Hi!

My name is Lou. I've bought a 1973 Yamaha DT 250 as my first bike, and I'm incredibly excited to start riding it around. It runs just fine, but I wanna make some basic 'upgrades'/maintenance things that I'll list below, so that it doesn't die on me (and I don't die on it lol). As I'm starting to hunt for parts, I'm noticing that many parts are listed for years before and after, but not including '73. Do you guys have advice on which parts would be okay to swap for earlier vs later years (I'm assuming they're mostly the same), and which ones are crucial to get from the '73 models. 

- Carb clean / rebuild. I mostly just want to clean it and change out the rubber seals 
- Brake shoes
- Front and rear brake cables
- Clutch cable

Additionally, I'm thinking of getting an LED headlight to replace the unreliable AC/DC mess that I've heard keeps killing the bulb. If anyone has any advice or opinions on this that'd be awesome!

And then the last thing I wanted to ask was about the oil injection system: it sounds like people worry that the lines will get clogged up and won't mix enough oil into the fuel. Is this a real risk, and would it be better to just mix it myself, despite how annoying that is?

Thanks in advance for indulging all of these very basic questions

 from near Salisbury, UK.

First up, IF your bike is a 1973 model, then it will be a DT3, not DT250. The best way to check is to look up your VIN (frame number) in the VIN tables in the Tech Library (on top toolbar). Do this before ordering any parts.

CMSNL and Partzilla sites are great for checking out part numbers.

Changing the brake shoes is a good idea and CMSNL and Partzilla will show current part numbers - you can then order them from your local bike shop.

There is only one seal (an 'O' ring) in the carb and, if the bike is running well, you shouldn't need to change it.

If your bike is a DT3 and you really do need new cables, then KDI do repops - see bar on the right of the page. You might be lucky and find some originals on ebay.

Fitting a 6v regulator (or a 12v bulb!) will sort out the blowing bulbs issue. See the Service Bulletins section of the Tech Library for Yamaha's instructions on how to fit it.

Oil pump lines shouldn't get clogged up. If you want to replace the line anyway, Yamaha still sell it (you might have to cut it to length).

from the Volunteer State Tennessee 

Welcome from Texas!

Welcome from Florida, I'd also swap out the chain and maybe the sprockets.

+1 on KDI! 
I recently acquired a '72 CT2 and replaced all the cables with KDI off Ebay.  They're reasonably priced, shipped fast and well made.

Good luck with your build!

 

I never responded but thank you so much for this info! It was super helpful for a starting point, all parts have been ordered and the project is well underway. I love this thing lol

I just put a 6V regulator in my HT-1 and it was super simple to do and $20 off ebay.