- 13 hour 1 way? - even if 13 hours return by the time you calculate your time would it almost be cheaper to get it transported
- as for stripping the motor down, do some simple tests first
- does it turn over? - if not why? - pistons siezed, kickstart jammed, gearbox siezed...the difference is that when you take the left casing off you will get some movement by turning the alternator by hand if the pistons are not siezed
- what compression do you get? - most important is that theyre relatively even-rhs is often a little lower-140+ is great but can also mean heavy carbon build-up, under 100 not so good ... problems in bore, rings, valves, but where?-you can often hear leaking valves, crankcases will pressurise a little if the bores are leaking-look for seal leaks esp the clutch pushrod or xs pressure in the crankcase breather tube or remove the oil filler cap and out a finger over the hole, or do a leak test...compressions should be tested without plugs and throttle open
- gearbox function can be roughly tested by hand without running motor-note that normally static gear changes dont work-get a mate to help, remove rhs case, bike on centrestand, turn the rear wheel while changing through the gears-keep a hand on the clutch to get a feel for the smoothness of the changes...if no wheel there use the chain to rotate the gearbox...be extra alert with 3rd gear
- read the plugs, best is a light tan colour, wet black is oil, dry powdery black is rich...there are charts available in most manuals
- drain the oil-look for metal bits and plastic bits-black plastic bits and alu filings usually mean stuffed cam chain guide, magnetic metal filings indicate deeper problems probably with tolerances or bearings, large pieces will usualy come from the gearbox or crank bearings
- these wont reveal bearing problems
- externals can be individually inspected-oil pump, alternator, clutch, starter, electrics...
- as this was just a quick reply i have probably missed something, still the point is that even if the motor is not running you can still get a reasonable idea about what youre dealing with
- spending a little time can save you heaps of unnecessary work but is not 100% reliable...you pay your money and take your chances
time for brekkie