G'day guys,

In the market for an NSR250 to rebuild/restore. I'm not too concerned about what it costs, but I do want it to be fairly well specced at the end.

On a scale of one to ten, my NSR250 specific knowledge is about a one. I'm sure the will improve the more I hang around these forums though...

My question is - what model do I purchase? I want something that has aftermarket parts readily available...I'm guessing the MC21 or MC28 would be the obvious choice considering they are the later models. Also, is there anything I SHOULDN'T purchase? Any ticking time bombs etc? Obviously I'm not starting this project with the idea of having some ultra-reliable daily ride on my hands but I don't want to inherit someone elses problems either.

Cheers

mc 18 or mc 21 se or sp
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ive seen more tarts than mr kipling

Welcome to NSR-WORLD.

They're all pretty good, and the later the model the more easy it will be for you, but also the more expensive.

Best "bang for buck" is an MC21SE. Most expensive for many reasons will be any MC28.

If you go for an MC18, get a Mk2 (R5K, or R6K-SP if you can find one). MC18 Mk1's (R2J or R4J-SP) engine parts are becoming more difficult to source, so I wouldn't recommend one to a first-timer.

Just about everything is available used from Yahoo! Auctions in Japan, and we have a Supporting Vendor in the Members Area who can help you purchase any of it.
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Andy.
NSR-WORLD.COM

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First of all, what Andy says above seems about right to me.

You say that you want it fairly well spec'ed at the end, and you also say that you want something that has aftermarket parts readily available.

With the NSR's, the spec'ed up bits are the SE/SP bits: the dry clutch, the more adjustable suspension, and the lighter Magtek rims. Basically from there you start to delve into the HRC/F3 bits to up-spec it any more. As Andy says, you can generally get these bits used (and very rarely as new old stock) via Yahoo auctions Japan.

But what I would like to add is that to my way of thinking, the real fun to be had in trying to up-spec your machine has to do with the fact that it is a two-stroke. By this I mean that you can do some “tuning”. And to my mind, these are the “specs” that matter and make the bike your own.
Flow the crankcases, machine the heads to set the squish and combustion volume, get the Dremmel out and clean up any little casting daggs in the barrel ports etc.
In my case I have installed some Wossner RM125 pistons which are almost as light as the F3 pistons and bolted in a set of MotoTassinari V-Force 3 reed blocks. I, admittedly unknowingly, think that they will work really well with the flowing I did to the crankcases.
And, in the future I may try an aftermarket programmable ignition such as Zeeltronics or Ignitech for example. And then of course there is carburation and jetting. And the pipes.

I realise that playing about like this is not everyones “cup of tea” and will probably result in some serious problems and expense etc. But for me all the fun is in trying these things and you can often learn a lot along the way.

Myself, I like the challenge of trying to use modern equipment/ideas to get some grunt delivered down to the tarmac. Others are probably happy to stick in a few F3 parts. Some may like the idea of an original SP. Or alternatively you might like to try something along the lines of the TYGA 300cc kit.

Different people will be happy going about their restoration in their own different ways, and thats cool because it ends up being a bike that that particular owner couldn't be happier with.

So what I would say to someone looking to start an NSR restoration is to first figure out what sort of restoration you want to do, as this may have quite an influence on what is important in the bike you buy. And that is my 2 cents.

Wow, the previous posts really sum it up!

I agree with all of them. I think it also depends on what the final plan for the bike is...showroom original and rarely ridden, or some trackdays and fun, not too worried about future value(to a point).
If I was to buy one just "to have", it would likely be a minty 28SP.
What do I own, a fairly minty 21SP Pentax. Pretty rare by definition, but it stll sees the track and a few thousand kms a season. These bikes are extremely rare in this market, I have never seen any other than mine in person, and extreme mods will detract from the value. Most NSR's in this country are rarely ridden, let alone tuned, which is why the 28 seems to be worth more!!!
What I am trying to say is that the 21 is more easily enhanced with greater outcome at a lesser cost than the 28....maybe

Either way you go, know this, they are quite likely the most fun and smile inducing streetbike you will ever own!

Cheers and welcome!

Jonno
I agree with all as well especially wardlaw, 28 all the way!
Actually theres one in classifieds at the moment!
Poor bugger probably got his misses on his back
Good luck with it.

For the right choice, i will think ( in that order ) :

1. What model is your favourite ?
2. As wardlaw said : What's the final plan for the bike ?

Choice your preffered model ( 18, 21 or 28 ), and then think what you want for your bike. If you're going to use her as a track bike, you can look for a less "minty" bike, less "standard" ( with aftermarket exhaust, HRC jet kit or anything else for example ). If you want a original resto, you must look for a unmodified one, and if you want a showroom original, then one minty bike it's the way to go.

I personally prefer the 21's, then 18's and finally 28's, but that doesn't mean my choice is the perfect choice for you, it's a matter of what you like, and once you know what you want, think what use you will give to her.