at what point do you throw in the towel?

slo' mo · Oct 16, 2001

I'm putting this message in this forum mostly for the respected elder (not older but more knowledge) views. That and there doesn't seem to be too much going on in here but everyone still checks in to see if there is something going on.

Working on my son's 1993 KX125, repairing the damage done at DW01. He has been swamped w/school and work so no riding for him in the near future. I thought it would be a good time for me to further my mechanical abilities.
started with the forks , changing fluid/seals. The manual states the rebound clicker only has 18 clicks from full soft to full hard. I count 24. At first I thought it might be broke but it does stop in both directions. Not sure what the deal is here...:think

Next comes the billet basket and new plates. The cost of them was unbelievable, but cheaper than the OEM parts.:(

While I pulling the bike down I think I might as well pop the jug and check to see if I need to do my very first top end. I notice cables routed incorrectly and other minor things after reviewing the manual.
I bought the bike used (first mistake) not really knowing anything about motorcycles (second mistake) and it looks like the previous owner used nothing but a pair of pliers for removing/tightening bolts (should have been my first clue to walk away)

finally to my point. It looks like I could easily plop a grand repairing this thing. I vowed I would not return to DW next year with it and I intend to keep that promise. I intend to sell it but I want the next person to not wake up someday and realized they got screwed or think that I screwed them. My goal is to make the bike dependable w/o spending its value x2 in repairs.

What are the major Items I should repair before selling it to make it dependable? Should I just sell it and tell the prospective buyer about any issues it has?

just looking for some good opinions w/o some punk telling me to ghost it off a cliff. :think

JuliusPleaser · Oct 16, 2001

I would ghost it off a cliff. :p

What year is it?

slo' mo · Oct 16, 2001

Originally posted by Julius Pleaser
I would ghost it off a cliff. :p

This almost happened at DW01. Ask Jeff Allen and HogWylde

What year is it? [/B]

1993. Sorry I missed that.

biglou · Oct 16, 2001

What a wise guy!

Slo-I actually find a lot of joy in rebuilding/resurecting lost causes. Not necessarily motorcycles, but anything mechanical/electrical. Personally, I would take the time and rebuild it both mechanically and aesthetically. But, that's just me. I tend to try to get the most out of my elbow grease that I can, but realize that there comes a point where you are going to have to spend some money.
On the other hand, I couldn't in good conscience sell someone a timebomb without letting them know up front that it needs some work to be a worthy, dependable machine. Might make a great project for someone if they are interested in doing a rebuild/resto project like that.
Just my 02.:)

oldguy · Oct 16, 2001

Slomo obviously you are a man of integrity. I also agree with you about selling a timebomb but there have to be limits. Fix the absolute necesities -safety and currently busted parts and then be honest with the buyers on what you did and what yopu expect it will need. You won't get top dollar but you will sleep better and hopefully somebody will get a bike they can afford and learn with. Whatever I would say do not spend more to repair it than you will get for it- if that is the only way around it part it out .

Treejumper · Oct 16, 2001

Being as i was in this boat last year i'll throw my 2 cents in!

I couldnt afford new and with my string of "good" luck :p deceided to rebuild a bike given to me. Yep an 86' YZ250 which was in pretty good shape. I tore it down, powdercoated the frame, rebuilt both top and bottom end, new tires, bearings, seals, etc. After $1100 (bike cost $1800 in 86') i had basically a new bike minus front fork work. It lasted me a whole 10 hours of pure joy before i blew up the case. :p You saw that handy work at Dirtweek 01' and i'm glad its wasnt to a new bike with payments. All in all i'm still glad i rebuilt the bike. I got to learn things on a bike that wasnt going to cost twice as much to fix if i did it wrong. Older bikes are good for learning, right?

So you could put it like this, if you cant afford a new bike, stick with the old one. I cant see taking a chance of selling it and buying another old bike that you dont know what is wrong with it. It might wind up being more of a basket case. Atleast with the one you have, you know what has been replaced and what hasnt. If you can fix it for a reasonable price and No' mo still enjoys the bike, then keep it. If you feel that it will be nothing but problems (some things are like my old T/A) or No' mo has any thoughts of a 250, get rid of it. I would let the buyer know what was done and what wasnt or might need done. The buyer will still complain if anything goes wrong with it but atleast they were told.

Ok, maybe i just rambled? :(

Patman · Oct 16, 2001

I'd ditch it after making necessary repairs Slo'mo. Don't delve into everything because you'll find more than you really want to. If it ain't broke don't fix it, repair what needs it and cut your losses. I think it may be a good lesson though, no'mo can see what "fun" he had with the first bike and maybe if he can swing a new bike will be very good about maintaining it so it doesn't fall to the same fate as the KX? Just my $0.02 though.

slo' mo · Oct 17, 2001

Thanks, Guys.

Think I will fix the bike to a "dependable" state and then sell it. Hopes are to have a YZ250F for No_Mo next year. Might give him a better chance of dodging the bullet. (from Okie, that is) :p

70 marlin · Oct 23, 2001

My 2 pents

save your cash, new bikes are great ! find yourself a young mechanic that needs a great deal, and give him the deal! let him know whats wrong with it! spent no more cash on the lost cause!

Zoomer · Oct 23, 2001

I pretty much agree with everybody else, form my experiences, do not spend any more then necessary to make the bike sell-able. You'll never recoupe it. On the other hand, putting money into a used bike is ok, but to a point. Consider what you could get for the bike, plus what your going to stick in it,........you might be able to upgrade to a late model for not a whole lot more money!:confused:

at what point do you throw in the towel?

slo' mo

slower than slow...

JuliusPleaser

Too much of a good thing.

slo' mo

slower than slow...

biglou

oldguy

Always Broken

Treejumper

2 wheeled idiot

Patman

Pantless Wonder

slo' mo

slower than slow...

70 marlin

Zoomer

Similar Topics

at what point do you throw in the towel?

slower than slow...

Too much of a good thing.

slower than slow...

biglou

Always Broken

2 wheeled idiot

Pantless Wonder

slower than slow...

Similar Topics

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency