I have a chance to get a VTR as a project bike, would be a first for me, but apparently the failed CCT and the front piston hit the valve. What kind of job and how much?

 

My opinion, best way to go is replace the whole head. There are a few front heads on eBay for about $100-$150 which is what they go for. Really, the low end of what they go for. Just be sure they are good/came off a running bike.

What kind of job? Move bodywork, airbox, carbs, plumbing, header, swap head, timing, etc. I think there are some on here with minimal skills/experience who've accomplished it, so even I could probably do it.

And, you'll want to install manual CCT's as part of the process so it doesn't happen again. Some replace with stock auto CCT's periodically.

So, cost isn't too great. Effort:value depends on what condition the bike is in, price, and, of course, color.

Are you coming back to a SuperHawk or will this be a second one?

 

Agree with everything said above as the first/best option. A think another option depending on your skill level and luck with finding one for a good price is to simply swap in another entire good engine. I've parted out several bikes over the years and have sold good engines for a few hundred bucks. Is it necessary to replace the whole engine? Of course not, but you'll bypass some of the more technical stuff, but you will obviously add some extra time in other areas that goes with swapping out an entire engine. I've recently run into the same situation with an old car with a dead cylinder and I can't be bothered disassembling the engine (or paying to have it rebuilt) so I was lucky enough to find a real nice low mile engine that runs like a top with perfect compression (with trans and a bunch of other nice parts) for a really fair price that I'm going to swap in. For me it'll save a bunch of time, effort and money. Again just another option to consider.

 

What this all really comes down to is color. If it's yellow, pull the trigger. If it's one of the other "colors", pass.

 

This would be my second VTR

My main concern would be if the failure did more damage than the top end

https://denver.craigslist.org/mcy/d/...445848289.html

 

Well, I think about the only other damage to be concerned with would be a hole or crack in the piston crown, but it appears to be intact. I've only heard of that happening once. Looks like the job is half done. Just needs a good head and puttin' back together.

Bike looks stock except for the Microns. Color me interested if you get it and want to get rid of them for something else.

 

I went ahead and bought it. My dad knows all about this stuff but he'd getting up there in age. Should I just start learning about head removal and valve replacement?