Am I wasting my time and money??

[J-Sin]

Last year I purchased a 1963 R50/2 with a 1958 R60 engine for $3500. The bike was all original (except the engine of course) fully functional and running. I was told that the aluminum wheels and tank emblems where original and kinda rare. Plus it has a signed service sticker from Floyd "Pop" Dreyer. I'm not sure if these things add any value but I was intrigued. I rode it over the past year and recently have decided to do a complete engine rebuild. After purchasing all the appropriate tools, videos, books, machine work, and parts I am in for over $2000. My question is am I wasting my time and money on a bike without matching numbers? I love the bike and have enjoyed the whole process so it shouldn't matter but it's nice to know I'm not throwing money away.

[dwerbil]

Welcome to the Boxerworks forum, J-Sin.
Your last sentence about says it all -- that you love and enjoy the bike. If matching numbers aren't that important, then more power to you. There's a number of conversions out there on the roads.
But I probably should ask you, what is it about the engine now that causes you to decide to do a engine rebuild?

[J-Sin]

It was starting to get a little noisy and sure enough after pulling it apart the slingers were full and the crank had some play. I figured since I had it apart i would go ahead and do the whole shabang.

[Deleted User 61]

If you have the ability and money to do it right, it sounds like a fine project.

And Randy, I'm not sure if using another engine from the same time period constitutes "conversion".

[George Ryals]

J-Sin, just think, if your hobby was drinkin' and gamblin', you would have spent a lot more than the $2000 over the same time!

[J-Sin]

LOL George! Although I do enjoy throwing back a few Hudy 14-K's while in the garage working on it

[Major Softie]

Are you wasting your money?

Well, if you intend to sell it as soon as you're done, it is very unlikely you'll get all your money out of it. If you intend to ride the thing as long as you can, then it is an investment in your happiness, and I would have to say "No," you are not wasting your money.

[Duane Ausherman]

Agree with the major. It is your bike and your money. Do as you wish, be happy, enjoy a bit of history.

[Forum Admin]

hi J-sin. you didn't tell us how many miles you've put on the bike so far. thats a really easy way to calculate the fun per mile ratio
& who cares about matching numbers if your goal is to ride the machine? I don't, numbers matching bikes are nice but you can't tell unless you actually get on your knee's & peer at the numbers & the only time it matters is when you want to sell the bike & only then if the buyer is a rider or a collector.
Also, just wait & see what the next 10 years does to vintage motorcycle values...you will laugh at your question in 2021.

[J-Sin]

Thanks for all the encouragement! I'm still putting the engine back together. My jugs and pistons are being shipped today!