keta

Hey guys, I've recently bought my first bike a Sherco 250 (2000). I bought it on a whim as the price was cheap for the outside condition. However I am discovering gremlins. I wanted a project bike as I can't start riding until the new year due to my first child being born, I will be skint until we both return to work! He brought it round and it started and rid fine. I had a bit of an examine and the exhaust wouldn't meet the cyclinder correctly as one attachment had sheared off from the cylinder. I have sorted that as best I can using studs rather than bolts. It will hold just fine as it is. So I thought all is well! I have not started or rid the bike but begin immediately stripping it down, I know cars pretty well but have zero experience with 2 strokes. I want to in a way have to do everything to fix a bike as I plan this on being a long hobby and after my "practice bike" I plan to buy a more modern one in a year or so. I guess what I am saying is no job too big, short of having to bore out! I need to be able to fix them for when I have a bike of value. I'm glad i didn't run it before stripping it as the first sign of trouble was zero coolant in the radiator. I had previous bought every form of oil to change all fluids on the bike as history is unknown. After discovering no coolant I immediately drained the transmission oil today and it is all a light-dark grey emulsion colour. I assume it's my coolant causing this. I am not sure the duration since last topped up with coolant but below the radiator in coolant level is quite a lot gone! Now what more major, within engine casing problems could this be. And could just the water pump seals cause this much of a problem? What would you do as a starter? I'll have more of a poke tomorrow. Also a good cheap source of parts I'm going to be needing would be great! Thanks for spending the time to read this!

I'm no expert as i'm new to the scene but have watched bikes/looked for a good period and I would say in sound general condition that'd be my guess as well.

Yeah they smoke more than other engines. Like you have mentioned oil is burned, they will also release non combusted fuel as well. Somebody else will obviously chime in with other info for you as I have no clue. I was happy with the condition of mine and I was confident I can learn to replace any bits like bearings/bushes with the change I have from buying such a cheap bike, so I didn't really check. Major parts and damage to forks/frame was my main concern.

I'm no expert and others would be better, i'm new like you! But two stroke engines are relatively simple, inefficient and do wear quicker. The age of it doesn't matter that much I don't suppose as the engines will need rebuilding more often than 4 strokes. They seize easier as well. An 04 bike might have been riden on the same engine build/bearings for 50 hours and an 01 only 15 hours since rebuild! In that scenario it is likely the 04 bike would have engine issues earlier providing the work done on the 01 was correct. You have good experience on the other bike so you'll pick up trials quicker than I. A lot of it is similar, balance/weight distribution. You just need to get used to clutch control, more complicated break arrangement and throttle control. Then the bike is heavier and softer feeling. It will feel a little unresponsive compared to the pedal version. The rest of it will be pretty similar. Once you learn how to control/ride the bike I'll bet you progress pretty quickly.

Thanks Andy, Yeah i'm happy with its looks just a few running teething problems to resolve, then I can start falling off it in the garden! You had any luck yet? Ian

Right, I'm keeping you posted! I now have my first bike. Its a 2000 Sherco 250, in my Leeds United colours lol. I got it from Ebay today for the sum of

Thanks for all the responses. I will keep you all posted. The bike at work is a TXT I think and it is certainly a 97. I think I will leave it to be honest. As the 321 I missed out on went for

Cheers mate, I saw one on Ebay that was close by and had a bid but was hoping for a bargain not confident i'd win in my price bracket, that was the 321. I'm back to asking about this 250. I used to like V8 cars and I guess I'm power hungry but probably a daft idea in this game! Keeping an open mind is likely to give me a better choice! I'd rather have one less than 10 years so i'll see how old this 250 is! No mad rush as the person who will start with me has a lot of saving to do. I can practice bits in the meantime though! I appreciate all your comments, thanks

Thanks again Jonny mate. One finishes on Ebay tonight I may have a little punt on but I will check with the guy at work if I don't win it!

Hi guys, I am in the process of buying my first bike. I have ridden when I was a teenager but only used a RTX 125 from Bumpy and got onto smaller splats. Going up ramps backwards etcc. I was never allowed my own bike and in my first house didn't have room for one. Now I have a big garage and want to get into it. A little old now at 29 but it would be a nice way to destress! I'm drawn to Gas Gas as I had a small play on one when I was younger and liked it. After the RTX though, which weighed a ton for me at 13, any prob would. A work colleague has offered me a Gas Gas 250 for

Thanks, thats where I first learnt to ride but I haven't been on one for 16 years, geez where did that time go!? Is there nowhere that you can just go without paying. I think i'd feel a bit of a fool to begin with until I get some practice in! Bumpy is just

Hey guys, I'm Ian and i've just joined and i'm from Wakefield. I'm probably a bit old to be just getting into this at 29 but I feel like a new hobby. Despite my first child about to be born mid August. I guess it'll give me a decent escape for the day to de stress I don't have a bike as yet, nor transport and towing eye on car. All will come in time. I am going to start with the bike as I can learn to balance and such before getting out anywhere! I do have a mate who will join me as well but will not have much money for a bike, neither will I to be honest but we will have to start somewhere. I would appreciate any suggestions on bike choice. I'm looking to spend around