After just reading DesmoEddys thread on his 916 rebuild and just what a good job he's done it's making me feel guilty. At about the same time as his 916 went to his friends garage mine got tucked away under cover at the back of my garage. Now my garage is not the best but better than a wood shed in other words it's damp. To add to this the heads and barrels had been removed. These went to Lugie for new rockers and are now ready to be refitted but the paint suffered from damp but worst still. RAT's, yes the little furry four legged little sh*** they have had a good chew at the loom and after chewing the rags round the barrel studs have left nice little deposits all over the crank! So now it needs a complete nut and bolt strip down and rebuild, paint job, tyres etc It looks just like a barn find! Is it worth it I ask? Oh it's just a standard 916Bip of 1996 vintage. Thanks in advance John
Are you attached to the bike ? Have you got the time and money to complete what you started ? If the answer to both is yes, the that's your answer. Period sensitive rebuilds retain value and a good as original as you can 916 will always be a nice bike. JFDI ! Andy
I expect it'll cost more than it's worth but that is not really the point with a rebuild IMO. You need to enjoy cleaning bits and having grubby hands. Think of it like a hobby, going to football or playing golf costs money you don't get back, same as a restore. Big question is, do you have the time and patience and desire to undertake something like this? I would, but I like spending time in the garage.
I agree with Cream, I have restored many Two strokes, 350lc x3, 350ypvs lc2 x2, kh250 x1, kr1-S x1 and have enjoyed them all as its a hobby and holds my interest, it will cost a bit doing any bike especial if your not handy with pulling things apart and rebuilding them
Hi John Ive read Desmoeddys thread and it looks like he's been very busy with good results, How's your thoughts going with your bike,
To all, Thanks for your replys and sorry for the late response from me, I've been very rude. After a good think it will get rebuilt, yes it's going to cost a bit what with the engine needing a rebuild and the plastics needing paint but it will be done. Done it before many moons ago so with time I'll get it done. First task will be to work out what special tools are needed and then are any modifications, read improvements worth doing. What I do know is I'll not be looking to make into a rocket ship just changes like the alternator cos I know it's cooked the wiring at least once. Or do I just keep it standard.
Could you get some pics posted up, so we can assess just what state it's in? I'm attached to my 916 - it's the only bike (or vehicle for that matter!) which I have owned from new. I had an 851 in 1992, then an 888 in 1994, then this 916 in April 1996. I bought another 851 in 2015 and a 996 in 2016, but my 916 has been everywhere with me - I used to commute to work on it when it was the only vehicle I owned, been to Oulton (threw it away at Cascades and rebuilt it), Circuit Carole, Nurburgring and Spa. I snapped a belt on it while commuting the hour-and-a-half to Halifax in 2002 and rebuilt it again. It's part of my DNA - I've had it most of my adult life. Alternator holding tool, cylinder head nut tool, and pulley holding/turning tool are all pretty much essential, I think. Two-wire alternator is fine if wiring and battery are in good shape; I replaced the wiring from stator to reg/rect with high-current wires on mine. Keep it standard; any money you spend will be repaid in the long run, as prices for a standard 916 have long since bottomed-out and they're only going to rise (if that matters - it doesn''t to me). Pics yes, but bling no (IMHO). No wavy discs, stubby levers, anodised open clutches, iridium screens etc. Again, IMHO.
Again sorry for the delay. After dragging the covers off it I just have to admit to being ashamed at the condition. Just goes to show how lack of use can cause so much damage. Unless of course you have a heated garage. Am I attached to it, sort of. It was bought as a replacement for the mint 748 which the wife gave me as a present but was then stolen in France. One of two ebay bikes I bought at the same time, a 900SS for the wife in Wales and this in the Midlands, collected them both on tje same trip. But it was dark by the time I got to the 916 and never really looked at it, should never have got it but it was cheap and a 916. It was not till I looked in day light did I find that the plastics were all wrong, mono seat fairings from a 748 and over all its had a hard life in the past. I had thought about breaking it and finding another but no after all its a 1996 916 getting on a bit at 21years old so deserves another chance at being what it should be. Last night I dug the vertical barrel and piston out for another look see. Looks like it's going to need a revote and new piston. After advise from a painter I have found new fairings with out all the stickers on so painting rubbing them down will be a little easier. So time for some before pics.
Must have been a ships anchor complete with chain and its a shame the purple paint on the brake disc didn't flake off. The makings of a good project that is , you now need somewhere dry to start as judging by the look of the stone wall its damp, Keep the photos coming and its good you are rebuilding.
Well spotted, yes it is a anchor chain. About 15foot set in concrete for 3 bikes. And yes need to sort a workshop first as that's a stone retaining wall behind it.
