So as to expand upon XSLeo's input to turkeyroll60's post, without hijacking the thread, I decided to make a separate post.
I bought a running '79 Special with no major cosmetic or mechanical issues for $800. I cranked it up and rode it around a little before handing over the cash.
I knew it needed at the very least tires and mufflers before it would pass inspection, and it's too late in the season to get much riding in anyway, so I'm in no hurry to get it on the road.
I started by pulling off stuff I knew I didn't want on the finished product: fairing, sissybar/luggage rack, and the old mufflers.
Then I pulled the front end apart because it needed a new tire, new dust seals on the forks, a headlight with associated mounting bits to replace the one what went with the fairing, and a new left switch group as the hi/lo beam switch was broken.
Seeing as I had the head pipes off to replace the mufflers and the engine had a fairly serious oil leak somewhere, I went ahead and pulled the engine out of the frame and put it on an engine stand.
So far I have:
Degreased the engine.
Pulled, cleaned and repaired the sump screen (torn in the usual spot)
Pulled, cleaned and replaced the oil filter (no issues)
Checked the clutch push rod and ordered a new seal and bushing.
Disassembled, cleaned, inspected and reassembled the carburators.
Ordered new air filters and an airbox boot.
Pulled, disassembled, cleaned and reassembled the starter motor, and ordered new a new seal for the motor-to-engine connection.
Pulled, disassembled and inspected the starter intermediate gears (no issues, need new gasket for the cover)
Pulled the clutch cover and pulled the clutch to check the starter gears and bendix (bendix clip spring in the "old" position, otherwise okay)
Adjusted the cam chain tensioner.
Set the valve lash.
Gapped the points and set the static timing.
Replaced various boogered up screws from PO or shadetree mechanic's hamfisted efforts at maintenance.
Yet to do:
Degrease and touch up the frame.
Replace front and rear sprockets and chain.
Replace mufflers.
Mount and balance tires.
Change fork oil.
Purge and bleed front and rear master cylinders.
Replace all the fuel lines.
By the time all this is done, I'll have close to $2000 in an $800 bike, doing all the labor myself. And this was a running, rideable bike when I bought it.
My point is, buying a 30+ year old motorcycle is a commitment. If you like fixing stuff and bringing neglected equipment back up to snuff (and I do...) it's about as much fun as an old fart like me can have with his clothes on.
If you're hoping to pay small bucks for an old bike, put gas in it and go, you're in for a shock...
I bought a running '79 Special with no major cosmetic or mechanical issues for $800. I cranked it up and rode it around a little before handing over the cash.
I knew it needed at the very least tires and mufflers before it would pass inspection, and it's too late in the season to get much riding in anyway, so I'm in no hurry to get it on the road.
I started by pulling off stuff I knew I didn't want on the finished product: fairing, sissybar/luggage rack, and the old mufflers.
Then I pulled the front end apart because it needed a new tire, new dust seals on the forks, a headlight with associated mounting bits to replace the one what went with the fairing, and a new left switch group as the hi/lo beam switch was broken.
Seeing as I had the head pipes off to replace the mufflers and the engine had a fairly serious oil leak somewhere, I went ahead and pulled the engine out of the frame and put it on an engine stand.
So far I have:
Degreased the engine.
Pulled, cleaned and repaired the sump screen (torn in the usual spot)
Pulled, cleaned and replaced the oil filter (no issues)
Checked the clutch push rod and ordered a new seal and bushing.
Disassembled, cleaned, inspected and reassembled the carburators.
Ordered new air filters and an airbox boot.
Pulled, disassembled, cleaned and reassembled the starter motor, and ordered new a new seal for the motor-to-engine connection.
Pulled, disassembled and inspected the starter intermediate gears (no issues, need new gasket for the cover)
Pulled the clutch cover and pulled the clutch to check the starter gears and bendix (bendix clip spring in the "old" position, otherwise okay)
Adjusted the cam chain tensioner.
Set the valve lash.
Gapped the points and set the static timing.
Replaced various boogered up screws from PO or shadetree mechanic's hamfisted efforts at maintenance.
Yet to do:
Degrease and touch up the frame.
Replace front and rear sprockets and chain.
Replace mufflers.
Mount and balance tires.
Change fork oil.
Purge and bleed front and rear master cylinders.
Replace all the fuel lines.
By the time all this is done, I'll have close to $2000 in an $800 bike, doing all the labor myself. And this was a running, rideable bike when I bought it.
My point is, buying a 30+ year old motorcycle is a commitment. If you like fixing stuff and bringing neglected equipment back up to snuff (and I do...) it's about as much fun as an old fart like me can have with his clothes on.
If you're hoping to pay small bucks for an old bike, put gas in it and go, you're in for a shock...
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