Restoring an old motorcycle can be extremely rewarding, but it can also be quite frustrating for first-timers who are unfamiliar with what the process entails. Most people understand that restoration is an involved and time-consuming process, but it is the hidden challenges that can spell the difference between a successful restoration, and one abandoned in frustration.

 

The following tips come from accomplished restorers to offer first-time restorers the benefit of the kind of knowledge that comes with experience.

 

1. Budget Both Time and Money

 

For starters, you will need to recognize that a motorcycle restoration project is not just time-consuming, it can be life-consuming. Most first-time restorers underestimate how much time is required, and can easily be swept up in their involvement. The more time you put into the project, the more likely you will be to put in additional effort. The same is true for costs. 

 

It’s important to recognize both time and money as your investment, and invest it wisely. Don’t set unrealistic goals for completion. Instead, set a monthly budget for time and expenses, and then stick to it. This will allow you to keep the project inside the margins of your ability, and will help ensure that the process is ultimately enjoyable and successful.

 

Budgeting will also help you refrain from buying parts in advance. This should be avoided as much as possible. Inevitably, you will find that some of the parts you thought you needed aren’t needed, and will help you keep your project costs contained.

 

2. Start With a Bike that Runs

 

Not all restorations have the same level of difficulty. But once you decide that you want to try restoring a motorcycle, you might not consider that fact. It's always going to be easier (and cheaper) to find old motorcycles that aren’t running, but restoring them adds another level of difficulty to an already challenging project. Don’t bite off more than you can manage for your first restoration.

 

When buying a bike to restore, be ready to haggle the asking price down. Remember, you will still have to pay to restore it. Also, NEVER buy a bike without a title. Period.

 

Buying a working bike to restore will also allow you to familiarize yourself with how it rides before you start restoring it. This may impact the decisions you will make during the restoration.

 

3. Visualize Your Goal

 

It’s difficult to work toward a goal if you don’t know what you’re working toward. Go online and find some photos of what you want your bike to look like when it’s done. Print them out and keep them in your workspace. You will be surprised how many times you refer to them during the restoration process.

 

4. Document Your Journey

 

Be sure to take plenty of photos and/or videos throughout the restoration process. Not only will this give you a record of your progress to look back upon, but it can be EXTREMELY helpful in helping you remember how disassembled parts fit back together.

 

Once your restoration is complete, you can compile your documentation into a “how-to” guide for other restorers to follow. Boca Bearings will even compensate restorers for useful instructive content such as this, which can help offset the cost of the restoration. Contact us at info@bocabearings.com for more information.

 

5. Label, Label, Label!

 

A motorcycle is made up of around 2,000 parts. Along with photos & video (as mentioned above) the key to helping you keep them all straight is to take the time to clearly label parts as you disassemble them. Keep a Sharpie marker, heavy-duty baggies, and masking tape handy throughout the process. There is nothing worse than completing your rebuild and having unknown parts left over. Yikes.

 

6. Start and Finish With the Tank

 

The gas tank is a bike’s most visual element. That makes it really easy to scratch and damage. Once you start your restoration, your motorcycle is not going anywhere for a while, so remove the tank and get it out of the way. 

 

In addition to removing any dents, you should also remove as much rust as possible from the tank’s interior. It is not uncommon for older motorcycles to have residue build-up and rust inside the tank. There are a number of different products and methods for removing it, which should be done prior to painting.

 

After painting the tank, be sure to use a 2-part clear coat to seal and protect it. This will keep any spilled gas from eating through your new paint job. Only once you’re finished with the rest of the bike should you carefully install your newly-painted tank as a final step.

 

7. Never Ignore Rust

 

You will encounter a fair amount of rust while restoring your motorcycle. Treat it aggressively. Never leave rust behind, or it will continue to spread and grow. The only way to eliminate it is to sand it or grind it all the way down to the bare metal, and then repaint it.

 

Regardless of what it says on the can, there is no paint that eliminates rust. At best, paint will help keep it from spreading, but you will still have to remove the rust by sanding or grinding.

 

8. Manage Your Wiring

 

At some point, you will have to deal with your motorcycle’s wiring, so it’s good to have a plan. Painstakingly documenting and labeling your bike’s wires (as discussed above) is a great start, but you should also be careful to not cut any wire unless you know what it does. On a similar note, make it a point to always solder any wires you need to connect. Simply twisting them together allows them to loosen and separate, causing a problem you will eventually have to troubleshoot and track down. 

 

9. Don’t Be Afraid to Use a Mechanic

 

Many first-time restorers believe that taking apart an old motorcycle, cleaning it thoroughly, and reassembling it will result in it looking and running like new. But that’s not how it works.

 

The restoration process actually creates a bike that is a hybrid of old and new parts which have never operated together before. Old parts may have old issues, but even new parts can be problematic. Don’t expect the restoration process to turn you into a master mechanic, and don’t feel like you have to solve every problem yourself.

 

If you get stuck, seek help. You can still learn from the process, and you won’t have to waste time sorting through issues that a professional mechanic may be able to easily diagnose and solve.

 

10. DON’T GIVE UP

 

It can be daunting to get stuck on a problem, and know that you will probably get stuck a few times throughout the process. But you will only get through it by persevering. Take a break, do some research, ask a friend or mechanic, and try approaching the problem from a different perspective. You WILL discover the solution to every challenge, and doing so will make the motorcycle restoration process all the more rewarding.

Happy restoring!