How to Restore your Classic Motorcycle

Restoring a classic motorcycle is a motorcycle enthusiast's ultimate activity. It allows you to combine your love for classic motorcycles with your interest and appreciation for craftsmanship, mechanics and hard work. Restoring a motorcycle requires competent knowledge of motorcycle mechanics and proper equipment and tools in order to be successful. Before getting started with the actual work, however, you will need to decide which classic bike you want to restore.

• Research and choose the make and model of the classic motorcycle you want to restore. According to Verticalscope Inc.'s website "Motorcycle," popular choices include 1950s and 1960s English bikes. However, these have become costly and difficult to find, so one alternative would be the 650cc twin-engine English bikes of the late 1960s and early 1970s.
• Purchase your classic motorcycle, preferably one that is equipped with the original engine and make sure you get the manufacturer's parts book that corresponds to your bike. Perform a complete tear down of the motorcycle. Document all of the parts with photos and notes and arrange them in an accessible manner so you know what you are dealing with.
• Antique Car Parts Take your motor to an engine shop that specializes in the type of bike you have. An engine shop will be equipped with the ability and tools necessary to fully clean the engine, build the parts that need rebuilding and polish the metal parts of the engine.
• Sandblast the frame and the swing arm of your motorcycle. Analyze them for any damage from battery acid, any cracks, twists or extra holes. Weld any cracks and repair any other damage.
• Replace all of the nuts and bolts of your engine with stainless steel parts that are as close to the original size as possible. The engine frame studs, however, must be the exact dimensions as the originals in order to avoid vibration and other problems later on.
• Purchase replacement shocks if necessary. According to Verticalscope Inc.'s website "Motorcycle," shocks for the majority of classic motorcycles out there can still be purchased new. Examine the forks for straightness and cracks. If your forks have any major problems, send them to a forks specialist to have them repaired properly.
• Repair or replace the other remaining parts such as the brakes, hubs and rims. Many traditional parts can be ordered. Alternatively, you can retrofit your classic bike with a newer set of alloy wheels.
• Powder-coat the frame and all of the frame-related painted parts according to either your specific preferences or the bike's original colors. Have any chrome components that have rusted or worn over the years re-chromed to bring out the bike's original brilliance.
• Rebuild the bike with the new and restored parts to complete your restoration. Store your bike in a dry and warm place when it is not being ridden to preserve the bike's condition.

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Source: Ehow (Schatz)