1986 250cc Factory MX Bikes
By Tom Mueller
Vamaha's VZ250, ridden by Broc Glover and Jim Holley, utilizes an Ohlins
rear shock and a stock Vamaha fork assembly - with internal modifications. Vamaha has an in-house R&D department which developed the
VZ's engine modifications and exhaust pipe. Brakes and airbox are standard equipment. Works parts include weight-saving factory hubs front and
rear, and factory triple clamps.
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Honda riders Rick Johnson, David Bailey and Johnny O'Mara pilot the
250cc NT·7. "It really looks a lot more works than it is," said Jim Felt,
Johnny O'Mara's tuner. "The works side covers really do it. There's a
quick·change clutch cover, and the right side cover also has the Honda
I. D. on it. " The NT-7 is fitted with a rear disc brake, but the disc brake on
the front is stock. HRC (Honda Racing Corporation) designed the exhaust
pipe. The bike has a stock cylinder casting, but the internals are modified.
The transmission, clutch, carburetor and airbox are stock. The shock and
fork assembly are works Showa items. With all changes, the NT-7 comes
in at the rule-specified weight of 216 pounc~s,
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Suzuki's RM250 combines a Showa fork assembly with a Kayaba rear
shock. The cylinder is stock, but with some porting, while the head is
stock. Exhaust runs tllrough a pipe made at Suzuki's racing department in
Japan. Brakes are stock, but steel· braided cables are used for durability.
Triple clamps are factory units, to save weight. Ignition is standard. Bars
and levers are rider preference. Some of the mechanics prefer factory
hubs, while others run the stock assembly.
Kawasaki's SR250 is ridden by Jeff Ward and Ron Lechien, and has been
based on the 1985 works machine Ward rode to the 250cc National and
Supercross titles. "The new Kawasaki is as good or better than last year's
works machine," said Tom Halverson, Ward's mechanic. "Jeff is very
happy with the production machine." The stock cylinder, head and pipe
are used, along with a slightly modified ignition system. Brakes and levers
are also stock. The bike is fitted with a works Kayaba shock and a works
Kayaba fork assembly. A works triple clamp is also used to save weight. At
the outdoor National MXs, a 38mm carburetor is used to increase top end
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