Vintage motorcycle repair

The Internet is full of ads for the sale of "unfinished" rare bikes in a half-disassembled state. You can buy one of them or look for a dilapidated model that seems to be running. If this is your first job with by motorcycle, then it is best to buy a bike that can still ride - you can start it and even ride it for a while for pleasure. Old Japanese motorcycles are recommended for beginners due to their simple design. Working with European ones is a much more difficult task, which is better not to solve without the appropriate experience. Domestic ones are the lot of patriots who value the achievements of their country first and foremost.

What do you need?

Sufficient space is essential. Do not start work if there is no spare workshop or garage. There is not enough basement at all, and it is not worth doing repairs in the open air. It will also take a lot of time, a lot of money and a lot of information about the model.



Well, you definitely shouldn’t save on tools - a regular set is enough to repair a motorcycle, it’s not necessary to buy super professional wrenches and bits. However, it is necessary to have a set of screwdrivers of different lengths, regular and box wrenches, a ratchet knob. In addition, chain crimping pliers and a suitable spark plug wrench, gas burner and WD-40 bottle will not interfere. And also - a lot of rags, solvents, kerosene, old toothbrushes, with the help of which the virgin purity of each motorcycle bolt will be restored.

Which motorcycle to choose?

To begin with, it is best to choose a simple design and a riding motorcycle, that is, on the go. Ugly, dilapidated, but mechanically quite functional. Thanks to this, it is possible to repair it with a minimum of investment, and it will be much easier to rebuild it. The main question to be decided is whether you are striving to make the motorcycle look like a historical monument, i.e. was completely original.



Beginners are not recommended to immediately engage in alterations - there is more work, the hassle of finding and selecting spare parts, costs are also growing.



Let's try to choose a relatively popular motorcycle, which guarantees fairly easy access to parts and services. Heavy Soviet motorcycles - Dnepr or Ural - can be a good choice, especially for enthusiasts interested in military history. Models do not require super efforts, the details are surprisingly easily accessible, as well as literature. The owner's manual or repair manual is another thing that will be an invaluable help to a beginner.

Where to start?

The main thing is to draw up a work plan on a piece of paper and follow it. The motorcycle consists of seven main parts:

? fuel system
? engine
? transmission
? exhaust system
? electrician
? steering
? brakes and wheels

Try not to deal with several at once, focus on a specific node. Once you've dealt with one, move on to the next.



When disassembling a motorcycle, remember the following rule: do not take apart anything that cannot be put back together. If you cannot disassemble a part or assembly, then look for information in the manual, literature, networks, or give it to a workshop for a bulkhead. Take at least a hundred photos and mark each part that was taken and taken apart. Place the screws and gaskets in separate bags and label them carefully.

Frame and tank painting

The first step in disassembly should be to remove the fuel tank. This part is the easiest to scratch or even worse - rumple. Even if he already doesn't look very attractive, additional damage is useless.



The frame and tank are the two main components that need to be painted. Before that, you need to remove the old paint from them. If sanding with a brush or attachment for a drill or grinder, use a mask and goggles, old paints usually contain unhealthy lead.



After cleaning from the old paintwork, even if you get a beautiful clean metal, you need to thoroughly degrease the frame and container before painting.



Apply a primer to clean metal, and after drying - the actual paint. The frame, fuel tank, fenders and headlight housing can be painted by yourself, even with spray paint. These are small items, so be careful not to let streaks form. But it is better to do the job professionally - the paintwork will look better, and more durable than spray painting.

Fuel tank

Older bikes tend to develop deposits and rust inside the fuel tank, which is usually caused by negligence from previous owners and moisture intrusion.

Removing all the rust from the inside of the tank is difficult, but possible. To do this, either anti-corrosion agents are used, or the container is filled with special fine gravel. Shaking the container with such a load quite effectively loosens the oxidized fragments and cleans the inner surface.



Then the cleaned gas tank should be painted from the inside - there are types of special paints for fuel tanks on the market. Basically, these are multicomponent preparations that need to be mixed, poured into a container, and then vigorously shake the tank for a couple of minutes. Of course, before this, it is necessary to close all the holes in the fuel tank. What did you think?

Carburetor - sensitive element

On most motorcycles that refuse to start, a clogged carburetor is usually the culprit. This element must be disassembled and thoroughly cleaned, the jets blown, and the worn membrane replaced. Manual adjustment of the carburetor for people without experience can be quite a challenge.



The same must be done with the engine. If you're new to motorcycle repair, measure yourself and don't do everything yourself. No one doubts that you will be able to disassemble, wash and reassemble the engine. However, a professional will notice the critical development in the nodes at a glance and immediately change it, while you put everything in its place, and leave disappointment for later.
Before starting the engine for the first time:

? Clean the carburetor and replace the air filter
? Check the ignition system, make sure it is set correctly
? Fill up with new gasoline

In motorcycles, even antique ones, all consumables (oil, brake fluid, grease) are modern. The chain is also treated with modern compounds. Change without hesitation fuel and brake hoses, cables and battery, light bulbs, as well as a chain and sprockets with new ones - if they show obvious signs of wear.


In the case of a chain, you need to check which one is installed on the motorcycle. Fortunately, manufacturers around the world use uniform labeling. It is worth choosing a chain with o-rings, that is, seals that retain lubricant in the links. These chains are much stronger than the non-sealed models that were used decades ago.





The two-wheeled exhibit being restored from oblivion will become an excellent and entertaining hobby for an enthusiastic and patient person. If you don’t consider yourself to be such, then there’s nothing to take, as you will quickly cool down and send all the “good” to scrap metal. Your destiny is to envy those who collect their "swallows" literally from nothing, and then go towards the wind and adventure. Yes, of course you can buy yourself a new motorcycle. But this is different.