Motorcycle.com

freecat · 08-24-2003, 05:30 AM

Congrats to Leon!

obandoj · 08-24-2003, 05:38 AM

Pretty incredible, considering the reliability problems these things have, I am in the process of re-building one for a costumer who uses it for track days and transportation, so far we have done the head twice (valves, rockers) one holed piston, and now the crank.

My hat off to Mr. Begeman

caferacerx · 08-24-2003, 06:28 AM

I don't believe that's an accurate comment.

Indeed, the EX250 is bought by a lot of first time riders who ride them iinto the ground, before ever having the chance to discover what a capable little bike it *can* be. Sure, you're not going to win any speed records on one, but an experienced rider can certainly hold their own in twisty sections against just about any bike, except for pesky RS125's and their ilk.

New riders that ignore some simple break-in procedures (NOT those specified by Kawi) can indeed significantly shorten an EX250's potential lifespan. But well maintained ones commonly reach well over 50k and more on the clock.

As the bike has essentially changed little for almost 15 years now, parts are plentiful. And while the aftermarket has mostly ignored the bike in favor of higher margin stuporbikes a devoted core has figured out the most effective upgrades.

Sure, you'll never get past the outdated frame and even a "simple" wheel upgrade to get some decent choices of rubber is expensive. And true, you can only squeeze so much blood from a stone. 37bhp is about the max, from a stock 27 or so. BUT, it certainly *is* a fine bike to learn how to go quicker than snot on.

And they DO make one hell of a trackbike.

http://jimrace.com/images/moto/EX250...ics/610_sm.jpg

-jim

AFM #250 (was #610)

kawazuki · 08-24-2003, 07:09 AM

Bad Ass.

If you read this Leon, full on congrats.

Now I really need to get my ass in gear and do the Iron Butt.

-Kawazuki

BMW4VWW · 08-24-2003, 07:34 AM

You should have said Iron Ass. Leon's accomplisment certainly meets the definition of that appellation. VWW

Heronboy · 08-24-2003, 10:13 AM

Great job Leon! (if you're listening)

My question though is how did rider #18 get by on 6961 miles when most everyone else had about 9000 or more miles?

donalcallis · 08-24-2003, 10:30 AM

More and more, real riders try the IBR on a less than ideal bike. In 2001, Paul Meredith finished on a 125 (and only had to rebuild the engine once!), while leaving his full-dress touring bike at home. Just goes to show, a real rider doesn't need dem stinken ergo's.

donalcallis · 08-24-2003, 10:34 AM

Cuz: While you do have certain 'mandatory' check-points to hit during the ride, the extra mileage comes from riders going after bonus points that are given for going to special places (or doing something special). Every rider can choose their own route based on how many bonus points they want.

caferacerx · 08-24-2003, 12:37 PM

As I've been following this for awhile, I have a longer version of Leons IBR - EX250 article, if you're curious about grisly details...

Here.

-jim

Tri2Fly · 08-24-2003, 01:34 PM

A pack of snarling terriers, those 250 jockeys!

Cheers,

RR

(aka TwoFitty)

08-24-2003, 06:28 AM	#3
caferacerx Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 8	EX250? Unreliable? I don't believe that's an accurate comment. Indeed, the EX250 is bought by a lot of first time riders who ride them iinto the ground, before ever having the chance to discover what a capable little bike it can be. Sure, you're not going to win any speed records on one, but an experienced rider can certainly hold their own in twisty sections against just about any bike, except for pesky RS125's and their ilk. New riders that ignore some simple break-in procedures (NOT those specified by Kawi) can indeed significantly shorten an EX250's potential lifespan. But well maintained ones commonly reach well over 50k and more on the clock. As the bike has essentially changed little for almost 15 years now, parts are plentiful. And while the aftermarket has mostly ignored the bike in favor of higher margin stuporbikes a devoted core has figured out the most effective upgrades. Sure, you'll never get past the outdated frame and even a "simple" wheel upgrade to get some decent choices of rubber is expensive. And true, you can only squeeze so much blood from a stone. 37bhp is about the max, from a stock 27 or so. BUT, it certainly is a fine bike to learn how to go quicker than snot on. And they DO make one hell of a trackbike. http://jimrace.com/images/moto/EX250...ics/610_sm.jpg -jim AFM #250 (was #610)

08-24-2003, 07:09 AM	#4
kawazuki Founding Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 196	Re: Iron Butt 2003: On an EX250? Bad Ass. If you read this Leon, full on congrats. Now I really need to get my ass in gear and do the Iron Butt. -Kawazuki

08-24-2003, 07:34 AM	#5
BMW4VWW Founding Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 1,833	Re: Iron Butt 2003: On an EX250? You should have said Iron Ass. Leon's accomplisment certainly meets the definition of that appellation. VWW

08-24-2003, 10:30 AM	#7
donalcallis Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 39	Re: Iron Butt 2003: On an EX250? More and more, real riders try the IBR on a less than ideal bike. In 2001, Paul Meredith finished on a 125 (and only had to rebuild the engine once!), while leaving his full-dress touring bike at home. Just goes to show, a real rider doesn't need dem stinken ergo's.

08-24-2003, 10:34 AM	#8
donalcallis Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 39	Re: Iron Butt 2003: On an EX250? Cuz: While you do have certain 'mandatory' check-points to hit during the ride, the extra mileage comes from riders going after bonus points that are given for going to special places (or doing something special). Every rider can choose their own route based on how many bonus points they want.

08-24-2003, 05:30 AM	#1
freecat Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 13	Re: Iron Butt 2003: On an EX250? Congrats to Leon! __________________ Anthropology is just travel writing about places that don\'t have room service. Sociology is journalism without news. And psychology is peeking into your sister\'s diary after your parents have sent her to rehab. -- P. J. O\'Rourke

Sponsored Links	Remove Advertisements
Motorcycle Forum Advertisement

08-24-2003, 05:38 AM	#2
obandoj Founding Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Arizona Posts: 912	Re: Iron Butt 2003: On an EX250? Pretty incredible, considering the reliability problems these things have, I am in the process of re-building one for a costumer who uses it for track days and transportation, so far we have done the head twice (valves, rockers) one holed piston, and now the crank. My hat off to Mr. Begeman

08-24-2003, 10:13 AM	#6
Heronboy Founding Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 5	Re: Iron Butt 2003: On an EX250? Great job Leon! (if you're listening) My question though is how did rider #18 get by on 6961 miles when most everyone else had about 9000 or more miles?

08-24-2003, 12:37 PM	#9
caferacerx Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 8	LONG version of the article As I've been following this for awhile, I have a longer version of Leons IBR - EX250 article, if you're curious about grisly details... Here. -jim

08-24-2003, 01:34 PM	#10
Tri2Fly Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 5	Bite him back, Jimmy!! A pack of snarling terriers, those 250 jockeys! Cheers, RR (aka TwoFitty)