The official XT225 thread!

[J5k]

Originally Posted by Tom S

I don’t think it is that unusual to find very small particles of what may appear to be rust in the bottom of float bowls. Seen it many times. But I don’t think it is necessarily always rust. The important thing is what it looks like inside your tank. Drain it out & take a real good look in there. I have rarely added filters but maybe that’s all you need. A small in line filter.

An inline filter is on its way. What I was told by the po was that he bought it for his wife in 06 for her to learn on. That didn't happen. Every spring he drained the gas (put it in his lawn mower), rode it to get inspected and filled it back up only to sit in the garage the rest of the year. I'll pull the tank again and take a look, but I still would like to know if a plastic tank exists that will bolt up with minimal modification (preferably to the tank not the bike).

[OldGypsy]

Clarke makes a 4.1 gallon plastic tank (it may not be street legal) that sells for $175 - $210. Very easy to install - lots of directions for installation at 225.com.

[n16ht5]

Originally Posted by J5k

Have you tried heat? If you can find a short piece of steel pipe (thicker wall the better) that fits snug in the end of the exhaust, you should be able to heat the exhaust and pop the end cap right out. The pipe should soak up the heat and allow the exhaust to expand. Just don't set your bike on fire! (ps, no idea if this will work as I've never done it for this particular application)

thanks for the advice. I don't think he wants to heat it up and ruin the paint (his bike is without a scratch)

well try the screwdrivers first and then maybe heat

thanks!

[dustin_forest]

I saved a 1993 xt 225 from my father in laws pasture, where it had sat for 10 yrs! No ignition rusty gas tank chewed up wires. After a new battery, sanded repainted gas tank, carb clean, fuel treatmentand i riggedd up a toggle switch to replace ignition. The bike fired right up but after a few months still smokes pretty bad and there is a rattle coming from the head. Any ideas that dont involve me doing a valve job?

[ER70S-2]

Welcome to ADVrider. Please fill in your profile (state or country for instance). Then we'd be able to guess at the humidity level and temperature fluctuations. Not to be too negative but it sounds like the rings and cylinder wall got a layer of rust from years of condensation. Any time you can see frost on the outside of an engine, you can bet that it's on the inside too.

[dustin_forest]

it sat in western washington in the element, sounds like i need to take it apart?

[ER70S-2]

Thanks for filling in your profile.

A compression check would be a good idea. Also monitor you oil useage, if you're only burning a little, smoking a bit isn't going to hurt anything.

[dustin_forest]

Thanks for the help! I'll give it a try.

[JerryH]

The Clarke tank is street legal in AZ, mine went through emissions with it. But even if it weren't, and you have yearly inspections, just keep the stock tank, and swap them out once a year. The Clarke tank is worth every penny. It makes the XT actually useable for extended back country trips.

[Jaseun]

Here in Maryland plastic tanks on motorcycles are illegal too. I can't understand why. Nearly every car truck lawn mower and snowblower has a plastic tank. My 2000 truck has a huge 40 gallon plastic tank.

[a1fa]

Who sells the radiator kit?

[WayneJ]

Originally Posted by Jaseun

Here in Maryland plastic tanks on motorcycles are illegal too.

For some reason a lot of people believe this but it is not true.

My DRZ just passed MD State inspection with a Clarke 3.9 gal plastic tank on it.

[GlennR]

Different inspectors can miss different things, and some are tougher to deal with than others.

My dual sported WR450 didn't have DOT legal tires or a front brake light sensor. The first place I took it was a motorcycle dealer and they couldn't let the tires pass, but could overlook the brake.

So, I took it to a small car mechanic which also inspects motorcycles. He wasn't as familiar with bike laws and didn't notice the tires. I doubt many car shops would question a plastic fuel tank.

[MrsTiggywinkle]

I have a 07 XT with about 6200 miles on it. I've started noticing whenever the front end hits a bump there is a really loud "whooshing" noise. I'm assuming it's coming from the fork tubes but alas, I am not at all mechanical although I am trying to learn. Any ideas on what this is and if it is something that needs attention?

[GlennR]

Originally Posted by MrsTiggywinkle

I have a 07 XT with about 6200 miles on it. I've started noticing whenever the front end hits a bump there is a really loud "whooshing" noise. I'm assuming it's coming from the fork tubes but alas, I am not at all mechanical although I am trying to learn. Any ideas on what this is and if it is something that needs attention?

Mine forks make a little whoosing noise when I hit large bumps, and I think it's something I should check out "sometime".

But if yours is loud I would get it checked "soon", or stop hitting bumps...

I'm don't know a lot about forks, but they have springs in them, along with oil & valves, and seals which keep the oil inside and the dirt out.

It might only need more oil, or the seals need to be replaced (which is a common repair). I guess the valve might go bad sometimes, but I don't think I've heard of it.

Some people need to change the oil viscosity or the springs to compensate for heavier riders.

btw, In my sig line I have a link to a site which explains all kinds of motorcycle repairs. You might find it helpful & interesting, and the price is right. (free)