A Few Tips for Your Motorcycle Restoration Project

There’s something a little magical about restoring a forgotten or vintage V-twin cruiser motorcycle to its former glory. It’s not always an easy task as it demands a lot of organization, dedication, and precision, along with basic mechanical skills. But at the end of it all, it’s a highly rewarding project. Whether this is your first motorcycle restoration project or you’re an experienced pro, there are particular aspects of the process that can make things easier.

To help you get started, here are a few motorcycle restoration tips for beginners.

Find a Service Manual for the Motorcycle

You’ll need a variety of tools to restore a V-twin cruiser motorcycle, but according to most experts, the most valuable tool you’ll need is the motorcycle model’s service manual. This will be your all-you-need-to-know source of information about your bike, including step-by-step instructions on how to maintain your bike, disassemble it, assemble it, and replace parts.

An OEM factory repair manual is what you need. Look online to find the service manual you need for your motorcycle restoration project.

Disassemble Parts and Organize Them Carefully

Before you start disassembling parts, make sure you set up plenty of organized working space with adequate lighting and ventilation. You should also have high-quality tools. When it comes to disassembling a V-twin cruiser motorcycle, you’ll need to have a way of organizing all the parts and your tools too. The potential of losing parts is high when you’re not organized.

It’s also wise to keep records and take photos of every part of your bike before disassembling it and after removing it so that you don’t have to guess when putting things back together again. Store loose parts in bags and label them to reduce frustration during reassembly. This will also help when buying customizable motorcycle parts to replace damaged parts.

Make a Detailed Restoration Plan

A successful motorcycle restoration project requires forethought. Come up with a detailed restoration plan to follow when restoring your vintage or forgotten V-twin cruiser. What are you going to fix first, and in what order? Have a restoration plan tacked on your garage wall or whatever space you’re working on. Your restoration plan will mainly be guided by the bike’s condition.

Here’s a basic checklist of what you need to get started:

• Battery check
• Carburetor
• Gas tank
• Spark plugs
• Electrical parts
• Lights
• Fluid checks and oil change
• Chain and sprockets
• Braking system
• Tires and wheels
• Exhaust system
• Custom work on the motorcycle

Find the Right Parts and Be Patient

You’ll need to replace some parts during the motorcycle restoration project, especially if your V-twin cruiser bike is older. You’ll want to find the right parts to complete your restoration. While finding some parts can be challenging, especially for vintage motorcycles, you can use both local and online resources to find what you need.

Check online forums, scrap yards, motorcycle dealers, and local mechanics. Be patient when it comes to ordering original parts for your motorcycle. You can also use aftermarket parts for your motorcycle restoration, which are perfect for beginners who want to get the bike ready to cruise on the road.

Add a Personal Touch

As you work on your motorcycle restoration project, you can add a personal touch. Add customizable parts and accessories like slip-on exhausts, seats, fairings, windshields, tires, riding gear, and saddlebags. If you’re not sure about the custom parts you need for your V-twin cruiser bike, check photos online or ask around for references on custom bike restoration.

Don’t Hesitate to Ask for Help

Sometimes, you might get stuck in your restoration project. It’s normal, so don’t hesitate to ask for help. There are numerous motorcycle restoration communities, both locally and online. Start with your local mechanic and talk to them about your needs and any resources they may have. A mechanic can assess your bike and help you create a practical plan to rebuild it.

Order Custom Motorcycle Parts and Accessories

If you need aftermarket parts and accessories for your V-twin motorcycle restoration project, get started at West End Motorsports. Shop by bike, category, or brand. If you need help choosing the right parts, we’re here to help you. Order online and enjoy free shipping on orders over $99 and guaranteed fitment.