Buying a used bike that has sat around unused for a while

[Greg in H-Town]

In the next day or two I'm going to go look at a '91 Honda 750 Nighthawk that has low miles (about 2K) but has sat unused for at least a couple of years. What should I look for, other than replacing all fluids and a dead battery? Roughly how much should I expect it to cost to take it to a shop and put into service and given a TXDot inspection?

Thanks,

Greg

[Greg in H-Town]

Okay -- I've got a little more info to go on after seeing it yesterday (I now realize my first question was pretty vague). Anyway, the outside of the bike looks fine; doesn't look to have been wrecked or dropped, so that's good. The gas tank is full of rust, so that's one problem. The guy drained all of the fluids before storing it, so it has been sitting with an empty crankcase all this time. The bike won't shift, maybe because of lack of fluids? Tires look okay, but they're the original rubber and the bike's a '91. The last valid regsitration sticker on the thing is dated 96, so it's obviously been sitting a long time. There was no battery so I couldn't tell if it would turn over. This would be my first street bike so I'm trying to get in at a low price point, but this is starting to look like too much of a project to get it running, or is it?

[CNF2002]

I dont know if this helps, because I'm no expert, but when I was searching for used bikes it seemed that most of them that had been 'sitting' for extended periods of time had a lot of problems with rust, and most had seized engines. I read that bikes do better when they are used than if they just sit there collecting dust.

It might need a rebuild...I would definately price around some significant repairs that could be needed on the bike and figure that into how much you can afford, unless the previous owner plans on filling the fluids and letting you try to fire it up before you buy it. I cant imagine being able to run it with all that rust through the carb though.

[flynrider]

I think you may be looking at a huge project. Just about the worst thing you can do to a bike (mechanically) is to let it sit for years. It doesn't take long for oil to run off of the upper engine parts and make its way down to the crankcase. This leaves most of the metal in the engine bare and unprotected. In your case, the crankase was empty, so the tranny gears are probably rusted together.

The next stage is corrosion. Even light coatings of rust on cam lobes and cylinder walls will eventually act like an abrasive. Even if the bike comes back to life after you've changed all the fluids, it will start wearing itself out internally.

One other problem with bringing bikes back to life is rubber deterioration. Sitting for years makes rubber parts dry out and crack. It's not just tires. Things like petcock diaphrams, seals, and carb diaphrams may all have to be replaced.

Without disassembling the bike and knowing the condition of all the parts that will possibly need replacement, you've got a crapshoot on your hands. I've seen a few bikes like the one you described brought back to life successfully. But, most ended up nickle and diming the owner to the point where he would have been better off buying a well maintained, running bike.

[Greg in H-Town]

Thanks for the info guys! My gut was already telling me to pass on this deal, so I'm not surprised at the answers. It's too bad -- it's really a nice looking bike, but then again it has to do more than look good. If anyone has the tools and knowhow to handle the mechanical restoration (whatever it might be) and you're in the Houston area and might be interested, PM me and I can send you pictures and contact info.

Here's a one of the pics I took of it:

[Tango21]

as long as it is stored in a climate controlled area the rust shouldnt be to much of an issue, the larger problems with long sit times it cylinder warp, piston sitting in the same place for long periods with change the cylinder shape causing possible blow-by and premature wear. tires also get flat spots but you should never ride on old tires anyway, just ride it down the street once a month and it should be good.. just my .02.

[Quick 350]

If that PIC is really of the bike and it's cheap less them $800.00 then I would jump on it.

Thing to think about.

1-You obviously have interest in doing some work on bikes or you wouldn't be shopping off of a dealers floor.

2-if the bike is cheap then it's well worth the learning experience you'll gain on it.

3- if the bike becomes to much for you then you could part it out and make a whole lot more money. (Not to mention the experience gained from the disassemble.)

4-Honda Nighthawks are great bikes ride nice and parts are still readily available.

I believe this would make a great Bike as long as it's not locked up.

Good Luck!

Mike

[rstnick]

My bike sat for 5 years, then my brother rode it for a year, then she sat for another 5. I brought her back to life in Sept. 2004. I was lucky to not have rust in the tank, I stored her with a full tank. I put oil in the cylinders, throught the spark plug holes when stored.

I did have all the fluids changed, new battery, carbs rebuilt, tune up and new tires. Cost over $1000 CDN, but my bike has been solid and reliable over the last year +.

If you could add some oil through the plug holes on the Honda and get her to turn over, you may have a good salvagable project there. The bike looks great in the picture.

[Sev]

You could probably sell the plastics, tank, fenders, exhaust, windshield and other odds 'n ends for more then $800.00. I'd pick it up if only to part it out after you realize that you cannot use it.

[Greg in H-Town]

Nah, I've passed on that one. Might have been a good deal if I was lucky, but I wanted something I could crank up and ride. Ended up getting an '06 Ninja 250 -- didn't break the bank and got a nice ride. The lil Ninjette will flat haul butt for a 250 once you crank it over 9K rpms...