Cheap bike to mess about with?

[vtryorks]

Guys,

Since I'm totally new to just about anything mechanical, rather than practice on my new storm, I figured buying a very cheap bike to get running again would be good practice.

I'm happy following guides from the Workshop section, in fact, thanks to AMCQ46 I have an understanding of carb balancing now, which is cool. But anything outside that, including the simplest stuff like using a torque wrench, I've just no experience of at all.

Can anyone recommend a good bike to learn general mechanics on. Thought about a Cub 90 but they dont seem to need much doing to them.

Any suggestions?

Cheers,

M

[tony.mon]

Try putting an ad in the local paper asking for a project bike, anything considered.

If it's been neglected for a few years, so much the better.

Only thing is you'll need a van or trailer.

[vtryorks]

Van. Check

Max load length is 1.8m though, so nothing big will fit in.

I was wondering what make/model to look for, for a learning platform? Is there any sort of "newbie fixer upper" type bike, which everyone apprenticed on?

[AMCQ46]

Single cyl air cooled is the easiest place to start, and a 2 stroke is even simpler, but that may miss the point of trying to learn about the technology in your own bike. So perhaps a 4 stroke single, still air cooled.

I just (well 2 yes ago) rebuilt a shed find Kawasaki KH125, there isn't an easier engine to work on than that and parts were easy to get hold of despite the fact the bike was built in 1976! And what I enjoyed most was the fact it was "from my era", so I felt like the time and money I invested into restoring it was like preserving things from my youth for the next generation to laugh at

I think the key is to find something that is complete, and that you mich have an interest in, otherwise you may get bored and it will end up in cardboard boxes like many other projects.

Jap classics are becoming collectable, but things like an old Yam DT175, or a Honda xl250 will give you a rebuild project and a fun green laner when you get them running.....and they may just about sell to cover your costs at the end!

[vtryorks]

Cheers mate, I'm busy looking at old crossers on eBay. I even considered a PW50. Always wanted one, but parents never gave in!

[tony.mon]

And don't worry about the length of the bike; just unbolt the front wheel; if it still doesn't fit, remove the rear.
They'll have to come off anyway.....

[Darknomad]

i got a sg350 goose for a rebuild
to learn about mechanics in a bike
great minds think alike lol