So I was driving to Auto Zone headed down the "main drag" of my neighborhood, and seen a bike sitting on the curb. I always check out stuff like this, just in case it's a good deal of some sort. The bike had the jug nuts installed finger tight, no spark plug, but otherwise looked fairly complete. I knocked on the doors of the surrounding houses, with no answer at all. The bike was just sitting on the curb as if left for trash. After looking a little more, I noticed for rent signs on all houses in the vicinity so I tossed it into the back of the truck. Took it home, and pulled it apart to find that it didn't have a piston, wrist pin, or wrist pin bearing. The chain/sprocket were VERY worn as well. Aside from that, it was mechanically complete. The tires were in very good shape, the seat had no tears, and the carburetor was spotless. It had carbon fiber reeds, a pro circuit expansion chamber, and the muffler was gutted (LOUD). It also had some sort of aftermarket handlebars. So, I ordered the parts (less than $150 total) and got it thrown together yesterday. The bike runs and rides amazing now... Incredibly powerful, clutch feels tight and engages solidly, and the transmission shifts perfect. I messed with it yesterday and today (until the cops arrived in the neighborhood). It is definitely not a pretty bike, but is 100% operational and runs great. Always starts on the first kick and is a blast to ride. So I tossed it on Craigslist yesterday to see what people would offer for it. Just got an offer I am strongly considering. It's for a very lightly used Stihl MS-290 with an 18" bar, and a Cub Cadet CC 98M commercial walk-behind lawn mower (only used 2-3 times, on a small yard). My mower is on it's way out, so I figured this will work out pretty well for us. The mower is $400 new, and the saw is $359 new. I guess that's not too bad for a $150 investment and a few hours work.... Anyway, anyone know much about that chainsaw or the lawn mower? I know that Stihl saws are incredibly durable, good saws. Just have never owned one myself. Anything to keep my out for with it? It seems to have a pretty good rating online. ~Will Courtier~
