Finally got the motor in.  This entailed some finishing layer coats of paint on the cases (used brake caliper paint, works awesome).  Thanks for the tip Lee at onthepiperacing

I also had to complete the install of the new bearings, sleeves, etc. into the swingarm since the bolt runs through the engine cases. I replaced everything here with a new bearing kit from AllBalls and had a tough time getting everything to fit back together. The new dustcaps seemed huge and were creating a clearance issue so I had to grind 1/2 of the cup down so it would clear.

Sorry for the blurry cellphone pics but it was late and didn’t have the camera handy.

Below you can see the tight squeeze and custom dust seal needed:

Well things are underway again after that swingarm bearing fiasco.  I’ve got the other swingarm now and the bearings are almost all in (it’s not the easiest process).  I’ve also painted the bottom end of the motor.

So motor is complete, swingarm ready to go on, most parts purchased.  Still need to refinish the gas tank, find or recover the seat, get fenders.  Will have some pictures very soon. 

It’s a slow moving project but it’s been fun.. right now i’m concentrating on a harescramble in CT this coming weekend but i’m still psyched to finish the RM by the spring.  Stay tuned.

It’s been a while so I thought i’d post a status report.

I basically spent all summer attempting to remove the seized bearings from the swingarm.  The bearings had basically become one with the swingarm.   They were at a local machine shop getting all sorts of attempts at getting them out to no avail – I was forced to purchase another swingarm.

Now that I can continue… updates and pics soon to follow!  I finally now can install the new swingarm bearings, mount the swingarm, and the wheels… hopefully all in the same step.  Keep it posted!

I received the motor and shock back from OnThePipeRacing, fully rebuilt. The motor got new bottom & top end complete with new sleave and clutch. The shock was revalved and rebuilt with a new spring.
Lee, the owner of OnThePipeRacing is a great guy and knows these bikes. I highly recommend them.

I’ll have some new pics soon, motor & shock should be here any day also. In the meantime, here are some purchases over the past month with some prices so you have an idea..

- Dunlop MX51 80/100-21 Front Tire: $69.99
- Dunlop MX51 120/90-18 Rear Tire: $71.99
- Front Br. Cable Clamp for ‘83 CR250 Fork: 2 pieces : $10.38
- EBC Br. Shoes Front & Rear: $49
- Dust Seals for Rear Hub & Brake, 4x : $9.08
- NOS Swingarm Shaft: $24.91
- NOS Left Radiator Shroud: $21.55
- NOS Right Radiator Shroud: $26.16

Big air shots from the early ’80s are rare, rarer still are 250Z big air shots.   If you have any, send them in and i’ll post.

I will have an update on my project in the next couple of days with pics… front-end is installed finally.  Motor and shock on its way.

In the meantime, here is a fine example of a 250z from Australia.  Very nice job on this resto:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120357018056

Here are the 1983 RM250 triples after blasting. CAUTION: If you plan on blasting them, prepare on replacing the bearing, no matter how much you duct tape them off, there will be particles in there and it will feel like a grinder when you turn them…

This is one way to get the bearing off.. Dremel it until it begins to spread apart, obviously looking out for the stem, then I drove a chisel into it to spread it slightly, then it slid right off. I’m going to attempt to put the new one on myself – need to find the right diameter pipe first.