thanks! Stay safe
Hey hermit where did you go
nice job! thinking about making over my 91 now
Thanks. It was a fun and pretty cheap little project.
Stock exhaust looks good on this build.
Does the headlight block off the oil cooler now ?
looks great. I am in the process of making my 04 xr look new and street legal. I tried a set of graphics however the tank graphics bubbled up bad because of fuel vapor through the tank. Is yours doing that?
A little, but it is perforated so I just need to smooth out a few bubbles every once in a while.
my graphics were too. Even drained the tank before putting them on. It would be cool to get a tank of the xr from overseas with the shrouds.
Looks awesome man
+Dan P Thanks!
Oh ok looks like you covered the tuneup I guess I missed the that video. I was just wondering? My bad. Thx
Good job looks killer
Thanks!
Very well done! I like it a lot, congrats!!!
I know your at a higher altitude but how is your carb tuned? main/primary jets,needle valve and mixture screw? great looking bike bud keep putting out these great videos!
I'm running 125/42 jets and it needs choke just to start cold and runs between 200 and 230 so I think that's right.
+Hermit DaVlog ok thank you for answering that's is a very nice bike bud good job on the transformation! be safe and keep the greasy side down
I just got a 2003 XR250R.....so nice! Come to find out...per Racetech....the stock springs are perfect for my weight (180#)
How did u wire your headlight? When I order mine I didn’t realize the wiring would be different!
I like what you did Im trying to figure out what to do with a 1973 Honda xl250 I might just sell it
Great job , now do you have to go to the DMV and have the color changed on the title ?
Crap
Sorry lol
Nice video, that bike looks really good!
Thanks!
nice what brand rear view mirror is that
Ken Sean, Amazon $15. My previous video "Street Legal for $47" has a better view of it and a link.
Very nice job! Looks bad ass! The xr250r is a great bike!
It sure is!
How did you wire the headlight up? I just bought the same one you have to my 93 XR250R. Did you use an adapter, different wiring other than from the stock headlight? As mine stands, my stock wiring doesn't wire correctly to the new headlight.
I just figured out which wire was ground and power for the old light and spliced in some connecter bullets.
Okay cool, thanks for the reply! If you're ever across Reddit at all, we have a group of people with XRs/XLs. www.reddit.com/r/Honda_XR_and_XL/
your bike looks awesome! i had an 03 xr100 at one point lol. id like to make a 250 street legal some day like you did.
Do it. It's worth it.
I made my 99 XR250R street legal, not good for rides over an hour and they start looking old fast and even modded they are lacking on the hi-way. From what I remember, My 79 XL 185s felt more comfortable on the street, if this is possible?
Are you and Elvis hanging out now?
How bright is your Polisport headlight? I have one mounted on my XR650R and it's terribly dim, even with a 200 watt DC system!
I have the same bike, same aftermarket headlight and same opinion as you: The headlight is very dim and not safe for night riding. I even put in an LED bulb but it's still dim. I have a stock headlight on my CRF 450X and it's very bright for comparison.
How did you hook up the vapor speedo when it doesn't have a battery?
It'll run off the stator just like the headlight. In fact I spliced into the headlight power.
You went to rampart without me? jerk! Also, nice job on that title card. looks like something eveRide would come up with. I'm glad you got that new break light, that other one was way way to dim.
You would have hated it. It was on a Tuesday, and nobody was there, the trail was dry, it was 72 degrees... Come to think of it, I probably should have told you I was going.
Great job! Looks like new. Since you have so many bikes now I don't need to bring my XChallenge down when you invite me to ride with you and CDS!
Dang it!
I'm joking of course. I hope I'm not offending or annoying you guys by joking around. Well............annoying would be ok! Keep up the great videos and I'll see you at thanksgiving.
Robert Goldbecker If you're not offending somebody, you're boring everybody. Keep up the good work.
I won't that bike I'm looking for a old xr I'm 6'5" 220. Not a small man I was thinking about the 600 or 650 xr what do you think
Nice hand guards!!
I really like them!
Looks good!
Thanks!
Been watching all this series great stuff I love it!! Old bikes are my passion, hence the name Oldschooldirtbiker..
Well, that explains it.
if o;d bikes are your passion i jsut bought a 92 dr 350 and needs parts any good website
just a tip if you don't like your brand name on your forks covers pull them inside out I did it on mine great they just all black now no shirty acrebis name on wat you can see
Why didn't I think of that. Face palm.
what do you do for valve clearances on your adjustments?
Hey man I know these videos are hella old but I've been wondering about the 250 vs the 400, I have a 400 and I've been wondering does the 250 feel alot lighter or is the difference in weight negligible? And is the seat height lower on the 250?
I have a 250 r 2002 and it fills and handles alot like my old 1978 rm 125 ,but not the motor of course
Thank you for making these videos. After watching your videos and some other ones about the 1996-2004 Honda XR250R, I am looking for one out here in California. What speedometer and tachometer are you using on your XR250R?
looks great,Just did a 06 KTM 450xc,Its fun watching them transform into nicer bike.
That's a cool bike. I like the KTM frames a lot.
Coming from many two stoke 250's this four stroke 450 is a monster.
Wow nice job on the old xr my son found a 91 on Craig's list it's in pretty good shape they're asking 900 dollars for the bike I don't know much about them other than their reliable and nimble
My rule of thumb is if I can part it out for about what I bought it for and fix it up for less than I bought it for then how ban can it be?
Excellent video,did you make it street legal or was the original bike a dual sport?
Where did you shoot this by the way?
Near Colorado Springs
Looks sharp!
Hermit, whats the speedometer on your xr250r.
TrailTech Vapor.
What's the speedometer brand?
Great makeover. What exhaust do you have on that bike? I noticed the DRZ had the same one, so i figured it's one you prefer. Always enjoy your videos
Thanks for watching! I have stock exhaust on both those bikes. On the XR I removed the baffle out of the tip. It sounds good and performs as well as anything aftermarket. Some bikes have really corked up exhaust and can really benefit from an aftermarket pipe, but not the XR or DRZ.
Would the fender you put on fit my 91 xr250r?
a friend of mine just got one in a package deal that im going to buy :) thanks for the inspiration! you should do a xr250 vs wr250 video
+Dillon Nafziger Great idea!
This is basically what I need to do with my WR250f
Go for it. It aint that hard.
I got my eye on a 1994 xr250 did much or anything g change between 94&97?
Yeah, I think it was 96 when they did the full redesign.
I have a1984 xr350r that I will be adding some better looking parts to. I really like what you did to your 250. great job!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks!
Sweet.... I`m doing the same to a 650r right now 👍
Looks like Rampart, Co.