Buying a classic motorcycle is the start of an exciting journey, but it comes with its fair share of responsibilities. Two of these ‘responsibilities’ are restoration and maintenance.
Prioritising classic motorcycle maintenance and restoration is essential as it’ll extend the life of your investment and keep your two-wheeled vehicle in tip-top condition. In this guide, we’ll cover the classic motorcycle restoration and maintenance tips that will save money, boost performance, and help keep you safe on the road.
Tips for classic motorbike restoration
So, how do you maintain an old motorcycle? There are several key considerations to keep in mind when caring for your classic motorcycle – let’s take a look.
Tips for planning a classic motorbike restoration
Before you start working on your classic motorcycle, create a plan to ensure everything runs smoothly. First of all, you should set clear restoration goals and decide whether your project requires cosmetic work or a complete rebuild.
Knowing your goals will help you decide which tools you need, map out project timelines, and set restoration budgets effectively. You can also inspect your vehicle and create a restoration checklist to ensure everything’s covered.
Sourcing parts and tools
You can’t carry out motorcycle restoration without the right parts and tools. To source original equipment (OEM) or reproduction parts for your classic motorcycle, take note of your vehicle’s registration, make, and model.
You can use these details to find relevant parts from specialist online dealers, classic motorcycle supply shops in your regions or autojumbles and swap meets. Ebay is a helpful site for finding classic motorcycle parts, too.
If you discover you require parts that are either rare or discontinued, you may be able to source them at autojumbles. Reaching out to fellow classic motorcycle enthusiasts on trusted online forums could lead you to the parts you need.
If you discover you require parts that are either rare or discontinued, you may be able to source them at auto jumbles.
The tools you’ll need to source will depend on the condition of your motorcycle and your specific restoration requirements. But as a guide, here are some of the tools you’ll likely need for the job:
- A good quality socket set
- Screwdrivers (both Phillips and flat head)
- A set of pliers
- Heavy duty wrenches
- A motorcycle lift or engine hoist
- A motorcycle jack stand
Cosmetic restoration considerations
When restoring your motorcycle, there are certain cosmetic details to consider – specifics that can mean the difference between an average and an astounding result.
These considerations include:
- Sanding, stripping, and painting worn body work. You’ll need to source the proper paint for your motorcycle by using the relevant paint codes for your vehicle, which you can find online
- Polishing your classic motorcycle’s chrome parts and restoring old leather (you’ll usually find this on your vehicle’s saddle) with high quality tools and products
- Restoring gauges, badges, and any original decals to get your motorcycle back to its former glory
Classic motorbike restoration challenges
Motorcycle restoration projects are rewarding, but there are challenges to consider in advance.
One of the most common challenges to navigate is overrestoration, which happens when you put so much work into a classic motorcycle that it loses its original charm or authenticity. There’s a fine line between restoration and transformation – so tread carefully and seek the advice of like-minded enthusiasts if you need help with a task or decision.
Documenting your restoration project efficiently can also prove challenging. Taking regular pictures of your progress, keeping all your tools or part receipts in a safe place, and noting any essential part numbers will help you stay organised.
Finally, it always pays to know when to get professional help. Some restoration tasks may prove too technical or challenging, and attempting to carry them out yourself could result in irreparable damage. If you’re stuck, use the services of a motorcycle restoration expert.
Ongoing classic motorbike maintenance after restoration
In addition to carrying out your restoration projects efficiently, routine maintenance is important in keeping your classic motorcycle in the best possible condition. These practical tips will keep you on the right track.
Routine maintenance tips
Take the time to carry out these maintenance tasks regularly to preserve the life and performance of your motorcycle.
| Maintenance task | How often should you do it? |
| Oil change with classic motorcycle-friendly products | Once a year or after every 3,000 miles |
| Filter change | Change the filter every time you carry out an oil change. |
| Carburettor cleaning and tuning | Periodic checks around every 1,000 miles |
| Spark plug and cable checks | Every 1,000 to 2,000 miles or annually |
| Keeping your brakes and suspension responsive | Monthly or every 500 miles. You should check your brake levers and rear brake pedal to ensure they’re responsive and not ‘spongy’ before every ride |
Note: The maintenance frequencies outlined in this table are for guidance only. If you’re unsure on how often to carry out particular routine maintenance tasks or advice specific to your motorcycle, contact a trusted classic motorcycle specialist.
Seasonal and storage maintenance
Some classic motorcycle maintenance tasks are worth carrying out every season. Perform these seasonal checks and tasks to preserve the performance and safety of your vehicle:
- Check your battery tenders and fuel stabilizers
- Take measures to prevent rust during long periods of storage, particularly in winter
- Applying UV and moisture protection to your vehicle to preserve your paintwork and prevent oxidation
If you’ve stored your motorcycle for an extended period, take the necessary steps to start it safely. First, consult your bike’s owner’s manual for specific safety advice. You should also ensure your motorcycle is in neutral, the fuel tap (or ‘petcock’) is turned on, and you’re wearing sturdy footwear to perform a safe kickstart.
Preserving value and reliability
Classic bikes can make a rewarding investment if you care for them correctly. By performing routine maintenance and taking measures to preserve your bike’s originality without compromising safety, you’ll stand a greater chance of maintaining its value and reliability.
Keeping to regular service schedules, preventing rust, and storing your vehicle in a watertight location will also help to preserve your classic motorcycle’s integrity.
You might also be wondering, “do classic motorcycles need an MOT?” In some cases, the answer is yes. However, if your motorcycle was registered more than 40 years ago and hasn’t undergone any ‘substantial changes’, you don’t have to arrange an annual MOT.
Dedicated insurance to protect your classic or vintage motorcycle from Devitt
Restoring and maintaining a classic motorcycle is challenging – but it’s worth it. Set clear goals, source the right tools for the job, make routine maintenance a priority, and you can get your pride and joy into pristine condition.
If you’re looking for classic motorbike insurance, we can help. We’ve been arranging specialist motorbike insurance for UK riders since 1936, so you’re in safe hands.
We offer a range of policy options to provide you with coverage that suits your requirements.
Request a quote online or call our friendly team of specialists on 0345 504 0395. We look forward to hearing from you.
Disclaimer: The sole purpose of this article is to provide guidance on the issues covered. This article is not intended to give legal advice, and, accordingly, it should not be relied upon. It should not be regarded as a comprehensive statement of the law and/or market practice in this area. We make no claims as to the completeness or accuracy of the information contained herein or in the links which were live at the date of publication. You should not act upon (or should refrain from acting upon) information in this publication without first seeking specific legal and/or specialist advice. Devitt Insurance Services Limited trading as Devitt accepts no liability for any inaccuracy, omission or mistake in this publication, nor will we be responsible for any loss which may be suffered as a result of any person relying on the information contained herein.