Big Projects - what have you learned?

[Doggo]

OK, so I trailered my Honda to a garage earlier this week, only to be told it would cost more for them to fix than I paid for it - £2k+.

I reckon 2/3rds of that probably is labour - lots of labour intensive jobs, most of which I don't think are that difficult (maybe). My options are:

a) Say "Screw it" and buy another bike, leaving my current one to rot (I'll never get round to breaking it).
b) Try and fix the fecker myself, with little experience and, frankly, nowhere decent to work on it so I'll have to try and find that too.

I should clarify for those that haven't guessed that this is my CBR1000F, not the Prelude, but in essence the issue is the same. Despite the economics I don't feel that there's really much wrong with the bike, and it would be a hell of a shame to scrap it. Also it fits my needs and wants perfectly (1/4 mile in 10.8, Comfy long distance, usually reliable and handles well if you use muscle). But I've never contemplated more than the odd repair on car or bike before.

To help me decide..... what have you learned from major projects? What would you do or not do next time?

Any thoughts/contributions appreciated.

[paul bristol uk]

So what are they saying is wrong with it?

[Vtecmec]

I've learned that there is no greater satisfaction than doing things for yourself. Treat it as a casual hobby/learning exercise, even if everything goes wrong, you'll have learned some lessons that you can take forward.

When I was 17 and knew absolutely nothing, I did and engine and box swap on my Audi coupé, it saved me a packet, and whilst I could not get it to run once I had finished, I'd done 95% of the job and £50 to a local mechanic got it going.

As long as you don't set fire to it you can't lose really.........

[prelude91]

D.I.Y. I've done almost any job, except major engine builds on my old Honda's and the fj, what's wrong with it? If necessary trawl e-bay for spare parts, and take your time, not forgetting winter is coming, so ideal spanner time. Which model is it, I believe the model designations ran from FH to FN depending on model year.

[prelude91]

P.S. I'm far more confident working on bikes than my 3g or any other car I've had for that matter.

[Sailor]

Please don't leave it to rot! As Paul has asked: what's wrong with it?

Can you get it under a shelter, even if there's no room to work on it when there? If so, you could learn as you go (as long as you keep some wheels on it). It won't matter how long it takes. If as you say, you are thinking about buying another bike and not selling yours, why not get something smaller and more economical that'll last a couple of years and spend the savings on bits and/or tools?

As to your original question: things I've learned from past projects include
- don't rush a job
- keep things clean
- if something seems not to be working, walk away rather than get frustrated
- take notes and photos before dismantling
- label everything you remove

[prelude91]

I agree with sailor, little and often, not much about the cbr would scare me, except I have little experience on bikes with water cooling, cv carbs and air front suspension, but should be possible, whats wrong with it, doggo?

[bluejackhustler]

Bar needing specific tools most jobs on bikes are 10 x easier than cars. They require 1/4 the space needed and they're usually less essential than a daily driver so you can take your time. What does it need? Fork seals, steering head bearings, swingarm bearings, caliper rebuilds? I've done them all and none are too difficult at all. Fix it!

[prelude91]

I agree with 'bluejack' anything you can't do doggo, I'm sure we'll be able to talk you through it, main essential is a Haynes manual, and I know a couple of good Honda O.E. parts suppliers who can help with parts. One thing I didn't realise was the model designation of the CBR went from FH to FX, so most parts are (should be) widely available. Oh, and depending on the complexity of repairs needed, start with the easy fixes first, it'll raise your confidence and spirits.

[Doggo]

Well first I've got to apologise to you guys for starting a thread then disappearing.... for some reason my psyche disolved into a slough of alcohol, despair and video games for a couple days, from which I have now crawled. (Yes, I had to go to work).

Second, great to get some encouragement, guys Thanks!

Third, onto the posts...