[knappyfeet]

Me and my son picked this up off CL for $300. We plan on restoring it to its full glory and use it as a pit bike/rv bike/7-11 run bike/just dorking out bike. I always purchase a vehicle with proper title, registration, non-op, etc. we live in California and you can really hump yourself on registration fees if not careful. I read on this forum a lot of folks purchasing real big non running projects....semi complete....with a bill of sale. That is definately not ideal...... especially not to someone new. This runs surprisingly well and is from what I can tell...complete. Riding off road gave me that "I just got my first new motorcycle feel." Remember our first and some our first bikes? Memory lane.

 

[knappyfeet]

Everyone here is so helpful. You all confirm my thoughts that this group of enthusiasts has a wealth of information and experience.....what an asset. I also have gathered you all don't suffer fools well.

when we purchased the bike he gave us 2 new tires and a complete top end kit......apparently he was going to restore it as well. Our intentions are to completely restore it for under $1000.....the best we can. Over the years I have acquired a skill for painting so I will be doing that myself. I am guessing paint product cost will be around $400. The only thing I might change is the primary color.......maybe a mid 70's yamaha yellow........just to be different. If I need some chrome that $1000 estimate is bye bye. Since there is so much knowledge here I might start a new thread concerning zinc plating kits as I have never done that before.

 

[knappyfeet]

having a small bike in the garage is great. I use mine for parts runs, or to pick up food.
The rear rack is the best mod ever

I would love to find a rack......I keep looking on ebay but nothing. I like the scooter idea and the more fun on dirt bike thoughts as well. So many ideas, so many thoughts....not enough bikes. Yet!

 

[knappyfeet]

What is the plan for it? Even if you "only" put $1000 into restoring it you arent going to want to take it out in the dirt and risk tearing it up. If you plan on an selling it afterwards you may be able to make some money off of it, oddly I have seen several restored go upwards of $4-5k but you have to find the right person trying to relive their youth.

I don't know who said it but good advice that has been stated here before, Have a plan and execute the plan.

I couldn't agree more with the idea and having a plan. The $1000 might end up being $1500 after further calculations. The plan is simple......restore to its full glory........use the crap out of it.....then restore it again if I need to. I spent nearly my entire life buying, working on bikes only to sell them later. I do not regret it as I have acquired some good restoring skills and had fun in the process. I have learned many characteristics of many machines. Now I only purchase things that I intend to keep(at least for a long while). So now I restore only to cater to reliving my youth. But let me tell you......... $4 or $5 thousand is inviting.

 

[knappyfeet]

Your rear seat extension or tail rack is what I am searching for

 

[knappyfeet]

The more the merrier and I bet that's a 70.

I feel some can't grasp the idea that I want to restore and use because I want to restore and use. I can't stand 3 things on cafe bikes 1) bar end mirrors 2) flush mount turn signals and 3) that stupid brake light/license plate holder always mounted on the lower left side of bikes. To me its cheap and ugly but I bet over half of everyone on this forum has all 3 on their machines. I say to each their own and if you desire all 3 on your machine do it proudly and tastefully.

 

[knappyfeet]

Or the 3rd way

3) make it a dirt bike, make it street legal and make it as mint as I can with I want to do and spend. Remember this will be used for store runs, my rv bike and for off road. Off road for this would be used primarily on my private land just for fun as we have other toys strictly for off road. Also to relive youth. I understand it's capabilities.

You might be correct with the time frame for completion as I am somewhat off and on but when I am on and with my son's help...........it wouldn't be long.

 

[knappyfeet]

Not me. I have two bikes out of 29 with bar-end mirrors (one set is a very fashionable, period typical on a Trident), and the flush mount turn signals are built in to a Concourse's fairing, so that's that.

No disrespect to your 2 machines or anyone's machines. I understand period correct and proper applicability and to anyone's machines for whatever reason. I just wanted to illustrate just because one doesn't understand or like a type of machine, accessories or style.....it isn't an absolute........just an absolute for that individual. But I have to say bar end mirrors and a cr750 tail section on a 83 gs1100 is not period specific........just weird. IN MY OPINION.

 

[knappyfeet]

This is exactly what mine looked like except I laced it with a taller front rim
was an awesome bike until it swallowed the rotary valve.

… I might still have the rack somewhere

I love that machine.

 

[knappyfeet]

Currently in the process of disassembling I have noticed that I cannot make my $1000 budget. So now 2 things are going to change. 1) my budget will need to be increased to $1500 AND THAT'S IT and 2) I will need your base/clear the frame and swing arm instead of powder coating. This will save me some $. I can powder coat the small items myself. Thank God there is not a lot of chrome on it.

 

[knappyfeet]

If you're going for an original restore you can save a whole bunch of coin, there was no powder coat on them and there was precious little paint :|

Recommend putting your money into things like nice levers and bars if the old steel ones are bent in the least.

… do you still think this thing can be worth 3 or 4 grand when it's done, because that Beta cost 4 grand new, so you've got some pretty heavy competition there :|




& Please Don't say the tires look like they have plenty of tread on them so might not need replacing.

Actually the tires have plenty of tread left on them but so many cracks that if I inflated them they might explode. Plus I have 2 new tires and a top end piston kit that the PO included in the sale. Your correct about the paint as I trial removed some with stripper and it released fairly well......WAY better than if it was powder coated.

I just did a cursory glance at prices for replacement items and found those rinky dink little items command the most money.......like the air filter, ignition switch, fork dust boots, etc. Those 3 probably costing right at around $250.

 

[knappyfeet]

OMG don't pay that kind of money for cheap old parts !

No there new. Air filter new $70. Dust boots new $55. Ignition switch new $90. Fork seals new $20. A spoke set new $90. That's just the start.

 

[knappyfeet]

I can do paint which includes etching primer, epoxy primer and base........I have enough ppg clear left to do entire bike but it will still be around $300 for product.

 

[knappyfeet]

Why would you use a base/clear system on this if you're doing a restoration? Do a single stage black and get on with life...

Because of 3 reasons. 1) because I want to. 2) because I have found base clear are more resistant to blemishes cause by gas, solvents, nicks, etc.....and 1 good coat after base gives the appearance of a single stage system and 3) I nearly have a half gallon of PPG 2021 with activator.....which saves me $.

The silver painted parts appear to be a satin silver. It appears an almost exact match to Eastwood Argent Rally Wheel paint. That specific coating is an acrylic lacquer. An epoxy primer would be an ideal coating prior to t he Argent being sprayed. Just thoughts

 

[knappyfeet]

I'd buy the new spokes if that meant I was lacing on a taller front rim. Otherwise, why are you replacing them ?:I
… it will prove very cost ineffective to replace parts at age inflated OEM parts prices, just because it has surface rust.

I like your attention to detail. The front rim is dented and bent and the spokes on a certain section are bent. Since I already have the tires what I want for the wheels is a new rim for the front, all new bearings, the new tires supplied with the bike and new spokes..... a buddy will be doing that for me as I am not that patient.

He put new spokes and tires on my 93 DR650, lace them proper......and that was without a doubt the single greatest ride improvement on the street ever for that DR. He

 

[knappyfeet]

I had high hopes but man this sounds like a bad idea waiting to happen. No one is going to change your mind but I can tell you if you don't have the disposable income to just throw money at this stop pretending it will be worth it to make as nice as you want it. I can tell you from buying parts for mine it is not cheap and all of the little rubber items, cables, brakes, bearings and seals will put you near the top of your budget.

You know I think I am starting to change my mind. Your correct about all the little items running a fortune....I kinda figured that out (I think I already knew deep down).

I just want to add that I am doing this for me. Not to flip, or for any increased value..........just a small pit bike to reminisce. I'm still in the process of disassembling it but I might turn this into the "patina keep".

 

[knappyfeet]

I think thats a great idea. I didn't intend to bash you but I know the diesure to make it pretty and unfortunately it isn't worth it a lot of times.

You can have a very nice looking bike for considerably less and although it may be more prone to scratch etc you won't care because you'll be enjoying riding it so much.

I'd look around for a decent front wheel on ebay etc, may find another one in decent shape for less than the spokes would cost you. Rebuild the engine, gaskets are cheap, new bearings can be sourced cheap and then slap some decent cheap paint on it new rubber and ride. Should get off pretty cheaply.

You may decide later on that you do in fact want to restore it but there is sound reasoning behind getting it running and riding first.

I have to concur. I will keep all posted on the progress of my "patina keep".

 

[knappyfeet]

Some disassembling done today. A few items I noticed:

1) The front brake cable will need to be replaced
2) rear shocks will need to be replaced.......pitting beyond usable in my opinion plus little dampening when riding.
3) a lot of rubber mounts are fine
4) wiring harness ohms out and is usable

I think I will leave it in this state until parts that were ordered arrived and am ready for final disassembly. It's nice to have it in rolling condition.

I might purchase the Caswell zinc plating kit.....just to use and learn on. Since this will be not a full all point restoration I can get away with zinc plating not perfect. This will be a valuable learning experience for future projects.

 

[knappyfeet]

The awsome heart of my patina keep.........90 cubic centimeters of 2 smoke power.

Suprisingly clean inside with no scaring and the normal carbon. Just a very little looseness in the rotating...........one of the cleaner ones I've opened.

It came with a piston kit but I don't know if I want to install..........maybe.

I haven't opened the clutch yet. When riding it was a little funny but probably from engaging components.

I have this nearly uncontrollable urge to do stuff to this motor and intake. T he only thing stopping me is the fact that it ran fairly well when I rode it that maybe I should just accept the fact it's a 90 and enjoy it for what it is. But you know.........we all have the illness.

 

[knappyfeet]

I wouldn't fit the kit.

If you can get OEM rings, get a set. The barrel would only need a very light hone, even one carefully done by hand.

Unless you are a big heavy guy, and have a spare head, I can't see why machining off 20 thou" off the head, to increase performance would hurt any. You would still need to check if the piston hits the head.

It's not rocket science - It's not a rocket

Danger, is my business."

Yeah I'm about 250...........and I think I am going to put the new piston and rings on. Just because I'm in there now.......plus new pin....you know.