Want to do a resto. Where to begin?

[Qdude79]

Traded a trailer yesterday for an '83 200X. Everything's there, but it's obviously tired. Going into the cold season, I'd like for this to be my winter project, getting it ready for summer sand. My question: Where do I start? I'm thinking complete rebuild. Don't want to go radical w/ it, but don't want to half-arse it either. I've got a six year old that is learning to ride (on my '84 125M) and I need something reliable to follow him around with. Having a project that I would be proud of is important as well. My thoughts:
-New piston to raise compression to about 10.25 Recommendations?
-New cam. Mild, maybe a bit more than stock.
-New pipe. Would like a shiny performer to replace the stocker. Need spark arrestor.
-Rebuild/upgrade stock carb. Above mods will require this. Don't want to hassle w/ aftermarket carb/intake.
-New plastic. Stock has cracks, etc.
Other than that, I want to make it "good enough" for sand, as I live about two hours from Pismo, CA. Don't expect it to be a 2-stroke killer, just keep me movin'. Came w/ new clutch, paddles. Minor things to replace like front headlight bezel, rear taillight. Am thinking of tearing it completely down.
Those of you that have done this before, what is the best way to strip and clean all these little pieces? Any advice I can get prior to starting would be great. Already shopping for a shop manual. Any other books needed? About how much should I expect to spend?

TIA,
Qdude

[motoman1012002]

sounds like you got it cut out for you do a total restore on it and you know it will be a nice bike

[BLAZERONE22]

When I did my auto x project I took all the parts like the frame swinger and triple sliders and a few other things and sandblasted and powdercoated it. Holds up great. Poweroll.com might be able to help you with motor mods. biggest thing is. Don't get in a hurry, take your time and do it right. and this site is also very helpful if you need a hand. Hardest thing is getting that swingarm pivot bolt out if it rusted on there. hopefully yours slides right out. parts for the 200x are pretty easy to come by. Good luck and holler if you need a hand.

[MPNX2]

You might want to check out this link:

http://www.3wheeler.org/3&4wheelaction/9-96~200xMods.html

I am doing the same to my '83 200X. I hope to be done by the end of the month or so.

Here is a link to my post about the build:

http://www.3wheelerworldforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=14681

Good luck. Let me know if you need any help...

[atcmatt]

When I restored my bigred, to clean all the little parts, i put them in a bucket of degreaser for 10 mins then took em out and washed em in soap water with a tooth brush etc. Be realistic in what you wash with the water(no electrics) Another good way of washing stuff is in a dishwasher ;)

[ATCMedic]

When I start a new project the first thing I do is pressure wash it, which knocks off the heavy stuff. Then strip it down and clean/degrease everything. Most parts will clean up better than you would ever expect with a good soaking in Castrol Super Clean for 10 minutes or so followed by a good washing with HOT soapy water and a stiff nylon brush. (I use straight hot water out of my tap and a grease cutting dishwashing liquid). This works great on all finishes, aluminum, plastic, etc. Once I am ready to tear down the engine those parts get put into my partswasher solution. After that's it up to how much you want to spend on the machine, you can get great results with sandpaper and spray paint, or you can sandblast everything and have it powdercoated.

[Qdude79]

Realized last night that the tank is plastic. Was this stock? It's white, but shows age. How can I bring it back to a bright white?

Qdude

[MPNX2]

The tanks on the '83-85 models were metal so if yours is an '83 it is not stock. I am not sure bout the '86's and up.

[Darius1502]

you can't bring a plastic tank to white again. You also can't paint it. Just go buy a metal tank from ebay and re finish it.

I don't care much for yellow brown tanks on a 200x...

[honda200]

The 86 200X dont have plastic tanks, it is not stock, just get one from ebay or something

Curtis