What is the difference between the cool heads for a 250R. One has a head stay on the top and another doesn't have it. Is the bracket needed? Can I use the one without the bracket or will it cause problems? What is the advantage of having the head stay?
Thanks
Killntime

 

if honda put it their it is probuble needed they dont like to wast time on thing that arent needed i think im not to educated on the 250r???

 

So then why post if you don't have a clue? I see you have many pointless answers.

Some people prefer to not use a top head stay for many reasons. On a 250R you can run a cylinder spacer plate that raised the whole head and cylinder about 5mm. The bolt hole will not line up with the head stay now.

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250 R forum link

Maczizzy Forum link

Macdizzy Forum link

ERIC

 

I think he is just trying to get to that 200 mark. He is almost there to at 194.

 

So if you are just trail riding and jumping small jumps. It would be ok to run a cool head with out the head stay. Or would you get one that has the head stay on it.

 

I want to start by saying that i dont have a cool head on my 250R. But, it makes sense to me why a head stay would be needed. Without the top of the motor mounted to the frame, it will put more stress on the bottom motor mounts, because the top will want to move, and that will make the bottom move more as well. I would say get the head stay to avoid more stress on the bottom motor mounts. That is just my opinion with no experience whatsoever but i dont think its a meaningless answer.

 

This seems to be one of those instances where you ask ten people and get ten different answers.

I have a cool head on my 250R without a head stay but I haven't had it on there long enough to say one way or the other - i.e. - no problems yet.

My engine builder said he prefers the cool head WITHOUT the stay since it can stress the cylinder. It might have something to do with how much metal has been hogged out of my cylinder, though. Anyway that is what he recommended and that is what I am running.

I do still run the stay tube in the frame, though.

 

You can go either way about the head stay. Some people don't like them because the motion of the engine within the frame could cause undue stress on the head and create a head gasket leak. Some, like me, run the head stay without a really tight fit, it lets the engine rock a little. My Honda mechanic thinks you should have it in tight as he says it will cut down on vibration and relieve stress on the bottom engine mounts. Like Retro said, some heads are taller and the head stay won't even fit. There's about 145,023,974 Honda 250R owners and they each have an opinion. Just make sure you leave the frame strut in. You don't have to use the head stay, but leave the strut in for frame support.