Undertaking a motorcycle restoration project can be both exciting and intimidating. While there is a clear excitement of being a step closer to roaring down an open highway on your favorite motorcycle; at the same time, you need to be wary of a number of pitfalls that may turn the dream into a nightmare. That is the reason why, in this article, we will share some basics of motorcycle restoration to help you avoid the pitfalls. Read on.
Secure the Motorcycle
Before you get your hands dirty with any of the critical aspects of restoration, it is important to have the basics in place. Most of the parts of a motorcycle are fixed or mounted with nuts and bolts, and therefore, taking them off can call for a lot of effort. It is, therefore, extremely important that the motorcycle is properly secured before you start taking it apart.
Drain All Fluids
Even if you buy a motorcycle that has been sitting at an auction yard for a fairly long time, it may still have different fluids, such as engine oil, brake oil, and coolant (in case of liquid cooled engines). It is, therefore, important to check all fluids and use suitable containers to drain them out. In some cases, you might need to leave the drains open overnight to fully clear the fluids.
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Disconnect the Electricals
Start by disconnecting and taking out the battery, and while you are at it, make sure you first disconnect the ground terminal; similarly, when refitting the battery, start by connecting the hot lead. After you have disconnected the battery, it is time to remove all other connections of electrical and electronic components, and take note of all the color codes while disconnecting.
Remove Major Parts
Once you have done the groundwork, it is time to shift your attention to the major parts of the motorcycle. Start by removing the fuel tank and seat, to give you easy access to remove the head pipe(s) and the muffler. After this, you can start removing the moving parts of the motorcycle, such as the chain and sprocket assembly, followed by the engine.
Wrap Up
If you are considering the DIY way to restore a motorcycle, bear in mind that most of the tasks involved call for in-depth knowledge and the right set of tools. If you have any reason to believe you might not have what it takes to undertake a restoration project from start to finish, it is better to leave the job to professionals. If, however, you are still looking for a suitable motorcycle, look no further than AutoBidMaster. Ranked among the leading websites hosting motorcycle auctions in the USA, we let you take your pick from a wide array of cheap motorcycles for sale. If you have any questions, simply call +1 (503) 298-4300, Monday through Friday, 4:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Pacific Time), or email at: hello@autobidmaster.com .
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