New to everything 2 wheeled

[sham]

Hey,

Totally new to this bike thing - coming from Sydney, Australia, had to do a prelearners course before the Ls and loved every moment of it. I've been interested in doing a project for a while and have been following a couple of the builds here - wondering if anyone would have any suggestions as to what kinda bike would be a good starting point for someone who has very little mechanical knowledge, but wanting to get into the thick of it.

Im looking to build a cafe racer or street tracker, or even a hybrid depending on what bike I get. Im looking at a Kawasaki Z250 (havent been notified of the year yet), a 1976 Yamaha XS 500 and a 1985 Yamaha XT 550 (thats the year quoted). None of these start and are in various states of disrepair...

The only one I have images for atm is the XS 500 - http://sydney.gumtree.com.au/c-ViewAdLargeImage?AdId=294854891

Anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks,

S

 

[sham]

Thought I'd put up some photos of the bike I'm most likely to get at the moment, the kawa z250. I'm not exactly sure which year and model it is as the dealer said its a '82, but they seem to be twins. I'm leaning towards it being a '80 B1, in which case the tank looks a bit different...any clarifications would be great...

 

[VonYinzer]

Welcome to DTT!

For a first project, the 250 would be great. Its always good to start with the simplist bike you can.

 

[Bozz]

Yeah, I'd agree that that little 250 would be a great place to start.

Other than a new chain (that one looks out of adjustment at best) you could have a fun little cafe/tracker with only cosmetic changes.

Loose that rear fender, work the seat some and you're mostly there.

Unless I am mistaken, we didn't get the z250 here in the states, but the smaller z's have a great reputation in asia.

I used to live in Adelaide, so I know OZ fairly well.

So welcome to the madness, mate!

And don't get in a hurry and get all feral, treat your bike with respect and love, and you'll get decades of fun and enjoyment out of it.

 

[sham]

Thanks,

I'm not sure I want to start on something too big with my accident prone history. It's actually a z250 c1, which means that manual I had on 250/305 isn't quiet the one but I think I'll work it out...hopefully.

Cosmetics sounds a lot more straightforward than the electronics, but seeing as it's already been diagnosed with a CDI problem I'll probably have to get onto that too, sooner rather than later.

Bozz, I've never been to Adelaide myself but would love to do a trip on the bike. But I have a feeling cafe racers and long trips aren't the best of friends...correct me if I'm wrong

I'm hoping to pick it up tomorrow so I'll keep you guys updated.

 

[chimp1]

Goodonya Sham
that little z twofiddy would be a pearler & your right syd - adelaide on a cafe would just about do you in for life mate.
I have 2x z650's and that style bike " similar" to yours is perfect for a caf'e ...google metaltriumph he is in canberra & check his bike out for inspiration!!!
cheers
Pete
Melbourne

 

[sham]

Wow Pete, thanks for putting me onto that, it's a sweet looking bike. I'd be stoked to be able to do get anywhere close to that.

Bought the bike today, it's getting delivered around Tuesday so I guess I'll get to work on it soon...not quiet sure where to start but, guess the CDI seeing as its already been identified as problem. Hopefully upload some pics soon.

If anyone knows of a manual or can suggest where to start that would be great.

Cheers,

S

 

[sham]

Turns out metaltriumph's build thread is on DTT btw, just linked it if anyone was interested http://www.dotheton.com/forum/index.php?topic=9915.0