Finding a bike to restore...

[chim_knee]

Hi,

Don't know where to start but my dad has long said that he'd love to restore an old bike (post-war I'm guessing but probably max 1960's).

Now, it's his 60th this year and what me and my sister would like to do is to maybe source a bike for him and buy it. Now, we have NO knowledge of bikes between us, even less knowledge of restoration etc.

Is there anyone on here who does it as a hobby that'd be happy to offer advice? Does anyone know of a forum I could visit to see whether anyone there would offer advice?

Bit of a long shot, I know, but here's hoping someone can help.

Thanks,
Phil.

[black-k1]

I don't know much about buying/restoring but you could try here:

www.classicmotorcycle.co.uk/

[chim_knee]

black-k1 said:

I don't know much about buying/restoring but you could try here: www.classicmotorcycle.co.uk/

That looks ideal. Thanks

>> Edited by chim_knee on Wednesday 12th April 15:20

[mtbr]

Look in Classic Bike magazine, even if you don't find something in the classified ads, you will find there are owners clubs and specialists for a lot of the different makes and models of bikes.

[r5gttgaz]

A BSA Bantam would be a good first restoration job.

[sparkey]

Try e-bay. Lots of great potential projects either at bargain prices or ridiculously high prices. I usually find a bike that looks interesting and then do a google search to find out more about the model, if I don't already know. Generally if a marque has an active owners club and at least one good specialist parts supplier then restoration shouldn't be too difficult. If it will be necessary to get a lot of work done professionally then it will probably not be financially justifiable, however finance is rarely the reason for doing these things. I would advise going for a larger capacity well known bike - the work involved is comparable for all bikes, but at least with a big popular bike it may be saleable at the end if you want to. Go for a complete bike as well -at least then if you need to replace something you know what it looks like

[pedal2metal]

Shameless plug time.

While I haven't actually got my hands dirty and restored a bike, I have seen tonnes of these potential "projects" going through the auctions - and the best of these has got to be the Bonhams bike sale at the International Classic Motorcyle Show, Stafford.

In a normal sale, there's normally between 300-500 bikes on offer, most of which have usually been sitting in barns for years on end or have already been restored.

So you want my advice? Get yourself up to the show (say hi ) and have a look around the auction room before the sale on Sunday. Quid says you're able to bag a bargain.

And why the shameless plug, I hear you mutter? Er, well I've worked for the auction house in their car and bike department.. Shameless, shameless.

www.classicbikeshows.com/showindex.asp?showcode=TCM06&showref=CBS20051249156

www.bonhams.com/cgi-bin/public.sh/pubweb/publicSite.r?sContinent=EUR&screen=Motorcycles

[chim_knee]

Wow - didn't expect so much advice - thanks guys (The beauty of PH )

All taken in - Adam, if I get to a show I'll definitely say hi.

I think the main impetus behind my dad wanting to restore a bike is that he loves metal work (he's got a lathe, milling machine etc) so I think part of it would be making the bits too. I'm going to do a load of background reading I think. Owners clubs is a great idea - I'm sure they'll be full of buffs who'd just love to help.

Much appreciated!
Phil.

>> Edited by chim_knee on Thursday 13th April 10:18

[catso]

I fancy getting one of these;