So at the moment saving up to buy a complete (5JJ if possible) engine, but other than miles, what else should I keep an eye out for?

As in main problems etc

Seeing as most come from crashed bikes, check all the mounting points for damage for starters. Make sure you get all the electrics with it including water temp sensor, coil etc - they arent cheap to buy new

if possible try get the whole crashed bike. most of the time you can get project bikes off ebay. then you can hopefully hear it running and you will then have parts you need. eg clocks, wiring loom. bolts etc for mounting.

Then you can sell the rest on ebay and make back some of your money.

i bought a zzr1100 bike off ebay for £500 and made back 300 in bits.

so i have a zzr1100 engine with wiring loom and clocks and other bits.

for £200 quid.

keep your eyes open for problems getting it into gear.

r1 engines have weak clutches i have heard.

good luck.

are you building the frame or buying?

I only have one recommendation: Yorkshire engines.
Can't go wrong with Malcolm

^^ as above.

yep malc is the man my bet all day long

What they ^^^ said!

adrian

wot they all said