Can I do this??Can I do this??Hi all! I've been looking for a bike to restore as a winter project. I ran across a few Dreams on Craigslist and really liked the style of them and the prices weren't too bad. I've found two that I'm interested in but I'm not sure which, if either, is better. One is a 1964 305 Dream in good condition - $500, but completely taken apart (he was going to have it painted and lost interest). The other is a 1966 250 Dream for $1500 in good condition as well, has some extra things like windshield and saddle bags. They said it was running, but now it won't spark. I like the bigger engine of the 305, but I don't know if I'm skilled enough to put it back together (and hope all the parts are there!) or if there are problems with the engine. I don't know if the 250 engine has a major or minor problem. I need some help deciding- Is a 305 alot better than a 250? Are they really complicated to build? If I had to rebuild the engine, how much would that cost? Any advise would be much appreciated!!
$500 is a good price for the 305 if its not missing any major pieces. Having said that, it's always a lot easier to put something together if you took it apart... You can learn a lot from the parts and shop manuals but nothing beats experience. If you've restored other bikes, you probably won't have too much trouble; the 305 engine and trany are pretty simple by today's standards. Be realistic about additional costs though. Parts are available, but sometimes not cheap. Post your location, and you might find some local help - this is a good group. I wouldn't go after the 250 Dream, they don't seem to be as valuable as the CB and CL 250 versions. If nothing else, the 305 would be a good donor bike if you find another one complete.
Chuck 250 or 305?Are the expensive parts all there for both bikes? Clam shells, Mufflers, Working headlight, etc.?
How are the chrome parts on both bikes, including rims? That can be real expensive. How is the bottom of the front fender on the two bikes? Chain guard? Tires? Paint? Why did the 305 owner take the motor apart? Pistons & rings? Crank? Transmission? Does "restore" mean show or nice rider? $1000 could buy a lot of parts, depending on what you need. Don't be afraid of the 305 motor if you have some mechanical skills. There are plenty of people on this forum that can and will answer questions. And, there would be a great deal of satisfaction in putting it together and hearing it roar to life that first time. One caveat: It probably wno't be real cheap and must be a labor of love. But, a Dream is a pretty cool bike and every time you ride it people will want to talk to you about it. If you posted pictures of the two you would probably get a lot more comments and opinions. Thanks so much for your help! I think the major parts are there for the 350 that's taken apart, but I think that may be too much of a challenge for me for my first project bike and I don't know for sure that the engine even works so I think I'm going to pass on that one. I like the 250 because it's in good condition cosmetically and has the saddlebags and windshield, but I don't like that the engine isn't working. It could be something minor but it could be something major. They said it was working but now has no spark. I found a 1964 last night for $1800 that looks good in the pictures (don't they all!) and has new tires, new battery and a rebuilt engine. I'll go take a look in person, but although it's more money, having a nice rebuilt engine, tires and a battery saves some time and money. I think that one may make more sense. I've attached some pics, but they don't show much! Thanks again for helping me try to decide!
Last edited by Kigsby on Mon Oct 24, 2011 12:22 pm, edited 1 time in total.
I'd stick with a 305. I'd never pay $1500 for a non running bike unless it was a very early one.
The price on the one you posted pics seems fair if it's as described. That said you can't go wrong with the $500 bike. If you want something to ride right now it can get frustrating having a non running bike. Worse case though if all the parts are there you can always get your money back by parting it out.
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