Criteria for choosing Project Bikes

[Joseph Shaw]

Decided that I had posted this in the wrong topic and am moving it to this more general discussion area. Sorry for any confusion!

If you were looking for a bike for a first project bike, what would be your criteria in picking that bike out? My thought is to buy a cheap bike that allows you to go through the systems and to become familiar as possible with the bike while learning what you are doing....as experience
With the systems grow, initial project bikes can be more expensive with less needed.....but, not sure that the initial project bikes would be monetarily successful.....the bike might appreciate more if pristine with low miles without the rework or repairs. Thoughts?

 

[Oscar Meyer]

First off is know your limits. Guys get in over their heads with motorcycles all the time. The first thing I consider is what will the bike be worth once the job is done. I don't mind projects but I also don't like working for nothing. If I can get a bike up and running for below it's value then I'm in. I don't want to spend $3k on a $2k bike. But again you need to know your limits because I have seen many guys end up giving up because it was more of a job than they had talent for. Your labor is one thing but the parts will put you under water if you don't know what you are looking at when it comes to buying a project.

 

[Joseph Shaw]

First off is know your limits. Guys get in over their heads with motorcycles all the time. The first thing I consider is what will the bike be worth once the job is done. I don't mind projects but I also don't like working for nothing. If I can get a bike up and running for below it's value then I'm in. I don't want to spend $3k on a $2k bike. But again you need to know your limits because I have seen many guys end up giving up because it was more of a job than they had talent for. Your labor is one thing but the parts will put you under water if you don't know what you are looking at when it comes to buying a project.

All of that makes s lot of sense....thanks!