First of all, you need to remember that there is a difference between restoring and customizing a motorcycle. If you want to customize your motorcycle, this means that you are free to change anything about your motorcycle, such as the paint and paint schemes. Customizing also means that you can also add a different kind of engine to add more power or even give it a different gas tank. Restoring a motorcycle will mean that you will be returning the bike to its original look. This means that everything should be stock and should look like that it just rolled out of the factory.
Now, we all know that restoring old motorcycles can be a great hobby. They are wonderful to own and you will surely get challenged when you are on the process of restoring them. Although the process of restoring motorcycles itself is hard work, you will find that the rewards are great once you finished the project.
So, here are the proper and organized ways on how you restore a vintage or classic motorcycle.
The first thing that you need to do is to disassemble the motorcycle completely down to its frame. It is important that you check all the parts as you take them off and make notes about it. During this process, you will be checking the parts on what needs to be repaired, cleaned, or completely replaced. You also need to know if there are parts missing from the bike.
Next, you should look through old photos and publications that feature the motorcycle you are restoring. This will serve as your reference and give you an idea on what the motorcycle looked like in its original state. This part is easy if you are the original owner. But, if you are the second or third owner, this can be quite hard to do. Always remember that when you are restoring a motorcycle, you want everything to be exact and not something that is close to what the motorcycle looked like before.
The next step is to work on the frame first. You can sandblast it to remove any old paint and rust from the metal. Then, you can apply primer then paint it to its original color. You should do the same thing with the tank and fenders. But, if you dont know how to properly paint the bike, you should definitely let someone else who is qualified to do the work for you.
The fourth step is the search for the parts that you need to replace. Original parts may be hard to find especially if the bike is very old and very rare. If this is the case, you can get it fabricated. Just make sure that you bring the original part with you in order for you to get an exact copy of the part that you need.
The fifth step is to rebuild the engine. This requires special tools and special skills. If you dont know how to take the engine apart much more to rebuild it, you may want to leave it to the professionals to do this part for you. During the engine rebuild, there is a chance that you may need to find replacement parts for it. This can take a while and if you really cant any original replacement parts, get it fabricated.
The last step is to put everything back together. This is where finesse will mean a lot. Be careful when you are putting everything back together in order to avoid scratching or damaging anything.
These are the steps on how you can restore a motorcycle properly. Remember these tips and you can be sure that restoring a vintage or classic bike will be a lot easier to do.