So I have an 89 which I have had for quite some time. I've posted about it here, pretty clean but it has been sitting for many years. Got it running briefly about twelve years ago but then it was winter right after that and it sat. Problem is carbs. Everything else is fine (probably fuel pump at this point also). I have more money than the bike is worth tied into it, but sentimental reasons keep it around (I had a brand new one in 89, and this one belong(ed/s) to my sister in law who will never ride again cause she has two teenagers and isn't into it anymore, so it is effectively mine).




I had sent the carbs off to Wired George some years ago as a part of the process so they should have been completely cleaned and it didn't fix the problem, which was lack of power above idle and gas pouring out the overflow. I still think it is carbs.

I have an opportunity to buy the following:

Two '89s, one of them titled which was allegedly running two years ago when he bought them. Apparently both need tires, chains, sprockets so aren't actually ridable at this point (much). He is asking $1300 BUT I am wondering if at this point having no '89 CBR bikes would be better than having two more.



If it was running, and if it still runs, I could take the carbs off that one and put them on mine, leaving me with two parts bikes (mine is pretty immaculate except for dent in the LHS of the tank from when it fell off the wall where I was storing it). Inside of tank might also be a bit rusty from sitting but that's an easy fix. Here's my thought:

Go there with a battery and a can of gas. Flush the tank and fuel pump, install the new battery, see if it runs and take it for a test ride. If it's good pay him something, take them both home, put the carbs on my bike, part out the other two.

So here are my questions, knowing that this forum is biased towards "fix them all up".

1. Is $1300 a decent price for both (Pacific NW USA)

2. Would you cut your losses, sell the one you have for what you could get for it, buy a running bike and keep it in good condition OR invest even more in a project that is nudging (or possibly has exceeded) the actual value of the bike to begin with?

I know Question 2 is subjective but I'm just wondering what others think.

Oh, and I'm assuming I can get a title to the other bike but what it's worth and what condition it's in I have no idea. I would, however, potentially have two more titled bikes in various states of disrepair. It's those damn four bank tiny carburetors that just seem to be un-rebuildable (from the perspective, by the way, of a Harley mechanic of 30 years who has never been unable to rebuild a carburetor on a Harley).

 

It is the carburetors. If they're leaking, then they are not working properly. If you had them rebuilt and then didn't use them for a number of years, you can't blame the person who did the work. Carburetors don't like to just sit around. O rings and gaskets dry out and leak. As for the Harley mechanic, well, that's all I'll say about that.

Just rebuild the carburetors, get the tank cleaned up and you'll be on your way. You don't want to have 3 motorcycles laying around that don't work.

IMO

 

I installed the carbs the week they came back from Texas and the bike didn't run. Hate to badmouth someone but there were other issues with the rebuild that he sent and I wouldn't recommend his services, especially for $700.

I've had the Harley discussion before. One large carburetor with fewer passages since there are fewer adjustments, even though it's the same brand and style. Only ever had to replace one carb in 30 years and that was because someone decided to take a dremel to it to "tune it up better".

Good advice. I'll get off my butt, completely strip down the carb bank, run them through an ultrasonic cleaner, put them back together. Makes more sense but I think I just needed someone to say it.

 

IMO, I would give getting what you have one more shot, at low cost, to make it run. If that fails, I would be looking for a newer bike, with fuel injection.

 

yes definately the carbs but also check the rubber hoses are connected correctly and the supply is not connected to the vent pipes it's easily done. full chinese jet or rebuild kits are easily available on e bay I rebuilt mine in total for around £30 for all 4 carbs its not a difficult job just get a works repair manual and have a go! good luck AL.