New member in Oz

MB-5 Joined: Jul 27, 2010 Posts: 5 Location: Australia

Hi all, I haven't got a DOHC Honda yet but what I have found is possibly a 1983 Honda CB900FC or FD Bol d'Or. If anyone has some comments on the bike before I go and buy it, hopefully it will help. Bike is in boxes, stripped down to frame, engine has the head off it. The guy assures me it's all there.....yeah right, heard that one before.

Anyway, I look forward to the members helping me out. This is my first DOHC, the others have been 750/4s SOHC.

Cheers.

Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2010 8:02 am

You would really want to have your head around what is going on with it as parts out here fairly short on the ground and if the motor requires a full rebuild just about forget it, cost prohibitive here. very rare for a motor to turn up on ebay etc cause I am always looking.
Norm

Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2010 8:06 am

Hi Bobcat67

I am also a new member from Oz in Sydney. I am currently lurking around looking for parts for my 1100R I am restoring and have got hooked on this site. I've already had some help from the great people here and enjoy reading their tales of repairs and upgrades. I can't help out with your question other than I'd own one and go for it, what have you got to lose other than money! But you will get a heap of help here. What colour and how much do they want?

MB-5 Joined: Jul 27, 2010 Posts: 5 Location: Australia

G'day Chooky and norm, not sure on colour yet as I've only seen the engine. Basically it's a project bike that hasn't got started. Engine was covered in dust etc. I've rebuilt 2 750/4 SOHC and I do know about costs, parts I'm not too sure on availability. I do know a guy who has 5 CB900 engines and a CB900 in good condition sitting under his house. I could just waste money on going to the pub, however even the wife knows where I am if I'm at home...in the shed playing with bikes. I enjoy the challenge of putting engines/bikes together and depending on the condition of the rest of the bike next week, I'll see if this one is a goer. The bloke did say he'd be happy with $500. Might be able to get him down lower if it's in poor condition. Apparently the tank doesn't have rust or dents so there a plus.

Cheers.

Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2010 8:04 am

Hi Bobcat,
Biggest problem out here is some motor parts are a bit hard to source, frame, wheels and other various bits can be mix and matched from other bikes without too much trouble. If motor is good, go for it. What state are you in.
Cheers Norm

Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2010 7:37 am

Hi Bobcat welcome to the site. I also am currently rebuilding a 900f "81 model.So far the frame has been powder coated and the motor has been soda blasted. I find it is well worth the money and time to invest in these classic bikes. Hope you have luck in the purchase of the bike.

Cheers

Col.

MB-5 Joined: Jul 27, 2010 Posts: 5 Location: Australia

norm wrote:

Hi Bobcat,
Biggest problem out here is some motor parts are a bit hard to source, frame, wheels and other various bits can be mix and matched from other bikes without too much trouble. If motor is good, go for it. What state are you in.
Cheers Norm

I'm in the NT. If the bike is complete then most of the battle is won especially if it's all still straight and not bend. Motor needs some work, I'd pull it down anyway as it has been sitting and you never know what has gotten in there and might block up an oil gallery.

If anyone has some preferred Oz dealers, let me know.

Good luck with the resto 900Fer. If you don't mind me asking, how much for the powder coat? PM me if you like.

Havagoodone.

MB-5 Joined: Jul 31, 2010 Posts: 5 Location: folsom

Hi! Welcome to the site.Its glad to meet you.i hope you are enjoying your stay.have a nice time.

Posted: Sat Jul 31, 2010 10:33 am

Good luck with the prospective purchase.

If you've gone the resto route before then its probably an old game for you but when I buy a bike in bits the question I'm always asking is "Why did you get it to this state and go no further" : If the current owner dismantled it, they should be able to tell you what the problem was that stopped them going further....if they purchased it that way then you'll have to be your own forensic detective!

An engine with its head off and covered in dust doesn't sound a happy starting point - quality of strip down (cam holders all still in situ or marked?) and what was found (chain/tensioner replacement costs, issues with freeing block, damage etc) will be key as the value is very much in the motor.

I've really enjoyed my F, hope you do too: remember, they are plentiful so don't lose your heart to te first one as you can aford to be objective.

Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2010 2:44 am

Wouldn't expect you would find too many up in the Northern Territory but you never know. Good luck
Norm