What would you do ?

Here's the bike I bought just to keep my 750 Seca company.
(I bought both before finding XJ Bikes and using E-Bay.)
The idea was that if I needed any parts, they'd be handy. Then later I'd fix this bike up. Well - - it's later !

I don't think I'll be fixing this for myself, but to sell in the spring.
I have $400 in it. Compression test FAILS ! on one CYL. It reads 30 PSI.
Tires are trash and exhaust is rotten, however, I have good looking tires and exhaust on a parts 650. I have spare Seca engines, but installing them gives an upsidown shift pattern. The seat is not ripped, I have the side covers, only thing missing is the top of the grab bar. The gas tank has visible epoxy repairs on the lower edges, but otherwise shines.

So, what would you do with this ??

 

(a better pic will go here- for now here's an old one)
I tried starting it 2 + years ago. No go.
I tested the carbs on the Seca, and tested all ignition parts.

 

Can't you just swap the shifter side covers from the Maxim engine to the Seca to make it "normal?"

 

I'd pull the head at a minimum and determine if the lack of compression might not be some crud stuck on one of the valve seats (a very inexpensive fix). A little more time and a small investment might yield top dollar this spring. 650 parts aren't going to do you a whole lot of good for that 750, just bolts and a few bits. Clean it up and sell it.

 

i'd toss on another engine, 650 or turbo 650, and make a bobber and keep it, I dont ever plan to sell something ive worked hard on and to my style...

 

I agree with Robert. Find out a little bit more about the inside to make a more informed decision.

 

All my race bikes have an upside down shift pattern as well as my quad.(stock) Once you get use to it it's easy. Also good for fused or damaged ankles.
Anybody ever compair shift drums between the two? A 650 shift drum,if it's the same physical size,may have a reverse pattern compaired to a 750.
I.E. GS 500 vs GS 450

 

Even running it's worth more in pieces. If you've got the time part it out.

 

I appreciate all responses. I'd like the poll to continue without me influencing it. I just bought 5 acres, so storing for later is not a problem.
I think the parts bike rims and exhaust will bolt up without major problems, but little else would cross over. A "Wizard Quality" restoration is out of the question, but a "top dollar" cleanup could make sense.

I know this is all very subjective, but let's assume the motor in the frame is a "no-go" for now. I'll be using my good 750 as an organ donor this week, to fire it up. I might get lucky after all. Don't be afraid to vote !!

 

With the Plant having a 30psi Hole; I can't see how you are going to fix it and break-even selling it.
But, even a $300.00 Bike has enough valuable parts to make salvaging the assemblies and finding a buyer.
You can get your money back Cleaning, rehabbing and making the Carbs pretty.

 

Busted 'lump' and no trailer queen to begin with; I'd part it. If the mill were solid (like my POS 650) then it might be worth it, but with the cost of parts vs. a salvage motor in a bike you don't really want or need, why???

What's your time worth? This one will get you upside down real fast.

Like Rick said, you can get your money back from the carbs ALONE.

As much as I hate to see any complete bike get taken apart, this one doesn't have enough going for it to save it. Once the motor and frame numbers don't match, it's no longer an investment just a labor of love.

No love? Part it.

 

I'm with Fitz, keep what you need and sell the rest! you have nothing into it and it doesn't owe you anything so part it out before that changes!!
Shaun

 

If you know anyone looking to learn how to wrench this would be the bike to teach them on. If you have no desire to get her going and no plans to use it as a teaching tool i'd sell as it. I personally don't have the heart to part a bike out.
My $.02

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1981-Yam ... 35a641ea92

Deleted- - this guy is just selling parts ^^

 

I would pull the head, if it is just a junked up valve (easy fix) you will be in for the cost of a head gasket to be able to sell a running bike.
If there is something broke inside what have you lost, only a couple of hours collar.