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A newbie saying Hi

Discussion in 'Yamaha 250cc In-Line 4's' started by Gerb, Dec 23, 2005.

  1. Gerb

    Gerb New Member

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    Hello everybody!

    I just bought myself an fzr so I figure it’s about time I stop lurking and say hello. For those of you who are interested, the bike is a yellow 1990, which I picked up for 2,400. The bike has a few dints and scratches and a few other issues I need to take care of (such as speedo not working, an almost dead battery and a ripped seat), but it seems ok for the price. Although, having said that I am unsure of how well it was taken care off, and after taking it for a quick ride, it seems like there might be some issues that I hadn’t noticed before I bought it. Anyways, I am going to take it to a mechanic to get a service (since I don’t really believe the guy when he said he serviced it not to long ago), and maybe diagnose and fix any other problems it has.

    So anybody know any good mechanics in the west of Melbourne?

    ALso, I was wondering if anybody could help me with a few things. I’m new to fzr’s and well bikes in general so these questions may seem very stupid. Anyways, how do I tell what model mine is? I wasn’t to fussed with this originally and was more worried about finding a bike that was comfortable, and reliable, but now that I actually own the thing it would be nice to know what it is. Also, at what rpms do yo shift at and what rpms do you cruise at during normal riding? I knows it’s a newb question, but well I am a newb and this bike is a lot different to the cb I did my l’s on <!-- s:) --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" title="Smile" /><!-- s:) -->

    I may have been a tad impulsive buying this bike, and I may end up costing me a bit, but hey I am happy.

    Thanks!
     
  2. Ciaran

    Ciaran New Member

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    Welcome to the forum.

    If it is a 90 model I am thinking twin headlight, deltabox frame = 3ln1. It depends what kind of riding I am doing as to what rpm range I hover around. Out in the hills the engine starts to hum along nicely past 10k. If I am just riding around town I probably change at around 9.5~10k. Lowest speed that I get it 6th would be 90kph, any lower you don’t really have anything on tap to power out of any bad situations.

    Hopefully it is just a snapped speedo cable causing the problem. You should see a cable running from the back of the instrument cluster to the hub of the front wheel on the side stand side. Disconnect the cable from the hub (might need a pair of pliers to get it off) and the cable should just slide out of the sheath. Inspect for damage, it should have a square looking ends. If it has snapped than you can go down to the local wreakers and they will be able to sort you out with a working one for $10.
     
  3. TBone

    TBone New Member

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    Hey and welcome to the forum!!

    If you would like I can have a look at your bike... and do a service as well...

    Though I'm in SE burbs of melbourne... but than I can transport it for you as well if it not regested... I'll have a look around my garage I think I have a spare speedo cable if yours is broken (LOL the FZR250 2KR (possibly 3LN) uses the same one as the XS250)
     
  4. koma

    koma New Member

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    Congrats on your purchase Gerb, and welcome to your new home on the forums! This place is a gold mine of information when working on the little FZR.

    Firstly the questions...
    What sort of model is my bike?
    2KR
    1987-1988: Steel frame, single front disk, twin headlight, NO exup valve
    1988-1989: Steel frame, single front disk, twin headlight, exup valve
    3LN1 - 1989-1991: Deltabox frame, dual front disk, twin headlight, exup valve
    3LN3 - 1991-1994: Deltabox frame, dual front disk, single headlight, exup valve

    The other way of checking is to look at the stamp on the frame, and it'll have the bike's serial number which will most likely either start with 2KR-#### or 3LN-#####. OR if you post a pic we all get to enjoy another FZR and we can tell you what model it is aswell.

    what rpms do yo shift at?
    Usually anything short of 10k is considered short shifting as your not even getting the bike up to it's maximum torque (available at 13k if i recall). Around town you should probably be shifting out of first at 10k, out of 2nd at ~10k, and then through the rest of the gears until your cruising.

    what rpms do you cruise at during normal riding?
    For the most part, it is considered normal to cruise at 6000-8000rpm. Anything below that and the bike is likely to be a little sluggish, anything above that and it's probably running inefficiently and chewing through fuel. At 100km/h your likely to be doing ~8500rpm in 6th gear.

    Again, congrats on the purchase and learn to love your bike.
    Try and get some riding experience in and then maybe you can tag along on the twisty ride we're trying to organise for mid Jan '06. <!-- s:cool: --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_cool.gif" alt=":cool:" title="Cool" /><!-- s:cool: -->
     
  5. Gerb

    Gerb New Member

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    Thanks for the help guys. Although, after looking a bit more I found all the info on the model types. I guess I should have searched better originally especially considering they were in such an obvious place.

    I would love to tag along to something like this one day, but I don’t think my skills will be up for it by mid January. So, yeah I may have to pass this time, but would be up or the next one. Where are most members located? Are there many from the west of Melb?

    I’m from St.Albans so we are a fair way away from each other. The bike is registered but at the moment I’m not really comfortable riding long distances. Thanks for the offer but it would probably be easier finding somebody closer.
     
  6. koma

    koma New Member

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    To see where everyone is we keep a little bit of a roll call over in the Riding Events section of the forum...

    FZR250.com Rider Locations
    Feel free to post in that thread and we'll (one of the mods) will add you to the list.

    The ride on the 14/15th will be kinda a mixed bag of skill levels so don't feel that we're all track day wizards (i'm far from it <!-- s:lol: --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_lol.gif" alt=":lol:" title="Laughing" /><!-- s:lol: --> ). As long as you enjoy yourself, ride safe, and make it to lunch at the destination and then safely home - that's what counts! With basic corner marking if the group is big enough we won't lose anyone... and contact mobile numbers will be given incase anyone gets separated from the group.

    It might be worth jumping over onto the Netrider forums and perhaps sign yourself up for a few of the beginner rides over the summer. You'll find that you'll learn very quickly when there are experienced riders around who can advise you if your doing something wrong, aswell as not having to navigate which will allow you to concentrate more on your safe riding.

    As for TBone being a bit too far away from you... i'm sure if you wanted to ride your bike over to Fitzroy North then TBone wouldn't mind picking it up from here (or just use my garage as a temp workshop <!-- s:wink: --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_wink.gif" alt=":wink:" title="Wink" /><!-- s:wink: -->). Either way, find a mechanic who knows FZR250's well and stick with him/her!!!
     
  7. TBone

    TBone New Member

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    That is not a problem I visit Sunshine on regular basis as I have a friend who runs a backyard repair shop similar to mine... though he specialises in painting and smash repairs i specialise in mechanical repairs (I was working for him for several years on and off as a mechanic b4 his place went up in smoke) So in other words I can eather pick up the bike or arange fo him to pick it up and drop it over at my place... Also he can do the service (though I specialise in FZR250s and he hates them)
     
  8. chiangstar

    chiangstar New Member

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    hey gerb
    welcome to the forums

    simon
     
  9. grendal

    grendal New Member

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    As for the speedo not working, It could be the speedo cable, however due to the fact that your battery is practically dead, I would assume that is the case.

    I know running my own bike on low battery causes the speedo to do some very strange things.

    Let me know how you go. And congratulations on your purchase!
     
  10. cossie

    cossie New Member

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    Welcome and congrats on the purchase, I'm sure it'll work out fine once you get the current issues sorted.

    I can also thoroughly recommend Tbone for any repairs and servicing to the bike, no matter how far from you he is.
    He recently sorted out a few issues with my FZR and does a great job at a great price. He will go out of his way to ensure the bike is right whilst ensuring you dont suffer any unnecessary costs! <!-- s:angel: --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_angel.gif" alt=":angel:" title="Angel" /><!-- s:angel: -->
     
  11. Gerb

    Gerb New Member

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    If that’s the case, it sounds like we will be able to work something out. It would be good taking it to a guy who knows the type of bike. I gave the bike a quick wash today, and the more I look at it the more I get the feeling the previous owners may have done things a bit dodgy. It doesn’t matter though. I’m happy even if I was a bit impulsive in buying the bike, but hey I’m still happy.

    My email is <!-- e --><a href="mailto:michaelgerb@hotmail.com">michaelgerb@hotmail.com</a><!-- e --> if you want to discuss things

    So far I have only ridden a motor bike twice. Once going for my l’s and then once yesterday for five minutes. So I think I should build up the basic skills, and a bit of confidence before I go for a group ride. At the moment I’m even trying to stay way from main roads until I get use to everything and learn a bit more. I don’t intend on riding much either until I can get some issues with the bike fixed and get the proper gear. So, yeah I won’t be able to practice much, and even if there are a lot on new riders my level would just be to low. I will post in the other thread when I get the chance and would love to come on a few rides when I’m a bit more confident. I will also check out that net rider thing. Thanks.
     
  12. dave

    dave Well-Known Member

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    Welcome to the group, GERB, I am sure you will learn a lot here as I did.

    Get a bit of practice in the quieter back streets or even in an empty carpark. Those slow speed skills like taking off, balancing, cornering and emergency stops are the ones to get going first up. Fig 8s are good as well.

    Enjoy the ride.
     
  13. Casso

    Casso New Member

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    I definately wouldn't scoff at TBone's offer, if I were you.

    There are quite a few mechanics out there that will quickly notice you're a learner and know nothing about bikes, and some of them may be tempted to take advantage of that (which can get quite expensive at times)

    TBone, on the other hand, is developing a good reputation here for the work he does on fizzers. Considering he specialises in them, and these forums may eventually be a significant source of income, he's got plenty of reasons to do his best by you, and ensure the good rapport continues.

    I'd definately take that over an unknown mechanic that's likely to take you for a ride.
     

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