954 was/is my second bike, first was a 900rr so not that much of a jump for me, but starting on the 900rr I guess does make me crazy. Same thing though 954 is my dream bike, so I say get one if your happy with the look/feel of the bike and just take your time getting comfortable out on the road.

 

Well i am from the UK where our bikes are even rarer than in the USA, i love my bike and don't think it will be too much for you. I have had some Gilles Variobars fitted to mine and an Ohlins rear shock, it virtually turns it into a semi-sportstourer !!! I get looks everywhere it goes (5,000 miles and mint), i like the fact its so light and looks like a 600 anyway ! I agree with some of the above guys when they say it will become a future classic and as they get even more rare, the desirability will increase. Good luck

 

If you have followed this thread I did get my 954RR and have a pic up on my other thread. 02 954RR 10,162 $2,300 needs a little engine work. I will post a pic here as well.

 

Well done mate, were u smiling all the way home?

 

I still am smiling, unfortunately I am having problems putting the head back on with the engine in the bike. I think I will have to drop the engine to get the head back on so I can finally start her up and ride.

 

Splitting the bike in half is the way to go. It's fairly easy and makes everything a whole lot easier to do.

I'm gonna put a word in to get you out of moderation. You've already put in more posts recently than you did all last year!

 

What do you mean by splitting the bike? I got the head back on the bike with the engine in, but I am having a problem getting to one of the right outside head bolts and getting the timing chain around the cams. I have a manual and have everything lined up but can't get those 2 things 2 work out for me. The alignment marks are set for TDC and the cams are in the proper direction but I cannot get the chain around the cams. After these 2 things I will be in the home stretch and get her alive and breathing again. I want her started and ride able tomorrow.

 

Splitting the bike means removing the main frame from the engine. The forks and everything come off with it. It leaves lots of room to work on the motor. You said you were having trouble getting the head on, but you're past that part.

 

yea, you have to do what demon is talking about. but it's really easy - especially if you have the fairings off. all you need to do is put some jack stands underneath the motor (preferably under the stator and under the clutch cover). then you unbolt the 5 motor bolts, the shock top nut, un clip the wiring harness, and get the radiator off the frame (but you can keep it hooked up).

after that, you essentially pull the frame and subframe up - and it all comes free.

you'll be left with the motor and swing arm hooked up. but the head will go right on then. any work you need to do. its really easy to do. i've done it a TON of times between motor swaps, motor rebuilds, etc.

 

Well I pretty much got everything back together to at least start it up. I had some problems with some stripped threads in the head and missing some bolts. I am not going to worry right now because I just want to hear the engine and see what the engine troubles are and then go from there. I should be able to start it tomorrow and if it is not too bad fix the thread and bolt problem and just ride the bike till winter then do the rebuild if the engine needs rebuilt I will start on that immediately. We shall see I will let you know something tomorrow.