87 Tecate Question for the Gurus

[brrcuda]

I am going to look at an 87 Tecate hopefully this weekend. It has a blown shock but all original otherwise - you know how that goes. All original means to me a complete rebuild. Runs and drives though. Stator replaced already. The owner knows what it is worth - so I need to be smart with this one.

My question is what are the golden parts from these bikes that everyone is looking for? I know the rad shroud is obsolete but any other parts worth their weight in gold?

This is so I can have a heads up on what to look for when i see it.

Thanks -

[ATCWRENCH]

the rear fender support is also obselete. various rubber pieces, decals, and a lot a nic pikity parts.

[ScottZJ]

Actually Hornetpowersports makes killer replicas of the shrouds and headlight plastic. So I consider those parts not as hard to find. In fact I have OEM ones next to the repro ones and I feel the repro ones are much nicer.
The parts that are harder to find are the key iginition, over flow bottle(as it gets heated up and broken over years), chain rollers, OEM grab bars, and OEM tires.

[Orangecnty250r]

If you are looking at the 100% OEM thing

Add:
Both chain and disc guards
Tool Box
Owners Manual holder for under the rear fender
Intake boot
OEM fork boots
Switches ETC
Air box lid
Stock rear silencer

All HARD to find Nice

[250r'en +TCB]

I personally would just buy it if you got the $$$ Paul!!! We both know how rare those damn things are around here!! As for parts you can just find them as you go along....... I wouldn't miss this oppertunity unless the guys wants crazy money for it.......

Oh and by the way, GET SOME PICTURES!!!!!!!!

[Orangecnty250r]

My question is what are the golden parts from these bikes that everyone is looking for?
Thanks -

Actually 250r'en+TCB is right!!! the whole damm think is golden being its an 87!!!!

[69HemiGTX]

Yup. 87 KXT250 Tecate = Hen's teeth. Buy it!!!

Speaking of the rear fender support, anybody got one they would part with? I know, shameless want ad.

[brrcuda]

I know - I will call him on saturday to setup a time to see it. I will be bringing cash in hand to seal the deal. I chatted with him yesterday about it and he seems to be a good guy that likes trikes but doesnt care about how nice they look. Just wants to ride and fix up mechanics.

If all goes well with some timing here - I will have it in my driveway this weekend. I tried to convince him to sell to me so I can restore to new condition instead of putting it out in the street and any *Edited**Edited**Edited**Edited**Edited**Edited**E dited* buying it to ride and ruin.

He was actually at the hospital with his wife having a baby when i called - well waiting to start. If they have the baby before saturday - then i can go down to see - I figure he will be needing some extra money.

Then I will have my big 3 collection i always wanted.

I will have pics when/if I buy. Also I will let you know the price when I buy it as well. keep my fingers crossed.

As for the golden parts - it is missing the keyed ignition - i Already asked and i know it is missing the rear skid plates. Airbox and on/off switch are there and original tires as well. The shrouds are all there intack as well.

[OZQUAD44]

The rear fender support is just a steel bar with some brackets welded to it. If that was missing or broken a new one wouldn't be hard to fabricate, might even end up with a better than factory looking bracket.

The fuel tank is an issue for all 86/87 Tecates. Time hasn't been kind to them and a replacement one is as rare as hens teeth, and big $$ I suspect.

Depending on the use it has recieved, The cylinder barrel will be up for replating if your going to ride it. I wouldn't recommend a cast sleeve as they never seem to run right after being resleeved.

Despite those two problems, 87 Tecates are certainly eye catchers. Mine allways attracts heaps of attention everywhere it goes

[Jwood]

Buy it if the $'s are available!! These are rare and used parts go for gold plated! If you are going to restore it--you might have to wait around for a little while to find parts--but it would be an eye catcher, and a valuable one at that! Been in the bike business since '72, and even sold a bunch of the Tecate's. Wish I still had a few now!!

Jwood

[250r'en +TCB]

It will look great in your living room I'm sure!!!

You will simply have to check ebay and the boards and wait for parts to pop up, but in time they will....... what the hell it's an 87 Tecate, what do you have to loose?!?!?!?!

[brrcuda]

Well thanks for the insight on the parts. I have good and bad news on this update.

The Good News - I bought the tecate. I just could not let it go and since they are so rare around here, i figured i had to get it while I can. The guy said he was going to part it if it was not sold soon. So I took one for the team and kept a bike together.

The bike is complete with most parts still on it just like original - minus toolbox and grab bar. This tells me a few things about it. With being still in original state, it was most likely not raced or ridden too hard - the pegs are straight and the original tires intact. Perfect for a restore.

Seat has no rips, headlight/tailight is intact and working with excellent plastic. Rear fender bracket is also there. Complete Tecate pipe and muffler with spark arrestor.

Another big plus is that that the illustrius right shroud is intact with no cracks and no fading with original stickers on it. Thats one part I don't have to search the nation for. Both shrouds are in great shape for 20 years. This also tells me that it wasn't beat up too much.


The Bad News - Its not an 87 - god dammit its an 86- I was pissed when i looked up the vin last night and the G code appeared as an 86 model- that explains the missing ign key module. I contested him when we negotiated the bike and he swore up and down that it was an 87. BS

The main problem with the bike is purely cosmetics. rear fenders need replace, bolts are rusty, tank is faded white (not brown)from being left outside in the sun. If the bike was stored inside, it would be near mint right now because it doesn't look like it was ridden all that much.

All in all, i paid 1100 for a running/driving 86 Tecate 3 bike that just needs cosmetic TLC with some polish and paint to make it near perfect. Some will think that is a lot as I do too, but i figure I will never have another chance to get one under $3000 in New England.

I figure it will take about 800 dollars to get it the way i want. If you guys think the 250r is cool - the 86-87 tecate is the coolest looking bike - i just love the giant elephant ears for rad shrouds. Looks badass

I will post pics tonight when i get home before i start the tear down.

Paul

[MIK6]

CONGRATS on the T3!! Welcome to the 86/87 T3 club!!
Good luck w/ the rebuild let me know if you have any questions. I just finished my 87 rebuild and am now into my 86 rebuild.

MIK6 / Mike

[Orangecnty250r]

- i just love the giant elephant ears for rad shrouds. Looks badass

I will post pics tonight when i get home before i start the tear down.

Paul

Congrats...cant wait to see the pics..I laughed when I read the elephants ears thing because when you stand behind the machine they look huge... I always admire and love those big fat shrouds also.

[OZQUAD44]

I would be pissed with that guy for not telling the truth.

But I still believe that you got a fair deal. Any running 86 or 87 Tecate in fair to good condition is worth at least what you paid for it. One restored will be worth no less than $2000USD in my books

The difference between an 86-7 Tecate is neglegible, I'd say good deal.

Can't wait to see the photos