Chris and I have undertaken several project bikes over the last 2 to 3 years. Each one has been different, not just in brands but also in detail. We are close to finishing the last 2, just waiting on parts. So already we are contemplating what comes next. :-\ The Suzuki GT250X7 was in a terrible state when we purchased it, complete strip down and start with a blank canvas was the order of the day. Today she looks great thanks to our friend Bob having performed his magic in the paint department. We sourced parts from all over the world and today she awaits fitment of her re furbed powerplant. :Thumbs_up: The Honda NSR250 was the most memorable project, in my opinion! When Chris rang to say that he had found one, I was excited until I actually perused it several days later. An ugly duckling is what was sitting in the garage. The color scheme was very average but it was pretty complete. We then sourced a second bike so as to have a back up of parts, just in case. We formulated a plan of attack and commenced the rebirth of this classic. The frame was cleaned and resprayed, the wheels went off for powder coating. We decided on the color scheme and again Bob got involved. Bob made several visit to measure the panels for the various stripes required. I remember collecting the wheels and fitting the seat belt around each one for the journey home. Every step forward brought us closer to realising our dream of a beautiful motorcycle. The mechanical sorted, brakes refurbished, polishing completed and new parts fitted we awaited Bobs arrival. The following Saturday Bob rang to say he was on his way over with the painted panels. Cardboard was laid down all over the place to accommodate the newly painted panels. And so began the re assembly of our new toy, we were like 2 kids in a candy shop!! Before we knew it, the clock told us that midnight had arrived and it was time to grab some shut eye, project NSR was 80% there. Next morning after a hardy breakfast we got back into it. By early afternoon we rolled the bike out into the sunlight for the first time. Mission accomplished!!!! We were pleased and proud of our endeavour, a photo shoot followed. The bike was registered not long after and the true exhilaration of the NSR came to life. Haven't had that much fun with my clothes on, ever! Hit 7000 rpm and got the greatest adrenalin rush ever experienced, ever. Mr Honda, I salute you!! :Thumbs_up: So as you can see, a project bike can be fun and enormously rewarding. Chris rang me today, you guessed it?, another project in the making. Watch this space. Phil
Hey evlids Not 100% certain at this stage. Could be a cafe racer, who knows. Whatever we get will be fun and if its a cafe racer will be challenging. Will keep you posted. :Thumbs_up: Phil
this is my current dream using a CB400\450 as a base with a CBR250RR engine... Im concerned my ambition outways my ability
Pulling things to bits and makeing plans just puts me in my "zen space". You wouldn't think scrubbing carbon from a set of X7 pistons would be so calming. I just need to work on the putting things back together part :-\ I never felt any attachment to my DR650 until I started pulling bits off her and changed a few things. It's my bike now
I agree Fuzzball. I have been doing the routine stuff (oil, plugs, etc) and have taken the next step on to replacing or adding new bits to my SV650 lately. To me i feel a real sense of ownership and pride with this bike now and certainly way more than my first bike which i never really touched. The only problem is it has a habit of becoming an obsession - you start on little things and before you know it you are embarking on some fairly serious additions to or restoration of the bike. Anyway the most important part is that you enjoy the project no matter how big or small it might be