Hey everyone. I am brand new to DTT but I have been lurking for about a month and salivating over all the builds that are going on. I started looking into building a motorized bicycle last year, but when I got down to it I figured that a smaller motorcycle would be a better bet as the first go round.
So I have spent about a month trying to find something that would work for my first ride. First it was a Yamaha xs750 but the engine was locked up. 400 obo, but didn't think I wanted to buy the bike and rebuild it immediately. Looked at a couple others that didn't have clear titles nah. Then last night I saw a Yamaha xs400 that had a clear title ran and came with some extra parts and pieces. 600 obo
I went looked, the guy fired it up and rode it sounds good. The tank has a poor rattle can paint job. But there isn't much rust, and not too many extra pieces that will need to come off before she starts looking better. Carbs are going to need to be cleaned and tuned up, but that seems like a typical situation on Craigslist bikes. So I offered him 400 and told him to keep the sissy bar and luggage rack. Came with a Clymers and original owner manual. New chain. New front tire 4 months ago. couple extra inner tubes.
At this point I am not too sure how much I will do to it. New bars are a must. But the seat has been redone and looks pretty good. New shocks and paint and polishing will be in order.
I design furniture for a living so I have a eye for design Hopefully I can translate my ascetics into a great bike that will be fun to ride for a few years.
I appreciate any help or advice that you want to give.
At 38 and I finally get my first bike.... Midlife crisis??? Lets hope it is just the desire to have the wind in my face and have the hammer down.
So I have spent about a month trying to find something that would work for my first ride. First it was a Yamaha xs750 but the engine was locked up. 400 obo, but didn't think I wanted to buy the bike and rebuild it immediately. Looked at a couple others that didn't have clear titles nah. Then last night I saw a Yamaha xs400 that had a clear title ran and came with some extra parts and pieces. 600 obo
I went looked, the guy fired it up and rode it sounds good. The tank has a poor rattle can paint job. But there isn't much rust, and not too many extra pieces that will need to come off before she starts looking better. Carbs are going to need to be cleaned and tuned up, but that seems like a typical situation on Craigslist bikes. So I offered him 400 and told him to keep the sissy bar and luggage rack. Came with a Clymers and original owner manual. New chain. New front tire 4 months ago. couple extra inner tubes.
At this point I am not too sure how much I will do to it. New bars are a must. But the seat has been redone and looks pretty good. New shocks and paint and polishing will be in order.
I design furniture for a living so I have a eye for design Hopefully I can translate my ascetics into a great bike that will be fun to ride for a few years.
I appreciate any help or advice that you want to give.
At 38 and I finally get my first bike.... Midlife crisis??? Lets hope it is just the desire to have the wind in my face and have the hammer down.
