Thinking about getting an old XR250

[JAZZ-n-FZ6]

So as stated, I am thinking about buying this old 1982 Honda XR250. The guy only wants $150 for it and I'm sure that I can talk him down to $100. BUT here's the thing. The engine starts, and in fact very quickly when kicked over. But there is a pretty loud noise coming from the engine. The guy told me that it all of a sudden lost power and started making a loud loud ticking noise. When I heard it, it sounded like something in the valves. Maybe a rocker arm broke or something and it is causing things to bang around in there.

I am hesitant to buy it because I don't want to waist $100 if there is a good chance that the engine is toast. But if it needs the top end rebuilt, I feel pretty confident doing that because I just did that in a 2002 Hyundai Elantra. If anyone has any ideas what might be causing the noise I would appreciate it. Also I feel somewhat hopeful that it might be salvageable because it does start and run, just really poorly. Thanks guys.

 

[dean owens]

if you're mechanical i say get it. it's a thumper so there's not as much to the engine as there is with your elantra. and even if part of the motor is shot you still have a few options. i just typed in xr250* engine on ebay and see 3 pages of engine parts. so you should be able to find what you need. or you could part it out and make your money back pretty easily.

if i had the money, space, time and a wife that didn't mind i'd do it.

 

[ozzieboy]

I had a CBX250, which is a similar engine. If the oil gets, even a little low in a CBX250, and you run it on the side stand, The timing chain can't throw enough oil up to the top end and you flatten off the right hand side lobes. The ticking noise is horrible and very loud. Quick check if this is the case?...open up the right hand side rocker adjustment port and wiggle the rocker. this'll let you know whats going on....should be an only just discernable movement.

If it happened while he was riding and a spring or rocker broke there'll also be big movement....easy fix.

At that price, it sounds like it's worth further investigation.

 

[rdabernig41]

My dad has a 1992 xr250 and it started getting a loud ticking noise also. we just had to replace the timing chain and we went ahead and rebuilt it. they arent that expensive to fix. We spent about 500 bucks completely rebuilding the engine except the valves. so theyre pretty inexpensive to fix. And they are one of the best old thumpers you can get.