The engine was locked up, so I got a replacement. Then I started taking the old one apart, just to lower the weight for removal. There were a variety of fasteners used the last time it was put together, some Honda, some Suzuki, and some unknown. Then I discovered that, not only was the #1 cylinder full of rusty water, but two valves in the #3 cylinder were broken. Odd, that it was one exhaust and one intake valve. I can't feature it...

 

Some of the mystery is revealed. The #3 piston came off with the cylinders! I'm guessing it overheated and seized, maybe from lack of oil. It's good that I already have another engine. These engines SHOULD last at least 100,000 miles without anything major being done, with standard or even minimal maintenance. Someone was really mean to that engine.

 

The swingarm was rusted through in a couple of places, so I've got to replace that. About a quart of water came out of the crankcase. I think this bike was in a flood.

 

OK so......do you honestly REALLY think that this "project" will in any way turn
out to be worth the time, trouble and expense ??

 

Ha, ha! Probably not for many people. But, at 69, I'm retired, so I have or can make the time. As for the expense, so far parts for 1980s Hondas have been cheap. I found the swingarm for $3.99, for example. I'm still under $1000 overall, including a replacement engine. I like restoring old bikes, and have done a couple of dozen at this point, so I'll stick with it. (I also do old Ham radios. They can actually let you make some money.) I might work on the bike an hour or two, 4-5 days a week. No stress, no rush. It might take a year or more to finish. I don't think anyone would actually pay me for the work involved, and I don't particularly want to sell the bike for a "profit". I can't think of a bike I've restored that actually made me any money. Oh, yeah, I have another restored bike I can ride in the meantime: a 2002 Suzuki Savage LS650 single, so I'm good.

 

QUOTE:
"I like restoring old bikes, and have done a couple of dozen at this point, so I'll stick with it... I might work on the bike an hour or two, 4-5 days a week. No stress, no rush."

😁 You are an asset to websites like this!
Looking FWD to progress reports in the future.

 

Got most of the parts off the frame. Now I just need to degrease it, wash it, and paint it before starting the reassembly. I have another swingarm coming in a couple of days.

 

I admire your ability to do a restoration like this.

I would never tackle it.