Ever since I wrapped up my ‘75 build I’ve been on the prowl for another project. I decided that since I have so many leftover parts from the ‘75 that it would be best to secure another standard frame and use my leftover parts to build another. Finding a titled frame nearby on the cheap proved harder than I thought. But persistence paid off when I saw a FB Marketplace ad. It was a little farther away that I wanted, but still within reach. The ad read: 1976 Yamaha 650, no title, has key, motor turns free. $500.
Since I don’t do social media, I asked my coworker to send them a message. A reply followed within the hour. A woman was listing it for her father, so she provided his phone number. The guy answered right away. He is retired and a part time scrapper (my industry). He had cleaned out a woman’s barn and the bike was in there. She told him it was her deceased husbands bike and had been parked there since 1987. The expired license plate indicated this was accurate. As part of their agreement for the clean out, she told him to take it. This guy was not into bikes, and only saw it as scrap value, so I knew he would negotiate on his price.
Today I made the 2 1/2hr drive with cash in pocket and hopes set high. This bike is FILTHY! Like it’s been sitting in a barn for 34 years. Inspection resulted in the following: exhaust- roached. Seat - toast. Fork seals blown, but no rust on tubes. Tank was a little crusty inside, but totally salvageable. The exterior is in good shape with no visible dings. Side cover also in good shape. A little rust on top of the left cover. Misc surface rust on frame. Motor- leaky head gasket and points covers. Plugs looked decent. Compression- left 90, right 100. I didn’t push it too much trying to get readings. Carb slides not stuck!
I dinged him on the exhaust and low compression. Used that as leverage in my offer. $350 and we were loading her up. Pictures to come… having a few phone issues and need to head to my daughters game. Will update more later tonight.
Since I don’t do social media, I asked my coworker to send them a message. A reply followed within the hour. A woman was listing it for her father, so she provided his phone number. The guy answered right away. He is retired and a part time scrapper (my industry). He had cleaned out a woman’s barn and the bike was in there. She told him it was her deceased husbands bike and had been parked there since 1987. The expired license plate indicated this was accurate. As part of their agreement for the clean out, she told him to take it. This guy was not into bikes, and only saw it as scrap value, so I knew he would negotiate on his price.
Today I made the 2 1/2hr drive with cash in pocket and hopes set high. This bike is FILTHY! Like it’s been sitting in a barn for 34 years. Inspection resulted in the following: exhaust- roached. Seat - toast. Fork seals blown, but no rust on tubes. Tank was a little crusty inside, but totally salvageable. The exterior is in good shape with no visible dings. Side cover also in good shape. A little rust on top of the left cover. Misc surface rust on frame. Motor- leaky head gasket and points covers. Plugs looked decent. Compression- left 90, right 100. I didn’t push it too much trying to get readings. Carb slides not stuck!
I dinged him on the exhaust and low compression. Used that as leverage in my offer. $350 and we were loading her up. Pictures to come… having a few phone issues and need to head to my daughters game. Will update more later tonight.
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