85 Big Red starter and tire questions?

[mikeee]

Just picked up an 85 Big Red in great shape off Craigslist for $500.

The starter was not working so I took it apart and cleaned it. It does work now most of the time. The question is should I buy a rebuild kit or just buy a starter on ebay. Rebuild kit seems to be about $40, starter on ebay $80-120 with shipping. If anyone has a place to get starters or kits please let me know. Also, what brand of tire and tread design looks good and provides a smooth ride on the Big Red. The tires on it now are hard Carlisles from Wal-Mart and they are just to rough. Thanks.

[acidburn]

im pretty sure the big red uses a 9" rim i use kenda bear claws on my 200 and they run smooth and are also aggressive for snow/mud

[Dirtcrasher]

As far as your starter goes, you can take it to a rebuild shop if you want because you can't turn down the armature (unless you have a lathe)

Many times just a set of brushes does the trick and don't be convinced it's just the starter, make sure the solenoid is making that bag amperage connection. If you run a thick wire right from the battery to the starter positive post and it cranks every time, you could have a solenoid or even the button on your handle bars is known to get corroded and not work consistently.....

[hublake]

You can get OEM tires from Honda