Start Renovating a bike

[foggyeye]

Hi folks,

Someone suggested to me to "do up a bike" and I'm intreaged by the idea.

However , I have no equipment, know how, or experience with the machanics of a renovation. So ... Anyone out there like to advise a NEWBIE renovator on how/where to start a renovation project.

The only thing I've decided is to work on a 125, but other than that ... to paraphrase Manuel from Fawlty Towers ... "I know nothing" ...

Thanks in advance.

[V2orV4]

Good idea! Think it's prob best if you could get together with someone local to you so you can have a good chat and actually see a renovation. If you haven't really a clue, don't buy a bike or tools, equipment until you have properly researched.

Must be loads of sites online, or perhaps have a look a classic mechanics mag etc for a few ideas. I'm sure a few people on the forum will be able to help you out. Perhaps visit a classic bike show to see what can be done, but you may be surprised just how much stuff costs, so be aware of the full overall costs!
Good luck,
Steve

[Billy Bananahead]

Start by making sure the engine is a good one.
Pointless doing anything else first only to find a shagged motor.

[AndyB]

If you really haven't got a clue and intend to start delving into the engine then go for a 2 stroke because you avoid the hassle involved in rebuilding the cylinder head.

Whether you're opening the engine or not I'd always go for starting on a road bike rather than an off road one because the wheel & chassis bearings are less likely to be knackered and you're less likely to find the forks are twisted or bent :whistle:

[jonny955]

If you are planning to do this for your own entertainment and feeling of achievement, then go for it (thumbs) .

However, if you are thinking of saving money then my advice, based on your experience and skills, would be to go out and buy a decent working bike and ride it insetad. It'll be cheaper and easier and more certain.

It's worth bearing in mind that the restoration costs do not vary greatly with cc as the amount of work is pretty much the same. You may find that secondhand spares for 125s are more in demand than for comparable 200-250s.

I've done a few in my time and it is a great way to build up skills and tools but it's important to choose the right donor bike. Not just in terms of condition but also S/H spares availability.

Good luck!

Jon

[dazcapri]

This Delboy's Garage Video is worth a look if your thinking of buying tools,some of his how to vid's will come in handy as well, Hackaweektv may help tips wise he's rebuilding a Honda CB750 from a box of bits

[Richard Simpson]

Sorry, very bad idea if you have no mechanical experience.

Get an old, running bike and learn how to do basic mechanics/servicing and repair on that..then see if you have the interest and aptitude to do a restoration.

[mikeyboy]

you are more than welcome to come down to my workshop and have a look at the bikes in bits,to get a better understanding of whats involved,costs etc,
(thumbs)

[foggyeye]

you are more than welcome to come down to my workshop and have a look at the bikes in bits,to get a better understanding of whats involved,costs etc,
(thumbs)

That's a very fine offer. Where are you?

[mikeyboy]

you are more than welcome to come down to my workshop and have a look at the bikes in bits,to get a better understanding of whats involved,costs etc,
(thumbs)

That's a very fine offer. Where are you?

5miles north melton mowbray
le14 4sz