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Purists will say that a machine should be restored to exactly what it was when it left the factory. Preserving the past is important sometimes and concours restorations can be a noble and worthwhile effort, especially if the machine is only going to be displayed. Also, it's true, motorcycles that are shown for national awards or for museum pieces have the highest values... but the real world is very different. In the real world, these machines get used. They're function AND form. Generally, only museums and elite collectors want them absolutely original. Simple reason... they are the only ones for which it would be practical and worth while.

When you restore a machine you can choose to upgrade some of the critical components or entire systems for safety, reliability and to help preserve your investment. The finished machine should please you, not the next owner. Of course, the machine might not be worth quite as much when you go to sell it, but the enjoyment you will get out of it will more than offset the difference. In the minds of most restorers there is nothing sadder than a flawless bike that is displayed and never ridden. Motorcycles were meant to be used.

There are only a few exceptions. Machines are only original once. Some exceptional and original specimens should not be restored, but simply maintained and preserved. The only thing worse than the "trailer queens" are the bikes that get "restored" because they have started to show some patina. The other exception would be if yours is the last or one of few documented examples of a particular machine in known existence.