Opinion on R90/6 project

[RoboRider]

I found an R90/6 for $500. I doubt I'd give more than $250 for it (I figure I can part it out for that). It is not assembled. The paint needs work. The transmission has a bad bearing, as does the engine. There's nothing on an airhead that is beyond my ability to do, short of machine shop work like valve grinding and such. Welding, pressing bearings, painting, bodywork, electrical and electronics, I can do all that.

But I wonder if I might end up spending more on parts and ending up with something I could have just purchased in better condition. I like projects, but I like to golf on weekends, too.

So my questions to those who've maybe done this (Assume the ONLY ISSUES are what I mentioned-I realize other issues are likely to pop up):

1) Are parts readily available for these bikes? Are they outrageously priced due to age?

2) Do you think it is a waste of time, and finding a bike in better condition is a better idea?

Thanks,

Robo

[9842]

It will cost twice as much and take twice as long. Buy one that is running.
Later
Brian
9842

[Manfred]

Depends on your objective. If you want a project bike, it may be worth doing. If you want to ride and perform your own maintenance, I agree with passing it up and buying one that you can ride.

[jforgo]

The wear parts are available - not typically all that outrageous. Hopefully there are no broken ca$ting$ etc, though!
At least here, a valid title is critical, which you do not mention.

As to your time, only you can judge what that is worth. I like the underpromise thing, so figure twice the time plus. If taking that much time is fun for you, go for it. But if it would seem like work, then pass...

A runner certainly gives you a more defined starting point.

The 90/6 is closer to your old /5 than a later bike - has more power than the 75/5 without the excesses many find in the R100's

[PMonk]

At that price I would be tempted to buy it and a running model. I am sure the parts on the bike mentioned would be worth way more than $500. Then you could have parts rebuilt if needed ready to install on the running bike.

That's what I would be tempted to do if I had the garage space and hadn't already spent so much on my /6. I think the bride is running out of patience. She already calls it the black hole.

[krehmkej]

The most expensive motorcyle is a cheap airhead. DAMHIK

[26667]

are you out of your mind??? Golf???! Rather you were involved with crack cocaine, or knitting, or something, but stay away from the devil's game. It will only bring heart-ache, financial ruin, and bad clothing. Don't kid yourself. No, you can't putt. That one round a year ago was an aberration. Run, don't walk to your nearest lift and get a couple 12 mm wrenches, a penlight, and some hand cleaner. You can speak with your wife at Christmas-time. ...or new years. She'll get over it. ...sort of.

If you really can't help yourself, I know a guy who can show how to stop cutting it and turn the ball over.:bolt

[RoboRider]

Yep, I'm letting it go. I don't need that much of a project. The search continues. I just got done wrenching on the CBR600RR for track use and eventually something will end up in the shop.

And golf is a great game as long as you don't give a darn how you play!

Robo

[SCQTT]

It might be a fun bike to turn into a "rat" "Bobber" or "cafe racer" & do it on the cheap.

If you lean more torward "stock" it could get into bigger dollars. If it is all there and you do not mind a "rider" with a nice patina, I'd bring everything into spec and just bolt it all together.

If you are the type of person that needs it to be all original, correct and semi restored. Run, do not walk, away.