Introduction: Motorcycle Restoration

Hi there guys ! This is a project i did with my Dad . We started in the beginning of last year (2015) with a simple 1983 Honda xl250r . Its been a dream of us to do this and i'd like to share it with u , so here are the steps on how you can restore a motorcycle to your own custom build?

Step 1: Overview

So as you can see this is how the motorcyle started of looking , it was used on a farm and was in a good condition seeing that it is 23 years old . We were actually looking for the older honda's that had the double rear shocks .We saw this motorcyle on our local classified adds for a decent price and picked it up the next day.

Step 2: Stripping

Losing parts are the worse and putting something back together exactly the way it was can be difficult . I took pictures of all the wiring to see how everything has to be put back together . Also to prevent me from using the wrong parts or placing them in the wrong position.

Step 3: Frame

After all the parts were removed we sand blasted the frame and painted it with a primer followed by a matt black paint. The rust had to be removed and all the oil & grease .

Step 4: Shocks and Wheels

We bought a pair of shocks at our local chinese motor spares , some changes had been made to the yoke to fit the new shocks . New dual sport tires was shipped in and balanced on the rims , the rear rim is original , the front rim was a modern rim used on a motard (Some spacers were made to fit the wheel between the shocks). As you can see the part where the seat is fitted on the frame is bent down on the second picture to give the motorcycle a more retro type of look.

Step 5: Tank

This is a second hand tank. The old tank was to big and the upright shape did not fit the look. The tank was sanded down to the metal , a strong putty was used to level out all the edges and bumps and sprayed with primer . We then sprayed the tank a gloss white .

Step 6: Extras

The last parts were added . We pasted the honda logo's on the tank and made side plates to cover the battery and air filter . The seat was made by a upholsterer with brown leather .

Step 7: Finish

It took us the whole year to do the restoration and legalize the motorcycle and make it road worthy . Its finally finished and i hope this project inspired you to go and build you own custom motorcycle!? , don't hesitate to leave a comment , ask questions or leave a vote ?