New member, also new to motorcycles

[Feardeath]

Firstly, my name is David and I live in the bay area. I am 17 years old, 18 in march, and I live for motorcycles. I started out with my 50cc crotch rocket at the age of 10, and directly switched to a Honda ST1100 at 15. I've been a car mechanic my life, specializing in European cars, Volvo and Mercedes mainly; and now wish to start on a project bike. My parents have never wanted me to be a rider, but i believe I have the right to buy my own. Of late I've seen a posting on graigslist for a 1992 GS500 with a connecting rod bearing job that needs to be done. Having worked on cars before, I know that this isn't an easy job to do, but I would really appreciate any information on what kind of job it can turn out to be, what I would need to do it, money involved, and whether or not the bike is worth it. Here is the posting:      http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/mcy/1257250239.html
He has accepted my offer for him to deliver directly to my house the bike, and both spare engines for $450.
Thank you in advance, I will be checking the forum often.

[scratch]

Welcome!

You already know it will be a complete engine teardown, just price a complete engine gasket kit, and then add all the parts you will need to replace.  As far as where to order parts, I don't know where in the SFBA you are located, but checking bayarearidersforum.com might help.

As I'm thinking about it, the guy accepted your offer to deliver for $150 less than what he was asking.  Did he accept pretty quickly?  Also, this guy seems to go through motors...it makes me wonder how well he takes care of the rest of the bike.

[XealotX]

My parents have never wanted me to be a rider, but i believe I have the right to buy my own.

Is it legal for a minor to buy a vehicle and have it registered in their name or does a parent have to sign the paperwork? I know that it is illegal for a minor to drive without their parents permission.

Good thing you're not my kid spouting off about "rights"...I'd cut up your drivers license and remind you that you have the "right" to walk anywhere you please.

Oh yeah...welcome aboard.

[Dr.Sparkie]

150 mains seems quite rich to me for a stock motor... of course if its a 541 or a 555 then it would make sense. check what "mods" have been done to that stock exhaust as well... looks like you got a project going on, and between the three motors you'll be able to get something running.


dont re-use bearings though... I only made that mistake once. and you're damn right you got the right to buy your own bike.

[bassmechanicsz]

for something that cheap with that many spare motors almost seems like their might be other issues as well.  I say if you are up for the project than definitely go for it for that price.

[The Buddha]

150/40 - gstwinner.
Cool.
Buddha.

[Feardeath]

Thank you all for the responds sofar, but I seem to have not been clear. I have never actually worked on a motorcycle before, and because of my experience with these kinds of jobs on late 80's early 90's Volvo's and the such, I would like to know if there are any "little tricks" I must know not to destroy this beauty. I live in San Leandro, pretty close to some motorcycle shops. Please notice the reason why I went for this bike, it was cheap.  Oh and slip of the fingers early, he offered ME $450 right off of the bat after my first email, so It seems as if he's in a real hurry to get rid of this little package. I don't know...

Oh and I have many cars registered and insured insured in my name with no parent permissions, only moms sig on the insurrance. So I would doubt any difference on a motorcycle.

[tripleb]

you'll def have your hands full from what it sounds like.  Make sure that you switch out the 14t sprocket for a 15t or 16t before you ride it as it will not act like a regular GS.

[rydethis]

Welcome!!!

[dafatrman]

Many people have told me "Oh, I can't work on a motorcycle, only cars, wah, wah, wah....."  It is a 4 stroke piston engine.  It is just the same with a few minor diffs.  Read this:  Get a book first.  CLEAN the engine.  Remove the engine covers and remove the clutch, alternator, ignition timimng components, and the external shift mechanism.  The top end consists of the cylinder head, pistons, and cylinders.  Take them off.  Then flip it over, split the cases and do the bottom end.  You must deal with the engine and transmission at the same time on almost all imported motorcycles.  Just don't take the transmission out if you don't need to, but I would check it out and make sure that no teeth are broken or dogs are rounded off, and be sure the shift drum isn't worn out.  Check the transmission bearings too.  Anyway that is roughly how you get it apart.  Different, huh?  But everything else is pretty much like working on a car.  For sure replace the oil pump and clean and inspect the oil pressure check valve.  The book plus your experience will guide you in making a little bad-ass engine.  Good luck and please PM me if you have any questions.  I not an engine super-genius, but I love building engines and really love to help.  It makes me feel useful..... like I'm worth something.

[Feardeath]

Thank you very much. I will see what happens.

[PaviSays]

Wooo!  Someone else who's younger than me!  But probably 100x the mechanical experience, haha.

[dafatrman]

I doubt it, PaviSays.  Maybe you know more than me?  I am not a pro, just someone who has done it a few times.

[PaviSays]

Haha I guess I should have specified, but I was talking about Feardeath.  I never really had a mechanical interest as a child, but since I've got this bike, I've become addicted to it all.  I'm not really that much into engines yet, but I'd like to learn.