For many, renovating their own motorcycle is a boyhood dream come true. Years ago there were a variety of motorcycle manufacturers producing a range of simple, easy to maintain bikes which are now enthusiast’s gold. British bikes of the 1950s and 1960s, for example, have long been popular by evoking a nostalgia amongst collectors which can both increase sediment and financial value. In this blog post, we look at five things you may want to consider if you’re thinking about renovating your own classic motorcycle.
Which Bike?
Of course, the first thing to think about is which bike you’re going to choose. Unless you have a specific love affair with a type or brand, the market can sometimes feel overcrowded – and there are many less-than-worthwhile projects out there that you probably wouldn’t want to undertake. Make sure you do your research, choose a bike with a good resale value and most importantly, one which is easy to source parts for. Further down the line, that may well be your biggest battle.
Are You Buying a Complete Example?
Any bits of bikes you can get hold of can be useful when renovating a classic, but it’s wise to know exactly what you’re investing in when you begin. If it’s just an engine, be sure that all the parts are there and if not, that you can source them easily. Broken parts are easily replaced, but again make sure you can get hold of them. If you can, make sure the transmission is in place, as this can be the hardest thing to work on when renovating.
Rust?
The frame of the bike is obviously incredibly important, and its wise to know whether there’s rust before you start on a project. It’s best to get this sorted as soon as you can, and make sure the structural integrity of the frame remains and that it’s a good base to build upon.
A Good Place to Work
Once you’ve got the bike in mind and you have a fair idea of what you want to do with it, it’s wise to source a convenient and large enough space to work in. Somewhere which isn’t damp or dark is a must, and adequate lighting needs to be installed so you can work into the small hours. Having somewhere you can wash parts is also a good idea, as is adequate storage.
Set Realistic Goals
To want to renovate a bike means you have some interest in the process in the first place, but you must remember that it needs to be a labour of love and can’t be rushed. Once you’ve completed the project, you’ll realise that the details really do matter and you’ll appreciate the fact that you’ve spent longer on the small things. Set realistic goals and don’t expect it to be done in a week or two – you may well come up against things you weren’t expecting. This however need not be a problem if you’re realistic and you know what you want to achieve within certain timeframes.
If you’re looking for help or advice regarding motorcycle accessories, parts or equipment – motorcycle-parts-accessories.co.uk are an expert and professional solution based in a number of locations around the UK. They have a good supply of parts and also the know-how to accompany their passion for all things biking!
