We do all types of restoration work. We specialize in old Hondas but can do just about anything needed.
Paint work, rebuilding of components & systems. Engine rebuilding including restoration of engine cases etc. Powder coating, wheel relacing and chrome work.
We have done several restorations of older Hondas. Collecting and restoring older motorcycles is at an all time high and getting more popular. The 1960s and 1970s Japanese motorcycles have really come alive in collectibility. I've listed some web sites to visit relating to this interest. The good news about restoring an older bike is that it's still cheaper than purchasing a new one and it will only appreciate. Pulling up on a restored bike from the 60s or 70s will get everyone's attention and create all kinds of interesting converstation.
One word of caution: Do it because you like the machine, not as an investment.
Here are some photos of three bikes I've restored. Please stop in and talk to us about restoring your bike or if you need information on this hobby.
1977 Yamaha RD400. This bike belongs to a customer who purchased it new in 1977 and has owned it every day since! Sitting in his basement for years he decided to do a full frame off restoration on it. He brought it in, we discussed it and began right away. With only less than 10,000 miles on the speedo it has sat still since the early 80s when he was married and began having a family. Now was the time to put it back to it's former glory with a little added hype. This was completely stripped to the frame. Every component rebuilt and repainted. He decided to add the popular aluminum rear sets along with the "must have" millenium expansion chambers. You need to hear this machine ping ping ping when it idles. It is truly a classic sound not heard on the streets in years. This machine is completed and on it's way to Daytona in 2 weeks. Click on the photo to enlarge.
1979 Honda CB750F Super Sport. This bike was found on Ebay and had no bidders. It was in what seemed very original condition. A phone call, some money and it was on it's way here via American Van Lines. When It arrived at the shop I was pleasantly surprised at it's original condition. It had lived in Wisconsin it's entire life and had only racked up 10,000 miles. A complete tear down and restoration was done and this year (2006) I'll be taking it to Daytona Speed Weeks. It is a wonderful bike to ride. Smooth, very comfortable and my arms do not get tired from leaning over. Not fast by today's standard but again very eye catching where ever I go with it. Lot's of fun to own. These particular models were made from 1979-1982. The 79 models being most collectible as they are the only models with the 160 mph speedometer and silver Comstar wheels. Available in Black or Silver in 1979. Click to enlarge photo.
1975 Honda CB550K. This bike was brought in by a customer who traveled to Rochester to buy it. An extremely original bike right down to the original tires, grips, chain etc. This was possibly one of the nicest candidates for restoration I've personally seen. Hadn't run in years or been moved. When the customer brought it in I was excited to get going on this as I knew it was going to turn out very very nice. This one is going to be photographed and sent to the Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club for a feature or hopefully a cover page photo. Every component on this bike was rebuilt, repainted or refinished. Wheels relaced with new spokes and nipples, new tires installed and brake system completely rebuilt. It is virtually a new bike. Runs like the day Honda produced it. This one will go up in value no doubt very quickly. The stock exhaust is remarkably clean and rust free. Unusual for older Hondas. Available in dark green this year. Click to enlarge photos.
1979 Honda CB750F. This machine, a low mileage, black model is in the middle of a frame off restoration. This should be rolling a less than 3 weeks. Purchased from the original owner in Boston, MA it was an excellent candidate for restoration as it was complete and original. Just worn out and tired. Check back to see the progress of this classic Honda. Click photo below to enlarge. ALL DONE!! Another masterpiece!
LINKS TO VINTAGE RELATED WEB SITES.
http://www.vjmc.org/ VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE CLUB. A FANTASTIC WEB SITE/CLUB
http://cb1100f.net/ THIS IS ALSO A GREAT PLACE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OLDER HONDAS
MORE TO COME AS SOON AS I GET THE LINKS