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New guy thanks you

Discussion in 'Hangout Lounge' started by Icantinaturner, Mar 29, 2009.

  1. Icantinaturner

    Icantinaturner Member

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    Hi, my name is Mike and I've been lurking on this great board for a few weeks. Yes, it's addictive. I'm an old fart (army retiree), had an assortment of bikes over the years, a tinkerer (not a tech) and as of a few days ago... the owner of a pathetic little '81 XJ550RH Seca. I've always liked XJs a lot but you folks have pushed me over the brink and I had to get one.

    I'd like to say thank you for this board, the comments are invaluable. I thank the guys offering wisdom and good comments, as well as those who ask the questions -- your posts are terrific and I'm impressed. I definitely appreciate having a source like Chacal because without that, I would probably not have bought this bike and I'd miss out on some serious fun.

    The bike I've bought will be a joint learning project for me and my 16 y/o son. It will end up being his first bike. It is really rough (big understatement), was in storage for 23 years (landfill?) but passed PA inspection and seems to run and ride pretty well. It is missing the stock exhaust but has a pretty decent looking (brand?) 4 into 1 and I'm sure it has never been properly jetted. The handlebar is a rusted piece of pipe. It is also missing the fairing and right side cover, plus numerous small things like ignition switch, fuse holder, etc. The tank is dented and the seat is trashed. With your help this thing will be fixed up and we're considering three options:

    - Restoration to original condition ala Fitz's beautiful bike.

    - Resto mod with a different color scheme, wire wheels, dual brakes and such.

    - Cafe look like Gunk's bike.

    Finances are definitely a consideration (hey, he's a kid in school) and the cost of replacing things (side covers, tail piece) are pretty dear. This thing needs a lot of TLC and I'm sure I'll have a lot of dumb questions. I thank you in advance. BTW, I hope to post pictures soon of this thing -- so you can have a good laugh -- and maybe pictures of the resurrection in progress.

    Thanks again,

    Mike
     
  2. 85MaximXX

    85MaximXX Member

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    welcome a resto is not the way to go if $$ is a consideration and IMO it being his first bike. It may have a tumble here or there( I hope not for both thier sakes) But I know how I was as a teen on vehicles. I went away from stock colors on my bike. When I bought it the paint was a lil rough it had a big dent in the tank, needed tires, Rear brakes, and alot of cleaning. I brung it back up to a decent looking bike that is safe to ride and that cost plenty in my book. I still keep an eye out for things that would make it nicer. mostly cosmetic stuff that would make the bike look better but wont spend a fortune for them. Get it mechanically sound and safe then start on the rest.
     
  3. bill

    bill Active Member

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    Welcome - great advice from 85maximxx. I see too many younger folks trick out a vehicle or bike only to loose it somehow.

    Get it safe and ride it - Take a riders class - enjop it then restore it later if you want
     
  4. Andy04180

    Andy04180 Member

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    85Maximxx and Bill have great advice there. Ride it, and fix as you go. Personally, good starter bike, ( better then what i started on 2002 CBR 954RR ) Everyone takes a tumble, just a matter of when. lol.. My bike currently is beat down ( By looks ) but runs and rides well. Working on the cosmetics slowly, more interested in the riding part for now Lol.. Good luck with it. Oh Take a MSF Class! Worth every minute. Also recommended reading ( Sorry, had these recommended to me ) Proficent Motorcycling ( David L. Hough ) and Twist of the Wrist ( Keith Code ) i beleive are the authors. Good reads and really break down alot. Thanks.
     
  5. Icantinaturner

    Icantinaturner Member

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    Thank you, guys. You're making too much sense and I think I'll follow that advice.

    The more I look at this bike the more little things I see wrong with it and I completely agree with the "mechanically safe and reliable" vs "pretty" angle. Right now the best course seems to be tearing it down to the frame, then cleaning and fixing everything as it goes back together. I think he'll get quite a workout on this one. :D
     

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