The Suzuki Project

I finally ordered a new gear for the bike. I also ordered the pin that is missing but wasn't able to order the timing plate so we'll have to weld it back together. Out the door it was $45.00. With a $30.00 gasket kit and $20.00 for a battery, maybe that much again in oil, carb cleaner and such, I figure that I'm in it a little over $100.00.

I told Rachel already that as soon as it is running I'll put it up for sale. I'll ride it around until it sells of course. I pulled up the NADA guide values for the bike and posted them below. I would like your input on what would be a reasonable asking price for the bike since you've all seen it.

Excellent:		$2,875
Very Good:		$1,875
Good:		$1,375
Fair:		$500
Poor:		N/A

Value Explanations

Prices shown are retail consumer values and to be considered as selling prices.

Excellent — A very correct and original (even if it shows the patina of its age) or an exceptionally well-restored motorcycle. This category is reserved for concours or show quality machines only, in which everything on the machine is fully functional and operates as new. All equipment is original, new old stock (NOS) factory replacements or uses of excellent quality reproductions parts. *Over restored machines (custom paint, over polishing or chroming) do not fit in this category as those activities detracts from the originality of the machine.

Very Good — A very presentable, original motorcycle that may show signs of minimal wear or a fully (mechanically and cosmetically) restored motorcycle that does not meet concours standards, perhaps due to the age of the restoration or overall quality. All systems are fully operational and the machine is not in need of repairs. *Most non-professionally restored done correctly would fit in this category.

Good — A machine in nice condition for its age that may need some minor mechanical attention and cosmetic rejuvenation to be a “good rider”. Bikes in this category generally look used but are still usable, whether it is for dirt or street use. Frames should be straight and unaltered. *The replacement of tires, tubes, brakes, chain, sprockets, air filters and other minor parts should be anticipated.

Fair — A motorcycle that is worthy core for restoration. This would exclude machines with major frame and engine modifications that would be cost prohibitive to return to original specifications. All mechanical and cosmetic aspects of the machine will need attention in the restoration process. This is a complete motorcycle with most if not all of its body, engine and suspension components intact, albeit in poor condition. *Motorcycles with missing engines or major components are commonly referred to as “parts bikes” and are not covered in this category.

Poor — Used for Harley-Davidson and Indian motorcycles only. A poor condition motorcycle has been used and abused and needs major mechanical and/or sheet metal work. It may or may not run. Alterations are evident to frame or sheet metal. Motorcycle is missing or has incorrect parts, i.e. fenders, tank, seat, mechanics, installed. To some individuals this is a “project or parts bike” at best. A #5 motorcycle is one best left to the professional for restoration.

We finally got that nylon gear off today. It was very broken. The gear itself is nylon and is mounted to a metal bushing. My first thought was that we could have a new gear machined but that isn't going to be the case. So the search is on for 1973 plastic parts.

Ya so what. We didn't make the deadline. As it turns out the timing gear is broken and the cam won't stay in place. The last time I adjusted it the bike cranked right up and ran like a banshee for 15 seconds or so before it spun loose. A little timing work and we should be money.

That dirty bugger. We got it running for about a minute and I think that it spun itself out of time as I had forgotten to tighten down the timing plate. Now we can't seem to get the timing right. We synchronized the carbs and the oil pump. Bled the oil pump and adjusted the carbs according to the manual. Put a fresh charge on the battery and still no dice.

To make matters worse, it doesn't act like it is engaging in gear. The shifter is shifting but the transmission doesn't seem to catch the motor. I'm not sure if it is a clutch adjustment or something worse.

On top of all of that, TIME IS RUNNING OUT!

Last night dad, ryan, and i, got lots of time to work on the bike. we started off with mounting it, then we moved to the carbs, and the air filter intake, whatever. tomorrow we will flush the tank and place the rest of the accessories on it. the bike is coming along better than i thought, but now we need to find a battery, the correct battery for the bike is pricey so a replacement will have to do. just a little more work and this baby is gonna be running.

Finally we had time to get some work done with ry being gone all the time, last night we finished with the clutch. took some time but we figured it out, and we are making some progress, very shocking. but the engine is in a lot less pieces and looks a lot better....just a little more time and we should have this baby up and running.

ARRGH, this is getting frustrating. I wish I had more then one hour at a time to work on this little project. Trev did a good job finishing the gauge assembly. The welding hood shields made great replacement glass for the speedo and tach. We started lining up bolts with covers and it looks like it is all there. A few of the screw heads are stripped out and will probably have to be replaced. We set the alternator in place and will soon be ready to replace the clutch and the right side covers.