Post by cycleholic on Dec 29, 2017 23:41:36 GMT -5
Hi everyone, new guy here, looking for some tips on where to start with a 1976 RE5 that has been down for a while guessing a year or two. I have not even picked up the bike yet, will hopefully have it by next weekend. I will start by telling you what I do know, the bike was running when it went down for what appears to be some front brake work, possibly fuel issues as well. I went to look at this thing and was mesmerized by the piece of jewelry hung in the frame rails, WOW what a great looking engine, I immediately told the lady selling it I wanted it, even though I had no idea if I could ever make it run again I would shine this thing up and hang it on the wall in my shop to look at if nothing else. I had seen one before in Barbers Museum ( I live 30 min. from there, just south of Birmingham) but never really studied it, that place gives me mild cold sweats and sensory overload. I am gear head, bike nut, car/fast boat junkie, had the virus ever since 74 when my uncle plopped me up on the tank of his Penton Jack Piner and popped just a few small wheelies, I currently have a small collection ( the wife refers to as a hoard) of bikes, dirt and street from a 64 YG Yamaha to late model stuff. I have done a fair amount of restoration / resurrection work thru the years and know that you can cost yourself dearly if don't properly bring a bike out of hibernation. I know nothing about rotaries, but have built about everything else you can think of . I was really glad to find you guys and look forward to being a part of the community, would like to thank you all in advance for your assistance in getting this thing back on the road, any tech tips / checklist for giving the bike an initial inspection would be greatly appreciated. From my initial observation, fuel tank clean and removed for some reason, front brakes disassembled, good clean antifreeze in the radiator, oil looked new and right at the full mark. The bike has 12k (I think) on the clock appears to be in very good shape , well maintained, unfortunately the owner passed away and never got finished what he had started. This chap was a pretty detail oriented guy, has I believe every factory manual, service bulletin type document ever issued on this bike which made me feel even better. I will post some more info and pics after I pick it up