Another "Mighty 490" owner!

[Timmy 2 Trak]

Hello Folks, I'm Tim. Glad to see there are some people here interested in the earlier YZ's. I recently aquired an 82 490 in trade for an equally hard to start 88 XT 350. Don't think I got hurt too bad in the trade as I also got a sweet 67 Yamaha YL-2C that is totally easy to kick over, haha. Here are some pix of the 490 as I bought it. The pipe has no dents but is rusted out at the bend coming out of the head. Handlebars have been replaced and the forks are skuffed up (and there is a side panel missing) but there is not much more real damage. It has a nice seat cover and the brake lever and shifter aren't even bent. Scary Fast but I'm using it as a dune bike not a racer.
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[merlyn1965]

Welcome to ATM my friend. As a dune bike you'll have lots of fun with this bike. I have an 89 and honestly, a racing track isn't a place for me. Mine is very easy to start now with the head mod I did. Now, just between you and me (do not tell anyone), set the idle just fine on your bike when it is nice and warm. Then when you want to start it cold, just put the choke on no gas 3-4 kicks. When warm, no choke and no gas 2-3 kicks is all I need. Took me a few close call to a heart attack for kicking it over (you know, try a little bit a gas, choke etc etc) It doesn't work. If Idle is fine, no gas and voila, anyway it works great for me. Check the engine mounting bolts every now and then (meaning everytime you gonna use it). Have fun and be safe.

[xrrider1230]

whats the premix ratio for it

[DRGSin393]

Hey Timmy, welcome to , glad to have you!

[Woody_393]

Welcome to

Seems like we're becoming yz490 heaven Nice bike too. Great shape for it's age.

[Timmy 2 Trak]

Thanks Guys, once I degreased it there is actually a nice bike underneath. Did you do the head mod and leave the pipe stock Merlyn? I also think the mounts have been replaced w/ alum. mounts and bolts w/ nylock nuts.

[merlyn1965]

I had a fatty pipe to put on it and I also added boyesen reeds. I put those on first without the full head mod and it was worse to start than before. Now with the modified head, it is almost a charm to start. As for the fatty pipe, I seriously think of taking it off and put the stock one back on to see if there is such a difference for my way of riding. Only think I've noticed with it is that it is quite hot on the inside of the right leg with it.

[Timmy 2 Trak]

The head mod is the first thing I plan on doing thanks to your (and many others) advice. I am also wanting to use the stock pipe unless there are many other options. I cant seam to find exhausts for the 82.

[Freak]

Nice bike, gotta love the big bore power.

[D tom]

Welcome. Since doing the mods I really like this 490 and have since gone a step further with help from Merlyn and 490Freak. These things can really scream!!And you dont have to live with the noise and vibration.

[cycleryan]

Race it in Post Vintage , there are a few of those that race the EVO series here in Texas.
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I ran a 79 YZ 250 the last few years and won a ton of races on it.

---------- Post added at 09:26 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:25 AM ----------

Just run 32 to 1 on the premix to be safe , I run my old bikes a lil rich........
Maxima 927 is the best and gives you a touch of that Castor aroma.........

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Castor 927 is a unique blend of highly refined castor oil, a specially prepared synthetic and an additive system that reduces carbon and gum formation and provides excellent rust & corrosion protection. Castor 927 also contains an exclusive additive that keeps power valves cleaner and working properly. For all of us that wish to keep our air and water cleaner, Castor 927 is biodegradable. Castor 927 keeps on lubricating; where other lubricants turn to carbon or vaporize, and provides extra protection on cylinder walls, bearing journals and other critical areas at temperatures much higher than other lubricants.