Bike projects

sanford · 07-13-2012, 04:47 PM

I noticed a few posters have a few bike projects..but was wondering even if a rider is mechanical don't you need expensive or at least a lot of specialized tools to properly and safely overhaul a bike? aside from tracking these tools down plus the parts.. what I'm getting at is it more trouble then it's worth?

Dodsfall · 07-13-2012, 04:54 PM

The tools needed depend on the motorcycle. Some specialty tools and possibly machine-shop facilities are required for engine re-building.

A lot of do-it-yourself folks may take something like a head that needs to be milled to a machine shop and do all the assembly themselves, saving a lot of money by doing the wrench-turning.

Many motorcycle projects can be completed with a standard set of wrenches, screwdrivers, and basic tools.

The cost of most hand tools will pay for themselves rather quickly compared to taking a motorcycle into the dealership. If you purchase good quality tools and take care of them, they should last a lifetime. I consider tools an investment.

cmonSTART · 07-13-2012, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sanford

what I'm getting at is it more trouble then it's worth?

Not to someone who enjoys doing the work, which is the reason I do it. The process is the fun of it.

sanford · 07-13-2012, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmonSTART

Not to someone who enjoys doing the work, which is the reason I do it. The process is the fun of it.

Yes, thought that might be one of the reasons, and also agree about buying
quality tools..It must be a proud moment to restore a bike and start it up in good as new condition.. I'm tempted to get a project bike but one that is not
totally shot. Any idea's

Biker Dash · 07-13-2012, 08:43 PM

How about a Nighthawk? that would be a cool project in my opinion.

sanford · 07-13-2012, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Animedevildog

How about a Nighthawk? that would be a cool project in my opinion.

will check, don't know if heard of it, thanks

Biker Dash · 07-13-2012, 09:01 PM

here is one in really nice shape... obviously, this would be a rider, and not a project bike (unless you wanted something to customize, and did not want to have to rebuild first...)

sanford · 07-13-2012, 10:51 PM

Quote:

here is one in really nice shape... obviously, this would be a rider, and not a project bike (unless you wanted something to customize, and did not want to have to rebuild first...)

I had a customer that has something like that, next time he calls will check it out...

cmonSTART · 07-14-2012, 08:17 AM

The 80s Nighthawk suggestion is a good one IMO. They're fairly affordable right now - not new, but not old enough to be classics.

cmonSTART · 07-14-2012, 08:26 AM

Whatever you do, DO NOT buy a bike like this:

07-13-2012, 04:47 PM	#1
sanford Banned Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 988	Bike projects I noticed a few posters have a few bike projects..but was wondering even if a rider is mechanical don't you need expensive or at least a lot of specialized tools to properly and safely overhaul a bike? aside from tracking these tools down plus the parts.. what I'm getting at is it more trouble then it's worth?

07-13-2012, 04:54 PM	#2
Dodsfall Administrator Join Date: May 2008 Location: Illinois, USA Posts: 15,880	The tools needed depend on the motorcycle. Some specialty tools and possibly machine-shop facilities are required for engine re-building. A lot of do-it-yourself folks may take something like a head that needs to be milled to a machine shop and do all the assembly themselves, saving a lot of money by doing the wrench-turning. Many motorcycle projects can be completed with a standard set of wrenches, screwdrivers, and basic tools. The cost of most hand tools will pay for themselves rather quickly compared to taking a motorcycle into the dealership. If you purchase good quality tools and take care of them, they should last a lifetime. I consider tools an investment. __________________ 2008 XL1200R To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

07-13-2012, 08:43 PM	#5
Biker Dash Site Brony and Troll Eater Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Waterville, Maine (USA) Posts: 7,597	How about a Nighthawk? that would be a cool project in my opinion. __________________ 03 Yahama V-max 03 Dodge Ram 1500

07-13-2012, 09:01 PM	#7
Biker Dash Site Brony and Troll Eater Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Waterville, Maine (USA) Posts: 7,597	here is one in really nice shape... obviously, this would be a rider, and not a project bike (unless you wanted something to customize, and did not want to have to rebuild first...) __________________ 03 Yahama V-max 03 Dodge Ram 1500

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07-14-2012, 08:17 AM	#9
cmonSTART Rider of old stuff Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Antrim, NH Posts: 815	The 80s Nighthawk suggestion is a good one IMO. They're fairly affordable right now - not new, but not old enough to be classics.

07-14-2012, 08:26 AM	#10
cmonSTART Rider of old stuff Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Antrim, NH Posts: 815	Whatever you do, DO NOT buy a bike like this: