Buying old bike, It's gonna need an overhaul

[breakaway]

Hello People,

If all goes to plan, I will own a '89 CBR400RR by the end of this weekend. The rego is lapsed (Not paid for over a year, plates not in system etc), and the WoF status is unknown. Should be easy enough, after the overhaul.

What is to be done is:
1. Issue with Clutch (Video Below. New clutch kit? Current owner said something along the lines of a bearing being worn.)

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2. Fork Oil
Owner has no previous history, and said something about it going "clunk" when you go over a bump, so that probably needs re-doing. Bike has been fitted with USDs.

3. While we're here
It's probably best to give it a full service. Oils changed etc. What needs to be done here? I know little about doing a service.

Finally, what's a good place to get it all done? Unfortunately I don't have the knowledge to do this myself, so I have to go to a shop. I'm in Auckland. A friend recommended Spectrum Motorcycles, saying they are good, and well priced. I will probably end up going here, unless someone else has anything to add.

Thanks for any help in advance.

[surfer]

Why not give it a go yourself and learn some new skills. You will feel that you are more connected with your bike as a result.

Start at the start. Buy a manual. Do as much as you can then ask for some help. See how you go.

Good luck

[Macktheknife]

If you decide not to do it yourself (wuss) then Spectrum are a good choice.

[breakaway]

Hmm, quit bullying me into doing it myself :p

However I do have a month long break coming. But replacing clutch and fork oil etc sounds like serious work. The only tools I've got is a $19.95 box I got from the warehouse. I'm guessing this will take a lot more specialized tools?

However I hear what you guys are saying. I will get a quote from the shops first and go from there.

If I decide to do it myself I'm gonna need some supervision :p

[kevfromcoro]

ok ..its a peace of piss....do it yourself.....there are many people in here that are willing to help.......honestly ...bike maintence isnt to hard.

[FROSTY]

How much is said bike--add anoher $500 for the legals to get it on the road and another $500 to sort out the other stuff--clutch/forks etc---is it still a cheap bike??

[breakaway]

ok ..its a peace of piss....do it yourself.....there are many people in here that are willing to help.......honestly ...bike maintence isnt to hard.

Maintenance isn't what worries me, what worries me is how to replace the clutch. Secondly, getting forks off etc, how wuold you go about doing that? Keep in mind I don't have a special stand or anything to keep the bike upright.

I'm actually seriously considering doing this myself, to save the dosh and for the experience. Like I said, I'll get a quote first, and then probably come running back here asking for help :D


How much is said bike--add anoher $500 for the legals to get it on the road and another $500 to sort out the other stuff--clutch/forks etc---is it still a cheap bike??

Paying $2500 for it. So yes, I would think so.

[FROSTY]

If youre comfortable paying 3500 for a bike you're gonna have to wait awhile before its ready to ride--cool
Gotta say doesnt sound a good deal to me--$2500 all up finished sounds more likely

[breakaway]

If youre comfortable paying 3500 for a bike you're gonna have to wait awhile before its ready to ride--cool
Gotta say doesnt sound a good deal to me--$2500 all up finished sounds more likely

I'll probably the RG in the mean time, so I'm quite happy with this deal.

[kevfromcoro]

its no big deal to change your fork oil.....has the bike got a centre stand...thats all u need..also the clutch plates..ask for some help if u wish...working on bikes is just as much fun as riding them....all the best

[surfer]

I used blocks of wood under the frame to suport my bike when I stripped it down as it doesn't have a centre stand and I was too skint to buy a proper work stand for it.

Go for it, you know you can do it.

[Crisis management]

All of the maintenance you talk of is achievable with a bit of common sense and a few tools. Go to the three kings library and get a workshop manual if poss, read and prepare.
Don't be put off by a lack of tools / facilities, you'll be surprised how easily you can adapt stuff.
If you need advice / help, I am in Hillsborough and am happy to show/ tell you how to get most stuff done, send me a PM if you want to.

[breakaway]

All of the maintenance you talk of is achievable with a bit of common sense and a few tools. Go to the three kings library and get a workshop manual if poss, read and prepare.
Don't be put off by a lack of tools / facilities, you'll be surprised how easily you can adapt stuff.
If you need advice / help, I am in Hillsborough and am happy to show/ tell you how to get most stuff done, send me a PM if you want to.

Cheers mate, thanks for the offer. Will probably take you up on it :yup: