So, I've been hanging for a project since I took up riding and once I decided I've had enough of the boat (Bring Out Another Thousand is a pretty damn accurate) I started looking. On the weekend I spotted a potential project and mentioned it to the Minister for Fun and Finance who "gently" pointed out that we're trying to renovate the house and there is no spare money going around. Part of what she said included "You want a project that's going to cost thousands? How about a new kitchen?" and "When are you going to have the time to do any of these grand plans? If you've got spare time you could always paint the door frames." So, money was going to be a problem but, as some blokes on this forum have pointed out, my workbenches are suspiciously clean. So, I emptied out my loose change tin and, what do you know, I happened to have just enough change to buy the bike and cover the fuel to get to the other side of Perth and back. I'm sure we'll have a "robust discussion" about this new toy but I'll just go and tinker in the shed So, here is a couple of shots of my $200 ZXR. It's not as good a score as some of the recent posts in this forum but I'm not complaining Yes, it's a disaster but it's complete, though in many pieces. The plastic is all stuffed, some pieces can be repaired but others will need replacement. Everything, absolutely everything, needs cleaning, polishing or painting. The motor hasn't run in many months, apparently and, looking at all the oil on the inside of the fairings I'm guessing it's been badly treated for years. The bike came with another complete motor, in pieces and I haven't decided if that is salvageable or not. This is my long-term, whenever-I-can-spare-some-cash, project and I'm not going to rush so updates will be pretty rare, I guess. Frankly, if it wasn't for all the good tips and suggestions I've seen on this forum I may not have bothered but I'm looking forward to seeing what I can do. The whole thing may turn out to be completely FUBAR and I may end up taking the lot to the tip but, hey, it's only cost me some spare change so far
Well done mate, $200 is very cheap. Just work on the principal of 2 steps forward.......1 step back and you'll get there.
$200 Excellent start. Minister for Fun and Finance? You sure that is not spelt Minister for Misery and Guilt.
Yeah, about that "spare motor" .... I had a quick look at the pieces of it when I picked the bike up but all the bits were in a box and I didn't take everything out. This morning I unpacked it. Yeah, I don't think I'll be using that
...and, is it just me, or does anyone else notice that every time you find a good score someone else mentions another one? After you've spent your money? Today I found a bloke who's going to offer a complete and running ZXR250C for $500 in a few weeks. The fairing has a big chunk out of the top, one indicator (on the other side) is falling off and, apparently, it may need a new cam-chain tensioner but otherwise it's pretty good. Hmmm, have I got another tin of coins somewhere?
Thats why half of us have sheds full of bikes in varying stages of 'repairs' And dont forget .... wat can look good on the surface can be pretty ordinary under the covers .... or is that past girlfriends Im thinking of ..... ?
its always the way, I find having 2 works well, you can make one good one out of the 2 and offload the rest of the parts which helps pay for the repairs \ parts you need to buy. You paid $200 for your ZXR, if the forks are okay, then they are worth $150 -$200 on their own. Before you know it your getting ebay alerts at all hours of the day, both cars are outside because you have 18 bikes in the garage.. Hmm, hang on, thats my story
Hmmm, I'm wondering if my frame is bent? The airbox, assuming it's the right one for this bike, won't drop in and while I was looking for reasons, it occurred to me that there is dimpling, like big thumb prints on the inside of the frame. There is nothing wrong on the outside of the frame but these dimples don't seem right to me. I've added photos, including one from the top because I reckon you can see the curves are different. You can see the dimpling I mean on the inside of the frame, just behind the carbs What's your opinions?
Thanks Grey, I'm happy about the frame and I'll go and compare my airbox to the diagram. I'm missing the filter cage and foam but, at this stage that's no biggie. Appreciate your quick reply