Cheep Bike Challenge <$1500

[Stromski]

Originally Posted by Stromski

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/n...405923778.html

This just happened this afternoon, so I don't know if this is a victorious deal or a pathetic waste of money, yet.

I don't know if CL links go away, so it is a 1990 Honda Pacific Coast with 40k miles, titled, but last registered in 2006, for $500.

I will add my own pics, soon, and will be posting a lot to seek advice on bringing this puppy back.

For a bike that I have ridden for a total of 34 miles, it feels like we have gone a long way. With a long, long, way to go.

I had not touched a carbeurator since completely screwing up a Holly 4bbl on my 1981 Plymouth when I was in high school, but I dove in and took these apart. I always thought that varnish in the carbs was a figure of speech, until I saw the lovely green SOLID mass in the works. I poked, prodded, scrubbed and sprayed until it was all gone. The next day, I put them in and it started! I wasn't expecting that.

I got it registered, adjusted the rear brake light and took it in for inspection. It failed, which I expected, but it was due to a leaky exhaust--everything else worked. Cost at that point, $17 for Sea Foam and carb cleaner.

I now have a used exhaust on order from ebay, some new body parts that were missing, an oil filter and plugs, plus Plastex--total of about $300.

Last night, I took off the left, lower covers, which appeared in good condition, but rained down broken tabs as I loosened the screws. I might need more Plastex.

[heavyhitter]

Originally Posted by Royal Tiger

The KLX650C on the right in authentic wild 90's teal, pink, and yellow on black.

$900 and included a parts bike.

Daughter's PW80 on the left.

I really like the KLX650!!!

[Speed King]

I bought this from the original owner for 15. Well maintained mechanically too. Sold off a bunch of stuff.....



And it ended up like this for not much more:

[Royal Tiger]

Originally Posted by heavyhitter

I really like the KLX650!!!

Thanks. Heres a pic when she got redone the 1st time. When she's done this time, she'll have a lime green frame with green accents.

[Stromski]

Originally Posted by Sleazy-Rider

I picked this '01 Suzuki Marauder up for $1500. The pic is before & after.

Nice job!

My 97 still looks like the "before" shot, but what a hoot to ride.

[RedFrogTango]

Originally Posted by RedFrogTango

This thread hs been great and it has inspired me to jump into the chllenge.

I'm on the look-out for a cheap bike that is mechanically sound (or that I can fix up with my limited skill set), but has some cosmetic issues. I want something that I can use to build a rat/survival bike. I probably won't ride it that much, but will use it as a back-up if my GS is in the shop or when I want to rile up any "up-scale" neighbors.

I'm looking at three early 80's Hondas, 2 of which are listed in flea market section. I would like to get some thoughts as to which of these would be my best bet mechanically:

1) 1983 CB1100F with 30k that runs rough, but has been sitting for the last 10 years - $1500

2) 1980 CB750F with 21K that is still being ridden - $1200

3) 1983 VFR750 with 28K that runs well, but is 800 miles away - $1050 (including new tires).

They all look to be in pretty good shape for 26+ year old bikes. But as I mentioned, the cosmetic aspects are not that important.

Mike

I bought the cb1100f for $1200. I'll be picking it up in a couple of weeks.

Mike

[nedodjija]

Originally Posted by RedFrogTango

I bought the cb1100f for $1200. I'll be picking it up in a couple of weeks.

Mike

Cool Mike, Lets see some pictures when you get her.

[RedFrogTango]

Originally Posted by nedodjija

Cool Mike, Lets see some pictures when you get her.

Here is a link to the for sale ad where I found it:

http://www.cb1100f.net/modules.php?n...=409753#409753

I will post some picture when I am all done with it. Hopefully, you won't be able to recognize the bike when I am done.

[CLynn85]

Here's my new score, 82 KZ440, 6500 miles, $750. Could use some tuning.

[lousgoose]

Owned this beauty for about 6 months, sold her for a profit even. All original, '78 CB550K. Fantastic little bike, got it for 1400 cash.

[propforward]

I picked up this 79 CB750 for $450.00 earlier on this year. Needs stuff - like chain, sprox, fork seals, tires and the carbs cleaning out, oh and a battery, but it was "sort of" running when I got it. No evidence of engine issues when it was running, just peed gasoline out of the vents. I also know the history of the bike, so no worries about finding nasties. I'll have it running for spring. I reckon $750 in maintenance and consumeables will see it right.







That sissy bar was gone moments after getting it out of the truck.

I sure wish it had the 4 into 4 pipes. I'll keep my eye open for a set, but they go for big $$s.

[52Degrees]

My first bike was an 84 GS550ED. I bought it for $1400, then couldn't make the loan payments (poor college days) and it got repo'd. I didn't ride again for several years.

Next bike was an 83 GPz550. I bought it in running condition for $200. The speedo didn't work, so I have no idea how close it was to the 12k on the ticker. I fixed the speedo after a few weeks of riding with my GPS and proceeded to put about 30k on it (commuting from Modesto, CA to San Leandro, CA). In that time, I broke 2 drive chains, the first because I didn't think to check or maintain it, the second because I bought the cheapest (ie: non-o-ring) chain I could find, then didn't maintain it. When that one broke, it took a chunk out of the case and bent the clutch rod. I patched the case up with JB Weld, and continued to ride through the winter. After I got a closer job (40 mile round trip rather than 150 miles), I determined that I had become far too comfortable lanesplitting at speeds in far excess of 55 mph, and parked the bike the next time it broke. It sat for a year before I sold it for $200, not running.

My latest junker, I bought for $500. It's a 1989 ZX600C Ninja. I bought it barely running, p.o. had gas dripping onto a sock serving as an air filter providing much of the fuel it needed to run. When I fixed the fuel drip and put a filter in it, it wouldn't run anymore. I went through the carbs, but couldn't seem to get it right. I had it running and even rode it, but I wasn't happy. Eventually I took it to an expert. I got it back running much better, but the timing chain rattled so much I thought it would skip time.

I just put a new chain in it, should have it all back together and running tomorrow. I've learned to hate this bike. Everytime I work on it, it kicks my ass. I've never had such difficulty with anything I've ever worked on. Once I get it all purdied up and running good, I'll see if I can find some sucker to pay me a couple grand to relieve me of my misery and buy a used KLR. I think I've earned it

Here's the pic I took the day I brought it home.

[ACDNate]

Picked up a 1995 GS500E with 11k miles, excellent runner that needs a few tidbits, but nothing major. $800

[TonyKZ1]

Originally Posted by ACDNate

Picked up a 1995 GS500E with 11k miles, excellent runner that needs a few tidbits, but nothing major. $800

Looks pretty good, especially for $800
Tony

[dietDrThunder]

My current ride is a 94 CBR1000F that I bought last winter on Ebay for $1900 (I know, I'm cheating, but, well...ya). I've added a few farkles (heated grips, driving lights, trunk, seat, some suspension work, etc.) and I'm loving it. I went on a 3000+ mile tour on it (pic below) this past summer, and have put approx. 10,000 on it since I bought it, all trouble-free.

I have another one to add, but pics are on home pc, so I'll post later. This is a great thread...I love that so many people are riding and appreciating older bikes. Thanks OP!