I have an 01 FX470 that has been on blocks for over 3 years. The last time I rode it quit running as I was sitting there idling and I couldn't get it to start. I took it home and checked the compression and found it low - about 60 psi. Funny enough the bike quit running the same day I got the job offer for my current job and I've been so busy I haven't been back to work on the bike. That's changing.
I've pulled the bike out and am planning to go through the motor. It may be a simple fix but since I need to replaced the counterbalancer with an updated one I'm going to see what else should be done. The top end has been updated and the last weak point was the counterbalancer.
Things changed last week though. I bought an 02 FE400 with low hours but poorly taken care of for $700 (thanks spencer!). The cam drive bearing had spun and was sloppy, so the owner just quit riding it and put it the garage for years. Spencergt66 bought the bike and stripped the motor to find the cam bearing noise cause, but also found the liner to be scratched. It looks like it sucked dirt as there is no galling/bluing to indicate a seizure but the liner is scratched enough to catch a nail. The piston could be polished a little on the skirt and it would probably be ok. It looks almost new besides that. I washed the bike down and was very happy to see the bike was actually in very good shape under the dirt.
I'm planning to combine the two bikes' best parts to build one bike. I'm wondering though what to do with the engines. Specifically, which is better between the 400 and 470 performance-wise? I still have to see my 470 liner/piston condition but if it's better, should I build the 470 back up or re-line the 400 jug? Spencer found a 380 kit for the 450 (about $420) but I would need a piston. I'm thinking I should use the 400 head as it's probably in better shape, but my 470 top end was updated with the new cam followers. Were they also updated on the 02 models stock from the factory?
Sorry - lots of questions. Just trying to build the best bike possible with what I have. I'm excited because I know I've got the parts to build a great bike (FCR carb, rekluse, etc.). I know I need some of Taffy's updated parts to really make it solid.
Which ones should I get besides the dutch clog decomp and maybe valve springs?
Thanks all for any help.
I've pulled the bike out and am planning to go through the motor. It may be a simple fix but since I need to replaced the counterbalancer with an updated one I'm going to see what else should be done. The top end has been updated and the last weak point was the counterbalancer.
Things changed last week though. I bought an 02 FE400 with low hours but poorly taken care of for $700 (thanks spencer!). The cam drive bearing had spun and was sloppy, so the owner just quit riding it and put it the garage for years. Spencergt66 bought the bike and stripped the motor to find the cam bearing noise cause, but also found the liner to be scratched. It looks like it sucked dirt as there is no galling/bluing to indicate a seizure but the liner is scratched enough to catch a nail. The piston could be polished a little on the skirt and it would probably be ok. It looks almost new besides that. I washed the bike down and was very happy to see the bike was actually in very good shape under the dirt.
I'm planning to combine the two bikes' best parts to build one bike. I'm wondering though what to do with the engines. Specifically, which is better between the 400 and 470 performance-wise? I still have to see my 470 liner/piston condition but if it's better, should I build the 470 back up or re-line the 400 jug? Spencer found a 380 kit for the 450 (about $420) but I would need a piston. I'm thinking I should use the 400 head as it's probably in better shape, but my 470 top end was updated with the new cam followers. Were they also updated on the 02 models stock from the factory?
Sorry - lots of questions. Just trying to build the best bike possible with what I have. I'm excited because I know I've got the parts to build a great bike (FCR carb, rekluse, etc.). I know I need some of Taffy's updated parts to really make it solid.
Which ones should I get besides the dutch clog decomp and maybe valve springs? Thanks all for any help.
