SOHC.co.uk Forums > CB500/550
The Cost of A rebuild!
Orcade-Ian:
Very interesting post Phil and some great observations from the others,
There was a time years back when I did do it for pocket money to buy or finish another project - they were usually cosmetically challenged write offs when Nick at West Coast was trading. My £200 350/4 came from him, as did the GL1500SE, both of which I still have. I was also very fortunate to have bought stuff from DS when prices were very low - 400/4 complete exhaust/silencer system for £150 and a genuine 333 system for the 350 - £75 each pipe. Now that prices have gone through the roof (£75 for a 400/4 clutch cable guide!) I doubt than any of us are in it for the money anymore - not for a complete restoration anyway.
As previously said, the psychological benefits of our hobby during lockdown(s) cannot be underestimated and as said, we still have the result to admire. A relative of mine was into Porsches and he hankered after a particular 'special edition', one came up and he lost £10k on the previous one in 1 year. The replacement has also gone but he won't say what he lost on that one!
Also I don't think there's much Covid in my shed, and don't feel inclined to jump on a plane to risk catching it and spend money for a fortnight in the sun.
Ian
SumpMagnet:
My project was very definitely a therapy thing. I was suffering from depression and I needed something to focus my mind and give me something positive that I could spend my time on. Failing that....I picked up an old 750-4
Cost was not something I was really focused on as the big spends would happen when I could afford them, and the small things were perfect for those birthday/christmas gift ideas from relatives who have no idea what to buy for me. Don;t get me socks.....get me a brake rebuild kit! Forget the Christmas jumper and buy me an oil seal kit..... my Christmas gift idea list became a part number list :)
I'm taking my time...spending as little as possible...but there are lots of places where time can be used instead of money.
What scares me, though, is what happens when I am done. You old hands know what happens next. Another project happens next.... and incidentally...I would love to restore an old 70cc Dax for shits and giggles....
taysidedragon:
As a spotty teenager I had to buy bikes on a tiny budget and never seemed to have enough money to do what I wanted to do with them. Later on, of course, I started earning decent money and could run a better bike.
They got a lot more reliable so rarely needed more than routine maintenance. A modern bike is great to ride, but I hadn't had to strip an engine for donkey's years.
I really fancied getting an old bike to properly get my hands dirty again and that's why I got the 400f. I've never before been into an engine as deep as this one. I've learnt new tricks (mostly from you lovely people! ) and attempted tasks that I wouldn't have attempted before. I've loved every minute of it, apart from a few choice words now and again! There will be more. 😁
Laverdaroo:
Who cares what it costs? We do it for the love don't we?
I'm probably £2,800 into the 400/4 with about another £1800 to spend on the pipes and paint and a few other bits like tyres, consumables and the wiring but its saved me going bonkers in these awful times and like you all say, at least you can take it for a ride when you're done and feel as proud as punch with a massive sense of achievement.
Whether its holidays, cars, bikes or horses; if you can justify the time and cost (no matter how high or low) just go enjoy yourself!
Sesman:
If you need to justify it you can’t afford it. It’s the age old cost vs value argument. I’m in at around 4k including purchase price with around £1500 yet to burn on chrome and paint and it won’t be as nice as the item currently for sale on this forum. If I knew then what I know now I’d be hooking up the trailer and driving to Horncastle.
Having said that, I’m having some fun rebuilding mine and learning a good deal in the process. My new Beema loses about £800-£1000 quid or so a year in depreciation. My ‘rationalisation’ is I only need to own my CB for a couple of years and the cost vs resale value has beeen diminished by the equivalent new bike depreciation. It might even gain in value. In the mean time it gives me more pleasure than many of the other shallow activities I’ve perused and have cost significantly more. It’s a selfish, indulgent activity and I love it.....just my view by the way. 8)
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