Being a bugger for punishment (pardon the vernacular), I have purchased a second 1985 Limited Edition. Originally I bought this as a parts bike as it has been sitting idle since late 2014; however, the PO sent me a picture of the bike before he had some electrical problems with it.
The PO also sent me the invoices for the work he did on the bike. He had a new starter installed, rebuilt the rear shocks, replaced one set of front pads (would have thought to do both myself), installed progressive springs in front forks and parts as required, and put on new tires. He then had some electrical issues such as blowing the clutch diode and from a look at the pictures he sent me, stator issues as well. I have discussed the bike with him at length for information on engine maintenance and the likes. He did not have the timing belts changed so that is on my upcoming list. The PO told me was glad I would resurrect the bike instead of parting it out.
From the above picture and some others the PO sent me, the seat and leather parts appear to be in good shape - not cracked. The parts he had off the bike were covered in plastic and kept out of the elements. Here are some pictures of the new to me bike.
My brother has it stored in northern Ontario (Canada) for me. He was gracious and drove the 500 Kms to pick it up for me - owed me a favour.
I am putting a list of items to be addressed this coming year so I can get it on the road and ride it back here to Victoria.
Items needed/want to replace:
Timing belts - Gates T070
Clutch lever bushing
New clutch diode
Alt conversion
Rebuild front/rear calipers
New front/rear brake pads
Flush brake and clutch hydraulics
Coolant flush
New fuel filter
Engine oil/filter change
New diff oil
FD removal - clean and lube with moly
New exhaust header gaskets - drop for alt install and rear bike work
May also do some small mods such as 12 VDC mod to coils, check grounds, especially grounding strap to engine, and put in test points for TPS, etc. Have asked my brother to take specific close up pictures so I can look at the bike in some detail and get a better picture of the work required. Will get my brother to get a picture of the inside of the fuel tank as I know there may be some rust buildup.
I have a price list from the work done on my '85 and cost to me to get it safe for the trip back is approximately $500.00. for the parts above. I never count my labour. I expect to have a 3 week work window (including road testing) with a 5 to 10 day trip back to Victoria - looking at a approximately 4 weeks to do this. My brother looses his garage for the time I am working. Makes me think of virgilmobile and his resurrection of his 1500 - way different, but getting the old girl going after a lengthy hiatus.
I do not intend to give this new bike the full refurbishment that I did on my existing '85, but I do want it to safe for the road and as trouble free at minimal expense. Once I get it home, and it becomes my second ride, I do expect that in the fullness of time it may get several upgrades to bring it closer to original condition.
If the bike works out as the picture shows, will have to search for another "parts" bike. Going to need another garage to store all these gems. I'm a believer in that with an older bike, you will have down time and need another bike to ride in the interim. As long as this one is safe for the road it will fit the bill. Another consideration here in BC is tha I can licence this new to me bike as a collector and only pay approximately $300.00 for insurance. Two bikes - $600.00 - not bad deal. My brother also mentioned that he cleaned it up from the road trip, and other than some cosmetic work on the plastics, he was impressed with the state of the bike after sitting so long.
Will keep this thread going as I progress.
Have a safe and happy holiday season.
Cheers
The PO also sent me the invoices for the work he did on the bike. He had a new starter installed, rebuilt the rear shocks, replaced one set of front pads (would have thought to do both myself), installed progressive springs in front forks and parts as required, and put on new tires. He then had some electrical issues such as blowing the clutch diode and from a look at the pictures he sent me, stator issues as well. I have discussed the bike with him at length for information on engine maintenance and the likes. He did not have the timing belts changed so that is on my upcoming list. The PO told me was glad I would resurrect the bike instead of parting it out.
From the above picture and some others the PO sent me, the seat and leather parts appear to be in good shape - not cracked. The parts he had off the bike were covered in plastic and kept out of the elements. Here are some pictures of the new to me bike.
My brother has it stored in northern Ontario (Canada) for me. He was gracious and drove the 500 Kms to pick it up for me - owed me a favour.
I am putting a list of items to be addressed this coming year so I can get it on the road and ride it back here to Victoria.
Items needed/want to replace:
Timing belts - Gates T070
Clutch lever bushing
New clutch diode
Alt conversion
Rebuild front/rear calipers
New front/rear brake pads
Flush brake and clutch hydraulics
Coolant flush
New fuel filter
Engine oil/filter change
New diff oil
FD removal - clean and lube with moly
New exhaust header gaskets - drop for alt install and rear bike work
May also do some small mods such as 12 VDC mod to coils, check grounds, especially grounding strap to engine, and put in test points for TPS, etc. Have asked my brother to take specific close up pictures so I can look at the bike in some detail and get a better picture of the work required. Will get my brother to get a picture of the inside of the fuel tank as I know there may be some rust buildup.
I have a price list from the work done on my '85 and cost to me to get it safe for the trip back is approximately $500.00. for the parts above. I never count my labour. I expect to have a 3 week work window (including road testing) with a 5 to 10 day trip back to Victoria - looking at a approximately 4 weeks to do this. My brother looses his garage for the time I am working. Makes me think of virgilmobile and his resurrection of his 1500 - way different, but getting the old girl going after a lengthy hiatus.
I do not intend to give this new bike the full refurbishment that I did on my existing '85, but I do want it to safe for the road and as trouble free at minimal expense. Once I get it home, and it becomes my second ride, I do expect that in the fullness of time it may get several upgrades to bring it closer to original condition.
If the bike works out as the picture shows, will have to search for another "parts" bike. Going to need another garage to store all these gems. I'm a believer in that with an older bike, you will have down time and need another bike to ride in the interim. As long as this one is safe for the road it will fit the bill. Another consideration here in BC is tha I can licence this new to me bike as a collector and only pay approximately $300.00 for insurance. Two bikes - $600.00 - not bad deal. My brother also mentioned that he cleaned it up from the road trip, and other than some cosmetic work on the plastics, he was impressed with the state of the bike after sitting so long.
Will keep this thread going as I progress.
Have a safe and happy holiday season.
Cheers