Good/Bad idea

[BenZXR]

After seeing so many bike projects on here I feel somewhat left out.

My mechanical no-how is about 10/100, but I really like the idea of buying a project bike and fixing it back to health. I obviously would start on a small 125 or so, and have no time period.

Would it be do-able with trial and error? My dad knows quite a bit about bikes and could probably help me if I really cocked it up.
____________________
CBT 03/10/12 | Theory 11/01/13 | Mod 1 16/01/13 | Mod 2 18/01/13
Current: Suzuki GSXR600 00'.
Old: Peugeot Speedfight 56', Kawasaki ZXR400 51'.

[5v3d3b0]

It would probably be difficult but rewarding! I know hardly anything, maybe a 5/100 and I got my rs125 down to the engine block and then back again after changing the cylinder and admittedly getting a mechanic to sort the crankshaft because I didn't have the tools for it, and it worked nicely I only had a 50 quid toolkit, paddock stand and a haynes manual at my disposal

[thx1138]

I bought an old CG-125 for £100

okay, I kinda messed it up and sold it for £80

but I didn;t spend any money otherwise, learned a fair bit, and didn't wreck my Hornet in the process.

I can now do small jobs on my XR 250.

[BenZXR]

[Eddie Hitler]

No need to buy a bike just to learn on. Do the jobs on your main bike, if you really mess up take it to a garage. Dive in. Best way.

[Ollie1995]

[BenZXR]

My bike is my only form of transport and I use it almost every day.

I am much more inclined to by a shit heap and sort it out. + It will be rewarding + a second bike
____________________
CBT 03/10/12 | Theory 11/01/13 | Mod 1 16/01/13 | Mod 2 18/01/13
Current: Suzuki GSXR600 00'.
Old: Peugeot Speedfight 56', Kawasaki ZXR400 51'.

[Eddie Hitler]

[Ollie1995]

[Eddie Hitler]

Would you agree that if he worked on his only bike, he would both learn something and save some money? If he can't do it, take it to a garage anyway?

It's a mute point as he is already getting a second bike to work on, which is great. I'm just confused why others shouldn't work on their only bikes, according to yourself.

[Ollie1995]

[BenZXR]

Eddie.

1. There is nothing wrong with my bike.
2. I'm after a project to fix up and possibly use as a second bike or sell.
3. Ollie is right, I don't wanna strip my bike to pieces monday, fuck it up and not be able to use it for tuesday.
____________________
CBT 03/10/12 | Theory 11/01/13 | Mod 1 16/01/13 | Mod 2 18/01/13
Current: Suzuki GSXR600 00'.
Old: Peugeot Speedfight 56', Kawasaki ZXR400 51'.

[Nick__C]

[Yoyo]

Do general maintenance and work your way up.

I've been around bikes all my life. Can drop and rebuild an engine from a box of bits, but still struggle with the electrics.

Things, like brake pads and c/s are easy if you are methodical. And i've always found that a quick play around when doing it helps to learn how it works.
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Joe: I don't wish to floccinaucinihilipilificate your choices, but the best word in the world is gaylord.

[kestrel]

[Eddie Hitler]

I read the OP wrong, call the firing squad.

[cimbian]

OP, don't do this on your main bike but do get yourself one to play with.

Be methodical, photograph a lot as you take it apart and use labels and boxes to keep EVERYTHING organised... You always have the option to throw stuff away later.

Treat it like any learning process and read about what you are doing.

This can become a really rewarding interest.

I trained as a mechanic but have to say one of the most rewarding things I ever did, hobby-wise, was to drive my 1951 Landrover out of the MoT garage with a full, clean ticket after a total restoration. The icing on the cake was then driving to a supplier where my wife, unbeknown to me, had ordered a reproduction canvas tilt as a surprise present!

Knowing that you have done all the work (as much as practical anyway) feels really good.
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22PlusY
Current: Moto Guzzi 1100 Breva. Previous: Honda XL650V TransAlp
Bearded, Balding, Born again Buddhist Biker

[pepperami]

Go down the old CG 125 route.
Worked for me

https://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t87/pepperami_photos/IMG_0390.jpg
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I am the sum total of my own existence, what went before makes me who I am now!

[duhawkz]

[duhawkz]

[BenZXR]

It's not really about making money, if I make what I buy it for I will be chuffed

Just really bored these days, and have a lot of nothing to do, no job to entertain me atm either so getting some sort of project going would be good fun, even if it did go tits up!
____________________
CBT 03/10/12 | Theory 11/01/13 | Mod 1 16/01/13 | Mod 2 18/01/13
Current: Suzuki GSXR600 00'.
Old: Peugeot Speedfight 56', Kawasaki ZXR400 51'.

[pepperami]

[kitty kat]

I used to have a Jawa twin 350. Bloody nightmare it was, forever failing to start, thank goodness I had a more reliable GPZ500 as well

[BenZXR]

I wanna learn, I would destroy your bike, not fix it :L
____________________
CBT 03/10/12 | Theory 11/01/13 | Mod 1 16/01/13 | Mod 2 18/01/13
Current: Suzuki GSXR600 00'.
Old: Peugeot Speedfight 56', Kawasaki ZXR400 51'.

[angryjonny]