some encouragement needed..

[drkilldrmz]

Hello again..So..I bought a decent 200s for 3 bills about a month ago, and it runs just fine. I put a custom front rack\basket on it, and a ram mount for a spotlight, cupholder, gps.. Whatever. with the previous history unknown, im thinking i should have someone adjust valve clearance for me.. I have changed the oil already. The manual makes the cam chain tension adjustment look pretty simple, but when i tried to do this, the top bolt came loose as well even though it shouldn't have. I re-tightened it, but i don't think the cam chain got tightened, and im scared to do it again in case that top bolt comes loose again. What actually happens if this top bolt comes loose? If i just re-tighten it, is all well again? the motor starts first pull and idles well, but i want to make it a dependable machine. Also..The tires all around look new, but are weather cracked and one slowly leaks. Now.. I only paid 3 bills for the thing, and it does run good, but im hesitant to dump 150$ into it in tires 25 for valve adjustment unless i think i can trust a 24 year old machine. Seems no one carries the correct size tires for it, so ill either have to order them online, or have the shop do it for me. other issues are the front brake doesn't work, and it shimmies back and forth some while driving it on tar. That could be the tires as i do not have a low pressure guage to get them even, or could be something else all together. Any advice or insight to any of this stuff would be great.. Thanks in advance..

[fabiodriven]

Dependabily shouldn't be an issue with this machine. As most people will tell you, these machines are pretty much "bullet proof". You have more of a chance of your car leaving you stranded than a honda, especially a 200s. If the thing looks OK, It's definatley worth it to get some tires. Check on Ebay, I bet you can score some for cheap. The front brake shouldn't be much to fix, it's pretty simple. I think the shimmy on pavement might just be the nature of the beast, but tires might fix that problem, unless you have a bent axle. All in all, it's what the machine is worth to you. The 200s is a very solid platform and when kept-up, will last forever.

[SYKO]

just get some tubes put in the tires 3 bills? man ive stuffed that much and ALOT more in machines that STILL dont run! lol!

[SCRAMCHARGER318]

your front end shimmy should either be a out of round tire or bent front forks, once i bought a cheap front tire (turf tamer) and you could watch the tire going up and down. as far as the cam chain tensioner all you have to do is loosen the bolt and let it idle for 10-15 seconds and your fine, valve adjustment i very easy to learn and pefrorm, get a clymer manual and read up on it, anyone can do it.
the 200s is a great all around bike, utility work, trail riding, light weight, very versatile. does the work of a tractor, and you can also take it on the trails and have a blast.

"shave my wife i'm goin down for the last time!"

[drkilldrmz]

dude.. i lost my pepsi on the keyboard when i read your quote scram.

on the cam chain tensioner.. There are 2 bolts. One on the top, and one on bottom correct? The manual says to hold the top bolt in place, and loosen the bottom. For some reason though, the top comes loose with the bottom, and im afraid that the top bolt might be holding something inside the case in place.. Is this correct? and does the bottom bolt get unscrewed all the way, or just a bit? im mentally motor challenged and do not want to split the case for a dumb mistake. .. And thanks for the replies so far..

[SCRAMCHARGER318]

well it's been awhile since i worked on a 200 engine but by what i remember, all you have to do is loosen the top bolt out a couple of turns and that should get the job done, when i get home tonight i'll dig into my old manual for my 185s and let you know what i come up with.

[chris200x]

You can pick your self up some cheap cheng shen knobbies for about 30 bucks a pop. 22x11x8 Is a pretty common size and should be readily available at your local shop.

It's not to safe riding with dry rotted tires. Invest a little money and have yourself a good realiable bike for years to come. Innertubes arent going to help you if your tires all apart. LMAO!!!

I belive the valve clearances on those smaller hondas are .004 for both intake and exhaust.