Posted by Witch Doctor on April 15, 2001 at 23:04:44:
I'm seriously considering the purchase of a "new" project bike. I would appreciate you folks' thoughts and/or opinions on the ride in question, especially from any of you who have owned the model in question. Here's the deal...
I want to "rescue one of my co-workers' new toys, a Suzuki GT380. For those like me who had/have never seen one, it is an air cooled inline triple. Three carbs, three pipes, four mufflers (the center is a one into two configuration). Ram air induction, has a kickstart. Carbs and motor need work, frame is immaculate, complete bike with clean papers. Has set up for several years (plates expired in early 90s).
Plusses= complete, clean paperwork, all staright in the frame, sheetmetal, exterior of motor.
Minuses= needs tires, probable complete overhaul, paint job (it's silver, yuck), current owner thinks he can get $200 USD for it.
What do you folks think? Con him down to no more than $100 or let it go back in someones shed, where it probably belongs? I want to redo it completely with photo documentation, complete expense recors and a time log to get a new portfolio re-established. Am playing with the idea of getting back in the business ful time, and right now a cheap rolling basketcase is the only way to start. He also has a Honda CB vertical twin, year and displacement currently unknown to me, that has a fresh top end and is mechanically complete, needing a lot of cosmetic resuurection. Thoughts and opinions on either would be appreciated, or if anyone here is interested in aquiring one or both for themselves, that can also be arranged. He has no business being around somewhat rare vintage bikes, he can barely manage to drive his pick-up truck.
Thanks y'all.
-WD