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General Category => FJ Project Writeups => Topic started by: Alexis Wenzel on July 25, 2016, 01:31:30 PM

Title: Do you think it worth the work?
Post by: Alexis Wenzel on July 25, 2016, 01:31:30 PM
Hi guys, good morning!

So, I was thinking about start to put everything back together and let a new bike be born, as a street fighter or cafe racer...do you think it worth all the work?

The idea is to build a little Frankenstein since I already have a fully functional FJ1100, no problem about that. =)

Below you can see some pics of what I have so far and also a list of what I know is already missing:

Missing parts:

Carburetors
Seat
Battery
Spark plugs and cables
Tires
Exhaust
Levers and reservoirs
Speedometer
All lights
Brake system (Calipers, tubes and pads)
Bottom frame
Engine cover (right side broken)

What I have:

(https://s32.postimg.org/zd5up96tt/IMG_20160724_153422.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/zd5up96tt/)
(https://s31.postimg.org/89tadomsn/IMG_20160724_153455.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/89tadomsn/)
(https://s32.postimg.org/bk4qnpu0h/IMG_20160724_153509.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/bk4qnpu0h/)
(https://s31.postimg.org/fwjkoqrif/IMG_20160724_153824.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/fwjkoqrif/)
(https://s31.postimg.org/tpgtmw887/IMG_20160724_153830.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/tpgtmw887/)
(https://s31.postimg.org/n0n72pzo7/IMG_20160724_154059.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/n0n72pzo7/)
(https://s31.postimg.org/ppiv1n43b/IMG_20160724_154655.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/ppiv1n43b/)
(https://s32.postimg.org/c414gcq01/IMG_20160724_154707.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/c414gcq01/)
(https://s31.postimg.org/3o9jdxs93/IMG_20160724_155430.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/3o9jdxs93/)
(https://s32.postimg.org/jq47en1g1/IMG_20160724_155452.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/jq47en1g1/)
(https://s32.postimg.org/xd21lutr5/IMG_20160724_155752.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/xd21lutr5/)
(https://s32.postimg.org/vmj0kdc81/IMG_20160724_155918.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/vmj0kdc81/)
(https://s31.postimg.org/kfpw3wolj/IMG_20160724_155929.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/kfpw3wolj/)
(https://s31.postimg.org/wjq6mbvw7/IMG_20160724_155936.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/wjq6mbvw7/)
(https://s31.postimg.org/l84g934uv/IMG_20160724_161140.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/l84g934uv/)
(https://s31.postimg.org/719723fvb/IMG_20160724_161145.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/719723fvb/)
(https://s31.postimg.org/sa1xcbzd3/IMG_20160724_161150.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/sa1xcbzd3/)
(https://s32.postimg.org/4m2nfq4wx/IMG_20160724_161155.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/4m2nfq4wx/)
(https://s32.postimg.org/fns5qjob5/IMG_20160724_161202.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/fns5qjob5/)
(https://s32.postimg.org/8yoqr294h/IMG_20160724_161214.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/8yoqr294h/)
(https://s32.postimg.org/9et9vevu9/IMG_20160724_161224.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/9et9vevu9/)
(https://s31.postimg.org/v3b9jipjb/IMG_20160724_161232.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/v3b9jipjb/)
(https://s31.postimg.org/by4qon41j/IMG_20160724_161244.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/by4qon41j/)



What do you say? Does it worth the work?

Thanks guys!

Cheers!
Xis
Title: Re: Do you think it worth the work?
Post by: jscgdunn on July 25, 2016, 01:53:00 PM
 Alex,
Like everything, it depends.  From our post I assume you have another fj1100....this will be helpful, if it is the case, as a "go-by.

1) Are you a good mechanic?  This especially applies to the engine assembly.  Make one mistake and.... :bomb:.  If you get it done professionally I expect over $1,500 - 2,000.

2) Your missing parts via ebay will be about $1,000+ I think.

My recommendation would be to simply find another 1100, maybe with a bad fairing and build your bike from it and your basket case.

My thoughts....

Jeff
Title: Re: Do you think it worth the work?
Post by: FJmonkey on July 25, 2016, 02:07:11 PM
"Worth all the work" You likely already know that you will never be able to sell the bike and get your money back. So "worth it" means it's value to you. I, like many here, have already jumped way off the cliff of modifications and upgrades. It has been worth it for me. If you do the project then please document and post up your progress. It is fun to see what others are doing to their FJs.
Title: Re: Do you think it worth the work?
Post by: Alte Fahrt on July 25, 2016, 02:14:56 PM
It is never worth the work but then again it is always worth the work. :shok: Do I sound confused? Let me explain. If you think about how much labor is involved and what your labor is worth then it isn't worth it. You'll never get out of it what you put in. If you think about the satisfaction and pride of building something that is one of a kind, what could be better. You don't mention what year it is or where you are from but I know that there are a ton of reasonably priced parts on Ebay.

When I got my FJ it had sat in a garage for 10 years. It was not protected or prepped for storage in any way. I spent at least 150 hours getting it in a mechanically sound condition (not restored but safe to ride). Lots of money too like new tires and battery. I've had it for almost 2 years now and have never seen another one anywhere I've been. It gets lots of stares anywhere I go and the best thing is the looks on peoples faces when I take my helmet off. They can't believe an old fart like me is riding this crotch rocket.

Ultimately it is your choice but if you decide not to then sell it to some that will rebuild it and not part it out. If all else fails, ship it to me and I'll do something with it. :hi:
Title: Re: Do you think it worth the work?
Post by: FJ_Hooligan on July 29, 2016, 09:36:27 PM
First thing to install......... The KICKSTAND!!!!
Title: Re: Do you think it worth the work?
Post by: Johnny2stent on August 09, 2016, 03:48:25 PM
Hello Alex, my thought is that since you have an 11, either build a frankenmonster, like an insanely powerful motor (turbo?) or sell to someone who wants to rebuild an Fj. It's a great bike stock. It's a classic. Chop it up if you're going to make something really special. Or let that old fart bring another classic back to life.
Good luck whatever you do.
Title: Re: Do you think it worth the work?
Post by: Cash Dereszynski on September 10, 2016, 04:42:20 PM
Make it your way, this forum will guide you through it. As it did with me