I find that since covid the prices of potential project bikes (or any bike for that matter) is through the roof and yours for $500 is a rare exception. Nice informative series, thanks
Since I can't help but modify a bike in every way I like buying the older 2 strokes that are well used and cheap, but suspension, transmission and frame, etc are in decent shape. Then complete tear down of every part, replace and modify as needed. In the end you have a new customized bike for half the price (parts only) with high end parts like hinson clutch, aftermarket or cut head, reeds, pipe, bars, seat, pegs, etc, etc. I certainly don't factor my hours in as I put in way too many, but I enjoy it. I also tend to keep and ride my bikes for 10+ years. I currently have a 91 KX500, 03 RM250 and a 2012 YZ125 that all came from this program.
NIce work definitely enjoying these vids! I agree doesn't really makes sense if you a looking to make money on a bike like this. If you just enjoy the build process though why not? You can have some fun and maybe even make a few $$ at the same time.
i have a 2004 yz125 that im fixing up. dont plan to ride it too much but i also dont think im gonna make any money on it. ill be lucky if i can break even.
It’s a very frustrating situation, I find a lot of rough bikes for sale, but like you say if you want to be thorough they nickel and dime you to death. I’m doing a mechanical/light cosmetic restoration on a vf500 for someone right now and I’m going to be into it $3000 by the time I’m finished which is more than the bike is worth. I’m only charging $35/hr. The problem is scrapping it would be such a shame. And there are bikes like this one all over.
One way of looking at this is that is as functional as a current machine ' AND it is hand built NEW. Ready to run for another 1000 Hr . A deal at anything under 9000 Canuckistaini pesos!!!
The little parts always kill me. I end up spending too much on replacing all the little bits. But I actually like cleaning the bike parts. Making it look good again is really rewarding. Did you sand blast the frame? It looks really dull? Worth it? in CA, currently still only a 2002 or older 2-stroke is able to be green stickered (year round riding). So outside of the price, there are some other things to consider. I totally revamped an 02 250 and a 02 125 just for that reason.
Yes. The frame got bead blasted. Cali has its own set of issues for sure. It certainly is rewarding to polish it all up & make it pretty. I’m too impatient to enjoy it though.
Request; If you decide to revalve, can you give us some insight in general terms as to how to revalve from mx to enduro? What is the problems, how you try to fix them etc.. You dont have to give us the exact specs.
I have since revalved it. I’m not in the least bit secretive about any mods I do. I opened up the float on the mid-valve to about 1.2 (if I remember correctly) and softened up the base valve as well by removing some face shims & setting up a 2 stage stack. Nothing fancy. Straightforward valving.
Satisfying as a hobby, but I can see its not a viable way to turn a profit Graphic kits are an unnecessary expense but might help you sell it ( especially if they’re redbull lol) Buying a cheap, beat- up old bike might be more expensive in the long run but sometimes it helps lower the initial steep price barrier to get into riding and forces some good learning experiences I bought a really neglected old KTM , and slowly fixed it up over 2 or 3 seasons , the little stuff does really add up. Spending $1500-2500 on a bike and then slowly sinking that or more into it again, in $500 increments seems to be easier cashflow wise than dropping 10-15k on a new bike. ( I’ve never financed a bike) You have to deal with riding a clapped out bike and taking time to get it to perfect. Lots of learning, cleaning and wrenching ,ebay parts , thread restorations and more cleaning I do look forward to when I can buy a new one and not have to clean 15 years of grime off every part !
I find that since covid the prices of potential project bikes (or any bike for that matter) is through the roof and yours for $500 is a rare exception.
Nice informative series, thanks
Since I can't help but modify a bike in every way I like buying the older 2 strokes that are well used and cheap, but suspension, transmission and frame, etc are in decent shape. Then complete tear down of every part, replace and modify as needed.
In the end you have a new customized bike for half the price (parts only) with high end parts like hinson clutch, aftermarket or cut head, reeds, pipe, bars, seat, pegs, etc, etc.
I certainly don't factor my hours in as I put in way too many, but I enjoy it. I also tend to keep and ride my bikes for 10+ years.
I currently have a 91 KX500, 03 RM250 and a 2012 YZ125 that all came from this program.
Awesome work. You must be kept pretty busy lol. You should see the bikes on the east coast. Bikes “not worth buying” for not very cheap haha.
Dude. This bike out here would easily fetch $1200. I even made sure the previous owner was clear on that.
Project bike is looking good Chuck! Another positive is that you love doing this, that's clear! For sure a rewarding good time.
Great video Chuck, you are placing all facets of this build into a realistic timeframe & manor… enjoying this series build 👏👍
NIce work definitely enjoying these vids! I agree doesn't really makes sense if you a looking to make money on a bike like this. If you just enjoy the build process though why not? You can have some fun and maybe even make a few $$ at the same time.
i have a 2004 yz125 that im fixing up. dont plan to ride it too much but i also dont think im gonna make any money on it. ill be lucky if i can break even.
Nice work!!!
It’s a very frustrating situation, I find a lot of rough bikes for sale, but like you say if you want to be thorough they nickel and dime you to death. I’m doing a mechanical/light cosmetic restoration on a vf500 for someone right now and I’m going to be into it $3000 by the time I’m finished which is more than the bike is worth. I’m only charging $35/hr. The problem is scrapping it would be such a shame. And there are bikes like this one all over.
One way of looking at this is that is as functional as a current machine ' AND it is hand built NEW. Ready to run for another 1000 Hr . A deal at anything under 9000 Canuckistaini pesos!!!
At $9000 it would be worth it, but just barely.
The little parts always kill me. I end up spending too much on replacing all the little bits. But I actually like cleaning the bike parts. Making it look good again is really rewarding. Did you sand blast the frame? It looks really dull?
Worth it? in CA, currently still only a 2002 or older 2-stroke is able to be green stickered (year round riding). So outside of the price, there are some other things to consider. I totally revamped an 02 250 and a 02 125 just for that reason.
Yes. The frame got bead blasted. Cali has its own set of issues for sure. It certainly is rewarding to polish it all up & make it pretty. I’m too impatient to enjoy it though.
Request; If you decide to revalve, can you give us some insight in general terms as to how to revalve from mx to enduro? What is the problems, how you try to fix them etc.. You dont have to give us the exact specs.
I have since revalved it. I’m not in the least bit secretive about any mods I do. I opened up the float on the mid-valve to about 1.2 (if I remember correctly) and softened up the base valve as well by removing some face shims & setting up a 2 stage stack. Nothing fancy. Straightforward valving.
Thank you!!!
Satisfying as a hobby, but I can see its not a viable way to turn a profit
Graphic kits are an unnecessary expense but might help you sell it ( especially if they’re redbull lol)
Buying a cheap, beat- up old bike might be more expensive in the long run but sometimes it helps lower the initial steep price barrier to get into riding and forces some good learning experiences
I bought a really neglected old KTM , and slowly fixed it up over 2 or 3 seasons , the little stuff does really add up.
Spending $1500-2500 on a bike and then slowly sinking that or more into it again, in $500 increments seems to be easier cashflow wise than dropping 10-15k on a new bike. ( I’ve never financed a bike)
You have to deal with riding a clapped out bike and taking time to get it to perfect. Lots of learning, cleaning and wrenching ,ebay parts , thread restorations and more cleaning
I do look forward to when I can buy a new one and not have to clean 15 years of grime off every part !
Some great insight. There are plenty of good reasons to take on the work. Profit isn’t often one of them.
First! ha ha ha
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