Basket Case

legion · 01-25-2009, 10:24 AM

Looks like I have a new project:

It's an '85 Kawasaki. (Don't know the model or engine size.) The last time it was ridden was '95. The front wheel doesn't spin. I'm not sure if the front brake is locked up or the wheel bearings are bad.

It belongs to a friend and I'm helping her restore it and she's keeping it at my place until it runs.

911Rob · 911Rob's Garage

Whoa....!
And I thought I was ambitious?

What was with your 'mug' shot thread; down right frickin scary dude?

legion · 01-25-2009, 10:31 AM

This is an ideal project for me. I don't own the motorcycle and I'm not paying for any of the parts. I get to wrench on it but it doesn't cost me anything!

As for that "other" thread...I'd had a few too many last night. I woke up with a splitting headache this morning. There's a very good reason I've had that bottle of Absinthe for over two years.

911Rob · 911Rob's Garage

I think that was obvious; ha, ha. Just couldn't let it go without mentioning it and I wasn't gonna post in 'that' thread. Ha, ha, ha. Thanks for the laugh Chris, you're funny!

crustychief · crustychief's Garage

Sweet T.V. , I was wondering what was up with the " other " thread! Kawi 454 LTD maybe?

legion · 01-25-2009, 11:48 AM

Yep, I think that's it.

Time to look up the technical info.

onlycafe · 01-25-2009, 02:44 PM

i was hoping for a 1982 basket case.

lendaddy · 01-25-2009, 03:10 PM

Two words, Trash Can. Find something worthy of the effort...seriously.

legion · 01-25-2009, 04:37 PM

It's not my call. I'm helping a friend on this project. I'm supplying tools, labor, and knowledge, but I'm not financing the rebuild. She got the bike for free from her brother. I'm thinking eBay will probably be the best source for parts.

Until it gets warmer, we're just going to research what a rebuild might run. She may well decide to scrap it. Otherwise, I'm going to have fun with a mechanical project.

Rot 911 · 01-25-2009, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lendaddy

Two words, Trash Can. Find something worthy of the effort...seriously.

+1. That bike, in good running condition, wouldn't be worth $400. I bet the rebuild is going to cost a hell of a lot more than that.

jwasbury · 01-25-2009, 06:12 PM

I would start by hosing it down completely with WD-40

crustychief · crustychief's Garage

I use bikebandit.com for my older bikes. They even have exploded view parts diagrams.
http://www.bikebandit.com/houseofmotorcycles/kawasaki-motorcycle-454-ltd-en450a1-us-1985/o/m3215
check that out!

berettafan · 01-25-2009, 07:13 PM

Concur w/ Kurt and Len.

Point your girlfriend in another direction.

speeder · speeder's Garage

Yep. Those bikes can be had in showroom condition for less than the charge for a few parts. Bike parts are shockingly pricey, always makes more sense to just buy the whole bike in mint cond.

Steve Carlton · 01-25-2009, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by legion

She got the bike for free from her brother.

She paid too much.

aigel · aigel's Garage

Water cooled to boot!

There must be more benefits than the ability to wrench on a heap of oxidized metal. Admit it and we'll back off.

George

911Rob · 911Rob's Garage

I remember when Kaw came out with the LTD version..... that was one sweet bike and I fell in love with it instantly! Always wanted one, never did have one. Your friend is living my dream Legion

notfarnow · 01-26-2009, 04:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by speeder

Yep. Those bikes can be had in showroom condition for less than the charge for a few parts. Bike parts are shockingly pricey, always makes more sense to just buy the whole bike in mint cond.

If that's the case, wouldn't there be a decent market for the used parts? Might be worth explaining to the owner that the bike would be unjustifiably expensive to repair, but that there could be some $$ in parts. That way you could still get the experience of tearing it down, and maybe splitting whatever parts you sell.

Only worth the effort if the parts are worth $$, but I learn a lot tearing stuff apart. I bought a 911T 2.0 longblock for $200 a couple years ago, bought some tools and had a blast tearing it apart and seeing what's what. Also made about $800 off of it. I still have the crank to make a lamp with.

lendaddy · 01-26-2009, 05:04 AM

Also understand that you will be putting a young woman on this thing (that you rebuilt) telling her that it's "good to go". No friggen way man. The amount of dough you'd need to roll up into that turd to sleep well knowing a chick is tooling down the highway on it.........fuggitaboudit.

legion · 01-26-2009, 05:35 AM

Wow, you guys are rough. No sympathy for taking on a hopeless project, eh?

I guess I won't be posting updates.