replacement engine for 2001 XR250?

[rehoboth]

Hi All, i have a 2001 honda XR250 that needs a new engine (bottom end is toast). Are there any chinese engines that would work? I am ok with some fab work if the price is right. I live in massachusetts, who would the best company to deal with be? E-bay?
If I can find a suitable motor I would document the whole swap with pictures.
Thanks in advance!

[Weldangrind]

Welcome!

The Chinese Dakar team used Jincheng 400cc bikes two years ago, and they were XR400 clones (they're now using Yamaha WR450F clones). Maybe that's a source for the engine you're after, or maybe a 400cc upgrade is in your future. :D

That's the only Chinese engine I can think of that is the same style as yours. There is another that is loosely based on the Honda NX400, but it's liquid cooled and doesn't have much support yet. All of the other Honda clones I'm aware of either emulate the XR200 (all years except '84 and '85) or the current CRF230, neither of which are a bolt-in in your bike.

You said that you don't mind some fab work, but a 200 / 230 would mean chopping up your bike. The fastest route would be to graft on the lower section from either an XR200 or a current China 200 / 230.

How far gone is the bottom end? Did it throw a rod? Do you need replacement gears? I'd tear into it before repowering it with a Chinese engine. However, if you were starting with an XR200, a Chinese engine would be a natural choice.

[rehoboth]

Thanks for the tip! Unfortunatley I cannot find any information or source for the 400CC engine. Perhaps the CRF230 clone is my best bet? I assume ebay is the best place to find those engines?

[Weldangrind]

You're welcome. Again, the 200 / 230 will require significant modification to your bike, so I'm not sure that's your best bet.

To answer your question, eBay is a good start. Please beware that Chinese bikes are often badged as 250's when they are actually 230's. We can help guide you in that when you find something.

[FastDoc]

I agree. I think the XR250 mill is a 4 valver similar to the 84-85 XR200 debacle. The other 200's are an easy China drop in, but I don't think it would go so well with a 250.

I'd look for a usable 250 motor used or sell what you have left and start over...

[SpudRider]

Welcome to these forums, Rehoboth! :) I strongly encourage you to follow the advice of Weldangrind; he knows the Honda engines very well. ;)

Spud :)