Newtovolusias

Hi
I am new to motorcycle engines and I am looking at buying a 2002 Volusia 800 that isn’t running and I need some advice from the experts. I am being told that it doesn’t run do to a bad piston ring. Firstly would that keep the engine from running? And if so how difficult is it to fix. I have worked on small engines for a a while but don’t have a lot of experience with 4 stroke motors. Also I am being told the engine was bored out and it does turn over but will not start. Any advice would be appreciated

Thansk

dfinitlydisturbd

Unless you are planing on rebuilding the engine or buying a replacement, don't walk away from the deal RUN!

S-C50Rob

I rebuilt my top end and that's how I learned on this bike... I'm no expert or anything near a mechanic, but not starting cause of a bad piston ring? That doesn't make any sense to me. The only thing I know a bad piston ring will do is allow oil to go through and you would see that coming out of your exhaust. Other then that a bad piston ring (if cracked) will score and ruin the cylinder wall and would be an expensive fix as cylinders for these bikes aren't easy to find on ebay and boring them out will be a big job, might as well look for another bike. That's my two cents... Question though, why is he saying it's a bad piston ring?

Hi-Vis

If you knew what caused the engine damage or you were sure you could trust the previous owner you might take a chance. The way it is now it's a roll of the dice.

Keep looking.

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Special Edition 2009 C50 Green/White . 13100 miles. Loaded up and then some!
2006 Honda Big-Ruckus 250 scooter. ~Rare~

If an old man is Laughing at you for no reason, you might want to take a mental inventory because you might have lost something.

ATGATT Sweat, not blood.

Newtovolusias

I was planning on rebuilding the engine but my concern was that a bad piston ring stopping it from running didnt make sense. I was told a mechanic told them and gave them an estimate of $400 to repair it

dfinitlydisturbd

if it's been bored it's screwed. Plan on replacing the jugs, and believe me unless you like rolling the dice it ain't going to be a cheap date. A bad piston ring would not prevent the bike from starting....it would run like crap but it should start. From rereading it sounds like they over bored it, slapped it back together, and upon discovering that it won't run for long if at all put it up for sale. Just finding stock pistons and jugs is a pain, finding oversized pistons....good luck.

If you're seriously interested in the bike find a good mechanic to go over it to find out just how big a **** sandwich you are going to be eating if you buy it.

cavie

you can buy a perfect 02 for about $2500 if you look around.

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'03 Volusia Intruder, Cobra Drag Pipes, K&N air filter, Fatty Knees Bars, Mustang seat, Grasshopper backrest, Wolo horn. Gold wing floor boards and a few other goodies.

Newtovolusias

Sounds like it would be a bad idea to get involved with this bike. I do really like the Volusia style and think I should go in a different direction and look at something in better shape. I appreciate the feedback and you saved me some cash. With that said I have 2 others I have been looking at and would like some opinions. Either a 2006 800VL or 2003 1500 both are around $2800 and in good shape

S-C50Rob

If you can get a 1500cc for the same price as the 800cc, I would go for the bigger one. But in the end you gotta like the bike and be comfortable with it. My opinion, look around, find out which bike you actually want and then have fun hunting down a good deal. For me half the fun is looking for your bike! Good luck!!! There are so many great bikes for really good deals, don't waste your time on a potential headache...

Thunderhoof

I say take your time and keep looking at other bikes. It doesn't make sense to buy a known problem bike.

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"Thunderhoof"
Vance & Hines jet kit, K&N, modified pipes, switchblade windshield, dual back rests, license plate relo, tank bib, MCE highway bars, Marlin's clock & thermometer, Kury ISO grips, smoked lenses, Saddleman bags, run/turn/brake controller, PIAA headlight, LED turn signals & running lights,Optronics spotlights, de-paired, "de-Huffied" and de-badged! Kruz Drive Club member.