It was impressive to see how nicely that TTR125 found a new home. I'll try my luck and see if anyone has a bike for me.
My idea is to buy an old 2-stroke that's easy to work on. I'd prefer it running, but if not, that might still be an option depending on what is likely wrong with it. I've owned several bikes, and still have my aging '07 KTM 525EXC for my offroad needs. Sadly, outside of air filter maintenance, really minor repairs, and the rare oil change, I always have all my work done by mechanics. As I've gotten old, though, I'm in need of more restful hobbies.
My plan is to slowly and carefully pull apart and reassemble a bike, and start overcoming my nervousness about screwing it all up and having to take it to a mechanic to fix what I broke. I think best to start with a simple 2-stroke bike, then later a more complicated bike, then maybe a simple car or boat, etc, etc. One thing I probably need to do right away is just practice pulling stripped screws and bolts - one of my biggest fears. I guess I don't need a bike for that, maybe just a hunk of wood, some hardware, and an extraction kit.
So, the target bike: Living in CA, an old street-legal little dual sport (mid to late seventies or early eighties 100-200cc) might be best. Another idea is a full size 125 or 250 dirt bike, which appeals to me since I've only ridden big 4-strokes off road, and ripping around on a light 125 would be quite a different experience for me.
I'm not seeing much on Craigslist or BAT. I also don't want a pristine work of art, since I'll feel bad just pulling it apart. I'd prefer something a little rough.
Anyone have something like that, preferably near Orange County, CA?
My idea is to buy an old 2-stroke that's easy to work on. I'd prefer it running, but if not, that might still be an option depending on what is likely wrong with it. I've owned several bikes, and still have my aging '07 KTM 525EXC for my offroad needs. Sadly, outside of air filter maintenance, really minor repairs, and the rare oil change, I always have all my work done by mechanics. As I've gotten old, though, I'm in need of more restful hobbies.
My plan is to slowly and carefully pull apart and reassemble a bike, and start overcoming my nervousness about screwing it all up and having to take it to a mechanic to fix what I broke. I think best to start with a simple 2-stroke bike, then later a more complicated bike, then maybe a simple car or boat, etc, etc. One thing I probably need to do right away is just practice pulling stripped screws and bolts - one of my biggest fears. I guess I don't need a bike for that, maybe just a hunk of wood, some hardware, and an extraction kit.
So, the target bike: Living in CA, an old street-legal little dual sport (mid to late seventies or early eighties 100-200cc) might be best. Another idea is a full size 125 or 250 dirt bike, which appeals to me since I've only ridden big 4-strokes off road, and ripping around on a light 125 would be quite a different experience for me.
I'm not seeing much on Craigslist or BAT. I also don't want a pristine work of art, since I'll feel bad just pulling it apart. I'd prefer something a little rough.
Anyone have something like that, preferably near Orange County, CA?
