Help! A motorcycle followed me home. Why does this keep happening?!?

[G_YamTech_314]

How do I get these things to leave me alone? Is there any kind of repellent you guys use? No matter how hard I try to clean my garage, and scrub my house, they're still attracted to my small workspace!!!

I guess this guy looks pretty malnourished and sad, I suppose I can make room for just ONE MORE.

Welcome my newest project everyone! A 1985 Honda Nighthawk 750. Only $100 with a title!

 

[jetmechmarty]

JUST SAY NO TO MOTORCYCLES!

 

[G_YamTech_314]

JUST SAY NO TO MOTORCYCLES!

Do you have any kind of clinic, or shrink you could recommend for me? It may be time to admit that I've got a problem.

 

[jetmechmarty]

Do you have any kind of clinic, or shrink you could recommend for me? It may be time to admit that I've got a problem.

I think you have an addiction. You’re in good company. If I bring home another, I’ll have to put up a building.

Seriously, I got way out of hand in the amount of projects in front of me. I did some serious thought on it and get rid of most of it. I kept seven XS motorcycles and that’s far more than enough to keep me busy.

 

[motormike]

... N + 1 the formula we live by....

 

[G_YamTech_314]

I'm not sure if you guys noticed Edward Bones Jones taking a ride on the bike or not, but everyone at the gas station seemed to enjoy his riding technique.


Some quick updates on what I found lastnight.

The carbs need rebuilt (this is pretty much a given, Info it for every new bike I buy so I know they're right)
But I say that, because there's fuel in the oil. Like a LOT of fuel in the oil.

So it's also going to need an oil change. (also something I do to every new project bike I buy)

The cam chain is gonna need adjusted, and a new valve cover gasket. The tank is HIDEOUS inside, but I'm going to try a muriatic acid treatment and see just how clean I can get it.

The wiring is a bit of a clusterf#$&_$ mess, but altogether, for $100, it was well worth it.

I bought the bike from a friend and when I met him it was the bike he was riding. I stopped and talked to him because I liked his cafe racer build, fast forward 5 years later and it's mine... Funny how life works.

 

[grizld1]

Here's a therapeutic aid that might help. Hang a bulletin board in your work area. Make and attach a big sign with the following words of wisdom from gggGary: "The only thing more expensive than a cheap motorcycle is a free motorcycle." Every calendar quarter, calculate your net worth (cash plus marketable possessions minus debt). Write it down in big numbers and display it under the sign. If that doesn't scare you into rational behavior, you're past hope.

 

[G_YamTech_314]

Here's a therapeutic aid that might help. Hang a bulletin board in your work area. Make and attach a big sign with the following words of wisdom from gggGary: "The only thing more expensive than a cheap motorcycle is a free motorcycle." Every calendar quarter, calculate your net worth (cash plus marketable possessions minus debt). Write it down in big numbers and display it under the sign. If that doesn't scare you into rational behavior, you're past hope.

That's actually a great idea...

The way I see it, if I can get the motor to run it's worth the $100. Once I get it to that point, it's a possible flip, or part out. I really plan on this just being a thrash around fun bike. I don't plan on it looking the best, just gonna make it ridable. (That's the plan so far)

 

[59Tebo]

G_YamTech,
I dunno about Lancaster, but around here, a P.O.S. with a title is worth $500.00. If it runs, it's worth $1.00/cc. If it passes inspection, on its own, no matter what it looks like, it's worth $1500.00. For $100.00 you should be able to flip it for a good profit to finance other projects. See to it the bike gets a good home!

 

[G_YamTech_314]

Any home it finds will be better than the home it was going to. This bike was too nice for the scrapyard.

I am going to have a hard time convincing my girlfriend to let it go. She's been bit by the same bug.

 

[Jan_P]

A few comments
The skeleton is obviously the last man trying to restore it ---everyone can see that ... Heheheheh
As Mike says N+1 ..thats the advantage with bikes instead of cars "There is always room for one More "
And by the picture in the first post I can see room for 4 -5 -8 more.
Here if it is a running bike and MOT approved ..it will never go under a certain lowest price : unless serious mechanical or electric problems.
Cost ..that is an interesting aspect.. If any luck and not going for mint restoration. And having the time and skills
It does not have to be expensive. But it can be --- A money pit it even
Honda has the reputation for having expensive parts that it is why few of those are seen restored even after massive sales
Like CB 750
And if it is a rare model .So that only factory parts are available . And not always that :then there can be a problem

 

[Ratranger]

Don't feel bad. I bought an engine to maybe flip a year ago. A month ago I found a frame, then at a swap meet a week ago I found amal 930 concentrics and cbr600 forks. Then I got a swingarm off ebay. So now I have most major components for a bike build. Which brings the total bike count to 8 1/2, and 1 atv.

 

[G_YamTech_314]

Good to know I'm not alone

My only concern is that I don't own my house. I rent, so when it's time to move, I have a lot to transport and I need to find a place to store them. I'll figure it out.

 

[Raymond]

I am going to have a hard time convincing my girlfriend to let it go. She's been bit by the same bug.

Then truly there is no hope for you, Grasshopper . . .

 

[G_YamTech_314]

Then truly there is no hope for you, Grasshopper . . .

At least I know I'll never get in trouble for dragging scrap into the house!

 

[jetmechmarty]

muriatic acid treatment

DON'T! Use phosphoric acid instead. Muriatic acid will have you fighting rust forever. Phosphoric acid will leave a rust resistant iron phosphate. I'm no scientist, I just have the experience.

 

[G_YamTech_314]

DON'T! Use phosphoric acid instead. Muriatic acid will have you fighting rust forever. Phosphoric acid will leave a rust resistant iron phosphate. I'm no scientist, I just have the experience.

Is that easy to acquire as well???

 

[Jim]

DON'T! Use phosphoric acid instead. Muriatic acid will have you fighting rust forever. Phosphoric acid will leave a rust resistant iron phosphate. I'm no scientist, I just have the experience.

I've been experimenting with using muriatic acid to remove the rust quickly, then follow that with a phosphoric acid wash to prevent flash rusting. It's working good so far.

 

[jetmechmarty]

Is that easy to acquire as well???

You might have to read labels. I believe what I have is Kleen Strip. Some drain opener may qualify. I think Naval Jelly might be phosphoric acid. Any hardware store will have it, including the big box versions.

 

[gggGary]

As a quick fix for my MC addiction I sometimes switch to lawn mowers.
Neighbor came over to pay me for snow plowing, $500 changed hands.
"hey how much for that cub cadet zero turn this year?"
Boom $500 back in his pocket.

2 days and $150 in parts later

mower sold for $1500 which I immediately spent on this.

Well how'd THAT work for me? LOL actually the Honda has a different home already.
What's in YOUR shed? (today)