Motorbike Experts?

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Κracus
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Motorbike Experts?

Post by Κracus »

So I've been itching to buy a bike now for awhile and I've come across what looks like it might be a fun weekend project.

http://saintjohn.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehic ... Z216778366

The guy is only asking 50$ for this bike with a blown motor. Probably has a few other problems but I feel like it might be worth the work getting it up and running again. I'm not exactly a mechanic but I've taken apart a few engines before, one on a dirt bike and a car engine (straight 6) and put them back together in working order so I'm somewhat confident I could tackle a problem like this.

I'd like to have something old that I don't care if I tip cause this is going to be my first bike but I wanted something that looked kinda nice and I really dig the way this bike looks, I'm pretty sure he's modified a few things on it. Anyone with experience fixing or working motorbikes think this might be a good deal?

I can't see it being difficult selling it again to get my money back if I can't fix it.

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U4EA
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Re: Motorbike Experts?

Post by U4EA »

Can't go wrong with just a $50 investment, especially seeing as you said you can resell it if it doesn't work out :shrug:
Tsakali
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Re: Motorbike Experts?

Post by Tsakali »

I'd be careful if you don't know much about bikes...atleast when a car breaks down you come to a stop and get towed, but with a bike that scenario can be very different...even downright dangerous.

If you're very enthusiastic then it's worth putting in the time to fix it. Just keep plugging at it :up:

ps
I'm not a motorbike expert
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Κracus
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Re: Motorbike Experts?

Post by Κracus »

U4EA wrote:Can't go wrong with just a $50 investment, especially seeing as you said you can resell it if it doesn't work out :shrug:
Yeah that's kinda my feelign about it too, in regards to safety I'm not too worried cause ultimately before it ever gets driven it'd need to pass an inspection. I'm just wondering if maybe nightshade might have some input on this, if he knows how difficult or easy it might be to work on something like this.

My gut is telling me that it shouldn't be too difficult to figure out since it's "just a bike" but that's what I'm wondering... are they perhaps more difficult to work with or not. I figure I'll buy the repair manual for the bike and just read up on what I need.
Nightshade
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Re: Motorbike Experts?

Post by Nightshade »

Man, you can do anything if you put enough money and time into it. I have no idea what your level of mechanical experience is, so I can't say how difficult it might be for you. For $50, I say go for it, at the very least you'll learn some new stuff. Plus, you might find that you really enjoy restoring bikes. Get the VIN number to properly identify the bike (it doesn't look like a Katana to me, but I could be wrong) and then get the manual. Learn all the bits of the bike first.

New motor is the easiest, most expensive route in that department. Probably want to search for a used or rebuilt one. You might have trouble finding replacement parts if the Katana 650 didn't sell a lot in your area, but I'm sure you can find stuff.

Plan on a frame-off restoration. Remove EVERYTHING, clean, sandblast, and inspect the frame. Find out how much repair it's going to need. I'd say get someone local to assess the frame condition first, if it's been pranged hard it might be able to be straightened, but it might not.

If the frame's good, prime it and paint it. You'll learn a lot about keeping paint out of threaded holes, lol. This guy looks like a good candidate to be a rat bike, so don't worry about cosmetic shite. Get the frame and motor situation sorted, then get the wheels checked to see if they're true. Find tires, shocks and springs, get the brake components checked and refurbed or just replace them. The electrics may be a bitch, but depending on your legal requirements, you may not need blinkers. That would be one less thing. Starter, ignition, headlight, brake lights. I had a KZ650 rat bike with a GPz750 motor in it when I lived in Florida. Had a lot of fun getting it running, somewhat less keeping it that way. I hate carburetors.

Anyways, have fun and post project pix.


Fag. :p
EtUL
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Re: Motorbike Experts?

Post by EtUL »

If you're looking for a project, by all means. I don't know what the market is like there tho, but around here you can have a nice running <10 year old bike like that for 3 grand or less. If you just want something to ride it's a lot less headache and maybe cheaper to buy something running.
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mrd
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Re: Motorbike Experts?

Post by mrd »

I say go for it. I spend $50 on beer on Friday and it sure the hell doesn't give me the lasting satisfaction of a project to work on that this bike could surely give you!
LBt1st
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Re: Motorbike Experts?

Post by LBt1st »

For 50$ you could part it out and still end up ahead. So might as well buy it.
Something to consider is the age. If it's been sitting for ages, the gas tank and carbs are going to be full of goop. Before you even attempt to start it you should disassemble the carbs and clean em out and be sure the tank's clean of goop and rust.
Also, all the rubber may be dry rot. Get a manual and locate all the o-rings, hoses etc and inspect them.

I'm no expert mechanic but I think working on bikes is easier and more fun then cars.

edit: Check out the forums on this site as well: http://msgroup.org

-Bean
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Κracus
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Re: Motorbike Experts?

Post by Κracus »

Nightshade wrote:Man, you can do anything if you put enough money and time into it. I have no idea what your level of mechanical experience is, so I can't say how difficult it might be for you. For $50, I say go for it, at the very least you'll learn some new stuff. Plus, you might find that you really enjoy restoring bikes. Get the VIN number to properly identify the bike (it doesn't look like a Katana to me, but I could be wrong) and then get the manual. Learn all the bits of the bike first.

New motor is the easiest, most expensive route in that department. Probably want to search for a used or rebuilt one. You might have trouble finding replacement parts if the Katana 650 didn't sell a lot in your area, but I'm sure you can find stuff.

Plan on a frame-off restoration. Remove EVERYTHING, clean, sandblast, and inspect the frame. Find out how much repair it's going to need. I'd say get someone local to assess the frame condition first, if it's been pranged hard it might be able to be straightened, but it might not.

If the frame's good, prime it and paint it. You'll learn a lot about keeping paint out of threaded holes, lol. This guy looks like a good candidate to be a rat bike, so don't worry about cosmetic shite. Get the frame and motor situation sorted, then get the wheels checked to see if they're true. Find tires, shocks and springs, get the brake components checked and refurbed or just replace them. The electrics may be a bitch, but depending on your legal requirements, you may not need blinkers. That would be one less thing. Starter, ignition, headlight, brake lights. I had a KZ650 rat bike with a GPz750 motor in it when I lived in Florida. Had a lot of fun getting it running, somewhat less keeping it that way. I hate carburetors.

Anyways, have fun and post project pix.


Fag. :p

Thanks man, that's kinda what I was thinking as well but was just wondering if there was something I might not have been thinking about. One of my main worries is whether it's stolen or not and whether i'd be able to get it registered under my name without any problems. I'm not sure on the laws on that but I figure I'll ask to see his copy of registration and have him sign it over to me when I buy it.

I was planning on taking the entire thing apart and cleaning it entirely and repainting mostly black. I think with a little work this bike would look like an awsome rat bike. I think the guy has also done some work on this too cause you're right it doesn't look like a Katana but I think it's cause he removed a lot of plastic from it and replaced the headlights. looks like it has a signal light mod too cause I see them tucked in there in the pics, I don't think it's required by law for bikes around here though.

I'm really anxious to get started on this project but the dude is super slow at responding to e-mails. :mad:
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Κracus
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Re: Motorbike Experts?

Post by Κracus »

LBt1st wrote:For 50$ you could part it out and still end up ahead. So might as well buy it.
Something to consider is the age. If it's been sitting for ages, the gas tank and carbs are going to be full of goop. Before you even attempt to start it you should disassemble the carbs and clean em out and be sure the tank's clean of goop and rust.
Also, all the rubber may be dry rot. Get a manual and locate all the o-rings, hoses etc and inspect them.

I'm no expert mechanic but I think working on bikes is easier and more fun then cars.

edit: Check out the forums on this site as well: http://msgroup.org

-Bean
Yeah the engine is blown so I'm going to have to take that apart and inspect what the damage is. I'm wondering if it's just the pistons or if the actual block is cracked, if it is I'll probably just go to a junkyard and see if I can find one intact there. I'm hoping this is the worst of the bikes problems but I figure if I take the entire thing apart and clean it then when I put it back together I should be able to spot and fix any problems. I suspect some work has already been done on this bike before the engine blew so it's possible stuff like the electrical was done recently. I only suspect that cause of the headlight mod and signal light mods would probably require it to be rewired anyway. Plus it looks like it's been sitting in a garage which is always nice.
Nightshade
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Re: Motorbike Experts?

Post by Nightshade »

If you're going to dive into the motor, just plan on a full tear-down and rebuild. Don't screw around with trying to find out what exactly is wrong yourself. If you can't get a trustworthy answer on how it blew, just rebuild it completely. Find a reputable engine shop and have them take care of it. That said, getting a new or rebuilt motor will be easier and probably less expensive.

I was thinking about it, and I don't believe Suzuki even made a 650 Katana. 600, 750, and 1100, but no 650. At least not in the States.
EtUL
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Re: Motorbike Experts?

Post by EtUL »

I'd agree with you there, if it's a 650 I don't know what motor they have in it. I'm also skeptical it's a katana, but I could be wrong. It has a spring suspension in the back and I don't remember Katanas I've seen having that. It might be a GSX that's slightly older than 88, but really it's hard to tell with those pics. It's missing exhaust for sure.
Ryoki
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Re: Motorbike Experts?

Post by Ryoki »

U4EA wrote:Can't go wrong with just a $50 investment, especially seeing as you said you can resell it if it doesn't work out :shrug:
This

And don't go driving on that fucker unless you're absolutely sure it's mechanically sound, you're a daddy now :)
[size=85][color=#0080BF]io chiamo pinguini![/color][/size]
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Κracus
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Re: Motorbike Experts?

Post by Κracus »

Yes, this is also why I'm picking this up instead of plunking 3 grand on a used bike :)
Nightshade
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Re: Motorbike Experts?

Post by Nightshade »

EtUL wrote:I'd agree with you there, if it's a 650 I don't know what motor they have in it. I'm also skeptical it's a katana, but I could be wrong. It has a spring suspension in the back and I don't remember Katanas I've seen having that. It might be a GSX that's slightly older than 88, but really it's hard to tell with those pics. It's missing exhaust for sure.
Yeah, I saw those rear coilovers, too. I wouldn't bet that it's an '88, and I've never seen a GSXR with rear shocks like that.
EtUL
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Re: Motorbike Experts?

Post by EtUL »

Κracus wrote:Yes, this is also why I'm picking this up instead of plunking 3 grand on a used bike :)
Hah, I was just saying cause some people just want to ride but think a project will be cheaper and easier, when a lot of the time it won't. If you want a project this is definitely one. If not, well

2004 FZ6
8200 miles or so
Runs like a top
Market is probably 2500-2900 or so depending, I haven't looked. Hardly a "used" bike tho:

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Κracus
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Re: Motorbike Experts?

Post by Κracus »

Yeah I realize that there are going to be costs to repair the bike, it's just easier to convince the wifey to go along with it if I can buy the parts over time :p.

I actualy really like the look of the bike which is why I'm kinda pumped to get into this project. But since it's going to officialy be my first bike I also want something I won't mind tipping.

Those bikes up there... I wouldn't be happy if I tipped one :p I am jealous though.
scared?
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Re: Motorbike Experts?

Post by scared? »

Nightshade wrote:Man, you can do anything if you put enough money and time into it. I have no idea what your level of......

ZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ shut the fuck u!...
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Κracus
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Re: Motorbike Experts?

Post by Κracus »

So anyone got an idea of what a towing company might charge to have a bike towed? I haven't called anyone yet as I'm at work and just wondering if anyones got a rough idea... I"m guessing like 25$ sounds reasonable, those asshats like ripping people off though.
Nightshade
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Re: Motorbike Experts?

Post by Nightshade »

Dude, just find someone with a truck and toss it in the back. Done.
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Κracus
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Re: Motorbike Experts?

Post by Κracus »

Yeah that was my original plan but I have limited number of friends with trucks and I want to act quick when I hear from the guy.
Tsakali
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Re: Motorbike Experts?

Post by Tsakali »

just rent a home depot truck... you can be done in the time allowed without going over.
if you have to buy something to rent it, just get the cheapest, lightest product they sell which would presumably not fit in your car, and then when you're returning the truck, return the merchandise ,lol
your cheapest option :up:
Dark Metal
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Re: Motorbike Experts?

Post by Dark Metal »

Κracus wrote:Yeah that was my original plan but I have limited number of friends.
[WYD]
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FragaGeddon
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Re: Motorbike Experts?

Post by FragaGeddon »

Tsakali wrote:I'd be careful if you don't know much about bikes...atleast when a car breaks down you come to a stop and get towed, but with a bike that scenario can be very different...even downright dangerous.

If you're very enthusiastic then it's worth putting in the time to fix it. Just keep plugging at it :up:

ps
I'm not a motorbike expert
My old landlord had a friend who was purchasing a race bike from some foreign people.
They were trying to tell him something about the bike, but they couldn't understand them.
So he decides to put on his full race gear. Gets on the bike and does about 80 mph down the front straight.
He goes to slow down for the first turn, and goes flipping over the handlebars.
I guess they were trying to him "If you apply the front brake, it fully engages".
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