classic motorcycle forum

Hi, I have owned a 1978 Honda 750F for the last seven years and I can say that I have been very happy with the bike after owning a Harley FLH for ten years, it is faster than the Harley, more fun to ride, less work and cost to repair and even if it was broke which it never is I wouldn't feel bad since it only cost 900 dollars as compared to the Harley which cost 6000 dollars when I bought it in 1990. I will say this, the resale value of the Honda has not increased much in the years I've owned it but since I don't want to sell it that's OK, I would say the vintage Honda is a great value for fun and reliability but with a bit of looking around a vintage Triumph 650 can be a superior investment of your money, I bought one six years ago for 800 dollars and I could probably get 3000 dollars out of it today. Hope this helps, Phil.

Question: can loose bearing at the connecting rod big end cause ring gap to move..rotate..line up and cause oil to pass and cause smoke?    I installed new cylinder, pistons and rings and got smoke at one cylinder, tore it down and the only thing I saw was ring gaps on two compression rings were within an inch or so of each other, I'm certain they were spaced correctly, but I also see that the bearing at the bottom of the rod has more play than I would like but since I was not sure what was "too loose" I did not repair bearings yet. I am now in process of replacing those rod bearings but my manual does not give any info on what is "too loose". Thanks for any help. Phil.

Hi, thanks for your reply, I am in the USA but I am comfortable in communicating and shipping my cylinders anywhere that I can find a reliable source for British motorcycle repair, I have experience in hiring repairs for American made motorcycles but I would prefer to have the repairs for the Triumph 650 done by someone who is familiar with British motorcycles, also I feel since I've asked for help and advice I am willing to offer the same from my own experience in my response to others. Thanks again, Phil.

Hi, As far as parts go check out e-bay motors, I just bought cylinders for a 1971 triumph 650 and saved myself over 100 dollars, if you don't have access to e-bay motors find a friend who does, it is the easiest way to get parts for anything old. As far as finding someone to do work on your motorcycle be very careful, if you do find someone you trust don't forget to ask for an estimated time that the work will be done, I've seen good mechanics lay a job aside for months and you don't want to waste a whole riding season waiting, hope this helps, Phil.

Hi, I do a good bit of buying and selling on e-bay and e-bay motors and in my experience it has been the best place to determine the selling price for an item, I would suggest you spend some time looking at the completed sales on e-bay motors for any motorcycles near in age and condition to the one in question, one other suggestion, after you have done some research, is to actually list the motorcycle with a HIGH reserve amount if only to see what it bids up to, a reserve amount of say 10,000 dollars may cost you a hundred dollars when you post your listing but you may get some very useful information from it, hope this helps, Phil.