I think I scored a free titled 1985 XR200!

[FastDoc]

It's all there, runs, and is as ugly as sin.

My frend Roger has been wanting to get his girls, ages 10-1/2 and 12 into riding. I suggested XR100's or similar.

After some CL searching I found a guy selling 2 XR100's, and an XR200. They are all decent, especially the 100's.

One 100 needs carb seals and a petcock, the other needs handgrips and fork seals and a seat cover, but they are both all there, with titles and run fine.

The 200 needs carb seals, a petcock, fork seals, and a seat cover. It also smokes a little, but seems to still run strong.

How big a job is it to re-ring one of these?

The guy was asking $1,000 for the three. I got him down to $800 for the three and Roger will give me the $200 in exchange for fixing up the two 100's.

Sound good? :?:

We'll pick the bikes up tomorrow and I'll post pics.

They are all ugly. :P

[Weldangrind]

Jump on it! After fixing up the kid's bikes and the 200, flog the 200 and get a different year. A quick Google search will show you that Honda realized their mistake with the 1984 and 85 XR200 four valve bikes. Before and after that period, XR200's are two valve, and that's what our beloved Lifanoids are based upon.

The '84-'85 four valve version was known to be overly complicated, under powered and hot. As far as working on them goes, they're no different than an XR250; you need to work at the timing chain adjuster to get it to extend so you can block it with a paper clip, then you can slide the cam out and remove the head. Before dismantling it, see if all of the head bolts are tight. Chances are that one on the left side is stripped, but a Helicoil fix is easy and common.

Too bad about the reliability aspect, because the Pro-Link is well designed, and '84 is the first year that the seat climbs up the tank for, uhh, protection.

The hot setup would be to score an XR250R engine; it would be a bolt-in. :D The rear wheel is a 17" IIRC, and the front is a drum brake. You should be able to swap the rear to an 18" if you want, and 1984 XR250 front forks with a disc brake is a bolt-on, and cheap on eBay. I have a set of '88 CR125 forks that could be made to work if you wish. Lemme know.

Can you tell I'm excited about this? :D

[TurboT]

Doc I think you should just ignore W&G he has no idea about anything Honda.
:roll:








:P

[BillR]

It's all there, runs, and is as ugly as sin.
How big a job is it to re-ring one of these?
The guy was asking $1,100 for the three. I got him down to $800 for the three and Roger will give me the 200 in exchange for fixing up the two 100's.
"Free" is one of the best "beer goggles" I've ever seen...they'll look just fine... :wink:
Great score.

I think W&G covered the repair work... :lol:

Jump on it! ...
Can you tell I'm excited about this? :D
Nah, who can tell... :D

Bill R

[FastDoc]

Heres the link:

http://kpr.craigslist.org/mcy/1980910527.html

I made a mistake, the 200 is an '83 so I guess that works in my favor.

I will pick them up tonight.

BTW it occurs to me that 'free' is not free since I signed up to do the work on the 100's. 2 flat tires, grips, fork seals, seat cover, brake lever tune upss, oil changes, and I think on one I'll replace the carb.

Looking at eBay I can buy a new Kehin for the price of a rebuild kit, about $30. Saves me a lot of trouble.

I found a good used shock for the 200 for $35. A petcock for $25, and a carb for $40.

Maybe I'll be able to run it for a while smoking a little? It's noticable but not like a mosquito fogger. Can I get away with it?

What do I need to do? I was thinking rings =/- piston, hone the wall, lap the valves, and valve guide seals?

Is that enough? Is that hard to do?

Need input. 8)

[FastDoc]

Jump on it! After fixing up the kid's bikes and the 200, flog the 200 and get a different year. A quick Google search will show you that Honda realized their mistake with the 1984 and 85 XR200 four valve bikes. Before and after that period, XR200's are two valve, and that's what our beloved Lifanoids are based upon.

The '84-'85 four valve version was known to be overly complicated, under powered and hot. As far as working on them goes, they're no different than an XR250; you need to work at the timing chain adjuster to get it to extend so you can block it with a paper clip, then you can slide the cam out and remove the head. Before dismantling it, see if all of the head bolts are tight. Chances are that one on the left side is stripped, but a Helicoil fix is easy and common.

Too bad about the reliability aspect, because the Pro-Link is well designed, and '84 is the first year that the seat climbs up the tank for, uhh, protection.

The hot setup would be to score an XR250R engine; it would be a bolt-in. :D The rear wheel is a 17" IIRC, and the front is a drum brake. You should be able to swap the rear to an 18" if you want, and 1984 XR250 front forks with a disc brake is a bolt-on, and cheap on eBay. I have a set of '88 CR125 forks that could be made to work if you wish. Lemme know.

Can you tell I'm excited about this? :D

Keep your excitement up, buddy. I plan on counting on you for this project!

[Cal25]

you could always try synthetic oil. It might be a myth but I have been told that synthetic oil does not smoke much when it is burnt.

[Weldangrind]

I made a mistake, the 200 is an '83 so I guess that works in my favor.

You now have my complete attention.

That's the bike that Son of Weldangrind and I are building right now. The difference with us is that we paid for a (mostly) rolling chassis, and we've built the engine from four different donors so far.

Since it's the beloved two valve, swapping valve stem seals is easy. I've got a post about it on here somewhere. I'd start with that before new rings and honing the cylinder. The good news is that a Lifanoid engine is a bolt-in, if you can find one for cheap. You'd even have the benefit of electric start. :D

BTW, this is the bike that will readily accept the '84 XR250 front end to upgrade to a disc brake. Again, I've got an '88 CR125 front end that could be made to work.

How's the muffler on this one? Ours was rotten, so Waynev kindly provided a Beast muffler that I'm currently reworking.

[FastDoc]

Muffler seems fine. No noise, stock original. Sounds good, actually!

[FastDoc]

If I have to pull the head to do the seals, would it be much more to pull the cylinder and piston, or would it not be worth it? I'll see if the smoke clears up after it runs a while. If it does I think I can assume its the valve seals, right?

[Weldangrind]

The valve seals are probably dead and hard, and they're not likely to stop leaking. Yeah, you could remove the cylinder and piston while you're at it, but just replacing seals is cheaper and it usually fixes the problem.

When you have the head off you can decide if you wanna go further, based on the condition of the cylinder. If it's scored and there's a considerable ridge, it would need to be bored.

[BillR]

BTW it occurs to me that 'free' is not free since I signed up to do the work on the 100's.
But it's wrenching...gotta be fun :lol:

Maybe I'll be able to run it for a while smoking a little? It's noticable but not like a mosquito fogger. Can I get away with it?
What do I need to do? I was thinking rings =/- piston, hone the wall, lap the valves, and valve guide seals?
Is that enough? Is that hard to do?
Need input. 8)
For the age of the bike and the smoke, I'd do all that. Isn't too hard, take your time...I learned how the "have to" way...

Stoopie (my alter ego) put the Quad Sport oil filter in backwards during a rush job oil change in prep for the "BIG RIDE"...didn't notice til the motor shut down from the heat. Lucky it didn't seize, but did score the cylinder (we found out later)
Rode it the rest of the summer with a bit of smoke, increasing slowly. When it started fogging for skeeters and the crew threatened to stop riding with me, we tore it down and honed the cylinder. New rings and it was back to humming. Took a few hours total.
Didn't have to do the valves, but we just had that great write up a few weeks ago... :wink:
Bill R

[MICRider]

Ahhh... Love the XR's! This sounds like an interesting project :D

[FastDoc]

Bad news.

Got it home tonight and she started right up. Smoked. Took it up and down the street a few times, ran semi-OK but not much power, less than Q.

She siezed pulling into the driveway. Rode about a mile, and she had oil.

Egads the guy sold it to us at precisely the right moment!

I don't know if I'll rebuild the motor, or repower it with a Lifanoid (is it REALLY a drop in replacement?), or take it to the dump, or part it out.

[satelliteone]

ohh dear! doc. if the frame wheels, and all the bits are there. I would say have a go. Was it knocking when the engine was running? But sounds terminal in any case. Shame ehhh.. i would decide when i got the top end off and just to make sure the bottom end is sweet.

good luck chap.

[Weldangrind]

Waiting for Kato to chime in...

I believe that a Lifanoid engine will bolt right in; everything about it is the same, except the electric start. I would certainly tear down this engine, because you have nothing to lose with it.

Please don't throw it out. Son of Weldangrind and I could use the parts if you abandon it.

[FastDoc]

ohh dear! doc. if the frame wheels, and all the bits are there. I would say have a go. Was it knocking when the engine was running? But sounds terminal in any case. Shame ehhh.. i would decide when i got the top end off and just to make sure the bottom end is sweet.

good luck chap.

It really sounded fine. I liked it. The only surprise was I expected it to be much stronger than Q and it was weaker. I was just putzing along at about 15-20 MPH and the rear wheel locked up. I pulled the clutch and coasted to the driveway and that was the end of that. :?

[FastDoc]

If I decide to toss it I'd be happy to rather ship it off to you for free if you pay the shipping.

I think my plan is to put it in the back of the barn until January when it cools off too much to ride much and putter with it to fill some 'free' time, whatever the heck that is.

I don't think an OHV Lifanoid will have nearly the power of an OHC Honda, but I think a piston, gaskets, seals, maybe valves, machine work, and a carb it may cost more to rebuild than to repower.

Any leads on a cheap good Lifanoid motor?

[SpudRider]

...She siezed pulling into the driveway. Rode about a mile, and she had oil.

Egads the guy sold it to us at precisely the right moment!...
He is certainly lucky. 8O I'm sorry for you, however. :(
...I don't know if I'll rebuild the motor, or repower it with a Lifanoid (is it REALLY a drop in replacement?), or take it to the dump, or part it out.
I'd replace the engine with a Hondoid motor, Doc. :)

Spud :)

[FastDoc]

I'm torn. A rebuilt Honda will be more powerful, but a ChinaMotor will be much easier, and time is also money. Plus a ChinaMotor fits in with the forum and might be fun to talk about and I don't think any of us have put a CM in an XR so maybe... So can any of you Web Surfing Gurus help find me a cheap motor, and maybe I'll ship my broken one to W&G for him to play with.

[FastDoc]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Lifan-200cc-aircooled-engine-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem4cf20217f9QQitemZ33047 7737977QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

:?:

[katoranger]

Everything appears to line up, but I have not yet work on my xr yet. Hopefully soon.

[Weldangrind]

That looks like a winner Doc. The major difference will be that the left side cover is a little deeper and it has electric start. It would be an interesting project to add electric start to an XR.

[FastDoc]

That looks like a winner Doc. The major difference will be that the left side cover is a little deeper and it has electric start. It would be an interesting project to add electric start to an XR.

I'd like the electric start, especially since I'd use this bike to teach people, mostly girls :P to ride and it would be much easier.

The downsides would be more weight, having to fabricate a battey box and wiring/cable harness, 5 vs. 6 speeds, and probably much less power than the OHC Honda. I'm still kinda torn.

[katoranger]

For me the lack of power and loss of a gear are not an issue. I would be unlikely to get into 3rd gear before needing to slow down on the trails I ride.

The electric start is nice to have though. I plan to make a battery box and use it.

[katoranger]

Doc, you may want to watch craiglist for a cheap china lifanoid to use as a donar. It will have alot of the needed parts for the swap. I am sure an untitled one would be available for the same as a new engine.

[FastDoc]

Strange. It is looking to me like there is an OHV and an OHC version:

http://www.hooperimports.com/dept.aspx?dept_id=04

[Cal25]

Dont leave out the 250cc option either.

[Weldangrind]

Strange. It is looking to me like there is an OHV and an OHC version:

http://www.hooperimports.com/dept.aspx?dept_id=04

Certainly. I have the OHV version in the Beast atv and the OHC version in Son of Weldangrind's XR200R. Either one will do, although I'd grab an OHC if I had a choice.

You need to do this in the name of science, and to allow the rest of the community to live vicariously through you. :lol:

[FastDoc]

Strange. It is looking to me like there is an OHV and an OHC version:

http://www.hooperimports.com/dept.aspx?dept_id=04

Certainly. I have the OHV version in the Beast atv and the OHC version in Son of Weldangrind's XR200R. Either one will do, although I'd grab an OHC if I had a choice.

You need to do this in the name of science, and to allow the rest of the community to live vicariously through you. :lol:

So you have compleated the Lifan OHC/XR200 conversion already?

Was was invloved?

What did you do with the battery installation/electrical system?

What abotu the front sprocket and chain alignment.

Hooper Imports sells what they call a WONDERSPROCKET which costs $60+ and they say is necessary to align the chain?

TIA for the input!

[Weldangrind]

Sorry Doc, I just re-read my post, and I mislead you.

I have a stock Honda OHC (just like yours) in the XR, and a Zong OHV in the Beast. I was only confirming that both are available, since the Lifanoid OHC is a carbon copy of the Honda (particularly the current model CRF230).

I'd love to install an OHC Lifanoid with electric start in the XR, but we think that the stock engine will work.

I can't speak to sprocket alignment, but I can tell you that the XR uses a 530 chain. Does the Lifanoid engine use a 428? If so, you could likely get a 530 JT countershaft sprocket for around $15. I can't imagine why the sprockets wouldn't line up.

[FastDoc]

W&G:

If I decide to repower, would you like the old motor? I'd send it to you for free if you just pay shipping?

I think I remember you might be interested....

There is a motor on eBay now, a new Lifan OHC, for $232 right now with 7 bids and 2 days left. I'm watching it.... :D

[Weldangrind]

Yes please. :D

We might do one better. I need a break from renovating, so I'd be inclined to do a road trip for the day. Son of Weldangrind and I could head out early, pick up the engine from you, buy you some lunch and head back. Would that be acceptable?

No rush on this; I have to make some more progress on the kitchen first. Momma ain't happy yet. :lol:

[FastDoc]

I can improve on that even!

You guys pick up the motor, stay in my guest room(s) for the night, and maybe I can take us 3 for an ATV ride out in the desert and sand dunes? I can borrow 2 Honda ATV's, and I have the Kawasaki.

[TurboT]

Awwwwwwwwwwwww man.. can I come? :lol:

[FastDoc]

Awwwwwwwwwwwww man.. can I come? :lol:

Sure but I only have access to 3 ATVs and a 3 place trailer.

[TurboT]

Awwwwwwwwwwwww man.. can I come? :lol:

Sure but I only have access to 3 ATVs and a 3 place trailer.

Hmm.. I come with hauler AND an ATV. :)

Never tried to take the ATV across the border though.

I guess it would help if I had a passport too. 8O

[Weldangrind]

Not sure if SWMBO would allow us a two day pass with the current state of the kitchen, but we could do it in the future, if you're not in a hurry.

[FastDoc]

No worries.

I'll make a decision on the motor in the next few days. If I decide to repower it, and I think I will, I'll pull it and have it ready for you.

[Weldangrind]

If you decide to use the XR engine, we should plan a ride anyway. :D

[BillR]

Not sure if SWMBO would allow us a two day pass with the current state of the kitchen, but we could do it in the future, if you're not in a hurry.
I feel your agony... :lol: Da' house is coming back together and Momma's on me to start on my "projects" she decided I needed to do. :P

Go for the ride while you can... :twisted:
Bill R

[FastDoc]

GOOD NEWS!

Scored a BRAND NEW Lifan 200cc OHC with all the accesories for $357 on eBay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330477737977&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT

This is gonna be interesting...

W&G, I will have your engine out and ready to go by Monday!

[SpudRider]

GOOD NEWS!

Scored a BRAND NEW Lifan 200cc OHC with all the accesories for $357 on eBay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330477737977&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT

This is gonna be interesting...

W&G, I will have your engine out and ready to go by Monday!
Congratulations, Doc! :D Did you employ the bidding technique I recommended? 8)

Spud :)

[FastDoc]

Yes. I pulled a SpudSnipe.

Kinda fun!

[FastDoc]

Now I gotta figure out how to mount and wire a battery on the XR, figure out if I really need the $80 'Wondersprocket' Hopper Imports sells, see if it really is a Honda clone and actually fits, etc.

I also have to replace the rear shock (got a replacement on the way, $33 eBay), consider upgrading the front forks and brake to a disc, and decide if I can live with the bikes massive ugliness. I mean it really looks rank. :(

But if it runs good, all is well! :D

[FastDoc]

IF this goes according to plan, and things rarely do, I should have a very functional XR200 with a brand new engine for $500, including shipping and sundry parts :D . Plus I figure 10 hours of work or so. But, as you guys all know, I'm not afraid of work.

[TurboT]

IF this goes according to plan, and things rarely do, I should have a very functional XR200 with a brand new engine for $500, including shipping and sundry parts :D . Plus I figure 10 hours of work or so. But, as you guys all know, I'm not afraid of work.

Hard to work though when you're distracted by lovely blondes. 8)

[FastDoc]

Good point. She's gonna ride it when it's done. How's that for incentive? :P

I don't know what the heck I've done to be blessed with such an awesome life.

[Weldangrind]

and decide if I can live with the bikes massive ugliness. I mean it really looks rank. :(

Not so loud! Son of Weldangrind will hear you; he has the same bike. :lol:

[mizke]

well doc you could always do some new plastics and a new seat cover on it, give her a good wash.

rockymountainatvmc has a polisport front free flow fender for 26.99
http://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/productDetail.do?navType=type&vehicleId=815&navTitle=Body&webTypeId=24&webCatId=10&prodFamilyId=26999&allVehParts=true

and here is everything that rocky sells for the 83 xr200
http://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/allMachineParts.do?vehicleId=815&webCatId=10

[FastDoc]

Thanks for the link. I DO need some fork seals and those prices look great. I've bought from RMATV in the past and been happy with them.

[katoranger]

You just need some forks that come with a disc brake setup. :wink:

[FastDoc]

You just need some forks that come with a disc brake setup. :wink:

Still trying to figure out if I can use them and they will fit...

I also have to figure out if the wheel will work.

Also trying to figure out if I can use the electrical bits to dualsport the XR, and if I can get it plated as street legal if I do...

[mizke]

Thanks for the link. I DO need some fork seals and those prices look great. I've bought from RMATV in the past and been happy with them.

i love buying from them, i placed a online order at 430pm their time so they closed in 30 minutes. almost exactly 15 minutes later i get the shipping confirmation email with tracking, that did start tracking that day.

so new plastics, good ol washing, maybe a new seat cover if you need one, and if your girl has never rode before. maybe a set of prothane bars since they wont bend..

[mizke]

You just need some forks that come with a disc brake setup. :wink:

Still trying to figure out if I can use them and they will fit...

I also have to figure out if the wheel will work.

Also trying to figure out if I can use the electrical bits to dualsport the XR, and if I can get it plated as street legal if I do...

i hate dealing with wires so much that if it was me. id end up with a kit or something that comes with everything needed and a wiring harness.

a quick google search came up with this for the 250r front end conversion for it. that would take care of the tire, wheel, rotor, caliper, and everything else..

there is some good info in here, but you have to read it all to find it all. its not to long of a read tho.
http://www.thumpertalk.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-695307.html

[katoranger]

You just need some forks that come with a disc brake setup. :wink:

Still trying to figure out if I can use them and they will fit...

I also have to figure out if the wheel will work.

Also trying to figure out if I can use the electrical bits to dualsport the XR, and if I can get it plated as street legal if I do...

I responded in the forsale forum with some measurements. W&G could probably confirm fitment.

Allen

[FastDoc]

I have the 'new' rear shock in. Quite a PIA to be honest with you guys. The lower linkage had to come apart to remove the lower shock mount, and that required removing the chain guide and kickstand and airbox!

I may leave the airbox out, use the space for a battery, and use a Uni filter or similar.

I'm considering a used aftermarket exhaust. I'll have to figure out the jetting. I have no idea what a 200cc OHC Lifan uses stock.

[mizke]

odds are the jetting is close to a gio beast jetting.. which with a mikuni performance carb starts off at 100 main, 20 pilot. with intake and exhaust mods jetting ends up being aroudn 110main and 25pilot, so that might be a good place to start..

[katoranger]

odds are the jetting is close to a gio beast jetting.. which with a mikuni performance carb starts off at 100 main, 20 pilot. with intake and exhaust mods jetting ends up being aroudn 110main and 25pilot, so that might be a good place to start..

That is about what I ended up with after a UNI and the crf150r exhaust. (which I still have) The exhaust is loud though and I wouldn't recommend it for public areas.

[FastDoc]

Good to know guys. I don't want an excessively loud exhaust. I may stick with the stocker. I wouldn't even mess with it except I may have to rejet anyway to account for the lack of an airbox.

Plus I'm not finding any cheap or used mufflers on eBay at this time.

[mizke]

if you get ur hands on a fmf muffler, just pick up the $25 quite core inscert for it and it should cut down the sound..

at idle my powercore2 silencer is pretty good sound wise, but man you get it on it, it screams. if i could find a quite core inscert for a powercore 2 i would get it..

[FastDoc]

Here's an old thread from Thumper Talk I found. I'm including it here because it may help some of the other people with Lifan XR projects. This guy had it a little worse than I did, but he used a ready made wiring harness, did not use electric start, and he used an OHV rather than an OHC motor (I don't think it effects instalation at all though). He also had to reuse the Honda intake boot. I think the Lifan boot would work on a twin shock model.

http://www.thumpertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=690348&highlight=lifan+200

[Weldangrind]

Thanks for the link. I wonder how he solved the sprocket problem.

I know of the dealer he referenced; they're still selling off old inventory on CL, but nothing larger than 110 now.

I wonder how the bike looks assembled with the black frame?

[SpudRider]

Thanks for the link. I wonder how he solved the sprocket problem.

I know of the dealer he referenced; they're still selling off old inventory on CL, but nothing larger than 110 now.

I wonder how the bike looks assembled with the black frame?
Read the final posts of the thread, W&G. ;) The owner finally sold the bike, and he shows photos of the engine mounted in the repainted, black frame. :)

Spud :)

[katoranger]

Well, he was a bit of a pioneer on the project. Doc and I more or less started out with complete stock bikes. I also already had most of the parts needed. My total investment will be less than $200. Not bad to get a somewhat modern dirt bike. I could not find anything remotely close to this in rideable condition for less than $800.

I think it help that the person doing the swap was in Canada. Bikes appear to have more value there. Looks like he was able to recoup most of his costs back.

[FastDoc]

Old XR200's seem to always be worth $1,000-$1,200 in good running condition around here. One with a new engine may be worth towards the higher end as well.

For a simple safe easy trailbike, in my experience, the XR200 is tough to beat. People know that.

[katoranger]

That is why I could not find any in the sub $500 range that didn't need alot of work. Found alot of 2strokes, but who wants to ride those. :roll:

[FastDoc]

I'm not a 2 stroke guy at all. I have that YZ mankiller in the shop but I won't ride it.

The only 2 stroke I ever had was my 1985 RZ350 Kenny Roberts racebike. Miss that thing. :cry:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v25/maule/rz350studio_small.jpg

[Weldangrind]

Read the final posts of the thread, W&G. ;)

Apologies Spud. :oops: I failed to see page two.

Son of Weldangrind is now committed to a colour change. :lol:

BTW, I was raised on two-strokes. I prefer thumpers, but something about ring-dingers draws me in.

[FastDoc]

I club raced that thing in California. Also carved some serious canyons. Most fun bike I ever had. Hard on the back though.

[Weldangrind]

Even our buddy bike is a ring-dinger: http://www.chinariders.net/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=9999&start=0

There is a couple of new updates on the bike, BTW.

[katoranger]

http://www.marblesmotors.com/images/bikes/71G4TR01/1971_Kawasaki_100_G4TR_Reda.jpg

This is the bike my Dad bought new. I remember riding with him all over the IA farm fields on this.

Kawasaki G4TR 100cc 2 stroke. Hi and lo range transmission.