RE5 TO restore or ride

[harrisbikenut]

Just signed up to the forum after having my appetite for an RE5 fired up. Have seen a few recently on Ebay, a BlueM a Red M and a black A at different prices and conditions. Have spoken with Lee Doxey about various issues. So are there any RE5's for sale out there that can tempt me? Should I restore or buy a runner? AP motorcycles has a nice Blue bike (once the touring paraphenalia is removed) BUT it does not run.
Has anyone experience of bringing a bike in from the states? Is it expensive this way?

Any advice greatly appreciated!

Bob

[Jess]

Bob,

It is my personal opinion that you buy the best bike you can afford.

If you can purchase a bike that is "done" in terms of restoration (running/cosmetics or both) you will find that in the long run it will be far less expensive than shoveling money into doing one yourself. Some of the parts are very expensive, and the supply is finite.

It has been my experience that unless you truly enjoy the restoration process and are willing to do the lions share of the work yourself, it is never the most economical.

I often speak with folks who have gotten a "great deal" for the initial purchase... Then when they find what it costs to repair/restore/get the bloody thing running, they loose interest and turn right around and resell it.

This is happening with increasing regularity. As an example, there is one bike here that has changed hands at least three times in the last year.

Just my 2 cents... I welcome any other opinions.

Jess

[harrisbikenut]

Hi Jess, Thanks for the reply. We have spoken via email recently when I enquired about parts availabilty. This is a real teaser. I have restored a number of bikes - T200, GT550, GT750 to name a few and I do enjoy the process of stripping, sourcing parts etc and then producing a "silk purse" from a "sows ear". There have been a number for sale recently -a black A model that needed lots of parts ( this was the one I emailed you about) There is a Blue M model at an importers called AP motorcycles, plus a nice Red M in Norfork that was recently on Ebay. I have exchanged emails with Lee Doxey who has indicated that his A model could be available but then there is the issue of price. Lee is asking around £8500 but clearly this is a show wineer with not5hing to do but ride and maintain. The Red M model in Norfork was up for £5k while the M at AP that does not run is available for about £3k.

Do you sell bikes or just parts? Can you help with export?

Interested to hear your thoughts

Kind Regards
Bob

[Jess]

Bob,

Again, It all depends on your level of committment.

The black UK bike you mentioned in an email was priced well for a complete bike. Understand, very few were ever imported into the UK.

If you enjoy the process, then by all means go ahead and buy a good project.

Time is, by far, my MOST valuable resource. Spending a year, sourcing parts and getting dirty is not "fun" to me anymore. I would much rather, write a check and go enjoy.

You cannot buy a better bike than Lee's. His workmanship is without reproach and his skill with Re5's is well known.

I don't know the other bikes you speak of, so I can't comment.

It all boils down to what you want...

Best,

Jess

[shep]

Speaking from my limited experience, I'd buy a runner that you can ride. I bought my re5 about a year ago with the intention to restore it. The bike ran, but had its share of problems. I also bought it without a title. Anyhow, many months passed, and the progress was very slow. I've now decided to just get it on the road so that I can ride it.

[coast2coastoffroad]

Hi Bob, Since we last spoke things have moved on with the RE5 1976 (Black) that I have for sale. The bike is now fully running & apart from the front brake pipes that I am waiting for the bike is ready for its Mot & I am than going to UK register the bike. It also has had the rusty exhausts changes so looks a lot better. Once it is Mot'd & registered I will take £3250 ono if it is still of interest.

Send me a message or call me if you still have my phone number or send me a PM & I will let you have it.

As you know I need to move this bike on so i have the space & time to restore my other RE5.

Thanks Gordon.

[harrisbikenut]

Hi Gordon, Just picked up your reply. Can you send me your contact details please?

Regards
Bob