Project recommendations

Bradha562 · Post by **Bradha562** » Wed Oct 02, 2013 4:33 pm

I've done work on my 2003 SV650S and my girlfriends 2010 Ninja 250. Now I'm looking into picking up a project and have come across a few C-list ads for Honda Dreams. Since I weigh over 200 lbs. I'm partial to the 305. The questions I have are;

1. Is there a particular model year that the parts are easier to source than others?
2. What are the most common issues with these bikes?
3. What are the most important things to look for when buy a Dream for restoration?

Thanks in advance! I'm looking forward to get into a project as soon as I can find the right one.

B

cadman · Post by **cadman** » Wed Oct 02, 2013 7:28 pm

I wouldn't say there is any common issue. Stock mufflers are hard to get and expensive - rust free rims and spokes can be a problem and those parts are a bit expensive. There are a few other parts, mostly cosmetic, (carb covers and key switch) that are hard to find or expensive. Oddly enough engine parts and whole engines are not too bad.

I would look at all chrome parts. It is hard to find rust free chrome parts and rechroming is expensive (about $200 to rechrome a rim). I wouldn't buy anything that doesn't run or I can hear run prior to purchase. If it doesn't run I figure it should get real cheap. Shop carefully - you can buy fairly complete, running bikes in pretty good shape, for $1000 to $1500. I wouldn't pay any more than $300 to $500 for one that needs a lot of work. There are a few folks out there that think they have a classic and it should be worth lots of money regardless of condition.

There are lots of overpriced stuff on Ebay - I can't believe what some of the prices are so shop on Ebay carefully.

Tango911 · Post by **Tango911** » Wed Oct 02, 2013 7:55 pm

or you can buy this one already done :)

needs a new chain, could use some newer or re chromed rims. thats all.

Bradha562 · Post by **Bradha562** » Thu Oct 03, 2013 1:41 am

cadman wrote:I wouldn't say there is any common issue. Stock mufflers are hard to get and expensive - rust free rims and spokes can be a problem and those parts are a bit expensive. There are a few other parts, mostly cosmetic, (carb covers and key switch) that are hard to find or expensive. Oddly enough engine parts and whole engines are not too bad.

I would look at all chrome parts. It is hard to find rust free chrome parts and rechroming is expensive (about $200 to rechrome a rim). I wouldn't buy anything that doesn't run or I can hear run prior to purchase. If it doesn't run I figure it should get real cheap. Shop carefully - you can buy fairly complete, running bikes in pretty good shape, for $1000 to $1500. I wouldn't pay any more than $300 to $500 for one that needs a lot of work. There are a few folks out there that think they have a classic and it should be worth lots of money regardless of condition.

There are lots of overpriced stuff on Ebay - I can't believe what some of the prices are so shop on Ebay carefully.

Thanks for the info! I may ride out to see the bike this Sunday.