Some months ago I picked up a 1966 Kawasaki F2tr 175cc. This was Kawasaki's first attempt at a 175cc trail bike (take road bike, add high pipe, high front guard, knobby tyres and sump guard and call it a trail bike). The PO said it had a stuck piston that needed a hone and new rings to be running. Ok sounded good. I have been soaking the piston in penetrating oil since I got it home and today was the day to get the barrel off. I modded one of my old pullers to fit the head bolt holes on the barrel, put a thick spacer on top of the piston to prevent damage (little did I know) , fitted the puller and put pressure on the piston. With a crack like a shotgun it let go, and I had to fit a piece of bar to get the piston out. When I removed the barrel I found that a 'hone and new rings' were not going to get it going. Don't think this will hone out. Spent a bit of time on the interweb and have a piston, rings and conrod kit on the way for $200.
I cannot understand that living in the driest country on earth I have restored three bikes that have had the crankcase full of water??????? This is the crank and bits from my Yamaha YB100 that had the same problem.
I agree with you Murdo. it is a mystery. Places that are prone to flooding ie: northern rivers NSW, QLD after the floods have many bikes that come up for sale, all I can say is [BUYER BE WARE]. Sometimes a bargain isn't really a bargain?
