so i spotted a 1996 f3 on CL today, contacted the guy, it has around 7k miles on it but he he said it was in a low speed wreck(15-20 mph) and needs a fuel pump, gauges, and some new plastics.

that being said i have a few questions.
fuel pump, do i have to use one from an f3 or could i use one from another honda as long as it works?

gauges, ive read on here about people doing a swap with f4/f4i gauges? how difficult is that and how much would the gauges be?

plastics, not sure what plastics are good or not, but does anyone on here have a used set or know where i could get the ones that are no good?

any feedback will be much appreciated!

 

If you've got the issues you're talking about, you're looking at about $150-$200 for the
fuel pump and guages. The body parts can hit you pretty easy or hard, a lot depends
on the extent of the damage. But people selling parts have access to the dealer
micro-fiches. So they often price their stuff accordingly. You have to be patient to get the deals.

Over-all, in my neck of the woods, I'd say if that a bike of that age/condition should be $16-1800.
If you pay more than that, the cost of repair could exceed the value of the bike. In
good condition, a bike of that vintage/milage is worth about $2800-$3000. So,
subtract the asking price from $3000 and that's the top amount of money you
should be willing to spend for repairs.

Don't forget in your estimated cost the essentials of ANY used bike purchased. The brakes should
be completely inspected/over-hauled. Fork fluid should be changed and seals inspected. ALL of
the fluids should be changed out, regardless of what the PO says. It's cheap insurance that it WAS done
and the beginning of your service record. Over-all if you do your own work, the price for the basics
will run you a couple of hundred bucks-ish. Something to consider.

Hope this helps, Ern

 

thanks mad, im picking it up monday and we agreed on $1000 for the price, so from now until spring i figure ill have enough time to save up some more and try to find some deals on various parts.

 

Cool, sounds like a decent deal. Throw up a couple of picks and don't hesitate if you
need some advice. The crew here is really good. Especially, IDoDirt, he's the "King of all things F3".

Good luck, Ern

 

ill post pics once i bring her home
and once i start working on her i will probably be full of questions.

 

congrats on the bike

 

well i just got back from getting the bike, its actually a 98 but only a couple of the plastics are there, but other than that the bike seems in great condition.

took a few pics when we got it into the garage, will take some better ones tomorrow out in the light.

 

Found out today that the fuel pump does in fact work and the battery just needed charged. and we had it started for a little bit with the choke on, didnt like when i gave it some gas though, it would just sputter out.

 

its
dah
karbz

 

thats what we figured, just bought a service manual, not going to bother taking them out until that comes in.