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Post by harwoodandy on Aug 22, 2023 9:48:24 GMT 1
Hello all,
Newbie on here.....
I'll be starting a new project shortly - Resto of a 350LC.
I've been looking and seeing huge discrepancies in prices.
I'm looking for an original matching numbers bike but have the following questions;
Is a UK bike hugely preferable to an import?
Are there any parts that are unavailable? ( I've seen most parts available)
Is there a resource somewhere that shows an original bike and what should/shouldnt be there?
I'm going whole hog on the project so want to ensure i start with the right machine!
I'm not new to resto's, have done many bikes and cars in the past so know what's in store
Many thanks
Andy
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Post by 4l04ever on Aug 22, 2023 10:39:33 GMT 1
If you want to build the most accurate original bike with all the correct bolts etc, then a UK matching number 4L0 is the best one to start with as that is how an original UK 4L0 started it's life.
Then you need to determine if you want an early 1980 model or the later 1981 spec as they have a few different parts so you need to match the parts to the year of bike you have.
If you are happy with 95% original, then the matching numbers, UK spec, 4L0, early/late matters less.
In order of my preference :-
1) UK 4L0 matching numbers 1981 spec
2) UK 4L0 matching numbers 1980 spec
3) UK 4L0 non-matching 1981 spec
4) UK 4L0 non-matching 1980 spec
5) Import 4L0 matching numbers
6) Import 4L0 non matching numbers
7) UK 4L1 matching numbers fitted with 4L0 parts
8) Import 4L1 matching number fitted with 4L0 parts
9) UK 4L1 non-matching with 4L0 parts
10) Import 4L1 non-matching with 4L0 parts
The value goes down slightly as you go down the list assuming they are built to the same standard as each other.
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Post by veg on Aug 22, 2023 10:42:36 GMT 1
Welcome Loads of advice on here and links to what it should and shouldn’t have. The initial question is what do you want? A standard bike? Slightly non standard or a complete special? If it is standard you need to buy the best bike you can for the money with the greatest amount of standard parts. Uk vs import is an old chestnut that keeps being asked. They were all built on the same production line in the same factory during the same years. Most Uk bikes will have had numerous owners who will have played about with the bikes and probably been done on the tightest of budgets, lots of imports certainly German and Austrian were maintained to a higher standard with less owners. For me they are a better starting point. They are generally a little cheaper as well. So decide on what you want and what you want to do. Then start looking. Get 10 posts in and you can access the for sale/wanted board. Be aware that sometimes there are unscrupulous traders who access the forum and will send a pm private message. Keep asking questions and you’ll get what you want depending on your budget. Let us know where you are based as well as most long time members will help out (as will newer members). There is very little ego on here in comparison to other sites and lots of us are old long time owners of these bikes, not new to them spouting bollox.
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Post by steve63 on Aug 22, 2023 13:03:59 GMT 1
As far as availability of parts goes then we are probably better off than we were a decade or so ago when it comes to non Genuine Yamaha parts and gradually getting worse when it comes to to genuine Yamaha parts as stocks of these are running out or have gone altogether. Examples are: non Yamaha cranks, petrol tanks (good ones ),plastic panels and even cylinders are available now which weren't available a few years ago. Lots of choice for aftermarket shocks. Some genuine Yamaha parts are still available but a lot are not. Expect to pay a lot of money for them like over £100 for a throttle cable. I don't know if these parts were made in the 80's/90's or more recently and I don't know if Yamaha ever re-commission parts to be made or not. Fortunately the forces of supply and demand seem to be working and with people like Norbo and Dave (Muttsnuts on here) on the case and doing a good job alternatives are around. (Yambits? ) There seems to be a lot of LC's about so demand is there. Long may it continue. I was stood at the bus stop outside ASDA with the Mrs. last Saturday and a blue & white LC2/350 went past. I said to her "oh look an LC with broken baffles or non standard baffles in standard exhausts" she asked how I knew and I replied I just know what they sound like. Personally I'm building my LC to be as good and close to standard as I can without going mad on the budget. If my Mrs. knew what I'd spent so far she would probably say I already have . I'm fitting a YSS shock to mine. I wouldn't fit a Yamaha shock just to keep it standard.
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Post by JonW on Aug 22, 2023 14:18:43 GMT 1
Build what you want, its your bike.... unless youre building it to flog on, in which case its about what sells best.
Have a look at the builds on here, some of us mod em, some of us resto them to high standards... some of us do both.
Whatever you choose, youre in good hands on here for the journey ahead.
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Post by harwoodandy on Aug 22, 2023 15:00:36 GMT 1
Wow! great response and no trolls! Refreshing change from the Ford Boards! To answer as best i can; I like standard, always have, i get the satisfaction from restoration back to "factory" so would want to keep as standard as possible. I have some great painting plating contacts. I'm in the North West BB postcode. Good point from veg - they were all built on the same line..... I need to ensure i get back (mostly) what i put in to keep the Mrs happy (excluding secret funds ) I have hankered after a bounty coloured 350 since they were new - yes i was 18 at the time! I moved onto "big bikes" before i had the chance to own one and couldn't afford both back then. Thanks for the help guys Andy
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Post by harwoodandy on Aug 22, 2023 15:09:53 GMT 1
If you want to build the most accurate original bike with all the correct bolts etc, then a UK matching number 4L0 is the best one to start with as that is how an original UK 4L0 started it's life. Then you need to determine if you want an early 1980 model or the later 1981 spec as they have a few different parts so you need to match the parts to the year of bike you have. If you are happy with 95% original, then the matching numbers, UK spec, 4L0, early/late matters less. In order of my preference :- 1) UK 4L0 matching numbers 1981 spec 2) UK 4L0 matching numbers 1980 spec 3) UK 4L0 non-matching 1981 spec 4) UK 4L0 non-matching 1980 spec 5) Import 4L0 matching numbers 6) Import 4L0 non matching numbers 7) UK 4L1 matching numbers fitted with 4L0 parts 8) Import 4L1 matching number fitted with 4L0 parts 9) UK 4L1 non-matching with 4L0 parts 10) Import 4L1 non-matching with 4L0 parts The value goes down slightly as you go down the list assuming they are built to the same standard as each other. Cheers for this, What are the differences between 80 and 81 spec? (save me trawling) Also i see 82 MY for sale, is that a continuation of 81? Thanks
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Post by Robbieben on Aug 22, 2023 15:58:53 GMT 1
In my personal opinion a restored standard bike either an original UK model or import is worth the same money in the marketplace. They're all imports anyway. The quality of the bike and it's restoration are what influence the end price for the seller and value/worth to the buyer. The 4L0/4L1 seems to be the bike of choice for many even though later bikes are in fact better to ride. I've restored 4L0, 4L1 and 31K's and personally for me the 31K is the better bike having the benefit of the power valve but again its each to their own, there's pleasure to be had from any of these bikes on a day out, they never fail to put a smile on my face.
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Post by donkeychomp on Aug 22, 2023 21:30:16 GMT 1
Bounty! Best colours. I concur with me esteemed colleagues (sblack person). For a standard bike get one that's as near to 100% intact. Pretty much every part is available but some prices are eye watering. UK clocks, tanks, looms etc. When you do get your new steed start a build thread and with everyone's guidance on here it'll go swimmingly. Well, sort of...
Alex
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Post by shaunthe2nd on Aug 22, 2023 22:02:59 GMT 1
It really depends on what you want and your budget, if you want to ride and rag it, or put in your lounge as investment. These bikes are fun either way. Sometimes I just love to sit and look at it (it was in my lounge for 3 years) other days I love to ride it and feel 18 again.
All happy days.
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Post by donkeychomp on Aug 22, 2023 22:24:56 GMT 1
sblack person??? WTF
Alex
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Post by midlifecrisisrd on Aug 22, 2023 22:29:35 GMT 1
Yep, can't even have those letters as part of a word 😬 Lots of forums won't allow the town of Sc**thorpe for the same reason 🤣 Steve
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Post by donkeychomp on Aug 22, 2023 23:39:00 GMT 1
For a bit of clarity I was typing s ni g g er. Another variant would be chortle.
Alex
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Post by JonW on Aug 23, 2023 0:31:47 GMT 1
yeah its pro boards, it'll allow shite but not c**kpit... {shrugs}
Andy, when you say 'get back'... are you considering building and then selling?
If so then have a look at some very recent threads about a member contemplating doing up a bike or selling the project, the consensus was that its not worth doing up a bike to sell... even in the UK in 2023 its just not viable.
Sounds like you have targeted an LC in bounty colours. nice. I agree its a seminal bike and would be wonderful a addition to any garage. Lots of parts available and worth enough to do up properly.
Excited to follow your journey as it unfolds.
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Post by harwoodandy on Aug 23, 2023 7:46:16 GMT 1
yeah its pro boards, it'll allow shite but not c**kpit... {shrugs} Andy, when you say 'get back'... are you considering building and then selling? If so then have a look at some very recent threads about a member contemplating doing up a bike or selling the project, the consensus was that its not worth doing up a bike to sell... even in the UK in 2023 its just not viable. Sounds like you have targeted an LC in bounty colours. nice. I agree its a seminal bike and would be wonderful a addition to any garage. Lots of parts available and worth enough to do up properly. Excited to follow your journey as it unfolds. Hi Jon, Not considering doing for profit, done enough restos to know that just doesn't work! As i think i mentioned, i do it for the pleasure i get from the restoration and would probably end up selling to fund the next project. With that in mind i dont want to be thousands out of pocket at the end. Hopefully with the right bike it should be doable..... Thanks for the reply Andy
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naich
Thrash Merchant
Posts: 335
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Post by naich on Aug 23, 2023 11:31:59 GMT 1
My advice would be - don't assume that because it looks OK on the outside, the inside is OK too. Speaking from bitter experience of buying a tidy looking bike that had everything wrong with it.
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Post by donkeychomp on Aug 23, 2023 21:18:12 GMT 1
Also, unless you know the seller really well, be ready to fork out for an engine rebuild. About £1.5-2K.
Alex
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Post by reedpete on Aug 26, 2023 15:57:55 GMT 1
Not considering doing for profit, done enough restos to know that just doesn't work! As i think i mentioned, i do it for the pleasure i get from the restoration and would probably end up selling to fund the next project. With that in mind i dont want to be thousands out of pocket at the end. There’d probably be a few takers if you want a complete project bike … put it together.. ride for a short while and then give it back to whoever gave you the project … guaranteed no cash deficit … you put in the time and get out the satisfaction! 👍 Sounds like win win to me 😉
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Post by rodney5501 on Sept 13, 2023 18:45:23 GMT 1
Good luck with your search best thing I’ve done in along time
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