Looking for advice.

I've come across an opportunity to pick up a 650 Seca for pretty cheap (150). The body and frame are in great condition, but the bike isn't running due to as yet un-diagnosed carb problems. This would be my first bike and I don't mind putting some time and money into it to get it working, but I'm not exactly well versed in carb and engine mechanics. So, is it a good pickup for the price? Also, any estimates for how difficult it will be to find and/or fix the problem with the carb? Any feedback would be greatly appriciated.

 

Sounds like a good price to me. The carbs aren't all that hard to do. Rebuild (gasket) kits will cost you about $30.00 a piece. If you don't feel competent enough to do them yourself, I can provide you with information/links to people that do them professionally, however, they're not that difficult a job to tackle yourself. Get a good manual, though, as soon as you buy the bike. I bought a Clymer and it's gotten me through some pretty goofy troubleshooting spots. Good luck!

 

Make sure the engine isn't siezed before you buy it, or carb problems will be the least of your worries.

 

yeh thats a good price for the bike , even if you have to put in a couple hundred i think you`ll have a good bike there when your done. I used to be a bit concerned with tackling carb problems but with advice from the very knowledgable members in here and a good manual it really wasnt that bad and bike is running good now. Search the forums in here for related carb topics theres carb and mechanical post related to your bike that are well written, so for 150 i think you cant go wrong especially if you are willing to do the work yourself. As for finding parts there a places to buy them.

 

yes forgot to mention that make sure that the mechanical problems with the bike are not serious otherwise........

 

i took my carbs off and had them rebuilt by a pro. cost about $400. just an alternative i didn't really have a place to rebuild them myself.

 

i took my carbs off and had them rebuilt by a pro. cost about $400. just an alternative i didn't really have a place to rebuild them myself.

 

IMHO it may be a good deal if you are able to do the repairs yourself.

If you have to pay someone else to do them it could quickly add up to more than the bike is worth.

$400 for carbs, couple hundred for tires, fuel valve rebuild/replace, brakes (pads/shoes and master cylinder rebuild). Electrical problems? It will add up fast.

 

Lohnair, you have all you need to fix the system. Buy the bike. I'm up that way occasionally and I know of a few of our other members out that way as well. Any one of us would be glad to help out. This forum and a book are all you will need (tools would help too I guess, unless your Uri Geller). Throw your questions out to us and we'll tackle them together. Best of luck, I expect you'll love that bike if you give it a shot.

 

Sounds like you've gotten some good advise!

Even if you bought the bike for 150.00 you could still sell it for parts for much more!
Sounds like a low risk propisition.

Good Luck

 

I want to thank everyone for all the advice. I'll let you know how it goes.

Lohnair out.

 

If you find your in too far over your head, I might be able to weasel some time out of my sweetheart in a couple of weeks. Keep us posted if you pick it up.

 

Just my .02 but $150 is a very inexpensive starting point. If you have the time and the energy- it would be a good bike to learn on as long as you could devote the time and money. Look at it as a long- term hobby. If you pass on the deal- you might ask the seller if you could post the info on this forum so another member in your area could pick it up as a project. -J