Maintenance
Service is not the primary function of a restoration shop, but I wind up doing a great deal of it on vintage machines. My pricing is not always competitive. However, for many jobs I actually prefer giving a fixed price on labor. This fixed price means that you can have confidence that unless major unseen issues or complications arise… what you are quoted will be what you pay and you can budget accordingly. Labor charges do not include parts which will be charged separately.
STANDARD MAINTENANCE EXAMPLES
- Engine oil & filter – depending on machine and oil, should be changed every 3000 miles. If the machine is not used often, the oil should still be changed every year. Filter can be changed every other change, generally.
- Brake & Clutch Fluid – should be renewed once a year
- Front fork oil – should be renewed at least once a year
- Gearbox oil – should be renewed at least once a year or more, depending on use
- Drive shaft oil – should be renewed at least one a year with gearbox oil
- Rear bevel drive oil – should be renewed at least once a year
- Carburetors – should be cleaned and rebuilt every few years & should be balanced /synched every tune or modification
- Fuel lines and filters* – should be inspected and possibly renewed when carburetors are serviced
- Spark plugs and wires- should be inspected yearly, cleaned, gaps set, replaced when necessary
- Valve clearance – should be adjusted according to the manufacturer’s requirements
- Timing – should be checked and adjustments when necessary when valves are adjusted, etc.
UPGRADES
Aside from my everyday restoration work, I do all the things necessary to keep your machine on the road. I believe most motorcycles are meant to be ridden, not displayed, so updates are sometimes necessary for safety or better enjoyment on modern roads.
Some more popular upgrades include :
- Tracking down electrical “gremlins”, general cleanup w/ new terminals, connectors, etc.
- Installing modern ignition systems
- 6V to 12V conversions
- Wiring updates and harness / loom duplication
- Modern fuse box installations
- Suspension upgrades – custom springs, dampening setups, shock rebuilding
- Brake system upgrades – stainless lines made to fit, master cylinder and caliper rebuilds
- Installation of new gaskets and seals, made from modern materials
- Installation of modern bearings – taper roller bearing conversions, etc.
- Ultrasonic parts cleaning, carbs, master cylinders, bearings, transmission parts, etc.
Things like these help arrest the effect of time while helping make your machine more safe, comfortable and reliable for regular use. Most of these services start with a general ‘look-over’ of your machine. Then suggestions are made and options are presented. At that point you can decide what will be the best use of your time and money… what really matters most for the way you use your machine.
Give me a shout anytime to talk about your specific needs…