Cheep Bike Challenge <$1500

[Yokomo]

Lets get this thread back on topic.
<$1500

[][ndy]

First of all, I'd like to thank whomever started this thread. As a wannabe first time bike owner, clicking through every page of this thread has been VERY inspiring. It's actually kind of opened my eyes to what the possibilities are for great finds. I know as a first time bike owner (hunter), with very little mechanical skills, most of these bikes which took a lot of you all's blood, sweat and tears (and money) probably wouldn't be the best choice for a first timer but I saw a few in there that were in good mechanical order when bought, so I see there is hope.

I live about 10 miles from Barber's motorsports park here in Birmingham Alabama and I'm saving my pennies up for next years vintage bike festival (which I've attended in the past) where there are literally hundreds of old bikes for sale. My plan is to save up until that festival and go see what I can find for a grand or so.

Thanks again for the great thread which I will be following from now on.

Originally Posted by MightyChosen1

My $400 XS-650. It actually ran , Somewhat , when I bought it.




Spent several hundred dollars, Not counting beer to turn it into a $500 bike




I probably still have less than $1500 in the whole outfit

LOVE this conversion! Love the Scrambler style bikes.

Originally Posted by fotoduda.com

My new wallpaper. Unbelievable shot man.

[motomike14]

1978 and 1981 TT500. Had. To pay $1,500 total for the pair and $1 for the beat up XR80 in the background. Suppose not too bad.

[IMG][/IMG]

[IMG][/IMG]

[lilsmokey]

I bought this beaut for $50. 1980 xl500 from my uncle. Ran fine. titled. street legel.





Got this for free from my cousin. 1990 Beta Zero trials bike.



aaaaaaand got this from my brother for $100. 1985 Yamaha Ty350 trials bike.




I like when family members upgrade....... I get good deals!

[bmwhacker]

Finally have time to sort out the $350.00 Suzuki GS.
The starter didn't work due to a fuse issue. Once a new fuse / connections cleaned up she turned right over. Gave it a tiny blast of ether to see if it would fire...it fired all right, back fired and lit the ether up everywhere. I blew into the airbox and the flames came right back into my face....nothing like burned up eye brows and mustache hairs.

So much for the excitement...damned rookie move...

Added some good gas and the bike ran although "gasping". Found that someone had pulled the carbs at some point and did not use clamps on the manifolds. Once clamps were installed, that healed the vacuum leak issues. Now it starts with a touch of the starter switch and runs very good. Pretty fast old bike.
The mufflers aren't correct and I found some odd fasteners and a couple broken cylinder head fins.
Spent some time / elbow grease cleaning it up. Looks pretty decent for an old beater, but it is a "20 footer".

[riderjohn]

Originally Posted by bmwhacker

That tank looks like it came off a GS850L.

[efendi]

Are scooters for the challenge allowed?

Bought this beauty for 290,- €, put in some used parts, I had in stock and bought some engine parts for about 60,- €, to rebuild the engine. Crankshaft was broken and the gearcross worn out. Found a good used crankshaft for 25,- € and took the used and still good gearcross from my sprint engine, which I rebuild last year with a new one.



It is a Vespa PX 80 E from 1982 with a 135cc DR Kit. Now it is my low budget daily rider.

[hugemoth]

Got this 81 GL500 Interstate for $500 on a Craigs List ad. Guy was asking $850 or best offer. Was missing the Hondaline fairing. The poor thing would barely run on 1 cylinder. Found the main jets in one carb rolling around in the float bowl. Tires dated 1996 with nearly new tread depth so I figure it's been ridden about 2000 miles in the last 16 years.. 22000 miles on the odometer.

I had the Windjammer fairing already from another project so I made a mount. It did come with the top trunk. I've rebuilt the carbs, replaced regulator, replaced brake shoes and pads, rebuilt calipers, put in fork seals, seat cover, electrolyzed gas tank, owner put in a new battery. Waiting for a warm day to install the new tires.

Less than $1000 into it and it runs excellent. Looking forward to some touring next season.

[ThomasVolomitz]

Originally Posted by efendi

Are scooters for the challenge allowed?

Bought this beauty for 290,- €, put in some used parts, I had in stock and bought some engine parts for about 60,- €, to rebuild the engine. Crankshaft was broken and the gearcross worn out. Found a good used crankshaft for 25,- € and took the used an still good gearcross from my sprint engine, which I rebuild last year with a new one.





It is a Vespa PX 80 E from 1982 with a 135cc DR Kit. Now it is my low budget daily rider.

This thread never ceases to amaze me. Beautiful Vespa and the CX 500 is excellent. If you have some mechanical skills and time you can save a heap of cash and have a classic ride to boot.

[bmwhacker]

Originally Posted by riderjohn

That tank looks like it came off a GS850L.

Could be. The rear mounts are a "home made" affair. I'm not very well schooled on Suzuki Tanks.
The mufflers are incorrect too. I think I have a "Frankenzuki" here.

[NortwestRider]

Here is what a stock GS850G looks like.



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[NortwestRider]

Here is what a stock GS850G looks like.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[NortwestRider]

Here is what a stock GS850G tank and mufflers looks like.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Tim_Tom]

I can play in sub $1500 challenge. And keep up the Suzuki 850 theme as well!

Bought this GS850G three years ago for $1200. Since then it's been a great bike and took my cross country this past summer. Here it is in its regulation attire (not set up for touring)

[NortwestRider]

Here is what a stock GS850G tank and mufflers looks like.




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