Best of NX250 / AX1 / XL250 Degree built
Verfasst: Sa Nov 23, 2019 8:22 am
As well known, our MD21 engine was used in three models, the NX250, the AX1 (sold only in Japan) and the XL250 Degree (sold only in Japan and Oceania). Each has its pros and cons and quite for some time I was dreaming of a best of built, using only parts that I like best from each type.
Having said this my built kicks off with a second best – the frame. My first choice would have been a second generation XL250 frame, because it’s sturdier and more off-road oriented. And second generation because it got a rear disc brake. But chances of getting a Degree frame with good paperwork are close to nil. And the year of build (1995) would prevent having it legalized, due to emissions laws.
So the second choice is a 1988 NX250 frame, because it’s available. And due to its year of built I won’t have to worry about emission laws – they were introduced a year later in Germany.
Ok, I can’t have a Degree frame but at least I already got a Degree gas tank. I like the colour combination of blue tank and silver frame – I guess I keep it.
But of course the frame needs new paint. After decades of dedicated services the NX250 frames are often in really bad condition. Before sandblasting I checked and if necessary recut the threads. The threads were then closed with old screws.
And I pushed in new steering bearing shells before sandblasting because this process would otherwise easily damage the new paint. Of course the shells were then taped and sealed with two large washers and a bolt.
Something else to consider before sandblasting a NX250 frame: it consists of two welded together, pressed steel plates, forming a large cavity. If sand from the blasting will get into that cavity it will bind moisture and the frames will rust through from the inside. So all holes were sealed with old bolts.
Ready for blasting. The chassis number must not be sand blasted or it won’t be visible after re-painting. For the same reason I would avoid any kind of grinding in that area to remove the old paint.
Having said this my built kicks off with a second best – the frame. My first choice would have been a second generation XL250 frame, because it’s sturdier and more off-road oriented. And second generation because it got a rear disc brake. But chances of getting a Degree frame with good paperwork are close to nil. And the year of build (1995) would prevent having it legalized, due to emissions laws.
So the second choice is a 1988 NX250 frame, because it’s available. And due to its year of built I won’t have to worry about emission laws – they were introduced a year later in Germany.
Ok, I can’t have a Degree frame but at least I already got a Degree gas tank. I like the colour combination of blue tank and silver frame – I guess I keep it.
But of course the frame needs new paint. After decades of dedicated services the NX250 frames are often in really bad condition. Before sandblasting I checked and if necessary recut the threads. The threads were then closed with old screws.
And I pushed in new steering bearing shells before sandblasting because this process would otherwise easily damage the new paint. Of course the shells were then taped and sealed with two large washers and a bolt.
Something else to consider before sandblasting a NX250 frame: it consists of two welded together, pressed steel plates, forming a large cavity. If sand from the blasting will get into that cavity it will bind moisture and the frames will rust through from the inside. So all holes were sealed with old bolts.
Ready for blasting. The chassis number must not be sand blasted or it won’t be visible after re-painting. For the same reason I would avoid any kind of grinding in that area to remove the old paint.