My MX National bike... build thread

[Derrick Adams]

Here is my winter project so far. Frame and other components done in translucent blue powder. Looks much cooler in person.

This is a stock 89 frame but there are some interesting mods done to it. Lets see if you can point them out.

I realize that it seems stupid to build a National bike with a stock frame, but like everyone else i'm on a tight budget, so it will have to do for now.

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l34/Derrick_Adams/TRX250R006.jpg
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l34/Derrick_Adams/TRX250R005.jpg
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l34/Derrick_Adams/TRX250R001.jpg

[Derrick Adams]

Forgot to add, the shocks that are on the bike will be getting replaced with income taxes (hopefully).

Here's the start of the engine. Getting an ESR powervalve cylinder soon!

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l34/Derrick_Adams/CHRISTMAS09014.jpg

[1promodfan]

I see a removable sub-frame and a '86 style swing arm. What is that plate thats on there where the swing arm pivot bolt is?

Also, I was thinking of getting my motor powder coated blue, so you let me see what it looks like.;)

[red88r]

Gusseted up by the steering stem top post and front propeg mounts on the frame....along with the things that 1promodfan said. Looks like a 88-89 frame with the 86-87 swinger...looks good-keep us posted.

[Allison55ex'er]

looks nice. can you give some details on everything you did to the frame im looking to do the same thing with my build

[250rPRIDE]

ya i noticed the removable sub first thing and swinger mod, and a few gussets..

jw why would anyone need to make a removable sub like that? its cool but its a lot of time and work, what are the gains, JW.

LOOKS GOOD nice motor thats sweet!

[bill wright]

i like that rear upper motor mount, did you fab that yourself? i have a 87 frame w/ a 88/89 style swingarm, r/u is empty

[Derrick Adams]

That upper motor mount is factory on the 88-89. I got my Houser swingarm free (it's for an 86-87 but 88-89 length) so I added a stock 86 rear motor mount and had the top of it trimmed down.

The subframe was cut off and made removable because we raised it 1-1/4" to fit me better (I'm 6'4" tall), we also moved the whole steering stem mount forward 1-1/2". The ergonomics are matched to the 450R now (which is much more comfortable for me) except I still have the excellent 250R geometry. The best of both worlds for me.

When we sandblasted the frame we found a few cracks, mainly around the motor mounts, but we also found one in the main frame behind the pivot bolt. So I decided to add a gusset there after looking at most of the aftermarket frames and they all had them in that area.

[bloodswet&gears]

Now, thats what im talkin bout!!! thats great fab work and great ideas. all i see anymore is you CANT do this and you CANT do that. i've seen it a million times- cant use a 86 swingarm on a 88 frame blaa blaa blaa. you did it. and that color is eye candy. i dont wanna quit lookin at it. keep postin pics.

[Derrick Adams]

Small update.

Got a little more time to work on the bike today. I installed the rear brakes, pro-peg mounts, radiator and steering stabilizer.

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l34/Derrick_Adams/007-1.jpg

[heelclickinonaR]

Looking good. I love the frame. Are you planning to go to Walnut, IL? Keep the pics coming. :D

[Derrick Adams]

As of right now, I plan to attend every national race.

[atvmxr]

how will the raised subframe affect the plastics lining up and gastank-seat interface? I would think it would put the rear plastic on a downward angle towards the front?

interesting mods you have done for ergonomics... (Im 6-7)

[89rwfo]

Derrick I have to say I like the idea of moving the stem forward. I too am wondering how your plastic will fit? You have obviously tested it and it works. Did you just add the 1-1/4 to the back rails so the back of the seat is higher. Please post some more pics because I am 6'4" and you have some good ideas.

[Derrick Adams]

Everything lines up just fine. We raised the gas tank up to match the rear fenders and seat, and then made new front fender mounts. We basically gave my 250R a body lift.

Here's a pic before I tore it down for powder coat.

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l34/Derrick_Adams/smithroadjuly4th09006.jpg

Here's one in action.

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l34/Derrick_Adams/mx250r.jpg

[bloodswet&gears]

im glad you posted that pic. is that the way those front tires work best for ya? i asked a while back the correct way and your the only one that replied, i think. sorry about gettin off subject, i still dont know the correct direction. pm me if you want to so this thread dont get off subject cause i hijacked it.

[250rPRIDE]

we knew you had it all planned out ;)
looks great.. i like builds where you have to "diy" anyone can spend 10g's on new parts and assemble it. no offense to those who can afford that. i wish i could. but your doing a sweet job and it looks great man keep the updated pics comen..
thanks

[Honda 250r 001]

Originally posted by Derrick Adams
Here is my winter project so far. Frame and other components done in translucent blue powder. Looks much cooler in person.

This is a stock 89 frame but there are some interesting mods done to it. Lets see if you can point them out.

I realize that it seems stupid to build a National bike with a stock frame, but like everyone else i'm on a tight budget, so it will have to do for now.

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l34/Derrick_Adams/TRX250R006.jpg
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l34/Derrick_Adams/TRX250R005.jpg
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l34/Derrick_Adams/TRX250R001.jpg

the only thing i have to say is, that bottom motor mount bolt is going to be hard to get in with that grame gusseted like it is...

[Derrick Adams]

I suppose I better update this thread!

Here is the bike in its current state. We ran three Nationals on it this year with my best finish being 7th.

The ESR330 P/V cylinder should be on in the next couple weeks. I'll try to remember to update this thread then. We plan to dyno the current engine and again with the new cylinder, so hopefully we can add that information as well.

Fall/Winter mods should include YFZ450 rear suspension swap and Fox floats for the front.

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l34/Derrick_Adams/012.jpg

[Honda 250r 001]

Originally posted by Derrick Adams
I suppose I better update this thread!

Here is the bike in its current state. We ran three Nationals on it this year with my best finish being 7th.

The ESR330 P/V cylinder should be on in the next couple weeks. I'll try to remember to update this thread then. We plan to dyno the current engine and again with the new cylinder, so hopefully we can add that information as well.

Fall/Winter mods should include YFZ450 rear suspension swap and Fox floats for the front.

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l34/Derrick_Adams/012.jpg

Im interested in those Works front shocks if your gonna sell em when you go with floats

Oh and by the way, amazing job on this build man. I love what your doing with the frame!

[Derrick Adams]

Little update today. I never got the chance to dyno the bike with the stock cylinder Unfortunately it didnt survive an extremely hard race day over labor day weekend. No real damage, just wore the rings.

Today I installed the new ESR330PV cylinder. I sent the engine up to Halls Performance, in Concord, MI for porting and assembly, then drove up there today so we could install it and tune it.

So, it feels WICKED quick. No real way to tell until I get it on the track with some competition but the butt dyno says its gained some serious horsepower and torque. I'll try to get it on the dyno in the next week or so, so we can see what kind of power curve we've got.

Next race is Thursday night, so i'll try to update the thread again Friday.

[carolyny476]

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l34/Derrick_Adams/mx250r.jpg

Impressive! :eek:

[Derrick Adams]

Time for another update...

Well I have posted some of this information before as well as the pics but I thought I better try to keep this thread going.

After I got the 330 cylinder on I ran my last faircross race for the season. Took 2nd in Sr. Quad and 3rd in Open Quad.

I finished the Faircross season out in 2nd over-all out of the 10 race series. I took the old R to the podium more times than not.

I ran a few more local races to end the season. The last one was the Halloween race.

Decked out the quad in a zebra stripe costume.

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l34/Derrick_Adams/malvernhalloween4.jpg
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l34/Derrick_Adams/malvernhalloween3.jpg
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l34/Derrick_Adams/malvernhalloween1.jpg


After running the new 350PV (330 cyl +4 crank) at a few races and practices we figured out that traction was key. The thing literally blew the tires off uncontrollably. So for the Halloween race we made a 24oz flywheel weight in attempt to slow down the engine some and use the power.

That to date is the single biggest change i've made to the bike to make more usable power. It literally changed the whole power delivery of the bike. Awesome!

[Derrick Adams]

Winter is here now and we're making more chassis changes. We originally intended to do a YFZ rear linkage swap but ended up changing that up a little. We went with the modern 450R MX linkage from GT Thunder and kept the Houser 250R swingarm.

The Works Pro Series front shocks and stock rear are gone now. Jim at MotoWoz is making us all new bounce sticks. We relocated the top rear shock mount and added an 18" long rear shock to end up with 10.5" of travel. The new LT front shocks will put us balanced out with 10.5" of travel in the front as well.

Here is some pics of the current chassis mods.

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l34/Derrick_Adams/Derricks250RFrameMods5.jpg
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l34/Derrick_Adams/Derricks250RFrameMods4.jpg
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l34/Derrick_Adams/Derricks250RFrameMods3.jpg
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l34/Derrick_Adams/Derricks250RFrameMods1.jpg

[Derrick Adams]

We were able to pick up Houser Racing as a new sponsor this year and as soon as I receive the shocks and get some fresh powder on the frame we'll be taking the bike down to Houser's shop to mock up some of their new Pro Bounce nerf bars, as well a new stem and precision bar mounts.

Anyhow...

2011 season will consist of 4 series runs.

Summit Indoor Series, Faircross Series, Sunoco Series, and CRA championship Series. We'll also be shooting for 4-5 National Races.

Hopefully, myself and my bike are up to the challenge.

[skyeryder]

So I'll be the one to ask... Is Houser going to make r parts again or just do some work for your quad?? I love the mods keep the info coming. Like I said previously I did a similar swap on my xc quad, but I'd like to know if the GT Thunder mx link is any good, that way I can make my quad dual threat

[Derrick Adams]

I couldn't tell you if Houser will produce any parts for the R or not. I'm planning on modifying a current model nerf set-up to fit my bike. Being as I live 20 minutes from their shop, I can say I would love to see them do something, and I will certainly suggest it. With any luck it will just be minimal mods to make them work on our machines.

[C41Xracer]

Derrick i see you race Sr. quad and open, lol and ill be doing the same this summer..............see you at the track

[croat1]

derek: what igntion (flywheel) are you using? the reason i ask is because you mentioned that you made a flywheel weight.

[Derrick Adams]

We're using the stock ignition and flywheel.

[socal]

I love what you have done!Is the differencs in room great or minimal based on the geo changes you made?Hopefully you ditched the zebra costume after halloween!LOL....

[Derrick Adams]

The bike is back to normal now. No more zebra stripes...lol

The chassis is set up with 450R ergonomics. So the seat to handle bar to footpeg is identical to that. I'm a big guy so I love it. The pegs are still in the same location as stock (including forward, unlike most pro-peg designs) so it still handles and jumps flawlessly.

[Derrick Adams]

The MotoWoz are on and dialed. Raced all weekend. As soon as I get it cleaned up i'll post some pics. Now I need to break it down for powdercoat.

[Derrick Adams]

Well.. The long winter is finally coming to an end. Back to the project bike.

I stripped it down a few weeks ago and started powdering. Changing it up a bit from last year.

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l34/Derrick_Adams/0321010553.jpg

[Derrick Adams]

****ty cell phone pics.

Here's the frame. It's extremely yellow..lol

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l34/Derrick_Adams/0323011916.jpg

[Derrick Adams]

Close up of the new rear suspension mods.

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l34/Derrick_Adams/0323011916a.jpg

[Derrick Adams]

I picked up some sponsorship from DFR and Sam hooked me up with some fresh graphics.

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l34/Derrick_Adams/DerrickAdams2.jpg

[ZRider400]

was the rear shock you went with from a yfz450?

lovin this build! glad to see someone not scared to run a stock frame..

[Derrick Adams]

We did build the frame to accept a YFZ shock with a modified lower clevis. Then had Jim at Motowoz build us the correct shock.

We did that so when we need to service the rear shock we can just swap out the stocker while its done.

[LT250Racer609]

Originally posted by ZRider400
was the rear shock you went with from a yfz450?

lovin this build! glad to see someone not scared to run a stock frame..

I have been trying to PM you back for the last 2 nights. Your PM box is full.

[ZRider400]

Originally posted by LT250Racer609
I have been trying to PM you back for the last 2 nights. Your PM box is full.

haha, i was wondering what was up!!!! its empty now... said only 75 percent full but who knows.. i emptied it

[atvmxr]

oh sweet, i thought you crashed last year and decided to hang up the boots.

glad you changed your mind!

[Derrick Adams]

Partially assembled. Still have to get the wheels powdered and finish all the odds and ends.

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l34/Derrick_Adams/0404011926.jpg

[Velvet-Casket]

Hey did you ever get those "Houser" bounce nerf bars mocked up? I wanna see them asap. If/when you do it, can you tell us which other model atv is the closest to mounting right up? Maybe even start a thread strictly on the modification?? Im sure several other guys would also appreciate it too. Thanks:scary:

[K-Dub]

Looking good Derrik. We are gonna have to get together and ride this year sometime.

[Derrick Adams]

Some updated pictures. Still working on getting new nerf bars.

Starting Faircross season next week so i've been tweaking on it here and there.

<center>
<a href="http://s92.photobucket.com/albums/l34/Derrick_Adams/?action=view&amp;current=0714012034a.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l34/Derrick_Adams/0714012034a.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br/><br/>
<a href="http://s92.photobucket.com/albums/l34/Derrick_Adams/?action=view&amp;current=0714012034.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l34/Derrick_Adams/0714012034.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br/><br/>
<a href="http://s92.photobucket.com/albums/l34/Derrick_Adams/?action=view&amp;current=0714012033.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l34/Derrick_Adams/0714012033.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br/><br/>
<a href="http://s92.photobucket.com/albums/l34/Derrick_Adams/?action=view&amp;current=0714012032.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l34/Derrick_Adams/0714012032.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
<br/><br/>
</center>

[socal]

Looks sweet!I like what you did with the rad. shrouds,is that a decal?How do you like those shocks so far?Will you be leaving the stock steering stem?Nice job!!!

[C41Xracer]

what ever happened to you racing your R at ohio international on the pro day? i saw the quad there????

[Derrick Adams]

5 kids with other plans. Life sure has a way of interupting my MX schedule..lol

[superman]

Hey Derrick, what kind of fenders are those on your R? Thanks, Ryan

[Derrick Adams]

Maier full fenders that I trimmed

[superman]

Cool, so Maier rear fenders now have those ridges in next to the seat kinda like Fullbore does? And Maier does full front fenders that allow you to run a nose piece? Wonder if the stock Honda nose piece will work with those fenders like yours?