Topher's EX250 build thread

[TheTopher]

So, I figured since this is the closest thing I've got to a project right now I might as well make a build thread for it.

I'm gonna try and catch up with what I've already done and then add stuff as I do it.

This is my EX250, bought it used with 21k miles on it.




As with any used vehicle, you've gotta pretend the maintenance was never done...because usually it never was.

Also found out after my first ride that my high beam wasn't working.

So, I got her all stripped down.



Did a valve adjustment...which were waaay out of adjustment. Got that all wrapped up and made myself a little vacuum gauge for synching the carbs



Just a couple old snapple bottles and some tubes. The air gab between the water and the clear hoses keeps water from getting into the engine and the black tube lets water transfer from bottle to bottle based on pressure. So just hook it up to the carb intakes and as soon as I've got equal water levels, I've got synched carbs.


Replaced the light bulb and I've got my high beams back.

Got her all wrapped up and back together, lookin' purdy as ever.



Next step...the helmet lock sucked. It was a bitch to use and left the helmet resting on a hot exhaust pipe.

So I built an extension.



Plastic bits keep the paint from getting scratched. Works good enough for me.



That about brings you up to speed, stay tuned 'cause whenever I stop being lazy I'm gonna build a cargo bag for the back.

[shane96ranger]

Nice extension on the helmet lock. That's a sweet idea. I'll be watching your build for sure.

........speaking of your build threads....... I need to see if you finished your tailgate coffee table.

[TheTopher]

Originally Posted by shane96ranger

Nice extension on the helmet lock. That's a sweet idea. I'll be watching your build for sure.

........speaking of your build threads....... I need to see if you finished your tailgate coffee table.

Unfortunately that project has been packed up and thrown on the back burner since my future living situation is up in the air. Might get into it this winter but I won't know for sure what's going on 'til next spring. Life's weird, eh?

[shane96ranger]

Originally Posted by TheTopher

Life's weird, eh?

Yes it is. Nevertheless, I'll stay tuned!

[Ranger Sport Honduras]

nice work!
that helmet lock extension is a double function device.
serves good for ass beating too.

[TheTopher]

Originally Posted by Ranger Sport Honduras

nice work!
that helmet lock extension is a double function device.
serves good for ass beating too.

I plead the 5th.

[COPPERHEAD85]

Nice job on the carb sync tool!
Pretty dang spiffy!

[TheTopher]

I learned a valuable riding lesson too.





Speeding through back roads at night can make quite a mess.

[jhammel85]

Awesome build man. The bugs on the helmet is nuts haha

[4.0B2]

'scribed

[TheTopher]

Update!

I got off my ass earlier than I thought. The cargo bag is done.

I found an old red and black soft shell cooler laying around in the garage that matches the bike perfectly, so it was just a matter of mounting it.

I started out by using the world's second most effective hole-making device ever: A hammer and nail.



I put a hole in each of the four corners using that method, then ran a length of paracord through them, crosswise.



final product



Feels pretty solid but the next time I go for a ride I'm gonna throw a brick or a couple cans of soup or something into it just so I can make sure it'll hold steady before I throw something that's actually valuable into it.

While we're on the subject, I found yet another use for old snapple bottles. Man, I'm tellin' ya, these things are the next duct tape.



Keeps my paracord wrapped up nicely so I don't have to untangle it every time I need some for a project.

I also forgot to post this picture in the first post.



No that's not beer, that's the old brake fluid. Yuck!



That's all for now, folks!

[shane96ranger]

Very ingenious! It looks like it's easily removable for when you've got you a hottie on the back.

Did you have to change the location of your helmet lock extension now?