Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Hey everyone! Not only am I new here but I'm new to bikes in general. Before I never really had an interest in motorcycles but suddenly I can't resist thinking about them. I never rode one before but I have to start some time. I'm not in a hurry to ride one but I would really like to buy a old, cheap bike and spend my spare time over this summer restoring it.

So, I'd just like to know what would be a nice bike to restore. There is a guy in town selling a late 60's Honda 350 Scrambler. He's selling it for $75 and it comes with a spare motor so I know it'll need some restoring. I've never rebuilt something before but I figure I can try something older and not so difficult to work on. I know there are some factors, like the current condition of the bike, but I'm willing to learn.

If you could, just throw some different bikes to work on and what to look out for. I have a friend that knows a little about bikes but he doesn't know to much about older bikes.

Thanks guys!

Firts and foremost when you do pick a bike to restore is to get the shop manual for that make/model. Then read it front to back so you understand what you're doing. I rebuilt one a year ago {my first} and there was some trial and error but it went together great and is still a good runner today.

My advice:

1 ) Read the manual and take and or make notes
2 ) Pictures help, (If you have dought about where that part goes)
3 ) Talk to a dealer (mine helped alot)
4 ) A friends help can be invaluable
5 ) Tools and supplies (make sure you have what you'll need)
6 ) Stay organized, (parts everywhere will confuse you)
7 ) Mark parts (I.E. left piston etc.)
8 ) Take your time and do it right.
9 ) Example: If you take the head off and you have no clue about the valves/seals/guides yet you want them replaced, take it to the dealer. I did.

It was a great learning experience for me and the result was a nice bike to ride.

Great advice!

I pulled my present bike out of the junk heap, and it's been a good runner for over 2 years. The only thing I have to add to warrior's advice is :

Whatever your budget is ... double it.

It seems extreme, but you're probably going to run into problems that you didn't forsee. Along with a bit of patience, a bit of extra money set aside will be your best tool.

[quote="TechBMW"]Great advice!

Whatever your budget is ... double it. [quote]

Man did you get that right, there was always something else.

Also make sure you get a bike with good parts availability. It would be really bad to get down to the last nitty gritty only to find out you can't find that one necessary part you need.

Derek

Check out Ebay as well, it can be a big help on those hard to find items.