Hello everyone,
I'm brand new to the forum and thought it a good idea to join after being given a 650 special a few weeks ago. After doing a bit of research, I'm really excited to tear it apart and make it my own.
The bike had been sitting outside for the last 3 years, but it was supposedly running before it was retired to the backyard. The friend who gave it to me --he was been given the bike from someone else -- had dropped it off at a local shop to get an estimate to get the thing running, and after considering the $1200 minimum estimate, he decided to give it to me instead of dropping the money on something he wasn't really that excited about. After speaking to the owner of the shop, I've determined that the motor has good compression, the brakes were seized, a bit of rust and a whole lot of grime, a shift lever that's been welded into place and a tank that's seen better days.
I've been a motorcycle lover my whole life, had a nightster that I rode everywhere as well as a couple of dirt bikes, and I've always wanted to do a semi-custom build with a vintage type bike. This thing fits the bill. I'm currently breaking it down and should have the motor out for a good cleaning while the frame goes to get powder coated next week. The plan is to turn it into a cafe/brat bike.
Anyway, just wanted to introduce myself and say thanks for the info ahead of time as I'm sure I'll be using the forum quite a bit.
I'm brand new to the forum and thought it a good idea to join after being given a 650 special a few weeks ago. After doing a bit of research, I'm really excited to tear it apart and make it my own.
The bike had been sitting outside for the last 3 years, but it was supposedly running before it was retired to the backyard. The friend who gave it to me --he was been given the bike from someone else -- had dropped it off at a local shop to get an estimate to get the thing running, and after considering the $1200 minimum estimate, he decided to give it to me instead of dropping the money on something he wasn't really that excited about. After speaking to the owner of the shop, I've determined that the motor has good compression, the brakes were seized, a bit of rust and a whole lot of grime, a shift lever that's been welded into place and a tank that's seen better days.
I've been a motorcycle lover my whole life, had a nightster that I rode everywhere as well as a couple of dirt bikes, and I've always wanted to do a semi-custom build with a vintage type bike. This thing fits the bill. I'm currently breaking it down and should have the motor out for a good cleaning while the frame goes to get powder coated next week. The plan is to turn it into a cafe/brat bike.
Anyway, just wanted to introduce myself and say thanks for the info ahead of time as I'm sure I'll be using the forum quite a bit.