I need to tinker, hair brained idea.

Muzz

21/04/2011 at 09:17

I'm bored, so bloody bored. I need a hobby, i play the occasional game of golf, i've got a couple of nice cars and i love my trackdays but i can only do them so often, therefore i spend my life in the pub, spend loads of money and then don't remember a great deal.

I've owned one bike, an R6 on an 06 plate for about a year, three years ago, didn't particularly get on with it, passed my unlimited test then wobbled around on it on nice days shitting myself over 10,000rpm.

So enough waffling, i fancy learning abit of mechanics, i know nothing about restoring bikes or even much of the basics, but i thought i could get a bike that needs a some work, buy a manual use the internet, pester you lot and get tinkering, not sure where even to start but would keep me busy. I'd then like to start riding again and get back into it.

What would be a good bike to get going on, i'd imagine something a bit older without too many electonics.

Any idea's, or am i being daft and all i'm going to do is end up with a pile of bits or make such a hash of it that i'm going to kill myself.

Thoughts please

Thanks

most things rude

23/04/2011 at 14:02

muzz get yourself ready with a list 1st budget what can you realistically afford second most pre 2000 bikes had carbs and not much in the way of electrics if youve got budget£1500 get on ebay and get honda cbr or suzuki 900rf both can be got for about £900 leaving you six hundred for parts just 2 things to remember 1 make sure the bike is legal and works and 2 set aside 3 hrs per week and start on small jobs liks changing front levers bar end and the like but always finish 1 job before starting another otherwise your garage will look like a scrap yard NOT A GOOD LOOK! good luck and be careful the tinkering bug can really bite hard i know as im jut looking at a bsa bantam d5 in 12 boxes but hey how it keeps a smile on my face

Muzz

24/04/2011 at 17:33

Thanks for the reply, The budget is kind of unlimited, how would a carb R1 stack up? That's obviously on the modern side, or how about an original 92 fire blade, the problem is I'm just not sure my skills as a newbie are up to riding them

Muzz

24/04/2011 at 17:37

The cbr600 obviously could be the way forward. I think the problem in general with bikes is they don't cost thar much, therefore it's difficult not to go all out!

Centauro

24/04/2011 at 18:11

If you want to go back to 80`s and 90`s bikes, I'd recommend a couple of magazines. Practical Sportsbikes and Classic Motorcycle Mechanics. Maybe something around 400-600cc is a place to start. Honda did a CBR400RR, more of a "mini" Fireblade.

most things rude

25/04/2011 at 10:35

muzz forget the idea of a litre sports as your first project as you say yourself your a newbie and we dont want you dead stick to a basic principal you want a project to do up and ride friendly starters like honda cbr 600 or suzuki sv650 are really good projects and the bonus is both these bikes have been proven in there own right personally if your budget is unlimited try the sv buy two do 1 as a track bike and the other as road you then gain experience of the speed control on track with good technics for road riding best of luck and remember ride safe

Muzz

26/04/2011 at 12:32

Thanks, that sounds like good advice. I'm going to start having a look round at sv's, cbr's etc I'll let you know how I get on. I wouldn't say unlimited but should be enough to cover this

Edited: 26/04/2011 at 14:30

Muzz

26/04/2011 at 12:38

Could be worth a look, it's only ten minutes down the road

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Suzuki-SV-650-S-/180657073738?pt=UK_Motorcycles&hash=item2a10002e4a#ht_1042wt_937

I'm in the south of France at the moment but get back on Sunday

Cheeky offer of £500

Ben Cope

26/04/2011 at 14:31

Why don't you buy a bike that's a bit tatty and could do with some mainly cosmetic work?

That way you'll be taking off the fairings, changing chains, brake pads etc and not doing the tough stuff like changing the head, straightening the frame etc.

You could turn a bike around with parts bougth off eBay and learn a fair bit in the process.

My bet would be to pick up a Hornet 600 or a Daytona 955i. Loads of spares available.

Muzz

26/04/2011 at 14:46

That would be a good place to start, my concern with anything to in-depth is I'd end up with a few boxes of parts and loose interest

most things rude

26/04/2011 at 15:10

get a bike that doesnt need anything doin to it then when then mood takes ya get the part and fit thus garage is a garage not scrap heap you know it makes sense ps if you need any advise give me a call i will gladly help just a phone call away best of luck my number 0121`553 1455 ask for jim

Muzz

26/04/2011 at 15:50

Cheers Jim will do, off to eBay now to get researching. CBR600's appear to be best value. I've set up a couple of watches on a few items

most things rude

26/04/2011 at 15:55

iv got a cbr600f in my shop taxed and mot good horse for £1200 call if interested

Muzz

26/04/2011 at 16:30

I'll call you when I return from holiday if okay, if you've got any details can you send to Ian@odey.com. Missus will go mental if she catches me talking bikes while we're away.

most things rude

26/04/2011 at 16:34

no problem mate il send them now enjoy your holiday

the_ox

26/04/2011 at 21:49

Get a old RD350 and do that up, the bike will be a pleasent suprise!

Slarti

27/04/2011 at 09:59

I did the same in 09 bought a ZZR600D from 1990... and rebuilt her from boxes she came in. 8 monnths later I road her Italy without a problem apart from a French Campsite killing her on the way home...

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