Got a new to me bike

Gotta love Novus polish. Just need to do the entire bike now.

Before


After



Horn and brake light (front) didn't work. Brake light switch on front brake needed a cleaning, now it's working again. Horn turned out to be dead and a new one is ordered.
Thankfully no wiring issues, test light came in super handy.

 

Wow, Nice!

You know....you're gonna have to find a Kawasaki showroom to display it on now.

Tony

 

Now it just needs to ride as nicely as it looks.

The left tail fairing has two small cracks, the only cosmetic issue on the bike. Barely noticeable from 6 feet away, but I will replace that one should I find the part. Can't find it anywhere though at the moment.

 

Well, that plastic carb pipe didn't quite fit and I had to modify. The plastic epoxy is now drying. Hopefully I find time later today to finish.

This gave me time to check out the bike I picked up last night, a 79 BMW R65. One piston is shattered so the engine will need some work. Other than that, everything else is working. Poor guy had the bike fixed up and inspected. Took her for a ride right after when it happened. I couldn't pass up this opportunity to get a hold of a bike like this for that cheap. Came with a ton of new gaskets, cables and a manual. And has new tires on it as well. Not sure yet whether I'm going to drop the engine entirely or work on the cyclinder heads while still in bike.

 

You and your bikes just falling into your lap...not fair sometimes you know That looks to be able to tear into right in the bike, lots of room to work on and around it without bumping into all kind of stuff. That is a far cry from the mean green. You will have to start a new thread for that one. Nice tires $300.. and if only that one piston is gone, depending how much damage happened...you get to enjoy the side ways roll at the stop light when you rev the throttle. Fun but you have to get used to it form the inline 4's. Nice find!

 

Ha, will do. Was actually looking for a goldwing as a next custom project but then saw this. Mainly bought it because it's same year as me and also a German.
This will be a flip bike though (I think) bc they still go for a lot of money. And if all goes well, the parts for this one will only run me 200 bucks.

 

Carbs are synched now, just finished that part. She purrs nicely. Just waiting for that one last part and she's ready to roll.

Thing with this bike is if there is one vacuum hose not connected the right way, the entire bike doesn't start up. Good to keep in mind for future troubleshooting.

 

BMW sneak peek....
I am going to document everything on my website (gabobobikes.com/R65) if you're interested in how this ends...

 

Saftie, had no idea you had your own page and bike business, very nice I will be keeping an eye on that build. That looks nasty for a connection rod brake, wow. I also will be looking at the 900 RR bike, I just like them along with a Z1000. Have fun with the BMW.

 

Nah, not a business, just photo doc. Once in a while I fix up a bike for someone. The "services" on there would go to Dave or a friend who's a fabricator.
The cbr900 is sold, still need to update. That money basically got me the bmw.
Cbr was supposed to be my Kinga V2, but I still have a couple of bikes that I need to finish up.

 

Ok. Got the last part today. Installed and air box back on.


Tested bike and it fired without even cranking. Perfect.

Now two more things:
Get gas and fill tank to test petcock. I did end up rebuilding it.
Second and last thing: adjust chain and tighten up the rear wheel.

After I don't know how many weeks, the time has come to test ride this baby.
Tomorrow is supposed to be nice out, so it's perfect.

 

She's fueled up, petcock works.
All that's left is the chain adjustment once she's on the ground. Had to stop to take care of a few things. Ride will be in a few hours.



I really have to find a left tail cover. It's cracked and fuel stained. Only issues on this bike.
Also have to Google on how to clean the seat. I cleaned it and it's good but can be better.

Also placed a $50 order just for new screws and bolts for fairings. I guess I got a bit carried away. But that lady needs nice jewelry.

 

Just found a new left tail cover and ordered. Sweet

 

Maybe what you're seeing on the seat is the original leather color bleeding through the green dye?
Hard to tell from the picture, and would have to do a closeup in person.

Since you can't stop buying jewelry for her, any NOS seats out there, or is that aftermarket?

Tony

 

Don't know, I think the seat comes like this. I only saw one other on the internet somewhere, but in poor condition.

Anyway, just came back from first ride.
I need to bleed the brakes one more time. They stop but feel a bit spongy.
Second issue is that I can't get it into neutral when the bike is on.
Since every part in the transmission is new, I'll just wait until all parts have worn in a bit more.
I always had neutral difficulties on brand new bikes. It always resolved itself after first oil change.

Here a video from right after the ride.

 

Weld the cracks shut (either with heat or ABS cement). Sand smooth. and repaint.

IIRC the seat on the Kawak is the stocker for that year and color scheme.


As far as the boxer goes....pull the engine. The piston would have left enough small bits in the bottom end that you will be better off inspecting everything and making sure it's all cleaned out.

 

On the BMW, it blew a 2x2 hole into the roof of the crankcase. I will have to swap out the entire crankcase.

 

Second ride. No issues and neutral is now a bit easier to get into.

 

Very nice. An example of the proper application of patience and attention to detail. Nicely done and very pretty.
John

 

Thanks. Speaking of detail: I put the new tail fairing on which comes with the original ZX-6 decal. Someone in the past removed those decals which means the right side is now missing it.

Will be difficult to find that decal to put back on and make the bike fully original.

 

Kawasaki looks great. I will be watching progress on the BMW.

 

Yes, and she rides nicely too.
I have to finish up a triumph thunderbird before I get started on the BMW. But definitely report on that one. The BMW is cool but will not be a keeper

 

Never tried a BMW mabe one day.

 

That BMW malfunction had to make a hell of a noise when it went! I know you were not riding it but that PO had to know it was really messed up.

 

Agreed, can't imagine riding and it just blows up, especially with the damage it caused. Glad the guy didn't get hurt. Good thing is that parts are available and all it needs is the engine and probably a seal for the drive shaft. Rest of bike is good.

As for the kawasaki, this is the decal I am looking for... can't find it anywhere / nobody has it. This will be a challenge.

 

This place could have it, a white one though....hmmm
https://www.etsy.com/market/ninja_zx6r_decals

 

I reached out to a decal reproduction company.

 

Pictures of the Thunderbird? One of the 3 cylinder models I hope. I love the look of those and have a latent desire but have resisted the urge to actually spend the money to acquire one.
John

 

yes. this one is actually kicking my butt a bit. spoke to an old school triumph guy and he actually advised to not bother and just scrap it.
here is a pic. 95 Thunderbird, 3 cylinders.

i got it running again, did valve clearance, carb clean, replaced fork seals etc but there is still a lot to do. doing it for someone who pretty much gave up on it.
those bikes do look great, but after this one i am not sure i would want one. and a shame someone just took a can and sprayed the entire bike in one go.
if it was mine, i'd disassemble completely and clean everything.

 

Yes looks like it should b3e in Mad Max I bet that was a great looking bike at one time. I see lots of parts missing and that flat black for a bike with that great of lines is just too bad. That front fender stock? Seems to be cut down a little to even cover the time as it should, from the sides I mean. It could be very nice again, but than again to you have the time?? Thanks for the pic.

 

they missed the rims

 

The owner still has the side covers, I think.
The leaking fork oil removed some black paint on the forks, the tank looks shitty as well.
One muffler has a hole, several gaskets were never replaced, just reused a million times and patched with silicone (which I will replace before handing it back)

Sure, it could be a nice looking bike again with the right amount of time put into it. I was only asked to make it run, safe and street legal again. But I will tell the owner to strip it and clean it up properly once I'm done with it.
I still have a few of my own bikes that I want to work on, not super interested in restoring this one.

 

Been looking at Buells lately, one of my most favorites bikes of all I have owned.

So after some thinking I decided to put the ZX on eBay this morning, price on the higher side of the spectrum.
I'd be sad to see her go but it would get me a Buell again.

 

There is a Buell Blast sitting on a local car dealer's lot. It's been there for over a year. I wonder if their desperation to sell has gotten greater than my aversion to bikes with half an engine...

 

The Blasts are pretty cheap, never liked them that much tough. I'm looking to get an xb again, maybe a cr.
But only if the zx sells of course. If not, it's ok too and I'll wait. The Kawi is a pretty awesome bike.

 

I have to ask what is the big draw for the Buell sports bike over a metric? You mentioned you had one before, so you could have some nice insight to the ride.

 

I think they are a lot of bikes that ride better and smoother. In the end it does have a Harley engine in it and it's a bit rough.

I just loved the looks, the sound and the power. Was small and pretty nimble.

I think it's a bike that brings up certain 'emotions'. A cafe style bike makes me want to get more tattoos, that bike brought out the hooligan, if that makes sense.

But who knows, maybe I don't like them anymore, it's been a few years since I've owned one.

 

I found a forum with a quick discussion about Buells vs metrics.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...Vaw3_1PNd2eiJI-MCmdN_6uCz&cshid=1559571726897
Quote that basically saves you from reading the thread:
"I've read several articles that gave rate the firebolt as one of the best handling bikes on the market because of its short wheel base, stiff frame, great brakes, and low torque band. As for straight-line speed, any inline 4 600cc's or above will roast the xb's. Me personally, I'd take the better handling bike any day. They all accelerate harder and go faster than the average person can handle anyway. Leave the "my bike is faster than yours" crap for the squidies on their R1's in shorts and sandals"

Here is another link:
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...Vaw2UvXiPNoemHDNJ_zqTcmFH&cshid=1559572026205

With another quote:
"What have you heard about the XB series? Here’s what I know. Introduced in 2002, the bikes use an exotic, made-in-Italy frame that puts fuel in the frame spars and oil in the swingarm. The motor was a first for Buell—purpose-built for the brand, it uses architecture similar to the Sportster mills used before, but with new cases and just about everything else. The 984cc version makes about 75 horsies at the wheel, add 12-15 for the manly-man 1203cc XB12. Front suspension is an inverted 41mm fork (43mm after 2004), and braking is by Buell’s ‘ZTL’ braking system, featuring a single rim-mounted 375mm disc and six-piston caliper. Wheelbase is a tidy 52 inches) and the bikes weigh in around 425 pounds with the 3.7-gallon ‘tank’ filled up.

That’s some serious tech, right? Given the bike’s history and quirkiness, you’d think they’d be rare collector’s items, with high resale values. Not."

The short reply is that you can get some pretty awesome tech for cheap. And lotsa grins.

 

That is a pretty crazy looking bike (and not in a bad way): https://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2008-Buell-LIGHTNING-XB12SCG-5007830865

 

Imagine that perimeter rotor and inverted fork on a Sportster...

 

Yeah, when I sold mine, I put in the ad that I am not selling to new riders. It was that crazy. And I was serious.

Tiny power house, here a size comparison to me

 

Thanks for the great info and more than satisfied my question. We all need at least on hooligan bike in the barn. I now will have to keep my eye out for a good deal if it comes around. That fuel and oil in the body parts is nuts but smart.

 

Well, bike didn't sell on ebay, which I am actually not sad about.
I will sell the BMW when done to finance the Buell.

 

I've never owned a Buell Blast but will someday. I get teased from friends even mentioning a Blast, "they're hokey" . but a Blast will get up to 70 mpg and should be rock reliable and they are very cheap. A lot of them have extremely low miles on them, (bought for the wife and now she doesn't want to ride) . I think it would be a great short distance commuter, questionable styling though.
Cheers, 50gary

 

Yes I agree, the styling is not the best.
But then it's also a 500cc which I am not a big fan of. I find the smaller cc bikes too boring to ride with way too much shifting involved.

 

I agree that Blast is a little ho hum... It is a good starter bike and is from what I hear a reliable bike. If you ever tracked the maker, he was so happy to stop building that bike when he went on his own way. I don't know how much parts support is left out there for them. I have had a chance to ride one, I do not have one in my stable. I have road the Ulysses, almost pick one up some years ago. It had many miles on it and was at a Harley shop as a trade in. That bike was fun, had the power and I think if you sent them up right could be fun. I am with you "Saftie" the need to have the smile on my face connected with the twist of my wrist.

 

Triumph had way too much oil in it. Changed everything and bike fired right up on first push of button. So the additional oil must have made it difficult to start easily.

Now it's a bit more cleaning, chopping the rear fender a bit and brake pads. That should be it and hopefully I can finally get rid of it soon.

 

I understand the sentiment and enjoy my bigger bikes greatly too but have a Honda VTR250 Interceptor that is an absolute hoot to ride. While not really quick, even while really sounding like it is, it is not slow. It is just more fun per cc than about anything else I can think of.
John

 

Speaking of the old xb12, found one that was kinda close but had not too much info. I asked the seller for the vin and then ran it trough the police data base. Came back as Salvage and stolen, a double whammy . Seller said got it from a auction house down in FL, now the seller is just trying to cell it on the C list. I reminded the seller knowing it is stolen and not taking care of that before selling it BAD.

So if anyone needs a parts bike from IL. https://chicago.craigslist.org/sox/mpo/d/kentland-buell-xb12-parts-bike/6909351665.html

I was hoping to sell my KLR this weekend and maybe go down and get this, not anymore!

 

Gee... and agree with you. Unless it was a theft recovery, maybe?
But good find and money in it in parts.

There is/was an 07 buell xb9 on CL north of Lake George that I have my eyes on. At 3500 not bad, and seems from a dealer.
Not sure if all models and what year, but mine also had the typical issues: low fuel light on all the time due to a chafed wire in fuel pump (Pita to take fuel pump out), leaking oil from cover due to bad gasket (Pita because you have to tilt engine forward for better access) . I replaced the wheel bearings as the first thing, they are said to go bad as well.