I bought a 2000 xc and keep finding problem after problem

[675AZ]

Please give me your input and words of wisdom. I'm a 22yr old student and dont have tons of money and really was looking forward to this bike. Here's my situation....

So I bought my first gg two days ago and first had no spark so I started looking into that.... I had nothing (no power) coming from the stator. I took the ignition cover off and saw lots of corrosion and stripped screw heads. I started to turn the flywheel by hand and felt what I thought was play in the crank or rod/piston. So I took the jug off and sure enough there's a lot of verticle play on the lower rod bearing. Do I rebuild it or ditch the project and move on? Parts aren't to bad it's just the labor I'm worried about. I am thinking I'll be a lot happier with a whole new motor and I already planned to do a complete rebuild with new powdercoat and 2011 gg plastics, seat ect...

[Jakobi]

If you feel competent and have a bit of mechanical know how you could take your time and rebuild the engine yourself. Alternatively it shouldn't really cost much in labour if all you do is drop the bottom end in at a shop and have them press new bearings in, rebuild the crank and then button it all up again for you.

The problem with older bikes is more the time than the dollars (although they add up too). Its one of those things where you'll find things to repair everywhere you look if it hasn't been maintained. Simple chores like replacing the swingarm and linkage bearings can end up taking days longer than they should. Projects are a great way to expand your skillset though. As long as you're not in a rush.

[Dave]

For what it will cost to rebuild, repair and decorate this bike you could buy another bike in very nice condition. If you didn't pay too much for it, parting it out may make you a few bucks and give you something to do while looking for another ride.

[GMP]

Your going to have to expect and deal with this type of thing on a used 13 yr old bike, of any brand, if you don't know the history. There is nothing exotic in the motor, all bearings are easily obtainable. Unless you have the skill to do the work though the labor will add up fast. It will be a few hundred $$ in parts to properly rebuild that motor top and bottom, and thats just the typical stuff. This is OK if your into the project aspect of ownership, but it sounds like you just want to ride. If $$ is tight and tech skill limited, part it out and move on.

I hate to see people get stuck like this. FWIW, try to avoid Craigslist, ebay and the like when buying a used bike, especially if its an older, cheaper bike. Stick to the classified sections of racing association websites. Better yet join the association. That way it is understood that you will see likely see the seller again. The class of people is higher, and no one needs a bad reputation. I helped two kids buy bikes like this recently and all worked out very well. A used bike from a well known member here would be a good option as well.

[(F5)]

Originally Posted by 675AZ

. . . dont have tons of money . . . and I already planned to do . . . . . .with new powdercoat and 2011 gg plastics, seat ect...

Well forget the last flashy bits, that will never be worth it. Fixing the engine however should be worth it if you do enough yourself (like take engine out/back in etc) & leave specialised bits to the shop.

[Zman]

I just went through the same issue with a basket case bike I bought "cheap" and the following should give you a good idea of cost.
crank rebuild parts and labor $160 using Hotrods kit
crank bearings $90
gasket set $120
Countershaft seal $12
Misc unknown $50
Total ~ $400
You are assured to find a few more items that will need help along the way.

FYI there is a 1998 250 crankshaft on ebay for $75.

Good luck.

[GMP]

Depending on your $$ situation, I'd part it out, and move up to an '05/'06 platform. That is a good platform to start with, because the frame has current geometry (very good steering), is reinforced in key areas, and is easily upgradable to full '07 - '11 subframe/bodywork. Motor has the newer castings as well. You should be able to find one for a good price.

[675AZ]

Originally Posted by Zman

I just went through the same issue with a basket case bike I bought "cheap" and the following should give you a good idea of cost.
crank rebuild parts and labor $160 using Hotrods kit
crank bearings $90
gasket set $120
Countershaft seal $12
Misc unknown $50
Total ~ $400
You are assured to find a few more items that will need help along the way.

FYI there is a 1998 250 crankshaft on ebay for $75.

Good luck.

Zman,
Did you split the case yourself or was that included for $160?

[675AZ]

Im pleased to see so much input. I've decided I'm going to rebuild the motor and sell the rest. Fortionetely for me, my Honda crf50 flywheel puller fits my xc250!!! I'll be posting a lot of 2000 xc250 parts pretty soon in the classified section. If anyone wants anything now please speak up and the frame is titled.

I have a randome question, Has anyone done a 250f AF with a gg 250/300 motor swap? I'm thinking about this may be my plan after the motor rebuild.

[Zman]

I split the cases my self which is not too bad on a GasGas. I did have a problem with rusty flywheel threads that pulled out when I tried to remove the flywheel with a puller that caused me to weld the puller to the flywheel. If all goes well you will not that problem. If you are not familiar with the process, I reccomend taking lots of pictures while you are pulling it apart.
You can also download the parts manual to see the exploded view of the engine.

Do yourself a favor and take a good hard look at the whole bike and consider your path forward. Even doing the work myself and buying parts from ebay, other used parts places and some bearings from a supply house, this 2001 DE300, $650 basket case will have cost me about $2300 by the time it is finished. New GasGas parts can be pricy! Granted when it is finished it will be a near new bike and it will last many years, but I really underestimated the time and monetary expenses.