Help me pick out a project bike!!

[M-Oorb]

Ok so last summer I ran into a slight issue. I love riding my ninjette but a close second is tinkering with it and modding it. So after some thought and deciding to pass up a buddy's 240sx as another project car, ive decided to leave the ninjette alone for now and buy a project bike.

I only got into motorcycling 2 years ago so I don't know much about old school bikes but this is basically what I'm looking for. Doesnt matter what kinda bike it is, sport, cruiser, or standard...just no supersport. Looking for an 70's era or early 80's bike. My parents said they'd be willing to buy the bike maxing out at $1000 and I'd have to pay for all the parts and of course do all the work. Bike doesnt have to run but I also don't want it to be a lost cause where id have to drop huge sums of money into it as I will soon be a law student and strapped for money.

So what kinda bikes should I be looking for? Lets get some ideasss

[smcbride11]

Personally, I'm looking for a '79-'82 CB750K. The CBs are bulletproof, and I think they're good candidates for either a cafe racer or sport touring conversion - I'm looking at the latter.

EDIT: Those particular years were the DOHC model. There's really no reason the older SOHC models would be strictly ruled out if I could find a clean-ish one.

[M-Oorb]

Theyre good bikes? I found one by my house...a 1980 cb750 for $925 with only 11k on the engine

[kkim]

how about a dirt/dual sport bike?

[Greg_E]

You can often find good old 1985 GSXR for around $1000, not sure how much restoring they will need but that would be a cool bike to own. After that step back into around 1960 to 1970.

There was an auction posted a few days ago for some classics that you might want to look at. And you might need to travel a decent distance to get into the snow belt, no one is moving used bikes right now, so prices in and around New York state are crashing.

[Apex]

I second the CB. They are all over, parts are rather easy to find. They look good stock, or even in chopper or club racer mode.

I'd own one if I had the cash. The CB was my first love next to the Smokin' Joes CBR600. CB's styling is great. I honestly think that is why I chose a GS500E as my first bike, looks very similar to the CB.

[M-Oorb]

The bike would most likely have to be located in southern florida as thats where the bike would stay and be worked on. The location makes it kind of a pain for prices since we have a 12 month riding season down there.

Kelly, a dual sport/dirt bike might be an option. Wherever I plan on going to school next year would most likely be in an urban area such as nyc,boston,dc, or the like so from what I hear that might be a good kinda bike for those areas. Never tried dirt biking but it looks fun and I'm always down for anything fun. I was looking for more a a retro style bike but I'm up for anything fun to work on and eventually ride.

Any other ideas of makes/models you guys would think would be cool to own/work on/ride?

[Apex]

Nice thing about a DS is that they are often single cylinder bikes. Easy to work on an maintain.

[ztrack157]

Old school triumph

[rockNroll]

An early 70's Kawasaki H1B (Mach 3 triple) would be a blast for a project bike

[adouglas]

You could always go for something weird just for $h!ts and giggles...



Turbocharged, V-twin mounted LATERALLY, produced for one year only....

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_C...es#CX500_Turbo

[billmi]

My neighbor had one of those when I was in high school. The whine of the turbo when he revved the engine sounded very cool - but it was not a high-selling bike - too pricy for the performance.

I'm a fan of the dual-sports for sure. If you're just looking at urban and trail riding - won't be out on the highway, something like like a DR-200 or KLR-250 is easy to work on, and will get you around while having fun and getting high mileage. KLR-650 is a nice machine that'll get you out on a freeway too, but hard to find under $1K that's not going to need a new engine. I've also thrown around some ideas for tweaking a Ninja 250 for trail riding, with some fairing changes, dual-sport bars, and pipe and suspension changes.

[Flashmonkey]

Here's a Honda CB450:



Or, as someone else mentioned...old school triumph:



I think that's a '70 bonneville....but I'm only like 40% sure of that

Anyway...old school is the way to be. Any of those bikes scream win and class.

[backinthesaddleagain]

Originally Posted by adouglas

You could always go for something weird just for $h!ts and giggles...



Turbocharged, V-twin mounted LATERALLY, produced for one year only....

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_C...es#CX500_Turbo

My dealer has one in his collection. cool bike for sure.

[backinthesaddleagain]

I was thinking about this topic myself as I thumbed through a classic bike magazine at the supermarket. I know a dealer who has just about every type of bike in his warehouse old Triumphs, Velocettes, Ducs, CB750, too much to mention. The triumphs do look like great candidates though as they are fairly straighforward and have IMO a timeless look.

[sharky nrk]

I think my next project bike would be a cb350 or cb450 or a kz400.

[Daeldren]

found a local selling a xj 600 for $300 dont know how bad of shape it really is but its tempting.

http://greenville.craigslist.org/mcy/1438825326.html

[camaroz1985]

My roommate has a seca ii, same thing as that xj 600. It actually isn't a bad bike. A little old tech, but still nice to ride.

[Greg_E]

Where is the tail?

Looks like it has been chopped and as such I think I would stay clear since it was probably chopped because of a wreck. The way the frame is built it still relies on parts of the tail to hold everything together.

Lots of good pics here:
http://www.bikepics.com/yamaha/xj600s/

[M-Oorb]

The honda cb 450 is looin pretty good. Found one in my area, a 1971, that the guy said he would sell for at best 500 so Im hopin maybe 475. Engine has 11k original miles, tires need replaced but it comes with a brand new set, and he said it runs real well with no rust. All this sounds a little too good to be true so I think im gunna send my dad over (since the bikes in fl and im not) to have a look at it and test ride it.

Anything in particular I should have him look for with an older bike such as this, something that would def. tell me that this bike is a POS and not worth my time and money restoring?

[Flashmonkey]

Well with any vehicle, the big money items are pretty much related to body work and major engine issues. With a bike this old, I say just tell your dad to keep his eyes open for any sign of a damaged frame, smoke upon start up or during running, and the general condition of the engine (ie: if the engine is caked in oil and very dirty, be weary). Also make sure the VIN number and all that kind of stuff is in check.

Other than that, I wouldn't be too picky. The bike is 30+ years old and is bound to have several issues. That's part of the reason its a project bike...but I guess this would also depend on your budget. Oh and expect electrical issues haha.

[backinthesaddleagain]

Check the tank as well (regardless of bike). Some have been sealed due to corrosion over the years. I am hearing that some of the gas with ethanol eats away at the tank sealer these days. The 450 was cool. Featured the DOHC as noted on the side cover. First Honda with DOHC?? Check out the brake pedal, how it snakes from under the foot peg. From what i hear the 350 was the best selling Honda for years, so there could be many of those around as well.

[backinthesaddleagain]

One good thing about a twin like the 450 vs a four is less valves, pistons, etc to rebuild should compresson be low or oil burning.

[Greg_E]

The CB makes a decent Cafe' conversion if you want to go custom as opposed to restoration.

I would still probably go down into the early to mid 60's for a project. BMW, Triumph, BSA something like that.

[M-Oorb]

So this search for a good project bike is a lot more difficult than I first thought. I havent found many good condition bikes that run for a decent price on craigs list. I think a large problem is 1) Im looking in florida which has a year round riding season so the prices dont really fall seasonally and 2) Many people who live in florida have moved somewhat recently so theres not gunna be that "old bike in the barn that just needs TLC"

I've had my father check out a couple cb750's and either they were way too rusted or the posters lied (evverything works great...then bike doesnt start when he shows up). I even had him check out an old school cb175 which was in great condition but too small and was asking way too much.

I think I may abandon searching for an old school standard as I think all the non rusted out ones with titles are above my price limit ($1000). Anyone know of any good dual sports that could be picked up for around this price? Dont care if its old as this is for a project bike. Thanks for the help guys...I WILL get that 2nd bike haha

[kkim]

What's your height and weight?

[M-Oorb]

5'10 about 170lbs

Whatcha thinkin Kelly?

[kkim]

I'm thinking in reference of a dual sport and what would fit/work for you physically. Noting worse than getting offroad on a bike too big and heavy for you.

Then again, seriously, how much offroading do you think you would be doing and what type? Do they have a trail system where you will be using the bike or are you thinking of using it mostly for street use? Be as honest as you can be, based on what you want to accomplish with the bike, as the recommendation would depend greatly on your needs/intended use.

[M-Oorb]

I'd love to get this thing in the dirt but all actuality...probably wouldn't happen all that much. It'd be more of an urban ride.

[CC Cowboy]

If you're going to do a project you should do it to something that is special.

Wes Cooley Suzuki 1000
Freddy Spencer Honda 1000 or 750 Interceptor
Any old Ducati
Any old 2 stroke road bike
Harley Panhead
Norton Commando

[Greg_E]

I think you need to look around NJ and plan on trucking it down.

[M-Oorb]

Im really hoping I can find something down in Fl. I think if I hada truck a bike down from jersey I would end up paying more than I originally intended, which I know always happens with projects(trust me I know) but I don't want to start off that way.

[backinthesaddleagain]

Bmw r90/s

[backinthesaddleagain]

Dirt bike - how about a 1974 Suzuki TM400 Cyclone - probably coined the phrase "injury forces sale". The abrupt power delivery of a light switch and a frame that rivals folding lawn chairs, but would be cool to have one restored.

Seriously though there is an aucton of over 200 bikes Saturday in Massachusetts.

[kkim]

If you are thinking of a DS bike, consider the Kawasaki KLR 250 or the Suzuki DR-250 or 350s. These bikes are old enough that the prices will be low, but not so old that you would need to restore them to ride. Also, these are more biased towards the "street" side of the dual sport equation, so they should be comfortable enough for street riding with the right tires mounted.