I recently picked up a 2005 SV650 for just a few hondos since it was crashed, the seller couldn't get the engine running and decided to swap the title for a junk certificate. I'd say they were stupid on the last point, but it is law in some states based on repair estimates for resellers.
If someone has interest in copart or crashedtoys, I can likely put together another thread on the experience.
So, what was wrong:
Dented tank
Non-running engine
No gauges
Unknown mileage
Smashed radiator
Bent handlebars
Cracked front fender
Scratched all over
Broken turn signals
Smashed headlight & mounts
Bent shifter
Cracked front master cylinder
Missing side covers
Junk Certificate (getting a street title would be VERY difficult)
I paid my money and drove a couple hours to pick it up. I was pleasantly surprised when getting it as I notice it had power, was not missing the ECU and the clutch cut-out was unplugged. I not only had hopes of an easy fix, but perhaps even putting it on the street.
Once home, the teardown began, initially to get the bike running while researching title options. Plugging in the clutch cut-out resulted in the starter turning.....hope! No fuel pump noise, it too was unplugged. Now I was suspicious as this had to be on purpose. Sure enough, there was surface rust in the tank. $10 of vinegar, a couple days and a pump cleanout later it fired right up and ran great. Next was driving, so all controls came off and a $20 set of Chinese clip-ons were ordered. Still waiting on these, but I expect it will drive fine. I bent the radiator back to something near a rectangle and think it will work fine for now as it does not leak.
In parallel, I fully researched the title options and although there are some (a titled frame, VT registration in 3 years, states that allow rebuilds, states that don't issue junk certs, etc) I decided I would just continue with my initial plan....a super cheap track bike.
That brings me to today. I removed the tail section so I could take the lights off and am left with 3 holes (2 for tail lights and 1 for the fender). I plan to mold some fiberglass to the openings. Since I already had the material, I only needed $4 worth of resin hardener. If this works, I may even make a rear seat cowl....heck, it's free at this point.
So, cost to date:
Bike - $400
Fees - $280
Clip-ons - $20
Vinegar - $10
Hardener - $4
Total - $714 (my labor is free
I plan to use this thread to document further work and hopefully track days. I would love to hear any ideas on ways to keep this project as cheap as possible.
I have ~1 year until I get to the track as I have a personal weight loss goal before I go buy or even rent leathers. I am well on my way from training for harescrambles, but realistically this bike won't see the track until 2018.
If someone has interest in copart or crashedtoys, I can likely put together another thread on the experience.
So, what was wrong:
Dented tank
Non-running engine
No gauges
Unknown mileage
Smashed radiator
Bent handlebars
Cracked front fender
Scratched all over
Broken turn signals
Smashed headlight & mounts
Bent shifter
Cracked front master cylinder
Missing side covers
Junk Certificate (getting a street title would be VERY difficult)
I paid my money and drove a couple hours to pick it up. I was pleasantly surprised when getting it as I notice it had power, was not missing the ECU and the clutch cut-out was unplugged. I not only had hopes of an easy fix, but perhaps even putting it on the street.
Once home, the teardown began, initially to get the bike running while researching title options. Plugging in the clutch cut-out resulted in the starter turning.....hope! No fuel pump noise, it too was unplugged. Now I was suspicious as this had to be on purpose. Sure enough, there was surface rust in the tank. $10 of vinegar, a couple days and a pump cleanout later it fired right up and ran great. Next was driving, so all controls came off and a $20 set of Chinese clip-ons were ordered. Still waiting on these, but I expect it will drive fine. I bent the radiator back to something near a rectangle and think it will work fine for now as it does not leak.
In parallel, I fully researched the title options and although there are some (a titled frame, VT registration in 3 years, states that allow rebuilds, states that don't issue junk certs, etc) I decided I would just continue with my initial plan....a super cheap track bike.
That brings me to today. I removed the tail section so I could take the lights off and am left with 3 holes (2 for tail lights and 1 for the fender). I plan to mold some fiberglass to the openings. Since I already had the material, I only needed $4 worth of resin hardener. If this works, I may even make a rear seat cowl....heck, it's free at this point.
So, cost to date:
Bike - $400
Fees - $280
Clip-ons - $20
Vinegar - $10
Hardener - $4
Total - $714 (my labor is free
I plan to use this thread to document further work and hopefully track days. I would love to hear any ideas on ways to keep this project as cheap as possible.
I have ~1 year until I get to the track as I have a personal weight loss goal before I go buy or even rent leathers. I am well on my way from training for harescrambles, but realistically this bike won't see the track until 2018.