Hmm - true that - well worth checking if the forks are still straight. That's safety as well as handling so it's worth a bit of work.
You can sight along the tubes with the forks still in the frame. A better way is to present a straight edge to the tubes, or to roll the tubes along a flat, clean benchtop and see if they wobble when they roll. For either of those you'll have to pull the forks off the bike completely and that means lifting the bike.
Options for lifting front of the bike:
- front stand
- underframe / under engine type bike lifter
- rope between front of frame and garage roof / overhead beam
Whatever lift method you use, make sure that the bike's secure. A good way is to use two lift methods simultaneously, each one capable of holding the bike. It'll tend to rock and wobble while you work on fasteners and that can mean trouble. I've had a front stand collapse before... even a mostly stripped 250 has a bit of weight to it and once they start going, they move fast.
Hello everyone,
After a very long time I am back into it and can confirm a few things..
The engine casing mount needs to be welded, I have attached a photo of this FYI. Anyone know where I can get this done? I have called and emailed several places but no one seems to reply... is it just not worth it?
I am wanting to get this running. Does anybody know what it costs to get the engine rebuilt? I know the bike itself isn’t worth a whole lot but it’s more so the love for the bike than the overall costs. Not hugely fussed but I guess if it’s going to cost substantially more than what the bikes worth, then I may sell as is?
Currently for the engine off the bike, if someone’s able to give me an indication of who would be good at rebuilding this, and get it running. I’ve got a video of me trying to start the bike. An idea of the costs would be good too.
In terms of rebuilding the engine, does a mechanic need the engine to be on the bike? I mean in terms of diagnosing what needs to be done etc. Would a video be enough? (when I did try starting it, it did pick up at one moment and then there was brown coolant coming out, so I have drained this, and the coolant was like coffee... dark brown... and really the bike just didnt want to start). The engine is all off now so just need someone to help with this... replaces some seals (because I think there was a leak in the head 99% sure) and welding of course, and a look at why the coolant was brown?
What do you guys think... I may be a fool to think its worth spending money on this, but am open to hear anyones thoughts on this.
highly appreciated!
This is not sounding good at all.
The reweld: unsure, thankfully haven't had to do something like that. I'd suggest as a first call F1 Engineering, motorcycle race damage repair specialists, if they won't do it then they might be able to point you to who will.
The engine rebuild, well, depends how fussy you want to be. It will almost certainly cost more than the bike is worth in any condition including running and wof'd, even doing it DIY. I've done all my own work myself so couldn't tell you what you'd likely pay a pro but can tell you that spares, tools etc add up fast.
It's very easy to be optimistic about this stuff, to greatly underestimate the cost and difficulty of a job like this. If you love the bike then yes, go for it. Otherwise is there something else out there that's been catching your eye lately?
Strip the broken case take it to a fab shop get it welded, put motor back in clean carbs fresh fuel and check its got decent spark then have at it with ether(starting fluid) brake kleen what ever you have that is flamable right down the intake. One its half assed going do a TKtest on the radiator if its fine then ride it till it dies.
Actually just start it on the bench less work. Battery charger straight on starter motor with all necessary electricals connected.
There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)
Bookmarks