My goal is to purchase a motorcycle and rebuild the engine.
For a multitude of reasons, I have settled on the DRZ400.
I am a beginner in the sense that I have never rode or owned a motorcycle. Although this will be my first foray into motorcycles, I do have (some) tools and I'm handy enough; (don't laugh, but...) I have built and rebuilt RC cars, I have done a bunch of mechanical watch repair and building, I have done a ton of bicycle maintenance, and I completely rebuilt a Honda GCV160 last summer with an eBay kit (it even runs).
Questions:
(1) I am SERIOUSLY considering picking this up: FB Marketplace Link. the bike seized, and was professionally torn-down. I would probably try and work the seller down a bit, but is this an insane purchase? Remember, my GOAL is to build a motorcycle, so are there any red flags that are apparent here, or that I should look for?
(2) Because I'm not equipped with the knowledge to just buy what I need, I am very inclined to start with a more or less complete rebuild kit; is this a good option(?): Wrench Rabbit Rebuild Kit (kit includes new piston, crank, bearings, seals, gaskets, etc.).
(3) Related to number 2 - is this even the best way to do this? Would it be better to get something running (or not), and to do the tear down myself? Obviously there is something to be learned from the tear down process, but I'm not sure how necessary that is.
Notes:
- I know that this is not how most would recommend one get into riding motorcycles; riding is something I am interested in (obviously), but that is not my primary goal here, and it's not really how my brain works.
- I have sockets, wrenches, hammers, a decent vice, and a harbor freight that is VERY close; I also have a dedicated space where I can spread out a bit and rebuild the engine over the course of weeks (or... months).
- Even if this all went to shit, I would not be bankrupting myself with any of these purchases; again - the goal here is to rebuild a motorcycle (to learn about it); no financial peril will come to me or my family with this, and I am not worried about making the most financially efficient decision.