I like to do frame up builds, right now I'm on the fence with the pros/cons of what I might do next. I've tended towards the S2R 800/ 1000 however, I'd like to hear from those who had them and what problems and good things they had or even alternatives like the S4R or an earlier M900.
On 900`s: Second gen 2001-02 "ST" frame was better than 1st gen who had weaker frame and not so good steering angle,
although beeing a "888"frame.
I've only done a few (3) carby Monsters, a Shovelhead custom, two T140 Bonnevilles and a Honda NC30. Gotta say the wiring and custom options are easier with carbed bikes. Currently doing a frame up restoration of an M900, but it's a restoration to stock spec so easier in many respects. There are some on the forum with extensive experience in these projects and you may flush them out. What are your plans, stock, custom, performance?
Quote from: koko64 on April 30, 2026, 05:00:37 AMI've only done a few (3) carby Monsters, a Shovelhead custom, two T140 Bonnevilles and a Honda NC30. Gotta say the wiring and custom options are easier with carbed bikes. Currently doing a frame up restoration of an M900, but it's a restoration to stock spec so easier in many respects. There are some on the forum with extensive experience in these projects and you may flush them out. What are your plans, stock, custom, performance?
I follow the same lines with the "back to stock spec" route as well. I have a 900 frame with good paperwork but no engine and the rest of the parts look spartan, I really enjoy the stock Monsters but I might incorporate a plate relocation kit or tail tidy as a small deviation. On my streetfighter I did have to leave off the charcoal cannister though I didn't likle to as I wanted "correct to stock" but it ran like it did with it installed.
'00-02 M900's were fuel injected with better cams.
The ecu's for '00-01 bikes are hard to find, but lack the immobilizer stuff.
'00-01 M900's were 888 frames.
'00 had 10mm engine mounting bolts.
'01 had 12mm engine mounting bolts.
'02 M900 was ST frame with immobilizer and 5.9 ecu.
'01 M900S was a very nice ride...
IIRC, the '01 M900S had the floating rear brake caliper on it too.
Well update, I went and got a deal on a 2006 S2R frame/good papers and an 800 engine. The 900 parts avail seem either in real bad condition or non existent at this time. I obtained a few more pieces while I was temporarily insane.
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After being pressure washed and degreased to assess
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More assessing...
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I got a few parts that were priced right.
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The Engine Core has some rough spots that need replaced, its all coming apart anyhow.
[beer]
[thumbsup] But small pics.
Quote from: greenmonster on May 12, 2026, 05:54:55 AM[thumbsup] But small pics.
I feel somewhat insecure now..I was hoping to save some memory by resizing down from 4k to 1080 but I can try to get them a little larger.
I got parts in so I felt safe enough to start ripping into the core, I ran a compression check and found 160 on either cylinder with a few shots of oil in the holes, Valve checks were:
Vertical Horizontal
Intake-
opener- .15mm .13mm
closer- .07mm .05mm
Exhaust-
Opener- .14mm .15mm
Closer- .06mm .05mm
Closers look a bit tight so I am looking at some shims, the oil smelled kinda nasty in the engine like it had not been maintained very well. I'm going deeper but its 0300 am and I need sleep before work tomorrow so I pulled at least one head and cylinder before going unconscious for 6-8 hours.
Some Engine pictures:
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The closer numbers are pretty good but may change when you clean up the valves and valve seats. They may feel different after a clean up so clean up the mating faces first.
Going to go for new rings, higher comp or bigger bore or just clean it up and put it back together?
I try and get the openers around 0.1 and closers .02-.05. Sometimes you're caught between shims and don't want to skim one down so you can then go for the generous factory spec.
Quote from: koko64 on May 29, 2026, 11:01:50 PMThe closer numbers are pretty good but may change when you clean up the valves and valve seats. They may feel different after a clean up so clean up the mating faces first.
Going to go for new rings, higher comp or bigger bore or just clean it up and put it back together?
I try and get the openers around 0.1 and closers .02-.05. Sometimes you're caught between shims and don't want to skim one down so you can then go for the generous factory spec.
I'm going for a good, stock runner. I'll be checking the crank and trans shaft backlash and make my decision to split the case on that. I've got a new set of clutch disks and the case bearings -not including the rod bearings, don't know the crank color and rod letters. The cross hatch looks really nice on the cyl walls and not much on the piston skirts at all(maybe a few flecks but no erosion wear). Frankly, it has some fresh 3 bond on it and o-rings but the oil really smells foul like it hasn't been changed by the previousowner/abused. As far as the shims go, yeah gonna be pulling the other head and pulling valve gear to measure the shims to order the appropriate ones.
While I'm awaiting the new shims (seals are here) I was doing some prep work for the new old covers that don't look like someone drug them down a dirt road on the back of a wrecker hook. Overall, the lower end bearings look and measure out good, I'm going to throw in a new clutch once it gets in. And I AM replaceing those screws in the inspection cover with some nice new ones.
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Heads are apart waiting on parts and I broke my neato ebay 3-d printed wrench taking those aluminum nuts off.
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Keep the updates coming [popcorn]
While I was cleaning and examining things a few days ago, I noticed this and thought it was a good point to bring up about when you are looking at used stuff. A good reason to scrutinize EVERYTHING!! It seems a previous mechanic wound up with some spare parts, The circlip was missing that holds the forward cam bearing on the vertical head in its place which caused it to walk- it was a real w-t-beast with 2 backs moment when I was cleaning things up. Always check for when a previous mechanic decided a part was optional..
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[popcorn]
Fitted up the rear swing arm and got one of the heads reassembled. New Shims in the exhaust closers to open things up, lotsa cleaning and all new bearings and seals.. I also didn't leave out any circlips.
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