[Teamtortoise]

Greetings Forum,

I have been looking for a project TW for a few years now. I have been a non-rider my whole life. I know riding basics and have played around on lots of bikes but once I played on a freinds TW I knew I had to get one. Anyway, I found one, for $250 bucks.. the kid said it was a farm bike (red flag), he said it had some dents in the tank (red flag), but he said it was running.. I grabbed my dad and brother and our our fishing gear and headed out for the day to get a line wet and drive the 1.5 hours to buy a parts bike to fix up. Well after paying the young lad and loading it in the truck my brother looks at me and states that I am a criminal now because I just stole the bike for the price. I cant say I feel too guilty and after some electrical rundowns to get the lights lighting and flashers flashing, the bike runs pretty good. This last week I got it registered and took it out for the first ride more than .5 miles from the shed. I am in love.



I hope to be able to contribute to the forum as much as it has already helped me in tips, tricks, ideas and dreams.



First day out.

Some fun in the shadows.

 

[elime]

That one looks a whole lot better than the parts bike I paid $450 -- and I thought I got a great deal.



What year? How many miles? How are the tires and chain? Etc.

 

[Teamtortoise]

That one looks a whole lot better than the parts bike I paid $450 -- and I thought I got a great deal.



What year? How many miles? How are the tires and chain? Etc.

1998 (kick starter - yay!!)

The odometer says ~11,200 but the cable is broke. So who really knows.

Tires are not super but ok.

Chain is in ok shape but its a planned replacement.



The bike is a bit tired. I didnt have my GPS with me so I dont have a top speed. It didn't feel super fast a the top end, but I was fighting a pretty strong headwind too. Because of the age, I worry about poor compression. Utah elevation has me wondering about some jetting issues. It is pourposed for 90/10 dirt to road so the speed doesnt really bother me. It seemed to run like a champ. We were climbing some pretty good grades. I am a 230# rider so the fact it didnt blow up made me feel pretty good.

 

[MrDNA]

Yes, they have a web site for criminals like you - tw200forum.com!



Congratulations on the score.



Is that snow I see? Ah, you are a crazy man, and should fit in nicely here...

 

[Turwilliger]

Retorque the head and adjust the valves.

Then put on a new plug and change the oil.

You might be pleasantly surprised!

Congrats on the find.

Assquatch has a feeler thread out for parting out his...

Maybe a good motor if your compression really is bad.

But from what I hear they're pretty tough bikes to beat so maybe just a lil tune is all she needs.



Oh, how could I forget... Fresh gas and a little carb cleaner in air intake and fuel line for now. (rebuild later)



You'll be shopping for pellican cases and hand guards in no time

 

[operose]

As long as you ride it like you stole it, all will be right in the world