Examination of our used motorcycle and diagnostics to evaluate the restoration
Content
Identification of external and internal signs of degradation to estimate the amount of restoration costs
Saga of restoration of the sports car Kawasaki ZX6R 636 model 2002: 2nd series
Overall rating
Therefore, the motorcycle was chosen for our restoration, and all that was left remained, as they say in these cases. And it all starts with a thorough examination to make a diagnosis that allows you to estimate the scope of work and budgetary repairs. It begins by walking around the motorcycle to identify any external signs of degradation, or even internal signs of degradation. The bike has boldness in the air, so I see more and better than a sports car usually shows. The tank is simply placed on the frame, just like the air box swirls on the carburetor ramp. Parts and hoses are waiting for us to take care of them, while I can already see ... the original electrical harness. We are talking about this again.
Complete motorcycle, still fine. Especially when you think you have all the details. A cheap used motorcycle may just be a bad idea in the beginning and even more in the end. Knowing that there are always surprises, good or bad.
When you buy a cheap motorcycle, you should also count on your lucky star, never being sure if it is enough. But it's always good for morale. In my case, it will be said that my palate was not always soft and that my aging eyes and in the early phase of presbyopia made fun of me. The enthusiasm I showed in what I thought was a nugget - a little raw - will take precedence over purely intellectual analysis, which should have told me not to go any further.
However, I spent time there before this bike. So it seems like it's like a motorcycle like a house that we buy: sometimes a cold return visit is necessary for two too. In any case, always go to buy a motorcycle with a guy so that he will temper your enthusiasm as a child, who sees his Proust madeleine and throws the necessary tickets into his impulse.
Feel free to print out the list of points to check before purchasing.
Let's start with good or bad surprises?
Good surprises
Despite its (very?) Poor general condition, its faded side fluctuates between oxidation and pronounced wear, the parts are adapted in a hard, sometimes dirty way, both artisanal and casual, we understand that this bike has potential. Well hidden, but she has little, just behind this experience! And challenging experience. Interesting! I already know that she has a good HS candle so she is crying now.
Crankers do not wear out, but their appearance is not shiny. She had to ride in the winter rather than sleep in a weatherproof way. As a result, the paintings are attacked, not to mention the exhaust line. This usually cannot be seen. But there the bike plays on fornicators and only holds its fork, streamlined flank and rear body. As far as cleaning and freshening up, no need to panic, I have products that go well at home. Finally, I hope so.
As far as the engine goes, we can still see most of it: the bike has boldness in the air. A quick check lets me see that all the hoses are there and that there are even rab level electrical wires passed anyway. Of course, the current owner is not an esthete. I turn the gas knob and find that it works well. Ugh.
There is work, but Japanese quality means that even in the case of very poor maintenance, it is carried out and, above all, is restored without any additional cost in excess of the time to spend on it.
The painting didn't fare well either, except for the frame. And again. Become a witness of the passenger steps puffing with salt. Atmosphere.
Passing quite well in time, the mechanics are not very attractive. It will also be in its fourth hand, this little ZX6R 636. But its owner says it rode well. In all my post-adolescent frankness, I have returned to the fore on this occasion, I am willing to believe it.
It smells like merges ... It's a revised fairing, but it works and shows. That's all.
I try to convince myself that it is still giving out something useful. What I see is correct, nothing more considering the advertised price: 800 euros. A sunken ship is usually negotiated within 500/700 euros, so we are not too far from a fair price.
The meter will look almost new, and even if the plug fits the metal legs, the rest is correct. Finally, if you are not too demanding. The tires are worn out but not dead and the chain kit appears to be functional. Its tension is good (which is not the case with many perfectly rolling motorcycles), and we are far from the maximum voltage levels. However, she hasn't toured for a long time and Rust is already doing its job. It smells like a substitute in the more or less short term. On the other hand, it is well oiled, a sign of a recent interview (hide the suffering?). That's it always.
Motorcycle with Tonton Flingueurs sauce
Because of its unserviceable spark plug, the bike hasn't turned for months, let's see how it looks. Problem? The HS spark plug is a common and well-known condition in sports cars and 4-cylinder motorcycles with perimeter frames. Someone thinks that he is a mechanic, the spark plug wrench does not fit, it forces a little and damages the screw pitch.
Another source of thread wear: Too much spark plug tightening. Few amateur mechanics have a torque wrench or adapted tools ... I finish off a candle that no longer has a thread. She doesn't look fresh at all. It seems like a difficult tomorrow. I have already started the calculator: schedule 4 new candles and repair the candle well. Total? About 100 euros if I'm doing well.
With the motorcycle scattered across the 4 corners of the parking space like a puzzle, there is no question of starting the engine or even touching. We will have to trust the seller, who says that everything has passed long before the breakdown. Thus, the availability of the seller's car and battery cables does not preach good battery health.
Okay, we take the risk knowing that we may have to change it. A fully flat motorcycle battery rarely returns to service, even with a great charger. This is one of the unpleasant surprises of the diagnosis. And there are more of them than good ones (otherwise it would not be funny). Standard battery price: about 40 euros. At the moment I am being renovated for 140 euros.
Yes, because everything above is part of the good surprises. For a normal biker, these would be unpleasant surprises. These are good surprises for me. Should we tell you about unpleasant surprises now?
Unpleasant surprises
What's left of the fairing is in poor condition. One thing is certain: the bike was green in a past life, as evidenced by the rims and the tank are the only original parts. At least what we manage to see through the mud. One more point, the back shell is split. Either it will have to be re-welded / repaired, or it will have to be replaced. The screw to secure the rear seat locking mechanism is missing and the opening lock is loose. So to 140 euros I add a full fairing, whether used or adaptable. Price? Hope to find around 200 euros. Total now: € 340 in immediate repair.
Worst of all, it continued ... and that the owner was riding a motorcycle where everything was of this kind. A technical inspection might be good, right? Oh, don't print! Technical inspection is evil!
Many screws and nuts are missing under the saddle. The engineers are definitely too generous ... But sometimes it's useful. Proof.
Indication due to color differences? The fairing is really not original, which the seller does not hide. He was reassembled after he bought a motorcycle and did the best he could with what he had. Good. Moreover, he said, there was a fairing on the highway while driving. For now, you can be polite and believe it. I am not asking why the tank is suppressed, that would be jealous. But the point is, this is so and pretty consistent. However, the big bobo doesn't bother me, it's well located. On the other hand, we see some traces of rust. This is less good. Frameto is my friend! (Frameto because everyone knows. But there are products that are much better than this).
It was also difficult for the tank. Subsequent rest and flaky paint, work to be done! I know that you can remove a dent without repainting for 50-75 euros. Given the condition of the reservoir, I can also do my own experiments ... much cheaper. Total repairs: 415 euros. This is beginning to be understood, but I am already thinking about negotiating the price of the bike.
One thing's for sure, this bike must have hit hard enough. The fairing mount easily demonstrates this.
Further evidence of a fairly severe fall - the cross-brace bar of the engine shoe is twisted. Disassembling the fork, an operation greatly facilitated by the poor condition of the optics and the lack of real fixation, we understand that this is "moral". Finally, rather with mirrored brackets on a spider, two self-tightening collars and ... that's all. The top spider seems to be missing. Quite a rare part, therefore expensive.
All front electric suspension is of this kind. This is being done, but it is a task. Like a lot on a bike to tell the truth.
Those who "reprinted" the bike were of good will, but frankly not gifted ... This is evidenced by the front brake hose.
Even I can do better! What is certain is that it smells like amateurishness and that there are many things that can hide under the semblance of "it seems okay." Usually at this stage, you take your legs around your neck and do not buy.
Electric level, front beam is very ... artistic. Not necessarily fragile, quite serious in its construction despite its quirky aspect, but a bit gritty melody and frankly not sexy.
Despite operation, one of the aircraft front brake system hoses was not properly traversed during replacement (it is not original). And for good reason: the dispatcher was eliminated in favor of double hoses. Unscrupulous DIY.
Effects? The hose was pinched ... by the steering lock. Conclusion: there will be work! A lot of work. At least the rims are in good condition, hardly dug out, and they don't seem to be veiled when I turn the wheel, the bike is on a crutch (better for two). I am adding aviation hose to the quote. I estimate the investment at 40 euros if I bet on minimal renovation with new equipment. Total: € 455
Conclusion
Somewhere this assessment "motivates". What do you want, I'm a player. To the point where even the spinnaker joint, which seems to be leaking, no longer panics. In any case, it will have to be cleaned for optimal performance and above all, everything will be redone. The slob spinnaker is common on used motorcycles. The fork seems pretty basic, even though it's fully adjustable.
Anyway, I am not buying a used one, I am buying a motorcycle to do it completely. There is no doubt that this machine will be categorized as VEI, i.e. economically irreplaceable, not an opportunity. And then it’s a personal challenge, and desire is stronger than fears. I love lost reasons.
Call me Candide again (the future will show me that my optimism will play a trick on me), but for now we will see him. Come on, while on top, I accept this ZX6R 636 after "negotiating" the price. 700 € ... In the worst case, I would sell it for parts and be able to withdraw my expenses. Spare parts cost estimate? About 500 euros, which will bring the total cost of the motorcycle to 1200 euros. Finally, if all goes well. Amount to which I will have to add the rental of my location in the garage with participation. This is always € 1000 less than the minimum 636 I currently find in ads. Many hours of work expected. Went! To be continued…
