Hey y'all,

I'm a college student and have wanted a motorcycle for my whole life. I think it would be great to do a build (mind you, I have 0 motorcycle experience and a bit of experience working on cars). I found a 1970 AT1-B in not-running, partially disassembled condition for $50. The seller is providing a repair manual, and I'm sure I could get great help on this awesome forum. Is this a fool's journey and a money pit, or should I get this bike and make it into something? Here are all the pictures provided, and any thoughts are welcome!

Lots of help available here. Do you have somewhere indoors to work on it, and a good toolset? If it turns over and crank bearings seem ok I'd ballpark 500-700 in parts to get it roadworthy if you do the work yourself. If you're lucky it'll be a minimum of 300 just for seals, brakes, tires, fluids and what not.

from the UK.

I'd just chuck into the mix that, even as it stands, the bike could be worth $500 or more in parts alone. I just wonder if it's worth trading it on for a runner, or at least something that needs a lot less work.

Just a thought!

Great price and a great motorcycle to learn with

I say go for it. You can learn a lot and probably get it running pretty cheap if no major damage or major parts missing (ignition is there, carb is there, pipe is there, has compression, etc.)

You can do a ton without spending a dime... clean it up a little, evaluate it, and if it seems like too much you can certainly sell it for the $50 again... just a few of the parts are worth that.

Thanks, everyone. A bummer, but he just sold it... But, if anyone is in the southern Michigan/northern Ohio/northern Indiana area and is selling any cool little beginner bikes, please let me know! I could do cash (depending on the price) or would give lots of hours of labor doing whatever kinds of work. I'm strong, responsible, and a hard worker. I'll be starting school full-time at the end of the month, but I'll be back in MI this Sunday and would love to work something out. Thank y'all again!

drog7 wrote: Thanks, everyone. A bummer, but he just sold it... But, if anyone is in the southern Michigan/northern Ohio/northern Indiana area and is selling any cool little beginner bikes, please let me know! I could do cash (depending on the price) or would give lots of hours of labor doing whatever kinds of work. I'm strong, responsible, and a hard worker. I'll be starting school full-time at the end of the month, but I'll be back in MI this Sunday and would love to work something out. Thank y'all again!

Its always good to see new young people enter this arena. I actually believe you might be better off without the 125 for a first bike. The 12 volt electrical system on them takes some extra effort to get working. The other models have 6 volt magneto systems that are a little easier. I suggest you look for a 175 or 250. Any of the '68-'73 Enduros are more collectible than later years. And don't be afraid to spend more money up front for a good complete one with a clear title.