Motorcycle restoration.
I have just purchased a 1968 B1 from Alton at what was formally the bike museum in between Foxton and Levin. Real great bloke to talk to and he tells me he sold over 50 old bikes in only a couple of months. Sadly for him (and us) he has only learnt of trade me, where he says he gets more cash for the bikes. He said he is moving next door and will be keeping a few of the nicer bikes to keep and will only show them to motorcycle groups and clubs. I told him about Kiwi Biker and he said he'd be keen for any group of us to go and have a look once he has finished. Weather was diabolical, but both myself in the hilux and the kawasaki (which funny enough I have named allready) returned to home in the naki without any real trouble.
I have restored bikes in the past but never anything this age. Had a few of this age, but purchased them in good nick. Now I have a hunch that there could be other KBers (I at least hope) that might also have a hobby like mine. I am into classic and vintage Hondas (now there is a surprise), but have decided that I might as well go for the other Japanese brands also. I see there is not a set place to talk about bike restoration, however there are a few threads about particular bikes, new and old, but no set forum to talk about it? So who is/has restored what in their shed, garage or under their house? Also would be great to get an idea of what sort of parts are out there for older bikes, although I suspect many of them would not wanted to be parted with.
As for the little bike I have purchased? Its in reasonable original condition, only things broken is the glass on the speedo (easily replaced) and the rear tail light lens is broken. Reminds me of a A100 and I'm told Kawasaki & Suzuki used to make bikes together. Looking at it, I'd not be surprised if they did it way back then. I've started to pull the bike apart and it is clear that the previous owners (all ex bike shop owners) have looked after the bike rather well. Its not mint at all, might never be, but we'll see once I've finished. Best thing is that the bike is complete. It made my day when I was removing parts and inspecting them and I found the original tool kit in behind the 2-stroke oil tank. Well, its going to take some time to complete it in my spare time (when the weather is too bad to go riding etc), but there is no rush. The better half is allready unimpressed with the smell of oil etc coming from the bike. But what she does not know won't kill her (or me hopefully).
Those who insist on perfect safety, don't have the balls to live in the real world.
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Originally Posted by skidmark
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