This looks easier, I probably should have just done this for a frame-up build, LOL!

Those letters are SO iconic! I am so disappointed, yet again an old bike where somebody forgot to put the tools back in the box. Still has a battery (good sign), not much oil in the engine (bad sign?), some oil on the left header area so something going on there, the tank still has some gas in it, so it's not leaking yet! Mission is to go looking for Mr Compression and Mrs Spark.

This is a great FUN bike to work on, but almost too far gone. I boxed an air box for a long time until finally in the 12th round I knocked him out. (looks like you have to move the rear wheel to remove this guy) . Tweedle dee and tweedle dum are all gummy on the inside and some metal parts have very heavy surface rust so they need to get cleaned up

The carb set up is really rather sophisticated! Rather foolishly was polishing the needle (E23540) and polished some of the copper coating right off! Needle clip was at top (lean) so I'm moving it to middle. Also one bolt on the exhaust was 'bodged' by a PO so in the future I'll be seeking advice from you guys on how to deal with it.

Hello there, I currently dont have a manual for this machine, could someone tell me the FACTORY needle clip settings for an '83 or '84 XLX250R on the twin carbs. PO had slave carb at top (lean) (needle E23540)and main carb at bottom (rich) (needleE23530). I have put them both at middle (3) for now. Thanks if you know the answer

Not so pretty but the hole is gone for now

Machine seems amazingly complete, though it has been under sever attack from cosmic rays (destroying the plastics) and now has a terrible case of oxidation. The aluminium engine mounts are like a mille feuille gateau - they will all have to be replaced. The carbs are like two cities, parts are aluminium, steel, rubber, nylon, brass, plastic - amazing!

I found Mrs Spark and Mr Compression. Compression is 150 -160 (without the valves adjusted). The plug is very sooty and seems to be the wrong one - DPR7EA9 ( I believe DP8EA9 is spec), there is a heavy oil leak from the kick starter and it may also be from the cases but I'll find out later when I clean the bottom of the motor.

So much oxyidation to remove!

vaporust will probably resolve most of that. I put parts in a paint cup w/small amt vaporust in cup, float cup on top of water in ultrasound pushing down w/lid. Seems to speed things up a bit. Yes, I'm in a hurry. haha.