1986 Honda XR250R Service Manual

The 1986 Honda XR250R is a 249cc air-cooled four-stroke dual-sport motorcycle featuring a 5-speed transmission, front and rear drum brakes, 23-inch front/18-inch rear wheels, and a dry weight of 256 lbs. This manual covers maintenance procedures, specifications, troubleshooting, and repair instructions for engine, transmission, chassis, electrical systems, and routine service intervals. Below are key sections for specifications, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair procedures.

1. General Specifications 2. Maintenance Schedule 3. Engine Service 4. Transmission & Clutch 5. Chassis & Suspension 6. Electrical System 7. Carburetor & Fuel System 8. Brake System 9. Lubrication Points 10. Torque Specifications 11. Troubleshooting

General Specifications

Key specifications for the 1986 Honda XR250R dual-sport motorcycle.

SpecificationDescription
Engine Type249cc air-cooled 4-stroke single cylinder
Bore x Stroke73.0mm x 59.5mm
Compression Ratio10.0:1
Carburetor26mm Keihin PD
IgnitionCDI electronic ignition
Transmission5-speed constant mesh
Final Drive#520 chain
Front Suspension35mm leading-axle fork, 9.8 inches travel
Rear SuspensionPro-Link single shock, 9.1 inches travel
Front BrakeSingle leading shoe drum, 110mm
Rear BrakeSingle leading shoe drum, 110mm
Fuel Capacity2.4 gallons (9.1 liters)
Dry Weight256 lbs (116 kg)

Maintenance Schedule

Recommended service intervals for optimal performance and longevity.

  1. After break-in (600 miles): Change engine oil and filter, check valve clearance, inspect chain tension
  2. Every 1,000 miles: Change engine oil, clean air filter, check spark plug
  3. Every 2,000 miles: Replace spark plug, check valve clearance, inspect brake pads
  4. Every 3,000 miles: Change engine oil and filter, clean carburetor, inspect wheel bearings
  5. Every 6,000 miles: Replace air filter, check suspension linkage, inspect swingarm bearings

WARNING! Always use genuine Honda parts and recommended lubricants for optimal performance.

Engine Service

Procedures for engine maintenance, valve adjustment, and top-end service.

  1. Valve Clearance Adjustment: Intake: 0.002 in (0.05mm), Exhaust: 0.003 in (0.08mm)
  2. Oil Change: Capacity 1.6 quarts (1.5L) with filter change
  3. Spark Plug: NGK DR8ES-L, gap 0.028-0.031 in (0.7-0.8mm)
  4. Compression Test: Normal range 150-185 psi
  5. Top-End Rebuild: Piston ring gap: 0.008-0.016 in (0.2-0.4mm)

CAUTION! Engine must be cold for valve adjustment. Use proper torque specifications.

Transmission & Clutch

Chassis & Suspension

Front fork oil capacity: 14.5 oz (430ml) per leg, SAE 10W

Fork Service: Disassemble, inspect bushings, replace seals if leaking

Rear Shock: Check for oil leaks, test damping performance

Wheel Bearings: Inspect for smooth rotation, replace if rough or noisy

Steering Head: Adjust bearing preload, check for notchiness

Frame Inspection: Check for cracks, especially around stress points

Electrical System

Battery: 12V 4Ah, Charging system: AC magneto

  1. Battery Maintenance: Check electrolyte level monthly, specific gravity 1.260-1.280
  2. Charging Output: 130W at 5000 RPM
  3. Spark Advance: Mechanical advance weights, check for free movement
  4. Wiring Inspection: Check for chafed insulation, clean connections
  5. Lighting System: Headlight: 35/35W, Tail/Brake: 8/27W

Tip: Use dielectric grease on electrical connections to prevent corrosion.

Carburetor & Fuel System

Keihin PD carburetor specifications and adjustment procedures.

  1. Main Jet: #122
  2. Slow Jet: #38
  3. Needle Clip Position: 3rd groove from top
  4. Float Height: 0.59 in (15mm)
  5. Pilot Screw: 1-3/4 turns out from lightly seated
  6. Throttle Cable: Adjust for 0.04-0.12 in (1-3mm) free play
  7. Fuel Filter: Clean or replace annually
  8. Fuel Line: Inspect for cracks, replace if hardened

WARNING! Use fresh fuel and stabilize if storing more than 30 days.

Brake System

Drum brake service and adjustment procedures.

Front Brake: Adjust cable for proper lever feel, inspect shoes for wear

Rear Brake: Adjust pedal height and free play, check linkage for binding

Brake Shoes: Replace if lining thickness less than 0.08 in (2mm)

Lubrication Points

Critical lubrication points and recommended lubricants.

Torque Specifications

ComponentTorque Value
Cylinder Head Nuts20 ft-lb (27 Nm)
Spark Plug13 ft-lb (18 Nm)
Engine Oil Drain Bolt22 ft-lb (30 Nm)
Front Axle Nut47 ft-lb (64 Nm)
Rear Axle Nut65 ft-lb (88 Nm)
Sprocket Nuts22 ft-lb (30 Nm)
Fork Clamp Bolts16 ft-lb (22 Nm)
Handlebar Clamp16 ft-lb (22 Nm)

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Hard startingFouled spark plug, incorrect valve clearanceReplace spark plug, adjust valves to spec
Poor idleClogged pilot jet, air leakClean carburetor, check intake manifold
Loss of powerClogged air filter, worn piston ringsClean/replace air filter, perform compression test
Oil consumptionWorn valve guides, piston ringsInspect cylinder, replace rings/valve seals
Transmission noiseWorn gears, low oil levelCheck oil level, inspect transmission components
Electrical failureBad connections, failed statorCheck wiring, test stator output
Brake fadeContaminated shoes, worn componentsReplace brake shoes, clean drums
Handling issuesWorn bearings, improper tire pressureCheck steering head/wheel bearings, adjust pressure

Service Note: Always refer to complete service manual for detailed procedures.

Honda Support: Contact authorized Honda dealer for technical assistance

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