How Much Does It Cost To Restore A Vintage Motorcycle?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

If you plan to do the upgrades and rebuild yourself, expect to spend

$700 – $1,000

in addition to the purchase of your motorcycle. I've restored over a dozen motorcycles and this is the average I've spent on all of mine.

Is it worth restoring an old bike?

A department store quality bike is almost

never

a good repair investment. … If the integrity of the frame is compromised, it's time for a new bike. If the frame is bent, cracked, rusted through, has broken welds, a stuck seatpost or bottom bracket, it's time for it to be retired.

How much does it cost to refurbish an old bike?

The cost of restoring an old bike depends on how old it is and the level of damage it had at the time of abandonment. On average, a typical bike restoration shop will charge you

around $50 – $200.

What motorcycles are worth restoring?

  • Honda CTs.
  • Honda CBs. CB350, CB500, CB550, CB750.
  • Honda Gold Wings.
  • Honda Super Hawks.
  • Kawasaki KZs. KZ400, KZ500, KZ650, KZ750, KZ1000.
  • Kawasaki Z1100.
  • Yamaha SRs.
  • Yamaha XSs.

Is it hard to restore a motorcycle?


Restoring a motorcycle can be difficult

. If you have no experience, you'll certainly encounter a learning curve. However, if you're determined, there are millions of resources out there to help you learn for free.

Can you restore a rusty bike?

You can use either

Jenolite Rust Remover or Jenolite Rust Converter

to restore your bike, depending on how rusty it is. … If you need to remove rust from any small working parts — such as your gear cogs, nuts, and bolts — you can immerse them in Jenolite Rust Remover liquid.

How much are old bikes worth?

Vintage bicycle Copake Auction selling price c. 1890 “The Rochester” $23,000 1937 Elgin Bluebird

$17,250

Are older motorcycles easier to work on?

The easiest motorcycles to restore are generally

Japanese brand motorcycles

made between the late 60's to late 80's. They are easy to find, easy to work on, and cost very little compared to other motorcycles.

How do you restore an old motorcycle?


Restoring older motorcycles is actually better in

a sense that the parts are cheap and usually pretty easy to find online. I love riding up on a motorcycle that looks brand new and when people ask what year it is they give such a surprised look when you say “1969”.

How do you restore a motorcycle that has been sitting?

To start a motorcycle that has been sitting, you'll first need to

charge/change the battery

. Next you'll need to change the oil, replace the gas, and examine the carburetor and jets to make sure they're not clogged. After these have been checked, you can attempt to start the motorcycle.

What motorcycle holds its value best?

By brand, according to data compiled by the Kelley Blue Book Official Motorcycle Guide,

Harley-Davidson motorcycles

retained an average of 84% of their value over a five-year period. BMW was not far behind, at 81%, with Indian, Ducati and Triumph trailing slightly at 77%, 73% and 72%.

What happens when a motorcycle sits for years?

When a motorcycle sits for too long, it's possible for the following to happen:

Paint peels on the tank

.

Seals and gaskets shrink and crack

.

Tires become brittle and create flat spots

.

How expensive is it to rebuild a motorcycle?

Costs for a motorcycle engine rebuild can range from

$3,000-7,000

. The cost estimate on the lower end may or may not include the cost of replacement parts that are needed for the motorcycle engine's rebuild. The cost estimate on the higher end may include this cost, but neither estimate includes the cost of labor.

Does WD-40 Remove rust?

WD-40 Specialist

®

Rust Remover Soak

quickly dissolves rust

and restores tools, equipment, and surfaces to bare metal without chipping, scraping or scrubbing. Great for removing rust from tools, metal, cast iron, chrome parts, and more without harming paint, gaskets, trim, or other surrounding parts.

Does vinegar remove rust?

You can use white vinegar for effective rust removal. The

rust reacts with the vinegar and later dissolves

. Simply soak the rusty metal object in white vinegar for a couple of hours and then just wipe to remove the rust. … Using regular vinegar is also an option, however, it will take more time to remove the rust.

How do I stop my bike from rusting?

The best way to prevent rusting is to store your bike safely away when it isn't being used and

apply a rust-proofing lubricant

to protect it when you are riding it – enjoying those wet and wild rides guilt-free! WD-40® Smart Straw Multi-Use is great for safeguarding metal bicycle parts from natural elements.

David Evans
Author
David Evans
David is a seasoned automotive enthusiast. He is a graduate of Mechanical Engineering and has a passion for all things related to cars and vehicles. With his extensive knowledge of cars and other vehicles, David is an authority in the industry.