Checking out a TS250 Saturday Morning

I'm going to go look at this bike Saturday morning: http://fresno.craigslist.org/mcy/5120682280.html

I'm pretty stoked as I really like 70s enduros and this one seems like a pretty good deal. Any tips on what I should check for? I have zero experience with bikes this old.

The TS250 was a pretty good bike. They used that same basic engine for a long time in various models, there's not much that will go wrong. Make sure the carb isn't gummed up from sitting, and that the oil injection is working.

Seller says it runs. He did mention that the bike occasionally loses power at highway speeds but it goes away if you get off the throttle for a second. Think it's just some gunk in the carb?

thatsnowinnebago wrote: Seller says it runs. He did mention that the bike occasionally loses power at highway speeds but it goes away if you get off the throttle for a second. Think it's just some gunk in the carb?

Probably. Engines need three things to run, and a carb supplies 2/3.

G_Body_Man wrote:

thatsnowinnebago wrote: Seller says it runs. He did mention that the bike occasionally loses power at highway speeds but it goes away if you get off the throttle for a second. Think it's just some gunk in the carb?

Probably. Engines need three things to run, and a carb supplies 2/3.

Ha, good point.

As long as the oil injection is still in use and working properly they are great bikes. Never ever let the oil run low. it feeds the main crank bearings and if I recall right the con rod bearing as well directly.

The other thing with old strokers is that the crank seals tend to dry out or get damaged. That introduces additional air into the combustion which two strokes usually digest once.

Well I bought it! Bike is in decent shape. Couple dents in the tank, and a taped up tear in the seat. Starts up first or second kick though so I'm happy. Now I get to learn about 2-strokes!