Key Points To Consider
1. The condition of the engine and drive train.
2. The condition of the frame.
3. Condition of existing electrical components.
With a little mechanical ability, and the ability to interpret a shop manual, motorcycle repair can be a simple task.
All that is required is time and patience to begin the restoration. The first thing to consider when looking at project motorcycles is the quality of the engine and power train. If cost is a big factor in refurbishing the project motorcycle, an engine with few problems is a plus.
Next consider the frame, which could have been bent in a major impact. A bent frame will cause the motorcycle to appear to ride slightly sideways, or �track�. A bent frame is difficult to repair, and is second only to the condition of the engine in the decision process. While a replacement frame is easily acquired, it will also cause the motorcycle to be re-titled with a salvage title, as the serial numbers associated with the motor and frame will have to be recorded. This will reduce resale value of the motorcycle, if that is the intent of restoration.
The electrical system is the next area that needs to be inspected thoroughly. An electrical system problem could be as simple as a blown fuse, or as costly as replacing electrical components such as the alternator. Symptoms to look for are the presence of burnt or melted wiring, inoperability of the blinker system and starter.
Body parts are low in priority, a few dents and scratches can be tolerated while refining the engine and drive train components for a safe ride. While completing my project �a work in progress� always seemed to be an acceptable answer among friends when critiquing my �bike�.
Availability of parts is abundant through the Internet, and if you are fortunate enough to live near a larger city, motorcycle salvage yards are also an alternative. A great Internet alternative is e-bay, where there are growing numbers of people selling parts from motorcycles that have been idle in their garages or barns for years. More and more people are learning that any item can be sold through e-bay, and the motorcycle enthusiast is no exception. I myself have purchased a dozen or more finish out items through e-bay to complete my project.
This approach is ideal for the hobbyist, and the motorcyclist with few funds, both categories of which I found myself at the time! As a result I have a nice looking "bike" for pennies on the dollar of what I would have paid for the newer equivalent. It can be seen at Project Pictures. In closing I will add that my first leap of faith test ride was 1600 miles from Arizona to Georgia, during which time it performed remarkably! Thank God.
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Last Update: 01/28/03
Copyright © Jim Pinson 2003
