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Post by ratherdashing59 on Sept 7, 2010 23:14:59 GMT -5
Hi, I am currently looking at buying an RE-5. I have always been interested in rotaries and would love to get the chance to work on and ride one. However I am in college now and money doesn't flow too freely. I was wondering if I could get some estimates from any of you on how expensive these bikes generally are to rebuild. Here is a link to the bike easttexas.craigslist.org/mcy/1867000780.html |
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Post by maleric on Sept 8, 2010 9:13:38 GMT -5
It is not possible to estimate the cost of the restoration based on the photos, but I can assure you that if you want to do a really good job on the restoration, the price will be "high". The 'rarer' parts can be 'pricey' - as one would expect.
Even if you only want to get it up and running, you could be hit with some unpleasent surprises: rebuilding the brake calipers and master cylinder can be expensive depending on how you source the rebuild kits, and that assumes the brake lines are OK. I never looked at an RE5 for sale that didn't need front brake repair/rebuild... and I have been buying RE5's for 29 years.
I don't wish to discourage you from working on it or starting the restoration with a thorough cleaning and getting the engine running - I have many RE5's because I enjoy working on them. But if you learn the hard way that you need a CDI box, well there are no cheap or easy answers for that component. Another consideration: if you need new tires, a battery, a just a few other parts, you will rapidly discover that the costs of those parts can exceed the price you spent on the bike (this is true of an RE5 AND most other mid 70's Japanese bikes - depending of course on what you paid for the bike.
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Post by Jess on Sept 8, 2010 15:59:47 GMT -5
I have always been of the opinion to buy the best you can afford...
It ALWAYS costs more to restore than to buy one done. Parts add up very quickly...
Best of luck...
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Post by wayne on Sept 8, 2010 23:58:34 GMT -5
If you want a top quality job, ground up but not rebuilding the proper unit itself (other than cosmetic soda blasting or similar), you'd be looking at 7 to 10,000 dollars above your purchase price. I'm on my 4th restoration here in Australia but I'd imagine the prices would be ballpark similar over there.
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