I just bought an 84 and a pair of 86s plus a truck bed full of spare parts and manuals. They're all 500s. Is this the right forum?
The plan is to make one really nice one, one good runner that's a little ugly, and have a stash of parts and sell the rest on eBay.
The ugly one (the 84) would be a good candidate for a street-fighter, as everything on it that can be painted has been painted. silver wheels, black forks, red frame, olive drab tank, lower pointy-fairing-thing is gray primer. Upper fairing is original tricolor but was repaired and has a big primer spot.
I like the sound of the V4, and I've always liked the looks of the factory red/white/blue paint job. I heard a friend of a friend was selling three of them - I jumped on it. I've got about 5 exhaust systems - 2 Yoshimura (one is brand new) 2 factory systems (one is a new takeoff) and some cheap-looking "F1" system.
The nicer two bikes have been owned by the same man since the mid 80's. The 84 was bought new by a friend and 3 months later sold to a friend of his. (The man I bought them from)
The third bike (an 86) is a light wreck reported to have "engine trouble" no title, and not worth saving, other than a source of hardware and ebay fodder. Any suggestions as to what parts are worth keeping and what parts bring worthwhile money on ebay?
if I recall, a few of the parts are different between the '86 and the '84 ... something to consider while making the decision on which bike to keep....
if I recall, a few of the parts are different between the '86 and the '84 ... something to consider while making the decision on which bike to keep....
More than a few, more than you would think. Any questions as you go, you know where to ask.
Yes, the nicest bike has the rear seat hard cover, but it's a black seat. Not the correct red. The mess came with a spare new black cover, and a shot red seat. Not sure if I even like the hard tail. I'm more of a cargo guy - I did a motorcycle camping trip on my KLR, and I ride to work - and pack my lunch. It is sharp looking though!
My original picture had the future "street-fighter". This one is parts donor only. No title. Nothing on it is exceptional, or even nicer than the other two. Cheap-o aftermarket turn signals held together with zip ties, mis-matched generic tires... All the things that throw red flags when bike shopping. Looks like it sat outside much of its life.
I just listed it in the classifieds here. I don't have room for it so it's getting stripped and getting gone. Is the Pay-it-Forward thing a pain? Looks like I'm obligated to give it to the first responder, even if they can't pick it up for months? Or want me to ship it?
I stripped that third bike today. Frame is on Pay-it-Forward classifieds on this site. Motor would only turn a few degrees when spinning wheel in gear. I pulled the plugs before spinning, one was bent badly. Pulled the valve cover and saw a dropped valve. Pulled the head and saw this:[image: post-33135-0-69319100-1434330823.jpg][image: post-33135-0-33288500-1434330838.jpg]
Might not be readily visible - the valve head broke off, bounced around in there, then lodged itself into the piston.
It's a shame, the motor was spotless inside. 28k showing on the odometer.
Dutchy
Got a spare set of '86 indicators? :cool:
A few odd ones, but they weren't real nice. I'll probably keep them, as I've broken a few of those on other bikes and would like spares.
Just checked ebay - seat cowls selling for up to $250?! Heck yes I'll be selling it! I'd be covering it with a tailbag anyhow. I ride to work and pack my lunch.
I'll let this thread know when I put it up for sale. PSJ, Preference given to fellow Frontier owners. :)