Prepping for winter riding

What should I do to my yz 250 to be able to ride it safely in the winter. Re jetting is obvious but by how much? I have a 175 main in it right now and my winters get to about -20 degrees Celsius. Any other things? A buddy said to cover one rad up so that the bike can get warm.
 
Put it away and break out the snowmobile. Really, you want to ride in those conditions? Damn!!! Like you said in the other thread, look on google and jetting. Also, on TT in the Yamaha 2 stroke forum there is good jetting info on a "sticky" at the top of the page. That could help you out.
 
A shop manual will probably tell you some starting points. Those assume your float is set properly and is in good shape as far as the needle and spring go.
 
Don't listen to these guys. If you are up for it ride.

-20C is pretty cold though. I've done quite a bit at -10C though. The ole XR didn't care if it was cold and I never rejetted. Without a t-stat I would seriously consider covering at least 1 rad and maybe part of number 2 depending on conditions.
 
Never had to cover one. The guys that run snow tracks go to bigger radiators lots of time. All of it depends on what type of riding and what kinds of traction you are going to put on. If you ride ice you generally end up with the throttle held on long and hard

My xr's typically need much richer jetting on the low end to start if left out or hauled far in the open. Ditto my big two strokes. All depends on how rich your bike was to start with.


Go fat and dial it back as needed.

In Fahrenheit you are talking roughly -4. We sure get that here. If you have any 4th and 5th gear stuff make sure your throat is covered. Seriously.
 
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once you ride sleds for a long period of time you relize that theyre garbage and belong in the dump. Snow riding is mint, going across a lake 5th tapped and throwin the back end out is a good adrenaline rush.
 
once you ride sleds for a long period of time you relize that theyre garbage and belong in the dump. Snow riding is mint, going across a lake 5th tapped and throwin the back end out is a good adrenaline rush.
sounds pretty intense! do you run ice/spike tires or just regular knobbys?
 
sounds pretty intense! do you run ice/spike tires or just regular knobbys?

just regular tires. I thought of buying ice tires before and then i saw the price of them, lots of money. I havent ridden a 2 stroke on snow/ice before but i have ridden 4 stroke and its not that bad without studs. We get lots of snow here so you hardly ever hit glare ice unless its on a fresh plowed road or on the pavement. The best time to ride is when its really cold out and the snow is nice and hard.
 
just regular tires. I thought of buying ice tires before and then i saw the price of them, lots of money. I havent ridden a 2 stroke on snow/ice before but i have ridden 4 stroke and its not that bad without studs. We get lots of snow here so you hardly ever hit glare ice unless its on a fresh plowed road or on the pavement. The best time to ride is when its really cold out and the snow is nice and hard.
do you have those heated grips, my hands would freeze. I don't like the cold haha
 
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