I know a lot of people restore classic cars. How about
motorcycles? I'm curious as to what kind, part availability, etc. Is
there a newsgroup or website where I can learn more about the
possibilty of restoring an old motorcycle?
George
On Sat, 16 Jul 2005 22:02:38 +0000, Lexapro wrote:
> I know a lot of people restore classic cars. How about
> motorcycles? I'm curious as to what kind, part availability, etc. Is
> there a newsgroup or website where I can learn more about the
> possibilty of restoring an old motorcycle?
>
> George
I don't know of a single site for motorcycle restoration. The Vintage
Japanese Motorcycle Club probably comes closest. However, there are all
sorts of sites in Web land that cater to different makes, different models
of a given make, or even a single model series. I'm fond of Kawasaki KZ
models myself so I hang out at http://www.kzrider.com/forum/ where there
are many knowledgeable folks.
Generally parts availability will be highest for Harley-Davidson and then
probably Honda motorcycles. Many, including myself, have found eBay to be
a valuable resource when looking for parts. Look for a model or
manufacturer that sold bikes in sufficient numbers in your area to give
you some parts sources to draw from. A rare model may well fetch a
premium price once restored, but its restoration may be held a
considerable time while parts are scrounged.
In other words, if you're not familiar with motorcycles I suggest getting
something that runs or needs minor power train repair and just needs some
cosmetic work and then work yourself into the more challenging projects.
If you find this rewarding, you'll be hooked for life.
Good luck!
- Nate >>
--
"The optimist proclaims that we live in the best of all possible worlds,
the pessimist fears this is true."
Thanks for your reply. I really appreciate your help.
>I don't know of a single site for motorcycle restoration. The Vintage
>Japanese Motorcycle Club probably comes closest. However, there are all
>sorts of sites in Web land that cater to different makes, different models
>of a given make, or even a single model series. I'm fond of Kawasaki KZ
>models myself so I hang out at http://www.kzrider.com/forum/ where there
>are many knowledgeable folks.
>Generally parts availability will be highest for Harley-Davidson and then
>probably Honda motorcycles. Many, including myself, have found eBay to be
>a valuable resource when looking for parts. Look for a model or
>manufacturer that sold bikes in sufficient numbers in your area to give
>you some parts sources to draw from. A rare model may well fetch a
>premium price once restored, but its restoration may be held a
>considerable time while parts are scrounged.
>In other words, if you're not familiar with motorcycles I suggest getting
>something that runs or needs minor power train repair and just needs some
>cosmetic work and then work yourself into the more challenging projects.
>If you find this rewarding, you'll be hooked for life.
>Good luck!
>- Nate >>
> motorcycles? I'm curious as to what kind, part availability, etc. Is
> there a newsgroup or website where I can learn more about the
> possibilty of restoring an old motorcycle?
>
> George