buellosaurusrex

Why is this thread not pinned?

No updates in a year? I know you've worked on it...at least a little! Come on, Seb...you holding out on us?

Seb; this thread really needs to be pinned like Sparrow's. This should be mandatory viewing for every early VF rider. Can't wait to see more progress on this one!

Seb....any progress?

:warranty: Seems we share a point of view. Now get back to work you slacker! :laugh: I'm on it.........

It makes me very happy that so many people have found this rebuild inspirational! It's my one saving grace after stretching this project out so long. I won't say that I haven't spent a bunch of money on this bike, but please keep in mind that I didn't just go out one day and burn up my credit card. I've literally spent years on ebay and on forums collecting parts, and thousands of hours of my own labor that (usually) provide pleasure without any associated real cost. I highly doubt this build would have gone anywhere near this level if the bike was my one and only, having a second bike to ride is key for any rider that wants to tackle a project like this. Believe it or not, I am far from wealthy. I guess I just have different priorities than others. No matter what you tell yourself going in, there will be many times where you're waiting for parts, or run out of money, or simply hit a "wall" and temporarily lose the desire to continue. I've been obsessed with building a cool VF for 10 years now, since I bought my first one, and this particular project has been ongoing for 8 of them! I've given up on finishing this bike in any kind of time frame, I will work on it when the mood hits me as that seems to be when I'm most productive. I just can't force myself to work on it anymore, that's really what bred the most frustrating times during the build, and I've found it's better to distract myself with other small projects(or big ones) and switch back and forth. I have a cool distraction of late with a secret 4th gen project I'm working on - but I refuse to spill the beans until it's done!! No more 2-3yr long project threads!! Seb, I know what you mean. I have a car up on jack stands that I'm "restoring"....and have been for over 20 years. It's finished when it's finished. If ever. You reach a point where interest peaks and down-slides, then it's into the Valley of Darkness. And it's best not to proceed forward at that point. Doesn't mean you have to give up or sell it, just that it's not productive to proceed in this mindset. I have three other bikes (Nighthawk S, Yamaha Seca 550 and Buell M2) to ride while I work on my projects (VF750 and CB550 Four) like you, so I don't get to feeling desperate. I think this is where many projects end up on the auction block; the owners get frustrated at not being able to ride in conjunction with self-imposed deadlines. Anyway, it's refreshing to see someone has done what I would if I could, utilizing eBay, forums, common sense, and a little....ahem..."Yankee Ingenuity" to turn a bike into a stunning, one-of-a-kind, head-turner. Thanks for the shot of inspiration. B.Rex....saving our motorcycle heritage one bike at a time

I agree, and inspirational in many ways. Sebspeed, you have given me some renewed hope. I have an emotional bond to my '85 Nighthawk 650, which is in extraordinary condition and is all original except for maintenance items and the front windscreen. I would love to keep it, but I know I need the space, and I don't want to see it sitting in my garage neglected. I have tried giving it away to some museums but never got anybody to say they really wanted it. I refuse to just sell it to someone who won't love it for what it is, a full blown antique in original condition. Your passion for that Viffer rekindles my passion to find the right buyer for my Nighthawk, I'm feeling more positive, there has to be somebody out there who wants a really nice Nighthawk in their collection. Thanks man for the kick in the butt. 1985 Nighthawk 650, 49,500 miles Needs a new loving home, I have owned this bike since 1991 Being a Nighthawk owner myself ('85 700SC) I appreciate your resolve not to knuckle under and sell off that beautiful machine to some hack that won't appreciate it, or worse yet, cobble it up. Stand strong!

Seb, I just finished viewing this entire thread over two evenings and I'm speechless...you are doing what I could only dream of doing with mine!(And I do, believe me!) In the first place, time is at a premium; even though I spend hours in the garage every evening once springtime hits the Midwest, and carry through until snow flies...but what is staggering to me is the amount of cash a project with this much attention to detail must set you back! I'm all up with clean & paint, but the parts alone must've cost you a small fortune! I don't have the luxury of that level of disposable income, so will have to get by on the cheap. But a thread like this is inspirational to all of us. Thanks for sharing!