1988 VT250R Build

This is going to be a slow-burn thread, but I feel I need to start the thread to keep me motivated to finally get this thing built. I started this project YEARS ago and it has always stayed 3rd in line on the project list. Well, it's been bugging me and I need to make progress.

I have already completely mocked up the bike and created all of the bracketry needed for the bodywork and custom fairing stay. It is a mash-up of "VF" era bodywork and front suspension.

From the initial mock-up build:







Shit... gotta go make dinner. More to come...

 

Great !
Looks good Cap


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let me know if you need any vtr parts, i have too many.

 

This should be fun to watch!

 

Fox Twin Clicker. Minimum +10mm.



Relieved the upper clevis to accept the Fox. Not exactly sure what it was originally for, but judging by the dimensions, probably 87-90 CBR600F. When I first mocked the bike up I didn't have this shock, or a real plan other than the stock shock. I figured eventually it could have a remote res shock, so I mitred the remnants of the left passenger peg bracket and had a mount welded.

 

Oh yeah. Fox Shock back from Evolution Suspension for a full rebuild.

 

Beautiful…


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WAY ahead of myself, but I just wanted it done and ready. He can get busy other times of the year.

 

a hawk centerstand works on the 250 also. for home shop use only.

 

Good to know, thanks SM!

 

"You've figured everything out, just build the goddam bike." I kept telling myself.

Yeah, right.

Converted to rear disk brake.





1986 VFR750F right step. Adapter plate is a template out of ABS, nearly the same thickness the aluminum will be.



1988 CBR250R rear wheel, 4.00x17. Same spoke style as the 1990 VTR rear wheel and Hurricane 600 front wheel. It takes the same VTR sprocket hub, chain and wheel center are as stock. The wheel was a gamble, but I did A LOT of photo comparisons and it sure looked like it would bolt up. Shipped it out of Australia.

CBR600F Hurricane caliper bracket with 86 VFR caliper. 1990 VFR caliper stay arm. Stay bracket on the swingarm will be shaped down to something nicer looking.



Had to slim the caliper bracket to fit between the wheel spacer and swingarm, but it was only about 5mm or so on the swingarm side. In your hand it looks like a stock part.



Pretty stoked. I was able to install the foot peg on the 1990 VTR to finalize the bracket placement while still allowing the exhaust to clear under the brake pedal. Definitely sporty, but it feels good in the new location, stock VTR pegs are pretty forward. Measurements say it's about the same as my modified 88 Hawk GT, and I really like that setup.

 

Great work Cap ... it is going to look FACTORY when you're done.

 

Dayum! Looking good Capt! You are inspiring me, since I haven't done anything to the VTR. I did a rough run though the parts order last night. Looks like I am close. With more will power I will order up later this week.

I decided to go with blasting the case, valve covers and repaint black. The block paint seems pretty good compared to the aluminum cases. I might have to pull the exhaust and repaint as well. Unclear at this point.

I would like to flush out some bikes this spring and the VTR will one of those if it runs. If not, well you know the score Capt.

 

Looking great, Capt!

Dumb question. I noticed the 2 "info decals" on the side of the swing arm. Is that how the factory did it on that bike, rather than on the chain guard as I'm used to seeing? Thanks!

 

Short answer: Yes.

 

nice professional installation, but its hard to believe that a little vtr250 needs any more powerful rear brake than stock. also, it may be too much easier to inadvertently lock up the rear wheel on a hard stop or in rain.




is it eaiser to modulate a rear drum or hydrulik ? im guessing drum feel is more sensitive on a small vtr ?



???

 

Thank you.

It absolutely does need not any more powerful rear brake than stock, but I am pretty damn good modulating either set-up.

This is purely about "cool factor" and how nice could I integrate the set-up as a challenge. Hopefully I accomplished both.

Also, this bike will not be ridden in the rain (on purpose) and the 1986 VFR front brakes (also MASSIVE over-kill... see above "cool factor") should handle the majority of the braking demands easily with the rear brake maybe used to settle the chassis on corner entries.

This is nothing that Honda hasn't done before. The VT250F used dual front disc brakes with VFR calipers and VF500F sized rotors.



I am going to use 86 VFR fork lowers (with shorter VF500F fork tubes) so I can run the thinner, slightly larger, drilled VFR rotors. They will get YSS PD Valve Cartridge Emulators.

And the VT250 Spada, released in 1988, had a rear 240mm disc brake. I am using a 220mm rotor.

 

That looks like 250cc's of fun!

 

That should look a little more organic.