chain was rusted beyond repair, the chrome plating was coming off the FMF pipe, and overall it just needed some maintenance. lots of hours later, and the necessary parts replaced, I have myself a beautiful 250! I replaced all the plastics except the tank for ones off an '05 model for cheap, and had to slightly modify an '08 silencer to fit. I fabricated a seat bracket and a tab for the subframe, so it wasnt easy getting the seat with the side plates to bolt up. spray painted the bike had a recent top-end job done to it which is really nice (I was very surprised, and thankful, that nothing rusted inside the motor!). the bike fired to life after about 4 kicksabout the ride: I've only been able to ride around the block in my neighborhood so far. the bike is kinda sleepy and very smooth on low rpm's, almost like a 125. huge powerband hit in the mid-range, it's hard to keep the front wheel planted! and I havnt hit top end power yet, theres no street long enough and im pretty sure the neighbors wouldnt appreciate it. easy to manuever, brakes and suspension are good too. I'll get in a better ride tomorrow
picked the bike up for $460 and only put about $200 in parts, and about 3 days of hard work and elbow grease
I'm debating on selling either this or the yamaha
