Post by mana on Nov 8, 2013 13:08:23 GMT 8
Hi my name is Sean. I purchased a 1997 600M in Perth early 1999. I loved this bike it was like a child to me. I even went to the extreme of building a metal crate to send it to Melbourne so i could ride it to the 2000 MotoGP. What a blast that trip was, with my brother (FJ1300) and his mate Steve (Kawasaki 1100) riding through the Victorian countryside, including the extraordinary Great Ocean Road.
In early 2002 it was stolen. I suspected that it would either be stripped down for parts and sold off, or thrashed to death by the thief. I was shattered that someone could steal my baby.
Move forward 10 years. Two policemen knock on my door and ask if i was who they were looking for. I answered reluctantly (lol) yes. Then they proceed to tell me they were going through some recent stolen goods when they came across my baby which they said was available for me to pick up. I was a bit reticent to see what sort of condition it would be in after 10yrs. I hired a trailer drove the 100kms to pick it up all the while dreading the condition i was sure would greet me. To say i was shocked is an understatement. It looked as though the thief had ridden it until the fuel ran out, tried to get more fuel in by ripping off the tank (no key was stolen with the bike) to see if fuel could be added under there somewhere??? then parked in a shed for most of those 10yrs. The seat is in perfect condition, there is NO paint fading.
My dilemma. I very very much want to once again ride my baby. Unfortunately i realise there would be much to do to make it roadworthy again let alone back to pre-stolen condition. I have tried my local town mechanic who agreed to look at it for me and let me know if they would take it on. They informed me that the entire hydraulics system would need an overhaul, new chains and sprockets all round, timing belts (new), most seals and gaskets replaced, new tyres, possible major engine work (pistons barrels rings valves) plus anything else like new left hand indicators and clutch lever (damage done by thief). They were unwilling to take it on.
The last few years have been a difficult time in my family, lost my mother tragically as well as 2 of her sisters in just 3yrs. My dad (who i care for now after mums death) has also just been through a battle with cancer, so getting the bike back after so long was very welcome during that period. I don't have an excess of money to throw at the bike, but i know it will cost at least 2-3K plus labour.
I'm not looking for charity, just information. How bad can it be? It looks in good enough condition to ride now. The town mechanic turned the motor over but could not get it to run on its own fuel supply (carby knackered?).
If i could get an idea from those in the know, how much is involved and am i near on cost? If i am not satisfied with its safety i will NOT be riding it so i want to do this right.
In early 2002 it was stolen. I suspected that it would either be stripped down for parts and sold off, or thrashed to death by the thief. I was shattered that someone could steal my baby.
Move forward 10 years. Two policemen knock on my door and ask if i was who they were looking for. I answered reluctantly (lol) yes. Then they proceed to tell me they were going through some recent stolen goods when they came across my baby which they said was available for me to pick up. I was a bit reticent to see what sort of condition it would be in after 10yrs. I hired a trailer drove the 100kms to pick it up all the while dreading the condition i was sure would greet me. To say i was shocked is an understatement. It looked as though the thief had ridden it until the fuel ran out, tried to get more fuel in by ripping off the tank (no key was stolen with the bike) to see if fuel could be added under there somewhere??? then parked in a shed for most of those 10yrs. The seat is in perfect condition, there is NO paint fading.
My dilemma. I very very much want to once again ride my baby. Unfortunately i realise there would be much to do to make it roadworthy again let alone back to pre-stolen condition. I have tried my local town mechanic who agreed to look at it for me and let me know if they would take it on. They informed me that the entire hydraulics system would need an overhaul, new chains and sprockets all round, timing belts (new), most seals and gaskets replaced, new tyres, possible major engine work (pistons barrels rings valves) plus anything else like new left hand indicators and clutch lever (damage done by thief). They were unwilling to take it on.
The last few years have been a difficult time in my family, lost my mother tragically as well as 2 of her sisters in just 3yrs. My dad (who i care for now after mums death) has also just been through a battle with cancer, so getting the bike back after so long was very welcome during that period. I don't have an excess of money to throw at the bike, but i know it will cost at least 2-3K plus labour.
I'm not looking for charity, just information. How bad can it be? It looks in good enough condition to ride now. The town mechanic turned the motor over but could not get it to run on its own fuel supply (carby knackered?).
If i could get an idea from those in the know, how much is involved and am i near on cost? If i am not satisfied with its safety i will NOT be riding it so i want to do this right.