'Tis a sad day....
 

So this morning I started suiting up to ride to class. Went out and started my KZ. After fighting with it for several minutes (its a hard starter when it hasn't been run for a few days) it finally started up. I get my jacket on, put on my helmet, and what do I hear?

clack clack clack clack clack clack

Yup, looks like one of the cylinders dropped a valve.

So, I think the bike is down for the count, because I'm not going to spend more money to fix it now.

I'm in a predicament: do I part the bike out and recoup some of my loss to help pay for a new bike? Or do I stash the bike under my deck and get around to trying to fix it some day in the distant future?

Re: 'Tis a sad day....
 

OUCH and stuff. Sorry to hear this. Just a suggestion. If you part it out you will be tearing the bike apart so why not start now with the engine. A little investigation might reveal an easy fix(fingers crossed) and you are back on the road. If the bike is down for good then you just don't have a running engine when you part out the bike.

Re: 'Tis a sad day....
 

Yea, I had figured I'd start disassembling the bike once I got some free time. However, I'm starting my search for a new bike since I was really wanting a v-twin anyway.

Re: 'Tis a sad day....
 

So, 'tis a happy day as well. :biggrin:

Re: 'Tis a sad day....
 

Honda Shadow VT600......known to be nice. :roll: (Used may come in a 500 or 700 too.)
Kaw Vulcan 500.....looks to be a competent, general purpose bike.

If you might be using a dealer, be sure to ASK what they will give you in trade, dropped valve and all. You might be surprised. Sometimes they can't give you a break on price but can give you a "deal" on a trade.

Re: 'Tis a sad day....
 

I don't plan on buying from a dealer... I can't afford it.

There are a couple Marauders I'm gonna try to take a look at this week.

Re: 'Tis a sad day....
 

You are assuming facts not in evidence! :biggrin:

My dealer today has 4 used 250's and a Honda Nighthawk 650, all under $1,500.
All LOOK to be in pretty good condition.

Re: 'Tis a sad day....
 

I wish I lived in your neck of the woods Easy Rider, I want a Nighthawk badly.

Re: 'Tis a sad day....
 

I4's are nice......but I never quite got over my uneasyness when running an engine that fast.
Don't count the Shadow's out. :)

Re: 'Tis a sad day....
 

Easy, please explain this statement for the uninitiated or otherwise mechanically deficient :whistle:

Thanks,

Keith