Just another CM250C scrambler or not?

[Wacky]

As stated in my introduction as well I've just aquired a 1982 CM250C, single carb version.

It's been someone elses project, the usual. Started the build sometime may last year.
Basically took everything apart, not really organized but also not a mess. (although everything is still dirty and greasy.. grr)

After getting it home in my girlfriends car,I started by taking it all out of the boxes and assorted containers.
Right now I quickly put the forks, swingarm and tires back on the frame, to get a sense of dimensions and current state.

As you can see there's already been a frame loop welded in, a different rear fender attached and some supports build in for a battery tray.
I am considering cutting out those supports to be able to fit the airbox, but unfortunalte the battery tray has already been cut up.

The carb has got a pod filter on it now but probably not rejetted for it.
Current plan is to first clean all the parts, see what I want to use or not and then go from there.

Then cleaning up the frame for paint, prefer to get everything nice and clean before putting the engine back in the frame.

 

[ancientdad]

As you can see there's already been a frame loop welded in, a different rear fender attached

Honestly, I'm surprised a rear fender was involved, so many "builds" these days have no fenders whatsoever. And I often remind people what they won't like about it when they get caught in the rain.

I kinda like the tank shape for your build purposes.

 

[Wacky]

Got the generic Chinese seat I ordered in today, seems to fit alright.
Obviously not the best quality but seeing as this will be a sort of "budget" build for now it's alright.

Would have to lower the rear mount and figure out a way to attach it easily but overall not to bad.
The frame loop does stick out a bit further than anticipated, I might trim back the rear fender a bit and use the space behind the seat to mount the taillight.

Mainly want to keep is small and sleek. Haven't looked into the airbox situation yet, but have to start with cleaning anyway since its nice a greasy.
Having a bit of a heatwave slows down progress as well, since the garage does get quite toasty!

 

[ancientdad]

Got the generic Chinese seat I ordered in today, seems to fit alright.
Obviously not the best quality but seeing as this will be a sort of "budget" build for now it's alright.

I have a very similar seat on my 450 restomod (with a black cover) and it has lasted almost 8 years and about 4000 miles of riding. It takes a little creativity to utilize the mounting brackets that come with it. I ended up running M6 bolts through the sides of the frame to attach the rear mounts.

 

[Wacky]

I have a very similar seat on my 450 restomod (with a black cover) and it has lasted almost 8 years and about 4000 miles of riding. It takes a little creativity to utilize the mounting brackets that come with it. I ended up running M6 bolts through the sides of the frame to attach the rear mounts.

View attachment 47057

That's quite the clever solution, looks very clean and easy to access. My other thought was maybe to use the stock mount (cut down so the seat will be more or less flush ) and then bolt it straight through from the bottom. More like a dirt bike seat.

Btw how do I get the images to pop out like that? Currently just using BBcode to simply embed it.

 

[ancientdad]

That's quite the clever solution, looks very clean and easy to access.

The rear view isn't quite as simple, there's a very narrow space between the rear fender and the frame where the bolt lengths end so things were a trial and error fit. But that's how custom is

Btw how do I get the images to pop out like that? Currently just using BBcode to simply embed it.

Once you paste the BB code into the post and get the image there, you can click on the image and downsize it by dragging the corner to make it smaller (so it doesn't look overbearing in some cases). But the image pulled from Imgur is still the same size so when someone opens it, it becomes full-sized.

 

[Wacky]

So shortened the mount, planning to slightly trim the inner plastic fender.
Don't know if I'll run into any clearance issues but think I'll be fine.
Also got a new tail/brake light and plate mount I plan on using, might want to fill the gap behind the seat and the loop with a small luggage rack but haven't decided yet.

I have cleaned the airbox and some other parts, as of now the airbox wont fit and the PO cut out the mounting tabs so refitting it would be a bit of a pain.
How "bad" is it to run it with a POD filter?
The PCV system seems to rely heavily on the stock airbox as well. I could just toss a small filter on but from my research it seems like this is not ideal.

And finally I Am considering remounting the engine for now, Both to have the option to just put it away on the kickstand as well as getting a bit more feel for where the carb will actually end up sitting and the overall proportions of the bike.

 

[Wacky]

Hit a bit of a snag, got the engine in to see the fitment and overall proportions.
But found out the XL500 tank actually doesn't fit.
I would have to raise it quite a bit to get clearance for the petcock.

The original tank doesn't look too bad but it's not in the best condition and would change the overall direction of the build.
And since the PO already modified the frame, of course the original tank wont fit anymore.

So no matter what more work, more problem solving, but also more fun! (I guess.. )