Hi there, I am a young man who wants to learn about motorcycle mechanics (and mechanics in general). I have no prior knowledge and don't know the difference between a saddle and a spark plug.
I have about £100 to spend on a motorcycle that will live in my garage, for me to tinket with, take apart, put back together and maybe even ride one day if I do not break it entirely!
What bike, available in the UK, would you recommend- and where's the best place to look? Obviously I am aiming at a basket case but it would be nice if it ran, even very roughly.
Thanks
2007-09-04 07:15:58 · 10 answers · asked by DaveyMcB 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
Also what first basic tools will I need?
2007-09-04 07:25:11 · update #1
I'd reccomend any japanese twin. Maybe a honda cb500 or similar. Parts are readily available, it's a relatively simple design, and it's mechanicals and operating principles are similar to the majority of japanese bikes out there. Invest in a service manual and a set of tools. An instant camera may prove usefull, too. As you dissassemble, pause occaisionally to photograph so that you have a reference to look at when reassembling.
Best place to look? EVERYWHERE!
Just keep your eyes open for opportunities.
I often see old bikes in peoples yards, or leaning up against barns, or just in the tall grass at the edge of their property. Don't be shy! Knock on the door, or leave a note in their mailbox asking if they'd like you to haul away that unsightly scrap bike.
My current ride is an 82 KZ1000, rescued from the trash for free, the previous owner even had the title for it. Good luck! Email me if I can be of any help!
2007-09-04 13:44:23 · answer #1 · answered by michaelsmaniacal 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
'Lots of good advice already given, but best so far is the motorcycle safety course. Get that done & he can (usually)skip the motorcycle driving test when adding the motorcycle endorsement to his driver's license. He may come away from the course with a better feel for what he wants. That said, let me suggest something in a dual-sport bike. They can cruise on long trips if desired, are highly maneuverable in traffic, and can also be used on secondary roads, opening up many more travel options. The afore mentioned Suzuki V-Strom bikes are good examples, but don't overlook the BMW GS1200. There's a reason it's the number one selling bike in the WORLD, and is rapidly being adopted by police agencies all over the world. It's ABS brake system makes it safer in a panic stop, which he will encounter more often than he'll like. I've had two Hondas, the requisite Harley Davidson, but now I own two BMWs & will never ride another bike. (and, I ride a lot!).
2016-05-21 02:43:54 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I commend you on your willingness to learn. Actually, the best place to start would be with a 4 stroke single cylinder lawnmower engine. The engines are usually "throw aways" (not meant to be repaired) and when well used, have very little monetary value. Get one of those for little of nothing at a shop and take it apart, study the different components and how everything works in concert with another. While not very glamorous, better to screw up with something worthless than on a bike with some value. A lawnmower engine works on the very same principles as a bike and car engine, so once you figure it out you'll be much better prepared to understand how the next engine operates. Tools? Get an ordinary medium priced set of sockets, combination open end and box end wrenches, screwdrivers and hammer and you should be set to tear the lawnmower engine apart.
2007-09-04 08:23:19 · answer #3 · answered by bikinkawboy 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
If I were you I would start with any 125cc motorcycle as they usually only have one cyclinder to worry about, they are about as simple as you can get, when you get one try to get hold of a Haynes workshop manual for that particular bike, until you get to know a bit about bikes and engines they are like a bible as they are based on a complete stripdown of the bike.If you look in your local paper you may find adverts for people getting rid of 'project ' bikes and should be able to pick one up very cheaply or even if you get lucky for free.The manual will also list basic tools that you need to work on the bike and will even list specialist tools you may need for more advanced jobs and special tools for that particular bike.
2007-09-04 07:28:05 · answer #4 · answered by Chris P 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
British Steel! look for a old triumph, BSA, Norton, Vincent, Royal Enfield. your looking for a basket case and old one about 250cc would be work but good work. plus of an old bike, no vacuum lines, and simple electrical lets you focus on the other stuff.
an old Honda would be great too, I've got a '69 cl175, a small twin like that would be fun as hell.
2007-09-04 21:30:39 · answer #5 · answered by Zack 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
There should be a lot of "basket case" Triumph's around the UK. and that's what I would look for. Be sure to buy a repair manual for whatever bike you get, not an owners manual, the repair manual. This will give you all the info you need for your specific bike.
The Triumph Trident (3 cyl) was a fine machine and if you can find one you'll have a great bike when your done. Good luck
2007-09-04 07:32:04 · answer #6 · answered by Hirise bill 5 · 1⤊ 3⤋
I'd suggest a Honda CG125
2007-09-04 07:23:49 · answer #7 · answered by Dan's The Man! 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
i recommend a old BSA Norton or triumph...they are simple and rebuildable ...stay away from Japanese bikes parts are nonexistent...and they are not worth what they cost to rebuild
2007-09-04 07:35:13 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
how about a Honda C50, C70,C90.these cycles or step throughs & dont have clutches,easy to maintain, try yellow pages under motor bike breakers..
2007-09-04 07:25:42 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋
enfield bullet,,,parts are everywere
2007-09-04 07:38:42 · answer #10 · answered by goat 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋