Fixing a motorcycle on a budget

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iliketodesign
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Real Name: david enns
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My Motorcycle: 1988 honda CB450S

Fixing a motorcycle on a budget

#1 Unread post by iliketodesign »

I started riding a motorcycle last spring and proceeded to crash it in the fall. I figured my motorcycle career was going to be short lived. However, as the winter progressed, I realized that I couldn't give it up. I decided to fix it up but being on a student budget, I didn't have too much money to work with.

I spent last winter fixing it up and made sure to take pictures of it. I've document the whole process in a blog post.

I had no clue what I was doing but having grown up as a Mennonite and built a few go-karts growing up, I figured I could figure it out.

To read the article and see how it turned out, click the link below.

http://www.lilyboys.com/journal/fixing- ... -a-budget/

Let me know what you think.

pchast
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Real Name: Pete
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My Motorcycle: 1980 Suzuki GS550L, 2019 Zero DSR
Location: Athens, NY

Re: Fixing a motorcycle on a budget

#2 Unread post by pchast »

Interesting, I could use a little more detail on what and how you repaired the plastic parts.
Perhaps just add a link to the discourse.

Thanks
2019 Zero DSR, 1980 Suzuki GS550L

iliketodesign
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Re: Fixing a motorcycle on a budget

#3 Unread post by iliketodesign »

I used the JB Weld Epoxy to glue it all the broken bits together and then ground it down roughly to shape with a grinder. After that I went to my local hardware store and picked up up some generic body plaster. I can't remember what it was but it was in a squeeze tube. I went through a couple.. The hard work I realized was in the sanding. I spent many hours hand sanding it down with various grits until eventually i had it smooth again. After that, it was primer & paint.

vampfiend687
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Re: Fixing a motorcycle on a budget

#4 Unread post by vampfiend687 »

it looks great. Aside from the tank damage, the bike looks brand new.
"There comes a point in a man's life in which he must be tempted to spit upon his hands, hoist the black flag and begin slitting throats."
-H.L. Mencken.

iliketodesign
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Real Name: david enns
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My Motorcycle: 1988 honda CB450S

Re: Fixing a motorcycle on a budget

#5 Unread post by iliketodesign »

vampfiend687 wrote:it looks great. Aside from the tank damage, the bike looks brand new.
Well that's awfully nice of you to say. I try to keep scrubbed & polished as much as possible.

Wrider
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Re: Fixing a motorcycle on a budget

#6 Unread post by Wrider »

I forgot to tell you, I went through and read a bit of your website, very interesting!
Have owned - 2001 Suzuki Volusia
Current bike - 2005 Kawasaki Z750S
MMI Graduation date January 9th, 2009. Factory Certifications in Suzuki and Yamaha

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