Hello all. New guy here... my handle is hopz... refers to home brewing and using a lot of Hops.

Have been riding for a very long time. The usual assortment of early bikes, almost 20 years of Harleys and lately- 3 years of BMW's. Loved them all.

Have done several project bikes including fairly intense total frame off restorations. Want to do a nice resto on an early 90's CBR. Have no experience as a sport bike rider but have ridden every thing else with 2 wheels. Looking forward to it.

I have located a likely bike and need to ask the standard FNG questions. What to look out for?

This seems like a good forum... and TIA for the help. Have to work a little this morning- then go buy this afternoon unless you send along any important warning info.

thanks

Bob

 

The first thing I would look for is aftermarket plastic, or a custom paint job, usually means its been down. A salvage title is also a dead give away. I know you said restoration project, but I'd probably pass if any of these things are so. Plenty of bikes out there, I would suggest finding something you know is straight.

 

Maybe not a "warning" exactly...but for me, after nearly 20 years of sportbikes, I attempted to understand the cruiser lifestyle. I didn't crash or anything, I just couldn't get used to the way they drive or steer. I would sit up in the saddle, alert and ready to maneuver--nope, you're supposed to relax, arch your back...I just couldn't do it. : )

So where in the Great White Mistake State do you brew. Is that Triumph factory still up there...how near to PC do you mean...

 

#1. Title
#2. Look for any bent/cracked parts of the frame
#3. look for missing parts
#4. Make sure it runs (if in running state) and doesn't have any weird ticks
#5. Look at part condition (tires, plastics/ rotors, etc.) It lets you kinda know how much $ you'll have to spend after purchase.
#6. Always try to lower the price if you don't think it's worth it. Usually they'll go down some..but i'm sure you know that already.
#7. If you don't think the bike is **really** worth it, pass it up! There will be more bikes!
Good luck!

 

I live and brew near the top of Emigration Canyon-at 6000 feet elevation. That puts me, in road miles, about half way to the turn off for Park City. Yes, Triumph is still there but you know it is not the motorcycle Triumph.

When I went from H-D to BMW- at first I had discomfort getting into the proper riding position. I am now a student of the Master Yoda Riding Position and am quite comfortable. Not yet sure how a full-on sport position will do but with a little luck will find out. Test rides so far have been ok.

Thanks for the tips on buying used- I need all the help I can get. I understand the broken and missing plastic. I have seen a lot of that- No- let me say, every bike I have looked at has it... but is that really relevant?
Is it a deal breaker?

I figure I will have to go back to either fiberglass repair or replacement anyway to get a sharp looking bike. The question remains- aside from the sorts of things mentioned- what are the deal breakers for you experienced guys?