Are there any good "project" bikes?
Discussion
so if you can find a cheap knackered one it might pay for itself as a restoration project.
Any old aircooled, four cylinder, Suzuki (GS or GSX 550, 650, 750, 1000)
Motors were unbreakable so no real worries there even with high mileage, lots of cycle parts available online or from autojumbles, easy to work on (lots of room, few plastics to get in the way), cheap, you'll learn a lot about electrics doing it.
I guess the GPz series Kawasaki would be the same.
Avoid two strokes, they've ALWAYS been bodged.
Motors were unbreakable so no real worries there even with high mileage, lots of cycle parts available online or from autojumbles, easy to work on (lots of room, few plastics to get in the way), cheap, you'll learn a lot about electrics doing it.
I guess the GPz series Kawasaki would be the same.
Avoid two strokes, they've ALWAYS been bodged.
Thanks for all your replies so far guys, I've had a look through most of the bikes that people have suggested and am currently leaning towards something around the 250 - 400cc mark as I'd assume these are cheaper to insure than a larger cc bike and also better to learn riding skills upon.
I really like the look of the Honda VFR 400 (ideally the NC30 version if I can stretch to it). but are there any other bikes within the 250-400 range to consider?
The only thing that's thrown a bit of a spanner in the works is that I've read some reports that the VFR's can be difficult to work on & some parts can be v.expensive but as this is intended to be a project for me it's not too much of an issue.
I really like the look of the Honda VFR 400 (ideally the NC30 version if I can stretch to it). but are there any other bikes within the 250-400 range to consider?
The only thing that's thrown a bit of a spanner in the works is that I've read some reports that the VFR's can be difficult to work on & some parts can be v.expensive but as this is intended to be a project for me it's not too much of an issue.
MikeA3 said:
Thanks for all your replies so far guys, I've had a look through most of the bikes that people have suggested and am currently leaning towards something around the 250 - 400cc mark as I'd assume these are cheaper to insure than a larger cc bike and also better to learn riding skills upon.
I really like the look of the Honda VFR 400 (ideally the NC30 version if I can stretch to it). but are there any other bikes within the 250-400 range to consider?
The only thing that's thrown a bit of a spanner in the works is that I've read some reports that the VFR's can be difficult to work on & some parts can be v.expensive but as this is intended to be a project for me it's not too much of an issue.
All the 250-500cc 2stroke reps - TZR, RGV, RS, RD, NSR, etc. Newer ones will have more electronics though so.I really like the look of the Honda VFR 400 (ideally the NC30 version if I can stretch to it). but are there any other bikes within the 250-400 range to consider?
The only thing that's thrown a bit of a spanner in the works is that I've read some reports that the VFR's can be difficult to work on & some parts can be v.expensive but as this is intended to be a project for me it's not too much of an issue.
The 250 and 400cc 4strokes ZXR, CBR, NC30 + 45, ZZR, etc. Most of the 1000cc and 600cc bikes have/had a 250 and 400cc JDM version.
MCN did a review of all the best 250cc 2stokes a few weeks ago - have a look on their website.
Try a CBR 400 ( NC 23 or NC 29 ).
I bought a really nice Gullarm ( NC 29 ) for £800 last year and it's a great bike. Typical Honda quality and plenty of spares available.
Suspension is a bit soft but can be sorted.
Get a test ride though, and rev it hard in second gear as this can be a weakness.
Check out the forum greybike.co.uk
I bought a really nice Gullarm ( NC 29 ) for £800 last year and it's a great bike. Typical Honda quality and plenty of spares available.
Suspension is a bit soft but can be sorted.
Get a test ride though, and rev it hard in second gear as this can be a weakness.
Check out the forum greybike.co.uk
Insurance isn't going to be a worry - my GPZ500S ungaraged (I've got one but can't be bothered as the car and all my carp is in there) is £80 TPFT. Buy what you want to ride - if it's a project you won't be insuring it fully comp so even something really quick isn't going to be over £150. 
paul_tim2000 said:
Avoid two strokes, they've ALWAYS been bodged.
Ignore the above quote, i think there was an mouth/bum interface.Get yourself a 250 two stroke. If you have little mechanical experiencs, like I did, I can't think of a better project bike to cut your teeth on. The mechanics and electrics are usually quite simple, the older the less technical it will be.
I currently own three tzr 250's with most of the maintenance being done by myself. Providing you use 2 stroke oil as recommended, these go on with very little looking after.
The bodged comment above probably relates to the fact that spotty oiks would get their hands on them and pretend they were baz Sheene, that is until the engine blew up! Lots of bargains to be had, but hurry up - some of the old strokers are now falling into classic status which invariably will artificially raise the prices.
trumpet600 said:
paul_tim2000 said:
Avoid two strokes, they've ALWAYS been bodged.
Ignore the above quote, i think there was an mouth/bum interface.Get yourself a 250 two stroke. If you have little mechanical experiencs, like I did, I can't think of a better project bike to cut your teeth on. The mechanics and electrics are usually quite simple, the older the less technical it will be.
I currently own three tzr 250's with most of the maintenance being done by myself. Providing you use 2 stroke oil as recommended, these go on with very little looking after.
The bodged comment above probably relates to the fact that spotty oiks would get their hands on them and pretend they were baz Sheene, that is until the engine blew up! Lots of bargains to be had, but hurry up - some of the old strokers are now falling into classic status which invariably will artificially raise the prices.
Here ya go. I know this particular bike and it's a worthy contender.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&am...
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&am...
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