I've been riding my 09 250s for about 2 years now and finally ready for the 351. Im really happy with the bike and all the mods I've done so far. It runs and starts great and suits my style of riding just fine. Mostly street, some highway not usually more than a 60 mi round trip and off road mostly hi desert and forrest trails with small pismo dunes once in a while.

I know theres tons of 351 threads and I've been reading them all. I also was hesitant to post another "should I go 351" post, but….. here it is. Maybe any of the so cal or similar terrain 351 riders will chime in with experience.

My only concerns are how the bike will perform on the freeway and in the desert on hot days.

My plan is to upgrade springs and maybe new clutch plates, use engine ice coolant, check valves when i do the 351 and jet of course.

 

If you have any doubts, just do a 331 for extra peace of mind.

 

just got word back from warp 9 rims about my anodizing fading. they said if i paid shipping they'd re-anodize for free. Should take 7 days to turn around. I think while my bikes down for that i should do the cylinder kit.

 

I've rode my 351 in tight forest singletrack on 100 degree days. The fan came on once for about 10 seconds.. That was it. No hotter than stock as I've had the fan come on while stock too.

 

yah my fan has come on in mohave a few times mostly when trolling slowly with the jeeps and quads. It also came on in pismo, turning that paddle made it work a little hard.

 

I had my big bore out in imperial valley west of el centro in 105 degrees with no problems other than operator meltdown. Radiator fan would come on only in slow soft areas, once in the fast sand washes it wasn't any problem...

I installed a high pressure radiator cap, Barnett clutch springs, ground out the weld bead in the header flange for better flow, drilled holes in my skid plate, no engine ice just prestone anti freeze & distilled water.

Go for the one your comfortable with 330 or 350. Stock wouldn't outrun an air cooled 84 xl250r I had one....

 

I've ridden in temps as hot as 112, that I know of. I went 331 since it was the largest dry sleeve, but, if I had to do it over, I'd be just as likely to go 351. I think I was just being a bit overly cautious. However, the boost I get from the 331 is certainly significant and well-worth the time and money. It's hard to go wrong either way.

 

Anyone one in the los angeles area willing to help install a BB351 kit with experience ? Also how long do you suggest to break in and get the kinks out. I have a 3 day trip in March to death valley and wondering if I should do it now or after. Thanks guys.

 

Sorry, can't help you on the install, wasn't too bad as long as you have the tools and manual. Also look at the write ups on the 351 installs on here, helps imensley. Best would be to talk to Bill Blue about break in, but from what I remember, takes about a hundred miles to 'break' it in since all you need to do is seat the rings properly. Others will no doubt tell you differently about the break in period. Good luck!

 

Good idea on calling Bill. I have a auto mechanic friend who can help and has all the right tools.