• Welcome to the Two Wheeled Texans community! Feel free to hang out and lurk as long as you like. However, we would like to encourage you to register so that you can join the community and use the numerous features on the site. After registering, don't forget to post up an introduction!

Looking for Project Bike... Losing hope

Joined
May 14, 2013
Messages
9
Reaction score
0
Location
Arlinton, TX
I know it's a long story but please read I'm desperate. :tears:

I have been searching everywhere for a cheap project bike to work on but keep finding dead ends. Here is my plan and all the problems I've run into.

1) Find someone who has a motorcycle they haven't ridden in years and is willing to sell at a low price.
- Don't know anyone who has an old bike for sale.
- Been searching on CL and Ebay for weeks. Almost everything is either already working, newer year model, and/or outside my budget.

2) Search around the junkyards to find two bikes of the same year and type and between the two piece one together.
- I couldn't find an old motorcycle to save my life, and I searched at least 10 junkyards. Called L&L cycle (only motorcycle junkyard I could find) and they don't have any bikes with a title that meets my needs.

3) Look for basket case bikes at junkyards and motorcycle repair shops.
- Talked to a couple of used motorcycle dealers but they didn't have any basket case bikes.

The only luck I have had is a very ugly Suzuki 1100 cc (have pics) for $500. The guy said that it runs but the fairing/front end is messed up. I really don't think this guy is telling me the whole truth.

What I'm looking for...
Under $1000, if it's in really bad condition $500 then I could spend anther $500 in parts. I would like either an enduro or a cafe racer style bike, but that's secondary to the price.

I just want something I can fix up and eventually ride. Am I being unreasonable? Any advice would be great! :mrgreen:
 
Ok so after doing a little research that ugly bike might not be so bad after all. I found it at a junkyard and the guy said he is selling it on behalf of his friend for $500. All he told me was that it was a Suzuki, 1100cc, and made in '92. He also told me that it ran and that his friend did a wheelie on it when he dropped it off. :roll: The front fairing is gone and the wiring is a little messed up.

I'm pretty sure it is a GSX 1100 F Katana. From the reviews I've read it's not a bad bike.

I really don't know whether to trust this guy. It's pretty ugly but after looking at some of y'alls conversions I might buy it. Here are some pics I took of it.
IMG_20130615_112828.jpg

IMG_20130615_112836.jpg

IMG_20130615_112910.jpg

Is this a good bike? Can I convert it into a cafe racer? If he doesn't have a title should I keep looking or is a bonded title not as bad as it seems.
 
not a real good picture but it looks like it may have been a katana once upon a time.
buddy just picked one up for $150 and it still had its plastic.
 
Thanks for showing me those offers but I'm not really interested in a Katana. I'd rather have a enduro or a bike I can easily and cheaply convert into a cafe racer. However, my budget is my biggest limiting factor and I don't know where to look for what I want. If a Katana is all I can find then I'll buy it, but I hoped I had other options.
 
What about a Honda XR200 that is plated for street use? I happen to have one of those that needs motor work and is about to go up for sale.
 
There is a 70's Goldwing in Hurst for sale would make a great Cafe'
PM me I can go by and get the contact Info.
 
I have a 650 nighthawk, '83 i think. 60k on clock. brand new front tire. ran when parked 5 yrs ago. won't upshift beyond 2nd[prolly broken shift dog inside tranny[was ok when parked for winter and following spring it was broken. sad part is/was I don't treat my bikes bad]. Clear title. 4 banger inline hydraulick valves. Will need battery. Low maint, add gas and go. no chain, shaft drive!!!. PM me if interrested. I am more wanting it to go to a good home than looking for $.
 
Last edited:
Do a google image search for "goldwing cafe", there are some really good looking old school goldwing cafe bikes out there.
 
How about a numbers-matching 1966 Triumph Bonneville 650, a true classic that can be anything you want it to be?

Rolling project with complete engine and all the expensive parts on it, $1,250. An additional $350 gets you a clean Texas title.
 
Try keeping an eye on the OK, AR, MO, KS, etc CraigsList.
It seems like the further North you look, the more bikes there are available.

KZ ....

GS CB....
 
I see projects all the time in Killeen and Austin craigslist between $250-1500. Don't ask how I know.:rofl: Drew
 
Projects are there. I have about 3 in my garage right now.

Finding them is easy, just don't be too picky. And don't try to get them for free. That happens but usually only when you know them.
 
I have a couple projects for ya. lol
79 KZ650 all there, just not pretty. needs new gas tank(you can get one of those cafe looking ones anyways) title and all $300< really don't want this in my garage anymore..

73 CB450 all kinds of parts laying around for this one. $500 also has a title.
All you have to do is drive down to Houston unless you wanna wait a couple weeks and I am headed up for a bit.
 
seriously resisting the urge to ask about the kz650
I don't have room for another project right now, but I've been wanting to do a cafe for some time now.
 
Wow thanks everyone for the replies. I will start looking at different CL and see if anything else turns up. I'll PM everyone who has given me an offer. Hope has been restored! :thumb:
 
how long have you been searching?
the reward for patience is worthwhile.
example: i sold a bike in march for $300 profit. bought a parts bike in may for $300.
people are constantly getting rid of a project.
if you're flexible, opportunity will pay off.
 
seriously resisting the urge to ask about the kz650
I don't have room for another project right now, but I've been wanting to do a cafe for some time now.


lol, IF diablo doesn't want it I might.... accidently post some pics on here
 
I'm not selfish. Go ahead and post the pics. If someone else buys the bike I want, I'll do what plugeye said and be patient. Y'all have already given me some great offers, so I'm sure I'll get one of these bikes really soon.
 
Looks like I'm going to buy that '79 KZ650 from WhiteyTrashed and I couldn't be happier! I've got a long row to hoe but if everything works out this is what I'm going to start with.

075_zpse3a44157.jpg

And I hope to end up with something that looks like this.
Kawasaki_Z750_CafeRacer.JPG
http://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/2012/09/kawasaki-k750-cafe-racer.html

I can't wait to get started! :mrgreen:

Thanks everyone for the advice and connections. I really appreciate it.:rider:
 
Back
Top