Any suggestions?

[Hypno Rider]

Hi guys, I just picked up a 1999 GZ250 with 2000 miles on the clock, here is the story: I got it from a friend for $200 bucks. He said he bought it from a motorcycle training school for $700 bucks because he needed something to practice on to get his license. The bike is not running. He said its been sitting for a year outside in the yard uncovered. He showed me a video of him riding the bike about a year ago, right after installing a $15 dollar eBay battery, and she fired right up strong and was riding perfectly, and that was after sitting for a couple of months. Also, very oddly, the bike has definitely been sitting but the tires have not deflated. They are still full of air. The seat is a little loose and shaky, the exhaust pipes are rusty from sitting in the rain, the gas tank is a little shaky and pretty dinged up and I don't have the keys. Other than that,she looks pretty good :2tup:
What do you guys think I should be focused on to get her up and running? All ideas will be greatly appreciated. Will a 2004 ignition fit a 1999 GZ250? Why would the gas tank and seat be loose? Should I replace the pipes or just try to clean the rust? Thanks in advance for any help guys.
P.S. I missed the most important question: should I start the work now? Or should I just wait until after the new york winter?

[JWR]

The left side cover has a key lock in it, you need to get this out to make a key,

The seat comes off with the key. The gas cab needs this key also.
Two bolts under the front of the seat and the tank will lift off.

Fresh gas and seafoam or berrymmans b12 to drain thru the carb, new plug.

The carb will need to be cleaned.

Pipes are the least worry now.

They will clean up with Barkeepers friend.

2004 ignition fit a 1999 GZ250?
Yes

Only you know the answer to this...
P.S. I missed the most important question: should I start the work now?

[mrlmd1]

If you get the bike running fine and plan to use it, you will need new tires. Check the date stamp on the sidewalls (in a little rectangular box imprinted in the rubber) - it gives the week and year of manufacture of the tires. If they the originals or are more than 6 years old you need to replace them even though the tread may look good or the sidewalls look OK. The rubber gets hard and brittle and loses its' grip on the road and may be a safety hazard.

[Hypno Rider]

Appreciate the tips guys.

@ mrlmd1: thanks, I checked the tires for life, but never considered the year they were made. I'm glad you exposed me to this because, by eye, the tires look damn good and they only have 2000 miles on them. I would have never thought about the production year or the rubber hardening. Awesome info.

@ JWR: thank you for your help. I nearly fell off my chair laughing after reading your comment. You see, I am a master hypnotist and you sent me into a trance for about a minute and a half with this statement: "only you know the answer to this...". That is one of those statements that we hypnotists use to send a person inside to reflect on things. I'm not used to having someone send "me" inside, so it was hilarious to find myself sitting there staring off into space in this trance just thinking about your statement. Cool, and a first for me. Thanks.

[Hypno Rider]

@JWR: the reason I asked about doing the work now is because I won't be riding much during the new york winter. I would hate to do all of the work to get it up and running again, and still have to do it all over again because it sat during the winter. I guess my question should have been, if I do the work now in October and let the bike sit until march or April, will I have to do all the work again? (hope that makes sense).

[raul10141964]

i will do it now to bi ready for the first good day in sprin

[northsidegz]

Hypno, will you be storing it indoors? If indoors, I would do the work now and then properly store the bike (up on blocks or motorcycle lift so the tires are off the ground) and with an empty tank and carb cleaner run through the system. On tough part (I think) will be knowing the effects of rusty pipes. They may or may not impact the airflow depending upon the extent and location of the rust. I.e. are they just surface rust spots, or are there holes in the exhaust.

[Hypno Rider]

Hypno, will you be storing it indoors? If indoors, I would do the work now and then properly store the bike (up on blocks or motorcycle lift so the tires are off the ground) and with an empty tank and carb cleaner run through the system. On tough part (I think) will be knowing the effects of rusty pipes. They may or may not impact the airflow depending upon the extent and location of the rust. I.e. are they just surface rust spots, or are there holes in the exhaust.


Right now it will be stored outdoors in the backyard. If I can get off my lazy tail and make room in the garage, then it will be indoors but it will be at least another month before I can tackle that job. The rust on the pipes appears to be all surface rust, and a lot of it, I can't see any holes yet. Thanks.

[Hypno Rider]

i will do it now to bi ready for the first good day in sprin
Thanks

[alantf]

The rust on the pipes appears to be all surface rust, and a lot of it, I can't see any holes yet. Thanks.

There's one hole you mustn't fill. It's the one that comes drilled from the factory, to let moisture drain out. It's under the exhaust pipe. :)

[Rookie Rider]

I took my pipes off cometely from the headers, and put a light oil on a scrubby sponge and cleaned of as much rust, the painted my pipes flat black :) with bbq grill paint, high heat.

[Hypno Rider]

The rust on the pipes appears to be all surface rust, and a lot of it, I can't see any holes yet. Thanks.

There's one hole you mustn't fill. It's the one that comes drilled from the factory, to let moisture drain out. It's under the exhaust pipe. :)

Thanks

[Hypno Rider]

I took my pipes off cometely from the headers, and put a light oil on a scrubby sponge and cleaned of as much rust, the painted my pipes flat black :) with bbq grill paint, high heat.


Rookie Rider, pardon my ignorance, but what do you mean by high heat. I'm loving the idea of grill paint,sounds likes A cheap fix.

[Rookie Rider]

I bought a spray paint for bbq grills, its a high heat paint. The paint is for things that get very hot, like a bbq grill or a header pipe for your bike :)

[Rookie Rider]

Look at my bike pics in the gz pics thread and my new muffler with sound.

[Hypno Rider]

Look at my bike pics in the gz pics thread and my new muffler with sound.
Yeah, Suzie is real perdy. But the pipes still look chrome to me, or do I need some glasses? Thanks for the tip on grill paint.

[JWR]

[quote="Rookie Rider":3ig2orcb]Look at my bike pics in the gz pics thread and my new muffler with sound.
Yeah, Suzie is real perdy. But the pipes still look chrome to me, or do I need some glasses? Thanks for the tip on grill paint.[/quote:3ig2orcb]



viewtopic.php?f=2&t=4863 (http://www.gz250bike.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=4863)

[Rookie Rider]

Yeah, get glasses cause the 2 header pipes are black, haha.

[mrlmd1]

If you get it started and running take it for a little ride and get it warmed up, then change the oil and filter instead of letting it sit another 6 months with dirty oil in it. Who know when it was changed last? Clean and wax it before you put it away for storage, to keep the rest of the rust from getting worse. Fill the gas tank before storage to eliminate moisture from condensing in the tank (water in the gas), and run some carb cleaner/fuel stabilizer through it to keep the carb from getting gunked up over the winter. If you leave it outside, plug up the exhaust outlet in the muffler with a rag or something to keep little critters and bugs from building a nest in there. Either remove the battery so you can bring it indoors and charge it once a month or put pigtail leads on it so you can hook up a battery charger/tender once a month. Then cover it up and don't start it 'till the spring when you are ready to ride it. If you bring it indoors, like in a garage, do the same thing. If you bring it into the house then you have all winter to polish and spiff it up and do all the other maintenance on it at your leisure with no excuses for a dirty bad running bike in the spring.

To answer why the gas tank and seat are loose you will have to remove them. Maybe the rubber bushings are old and dried out or cracked or missing. You will know why they are loose after you look at them.

[Rookie Rider]

I believe there is a thread on here about ordering BLANK keys, and sending it back and then thwy send you a key back that can start the bike and open the gas cap.

[Hypno Rider]

Yeah, get glasses cause the 2 header pipes are black, haha.
Oh ok, I was on a small iPad screen, O_o

[Hypno Rider]

If you get it started and running take it for a little ride and get it warmed up, then change the oil and filter instead of letting it sit another 6 months with dirty oil in it. Who know when it was changed last? Clean and wax it before you put it away for storage, to keep the rest of the rust from getting worse. Fill the gas tank before storage to eliminate moisture from condensing in the tank (water in the gas), and run some carb cleaner/fuel stabilizer through it to keep the carb from getting gunked up over the winter. If you leave it outside, plug up the exhaust outlet in the muffler with a rag or something to keep little critters and bugs from building a nest in there. Either remove the battery so you can bring it indoors and charge it once a month or put pigtail leads on it so you can hook up a battery charger/tender once a month. Then cover it up and don't start it 'till the spring when you are ready to ride it. If you bring it indoors, like in a garage, do the same thing. If you bring it into the house then you have all winter to polish and spiff it up and do all the other maintenance on it at your leisure with no excuses for a dirty bad running bike in the spring.

To answer why the gas tank and seat are loose you will have to remove them. Maybe the rubber bushings are old and dried out or cracked or missing. You will know why they are loose after you look at them.
Awesome. Thank you very much for these tips, I really appreciate it.

[Hypno Rider]

I believe there is a thread on here about ordering BLANK keys, and sending it back and then thwy send you a key back that can start the bike and open the gas cap.
Thanks, but I just snagged the 3 piece lock set - ignition, gas cap etc. with one key for $55 bucks on eBay. Same year and everything with 4000 miles on the bike they were removed from.

[alantf]

I believe there is a thread on here about ordering BLANK keys, and sending it back and then thwy send you a key back that can start the bike and open the gas cap.

If you've got the original owner's handbook, there's a space to write in the key No. I've filled it in, in my handbook, in case I need to order new keys. The original owner may have done the same.[attachment=0:1yxxf37g]img092.jpg[/attachment:1yxxf37g]

[Water Warrior 2]

Most locksmiths can cut a new key or 2 as spares. No need to go to a dealer for their expensive blank that still needs a locksmith to cut it. Snagging the complete lock set is nice but don't forget a spare key at home and maybe a spare in your riding gear or wallet.

[mrlmd1]

I no longer have the GZ, but if I remember correctly, it is a bitch to get the ignition switch/lock off and you need a special tool from Suzuki to do it.

Question for you - now that you bought a three piece lockset and a key, how are you going to get the other locks off without a key to open them?

Did you try going to a dealer with the serial # of the bike and proof that you own it, for them to look up a key code and make you another set?
I needed keys made for a Kawasaki Ninja 250 and the dealer was no help, but on the backside of the helmet lock on that bike, if you took that off, is the key code stamped onto the lock. With that code, a local locksmith looked it up on his computer and cut me 2 keys right away.
Look around on the locks for a number stamped into one of them.
A good locksmith might be able to make you a set of keys with the bike's serial number if you can't get the code from the Suzuki dealer.

[Hypno Rider]

I no longer have the GZ, but if I remember correctly, it is a bitch to get the ignition switch/lock off and you need a special tool from Suzuki to do it.

Question for you - now that you bought a three piece lockset and a key, how are you going to get the other locks off without a key to open them?

Did you try going to a dealer with the serial # of the bike and proof that you own it, for them to look up a key code and make you another set?
I needed keys made for a Kawasaki Ninja 250 and the dealer was no help, but on the backside of the helmet lock on that bike, if you took that off, is the key code stamped onto the lock. With that code, a local locksmith looked it up on his computer and cut me 2 keys right away.
Look around on the locks for a number stamped into one of them.
A good locksmith might be able to make you a set of keys with the bike's serial number if you can't get the code from the Suzuki dealer.

Wow, you got me dizzy. I didn't even think about how i was going to get the locks off, I figured it would be relatively easy. And when I saw all three pieces for $55 bucks, I just jumped at the opportunity. I also have a situation with the title. The guy I bought the bike from never registered the bike because he bought it to practice on in his backyard (never took it on the street). He never signed the title and now he can't find it. He also said the training school he got it from went out of business and was selling all there bikes.....so now I have a real dilemma. :??:

[Hypno Rider]

If you get it started and running take it for a little ride and get it warmed up, then change the oil and filter instead of letting it sit another 6 months with dirty oil in it. Who know when it was changed last? Clean and wax it before you put it away for storage, to keep the rest of the rust from getting worse. Fill the gas tank before storage to eliminate moisture from condensing in the tank (water in the gas), and run some carb cleaner/fuel stabilizer through it to keep the carb from getting gunked up over the winter. If you leave it outside, plug up the exhaust outlet in the muffler with a rag or something to keep little critters and bugs from building a nest in there. Either remove the battery so you can bring it indoors and charge it once a month or put pigtail leads on it so you can hook up a battery charger/tender once a month. Then cover it up and don't start it 'till the spring when you are ready to ride it. If you bring it indoors, like in a garage, do the same thing. If you bring it into the house then you have all winter to polish and spiff it up and do all the other maintenance on it at your leisure with no excuses for a dirty bad running bike in the spring.

To answer why the gas tank and seat are loose you will have to remove them. Maybe the rubber bushings are old and dried out or cracked or missing. You will know why they are loose after you look at them.
Thanks a million, great tips. Do bugs really crawl into the exhaust?

[Hypno Rider]

Most locksmiths can cut a new key or 2 as spares. No need to go to a dealer for their expensive blank that still needs a locksmith to cut it. Snagging the complete lock set is nice but don't forget a spare key at home and maybe a spare in your riding gear or wallet.
Oh don't worry, I will be having 10 spares made.

[Hypno Rider]

I believe there is a thread on here about ordering BLANK keys, and sending it back and then thwy send you a key back that can start the bike and open the gas cap.

If you've got the original owner's handbook, there's a space to write in the key No. I've filled it in, in my handbook, in case I need to order new keys. The original owner may have done the same.[attachment=0:y2xlql1f]img092.jpg[/attachment:y2xlql1f]
Nope. No manual, no tool set, no nothing, except the bike.

[Hypno Rider]

I believe there is a thread on here about ordering BLANK keys, and sending it back and then thwy send you a key back that can start the bike and open the gas cap.
I've been searching but can't find that thread. Does anyone know where it's located?

[Rookie Rider]

That guy should find the title.

[Rookie Rider]

You can download the manual here for free.

[mrlmd1]

That bike is absolutely of no value to it if you have no title. The keys and locks are the least of your problems. Sorry, but you never should have bought it without getting a clean title. You, or the PO, may have to contact the Motor Vehicle Dept. where you live with the serial # of the bike and see if you can track it down, then figure out how to get it transferred to you. That title may be in the name of the training school, but maybe not if they never took it out on the road. Or they may not even exist - do they have a name or did he forget that too? I think the guy you bought it from gave you a great story to go along with the bike.
How do you know the bike's not stolen and that's why there are no keys and no title? You may be stuck. And lose the bike too. You can check with the DMV or the local police with the VIN and see if the bike is clean.
I would contact him and if he can't get you a title real fast, you should offer to give him back the bike in exchange for your money, before the whole thing gets reported to the police and he gets caught with selling stolen property.

[Hypno Rider]

That bike is absolutely of no value to it if you have no title. The keys and locks are the least of your problems. Sorry, but you never should have bought it without getting a clean title. You, or the PO, may have to contact the Motor Vehicle Dept. where you live with the serial # of the bike and see if you can track it down, then figure out how to get it transferred to you. That title may be in the name of the training school, but maybe not if they never took it out on the road. Or they may not even exist - do they have a name or did he forget that too? I think the guy you bought it from gave you a great story to go along with the bike.
How do you know the bike's not stolen and that's why there are no keys and no title? You may be stuck. And lose the bike too. You can check with the DMV or the local police with the VIN and see if the bike is clean.
I would contact him and if he can't get you a title real fast, you should offer to give him back the bike in exchange for your money, before the whole thing gets reported to the police and he gets caught with selling stolen property.

Thanks, but I'm sure it's definitely not stolen. I've known him for years and he's sure not going anywhere. He has one of those families that have cars and bikes all over their property. Some not running for years while they tinker with them. I guess my bike would be considered a barn find. I just have to figure out what does a person do when they have a barn find. One of those old bikes from a farm or something where the owner hasn't had the title for years, with the bike switching hands several times, sometimes never to be registered. A dilemma.... yes, unheard of.....no, I just have a pain to deal with that's going to take some time to straighten out. I just don't know how to straighten it out.......yet. :)

[northsidegz]

I think title issues varies from state to state. In MN, you never buy a bike without a title unless you're going to take it to the tracks in Brainerd, MN and race the bike. Other than that, you're screwed (in Minnesota anyway) and you risk serious fines if you're caught on the road riding a bike without a registration (i.e. which you can't get unless you have the title). That said, I don't know about NY, but I wish you the best! :)

[Hypno Rider]

I think title issues varies from state to state. In MN, you never buy a bike without a title unless you're going to take it to the tracks in Brainerd, MN and race the bike. Other than that, you're screwed (in Minnesota anyway) and you risk serious fines if you're caught on the road riding a bike without a registration (i.e. which you can't get unless you have the title). That said, I don't know about NY, but I wish you the best! :)
Thanks. I'm good. Actually have several options. I knew it couldn't be that hard, as long as the bike isn't stolen. Over the years I've heard of all kinds of old stories where guys would find old barn finds with no paperwork and rebuild them and put them back on the road. Kinda the reason I bought it. I figured, for $200 bucks, I could work on the paperwork while I rebuild and it would not only be fun, but I would be one of the guys with a barn find story. Looks like its gonna work out. In the meantime I've been all over this site and you guys are amazing to say the least. Unfortunately I don't have anything to contribute yet still being a noobie so I will try not to drive you guys nuts with too many questions. Besides it seems that most my questions are already answered, just have to go fishing around.

[raul10141964]

in Indiana you can do a mechanics lean

[alantf]

in Indiana you can do a mechanics lean

????????

[JWR]

in Indiana you can do a mechanics lean

????????


Mechanic's lien
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search

A mechanic's lien is a security interest in the title to property for the benefit of those who have supplied labor or materials that improve the property. The lien exists for both real property and personal property. In the realm of real property, it is called by various names, including, generically, construction lien. It is also called a materialman's lien or supplier's lien when referring to those supplying materials, a laborer's lien when referring to those supplying labor, and a design professional's lien when referring to architects or designers who contribute to a work of improvement. In the realm of personal property, it is also called an artisan's lien. The term "lien" comes from a French root, with a meaning similar to link; it is related to "liaison." Mechanic's liens on property in the United States date from the 18th century.

[alantf]

As clear as mud! :??:

[Hypno Rider]

in Indiana you can do a mechanics lean
Yep, that's on the list of options.......way down at the bottom of the list as a last option. International title service in Vegas will assist me for a fee and send me plates and a transferable Vegas registration good for one year, which would be number 2 on my list.

[Way]

A mechanic's lien basically lets a person who worked on a car to stake a claim to the title of that car if the owner doesn't pay for the work. Carpenters can do the same for houses, etc. The owner can't legally sell until the mechanic gets paid.

[mrlmd1]

This is all off the cuff advice but you should call up your local DMV and see how you proceed. Maybe they can track the bike's ownership with the VIN (serial number), or maybe the previous owner can give you a notarized bill of sale, etc. Ask the DMV what your options are and if they can help you get it registered and a title in your name. Otherwise you are screwed.
If you could track down the last owner of record the state has, maybe you could get a bill of sale from him ? You still need the title.

[Hypno Rider]

A mechanic's lien basically lets a person who worked on a car to stake a claim to the title of that car if the owner doesn't pay for the work. Carpenters can do the same for houses, etc. The owner can't legally sell until the mechanic gets paid.
Very true. However if you file a UCC-1 financing statement on the lien then the owner can still sell but you will get paid first before anyone else....as long as its perfected.

[Rookie Rider]

Hypno are you still here ? Are you ok after Sandy struck, your area got flooded so bad, i was down there for 2 weeks in the Rockaways .

[fatoldfool]

I have an exhaust system. Problem is the PO took the guts out of the muffler by chiseling the end out. $30 plus shipping if it will help you

[Rookie Rider]

If Hypno had his bike where he lives, id say his bike is gone forever, Seeing his area from Sandy is not good, everything was lost out there. I hope hes ok.

[Water Warrior 2]

If Hypno had his bike where he lives, id say his bike is gone forever, Seeing his area from Sandy is not good, everything was lost out there. I hope hes ok.
Oh my, that doesn't sound good. Hopefully he is just in recovery mode and the bike is not a priority at this time.

[jonathan180iq]

I've e-mailed him our concern.

[Rookie Rider]

We are still doing cleanup down near where Hypno lives, not as much as before tho but its still a mess and coming along. I wish we would hear from him.

[jonathan180iq]

I want this to come back to the top. Hypno hasn't logged in since Nov. 1, 2012... Does anyone know anything about him?

[Rookie Rider]

I havent heard from him at all.

[jonathan180iq]

Hmmm... That's a little concerning. I'll see if I can't internet-snoop a little more.