Motorcycle Repair: Motorcycle Rebuild, dirt bikes, motorcycle license

Question
Dear Christopher,

I've had my motorcycle license for 28 years, but have ridden street bikes for only the first four years of that time. Before that, all of my experience was on dirt bikes. My kids are now grown, and I'd like to ride again. As a hobby, I'd like to rebuild an older used motorcycle and use it for local commuting. I'm in no hurry, and plan to use the rebuild as a way to become familiar with the bike so I can do my own repairs and keep it for a long time. My dream would be to wheel some discarded heap into the garage that I found for $200 and completely resurrect it to showroom condition, but I suspect that isn't a reasonable task. In any case, I want an established motorcycle that I can find parts for, with high reliability. Nowadays, I believe these bikes are refered to as standards.

What models do you recommend? With average mechanical skills, good tools, and above average patience, how "beat up" can one of these bikes be and still allow me some success at rebuilding? What should I expect to pay for these bikes? Thanks very much for your experience and wisdom.

Sincerely,
Joe  

Answer
Hi Joe.
 If I were to take on a project like that again (did it once with a 1983 Yamaha XJ900RK), I would select one of the late 70's to mid 80's Hondas or Yamahas or 60's to early 80's BMW.

1)  Get on the web.  There are a lot of groups out there for specific makes and models.  That will help you decide which bike to go with.

2)  Find one that has a functional engine that you won't have to rebuild or unsieze.

3)  Get the repair manual (and common service manual, if available) for the bike you are rebuilding.  You will need the info in the books.  If you can find a FACTORY service manual, more the better.

4)  Be careful with ordering electrical and electronic parts on the web.  Be ABSOLUTELY certain that what you order and what is getting sent to you are exactly the same.  I had that happen with a wiring harness for the XJ900.  Not only was it for the wrong model bike, but it wasn't even for a Yamaha.  Order from a dealership or match up parts at a local salvage yard whenever possible.

That's some basics for you.  Feel free to write if you have more restoration questions.
Good luck.
FALCON