My new 1989 alabastar bomber

[Snake2715]

Well... spur of the moment had other plans for the 98 today, but accidentally came across a new craigslist posting for an 1989 "project bike".

$350

240 miles and 5 hours later...






craigslist seller  pics:







Its got under 7600 on the clock. Tank is pretty rusty. needs new tires, frame has some rust on the bottom side.. Oil was clean. I dropped my battery in and it cranked over (tank is unhooked and dry).

Missing he air filter... decent dent in the top of the tank by the cap. Front brake has no resistance. Chain is nicely lubed.


Story is the kids Uncle gave it to him 2 years ago. He paid to have carb work done last year and it was starting but rough. He never got back around to it and just didn't want it anymore. Kids is 20 and driving and bought a dirt bike.

Not sure on the title its the original Michigan 1989 title, and its been signed over to his uncle in 2001.. his uncle never re titled it and just gave him the whole mess 2 years ago... There is a lien holder showing on the title that was never released.. Thats 24 years ago now.. Not sure if the bank is still there or what.. Kid didn't realize this before I came and once we figured that out he dropped it by $50. I figure worse case I have some parts and a junk frame.. best case it may be re street able.

Once I figure out the title that will give me a better idea as to the goal.. tear down and rebuild into a project bike or just not sure yet.

[Gorilla]

hells yeah man what a steal!

[cbrfxr67]

  fook yes

good stuff,.....that's why I try to stay off cl though 

[Snake2715]

Thanks Gorilla.

Yeah I dont stay off craigslist because I have the apps on my phone, but I try not to check it too often.

Thats ok though. I have other projects but lately bikes have been it. So I will find something to do with it, once I figure the title out.. which by how the work day is going may or may not be yet today.

I am leaning toward a restore and then keep.. sadly I never keep any toy too long though.

[cbrfxr67]

this is from another forum I frequent and not sure how valid it would be for you up there but simple enough down here in Houston,....for a bonded title

"1.go to your local tax office get the statement of facts or download it from the dmv website.
2.go to the tax office off ih 10 and washington get the bonded title form from the front desk fill them out completly
3.the tax office will give you a rejection letter after this take it to somewhere where they do surety bonds get one I believe. If your bike is less then 6000 your bond should be 120.00
4.go back to the local tax office and viola apply for the title they will give it to you then you can do the registration and inspection. I just did mine today 4hours the most."

I think you did great for the $$$,...!  And how solid is that tow mount with the gs on it?  I mean is it pretty balanced/stout?

[Snake2715]

V6 escape rated towing is 3500, I forget the suggested tongue weight for the class III hitch, but its capable for more than this.

I have had that rack for 3-4 year's and use it more than my trailer. Its rated for 400-450 if I recall, some cheaper ones are not as high of weight rating.

I have transported probably 10-12 different bikes on the thing without issue, each more than once. A year or two ago I picked up a TW200 (fat tire street legal enduro). Its back tire is really wide and the tire didnt fit between the rails in the rack at all. I strapped it down of course, and had moved a few TW's before without issue. What I thought I did, but I apparently didn't do was put it in gear..it was left in neutral. I clicked it to gear, but it must have stayed in neutral, when its strapped you really can't tell cause its not really moving.

Well it was a similar 5 hour trip to this and we made a few stops. At a light we were going about 10-15 mph and went around a turn and hit a pothole. Apparently that was enough and the back tire stayed strapped but rolled off the rack in the back. Seriously loud thump... I look in my mirror and to my horror and can't see the bike!

Turns out all was ok, the rack got torqued a little and still is. I loosened the rear strap, lifted it on the rack (bike stayed upright was just dragging back tire), restrapped and made sure It was in gear this time (was in neutral when I loosened strap). Never lost another bike. That TW has such a monster rear tire it did no damage to the tire or rim during that incident thankfully.

A couple of points it can be used for street bikes, but watch the back tire width and secure appropriately (GS is fine). Also the front disc on the GS sits somewhat close to the rack 3 inches when the tire is seated in between the rails like its supposed to be.

Otherwise love the rack, never realized how much I would use it.

[PatheticPuma]

I just saw the old white on blue plate...so thats like.....6 years since on the road?

[Snake2715]

I have the original title...that was sold and never re titled in 2001..this is a project for sure!

we need to get yours up first however!

[PatheticPuma]

I have the original title...that was sold and never re titled in 2001..this is a project for sure!

we need to get yours up first however!

mine is running again, ao just throw that blue beauty on your truck and come on by haha.

[Snake2715]

I have the original title...that was sold and never re titled in 2001..this is a project for sure!

we need to get yours up first however!

mine is running again, ao just throw that blue beauty on your truck and come on by haha.

shhh that ones a secret!  ha.

[PatheticPuma]

I meant white....damn autocorrect...

[Bscanlon64]

 Otherwise love the rack, never realized how much I would use it.

Where did you get your carrier and do you know the length of it? It obviously carries a GS, which I have, but I'm just curious.

[Snake2715]

This one is rated at 500lbs.. I would feel better with it.

Mine is aluminum with steel support bar and wont rust as easy this one is all steel..

UPSIDE this thing is on sale for like $40 + 42 shipping at amazon now!

Crazy cheap:

http://www.amazon.com/Motorcycle-Carrier-Hauler-Dirtbike-T-NS-MRC001-DIRTBIKERACKRAMP/dp/B003E2WQE4



This is like mine, but mine is stamped 450 lbs weight capacity. I will see if I can find the brand again I know it was one there but that sticker is faded now:


http://www.aluminumcarrier.com/AMC-400.htm

[Anaconda]

Snake, that's an awesome score! +1 for the bike rack too. I have one myself that I put on my van to carry my gs as I travel throughout California. I don't know about your area, but while going into towns along the coast, people look at me like I'm crazy 

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[Snake2715]

Anaconda...

Why are you carrying the bike in Cali?

Yeah I get a lot of looks thats for sure, buts cool.

Love the yellow bike!