9.6.11

New Project!

I don't have the money or the space for another bike project, but I'm still getting the hankering to start breaking things and paying other people to fix my mistakes. Rather than continue working on bikes in the yard the plan is to start smaller, with just an engine, and work away on that in my bedroom.

I picked up an engine stand from Hanks Engineering for $43.00 delivered. (If you've got a MIG and bits of scrap metal around Stew Ross has kindly provided the plans to build one yourself here.) So this is where I'll be working...




Notice something missing?

I'm hunting around for all the peripherals at the moment (I've always borrowed other people's manuals) but the real test is proving to be the engine itself. It seems the days of $500 engines are gone, with Vic Wreckers and Scotts Motorcycles wanting around $1100 for a complete 400 engine. I've got an ad up on the forum, on the SR500 clubs website the and have also tried Find A Part, all with no luck.

I'd be able to get a reasonably-priced 400 engine from Japan quite easily, but I want to keep trying to find a 500 first - just because the smaller niggly thing like cam chain tensioner set up are the same that most English-speaking engine builders have dealt with. I know there's not a huge difference between the 400 and 500, but I'd like to get answers to my stupid questions in English rather than worry about googletranslate. Very much be thanking you.

So the hunt continues, I'll start doing some research into getting a donk from America or the Fatherland. If anybody knows of an engine being sold for around $500.00, drop me a line!

2 comments:

  1. Anonymous8.7.11

    $500 buck engines are gone > - Yes definitely for 500cc.
    And usable 400cc engines that can be bolted in fetch $1000+ (min).. good ones with low K's > $2000 +

    Compared to charges by local engine builders it can still be attractive if the "right engine" is found (due to crazy rebuild engine costs locally) most with no wty by the way.

    Quote: I'd be able to get a reasonably-priced 400 engine from Japan quite easily.

    A: Yea easy to get, but how ya going to ship it to Aust? It isn't that easy or straight forward, so i would love to know how you do it, any tips?

    Workshop manuals: You haven't found the SR400 late model workshop manual in English yet?

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  2. Hey Mate!

    No luck with workshop manuals in English. I've just ordered some Japanese ones for the hell of it, but haven't had a close look through them.

    Looks like shipping for an engine is $150 or so, through an importer who mainly deals with complete car engines. Just waiting on the engine to get taken out of the frame. Could be a while... If it works out (Could go either way) it'll be a early 90's in running condition, but not flash, for a good deal under $500. Here's hoping...

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