Need advice on buying non-running motorcycle...

[Kaneman]

Well I'm just about done putting her back together, and have managed to put around 700 miles on. I finally got the title transferred yesterday (don't let the TX DMV tell you that you have to have an Application for Texas Title, that's not true!) so I'm 100% legal.

Bike still rides and runs great. The only problem is the wiring harness that connects the front fairing (headlights, tip over sensor, blinkers) is glitchy, which affects the fuel pump. May make another thread about that.

Funny story though, couldn't get the headlights to stay on. Went to eat breakfast with my wife, came out and fired up the bike afterward...headlights wouldn't come on. Got on the highway, passed 9kRPM...headlights came on. Weird. Next time I started the bike headlights wouldn't come on. Passed 9kRPM....BAM headlights come on again. WTF?!?!?!

Disassemble all the plastics, buy a voltage meter, strip all the wiring of all electrical tape...fuck fuck fuck...can't find it, headlights still won't come on. So I go to start the bike to put it back in the garage and continue this tomorrow, when I push the starter button I barely graze it and the bike fires up...WTF? Turns out the starter button was sticking half way, which of course causes the headlights to go off. Goddamnit.

Anyway, here's what she looks like today. ECM, right mirror, fairing bolt kit, ram air covers, tires, brake pads, oil change, coolant change, grips. All in all I'm coming in under $2,500 for a bike in very good condition.

[Dave]

Originally Posted by Kaneman

Well I'm just about done putting her back together, and have managed to put around 700 miles on. I finally got the title transferred yesterday (don't let the TX DMV tell you that you have to have an Application for Texas Title, that's not true!) so I'm 100% legal.

Bike still rides and runs great. The only problem is the wiring harness that connects the front fairing (headlights, tip over sensor, blinkers) is glitchy, which affects the fuel pump. May make another thread about that.

Funny story though, couldn't get the headlights to stay on. Went to eat breakfast with my wife, came out and fired up the bike afterward...headlights wouldn't come on. Got on the highway, passed 9kRPM...headlights came on. Weird. Next time I started the bike headlights wouldn't come on. Passed 9kRPM....BAM headlights come on again. WTF?!?!?!

Disassemble all the plastics, buy a voltage meter, strip all the wiring of all electrical tape...fuck fuck fuck...can't find it, headlights still won't come on. So I go to start the bike to put it back in the garage and continue this tomorrow, when I push the starter button I barely graze it and the bike fires up...WTF? Turns out the starter button was sticking half way, which of course causes the headlights to go off. Goddamnit.

Anyway, here's what she looks like today. ECM, right mirror, fairing bolt kit, ram air covers, tires, brake pads, oil change, coolant change, grips. All in all I'm coming in under $2,500 for a bike in very good condition.

My hurricane did the same shit

[Kaneman]

Originally Posted by Dave

My hurricane did the same shit

Really? What'd you do about it? If I turn the ignition on and don't hear the fuel pump (happens 1 out of ever 10-15 times) I reach down, unplug the harness and plug it back in...has worked every time so far.

What worries me is the possibility of it cutting out in a corner or on the highway....

[Archren]

Is it bad that I focused on the depth of field in your photos? I'm turning into such a nerd. What camera did you use?

/threadjack

She is freaking gorgeous. Makes me miss my little F2. Although the F4i is so much prettier... especially in red.

[Kaneman]

Originally Posted by Archren

Is it bad that I focused on the depth of field in your photos? I'm turning into such a nerd. What camera did you use?

/threadjack

She is freaking gorgeous. Makes me miss my little F2. Although the F4i is so much prettier... especially in red.

Nikon D90, Aperture priority - f/4.5, 50mm focal length, ISO 200, direct sunlight. If I wanted to really set it up though I would've preferred around 100mm focal length I think.

[Archren]

Originally Posted by Kaneman

Nikon D90, Aperture priority - f/4.5, 50mm focal length, ISO 200, direct sunlight. If I wanted to really set it up though I would've preferred around 100mm focal length I think.

Were you going for a super shallow depth of field? I like how it makes the bike pop not only in terms of focus, but the contrast between the warmth of the bike color and the cool colors in the background.

[Kaneman]

Originally Posted by Archren

Were you going for a super shallow depth of field? I like how it makes the bike pop not only in terms of focus, but the contrast between the warmth of the bike color and the cool colors in the background.

Yea, I go for that quite often. I would've gotten a much better effect with a telephoto lens instead of my 18-55...but I just wanted to take some quick shots.

Thanks for the compliments!

[Archren]

You're welcome. And definitely congrats on the freaking steal of a bike you got there. Now get out and find a better setting for your bike than your driveway. ;

[derf]

Awesome deal

[Kaneman]

Originally Posted by Archren

You're welcome. And definitely congrats on the freaking steal of a bike you got there. Now get out and find a better setting for your bike than your driveway. ;

Done.