Got this beat-up Triumph Scrambler 400 last month for cheap. Guy sold it ’cause it looked too rough. Saw potential though. Let me walk you through the mess.
Starting Point: Budget Blues
First thing? Counted every penny. Wife’s giving me that look. Promised her I’d keep it under 1200 bucks total. Started hunting eBay at midnight like a crazy person. Found:
- Scratched-up tank for $65
- Rusty exhaust pipes (pair) for $30
- Knockoff handlebars – $20 felt like theft
Fixing Ugly Parts
Straight to the garage Sunday morning. Tore that busted tank off first. Sanded it forever – dust everywhere, neighbors probably hated me. Sprayed it matte black. Three coats. Messed up the second coat – ran like hell. Sanded again. Looked like crap but better than before.
Handlebars were next. Tried installing ’em myself. Ended up stripping a bolt. Screamed at it. My buddy Dave showed up with beer and wrenches. Saved my ass. Bars finally on – sat taller, actually comfy.
The Cheap & Loud Part
Old pipes sounded like a sick lawnmower. Welding new ones? Nope. Bought universal muffler tips for $28. Drilled holes in the pipes like a maniac. Bolted tips on crooked first try. Looks wonky? Yeah. But sounds MEAN now.
Last Touches & Surprise Costs
“Gotta look scrambler-ish,” I thought. Grabbed a plastic skid plate off Amazon for $40. Barely fit. Zip-tied it secure. Total costs added up:
- Bike itself: $950
- Parts & paint: $183
- Beer for Dave: $16
Went over budget? Hell yes. $1149 total. Forgot that damn skid plate. Wife rolled her eyes but damn it rides good now.
Was It Worth It?
Back hurts. Garage’s a bomb site. But standing there staring at it? Feels like I tricked the universe. Still a scratchy ugly bitch, but she’s MY scratchy ugly bitch.
