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Interest in preserving the motorcycles of the past has grown exponentially in recent years. Vintage motorcycles are setting record prices at auction and machines that were practically given away a few years ago are now rising in price steadily. The days of people 'not knowing what they've got' are about gone. All around, it's getting harder and harder to find a good deal on a classic machine. Sometimes, the only way to get your dream bike is to find an example that needs restoration.

Generally speaking, it's simple... start with the best example you can afford. The best bet is often to be patient and find an appropriately priced solid runner and work from there... although that is not always possible. It also helps to select a motorcycle that you have a great personal interest in and will be worth the time and effort... both emotionally and financially. Price is most often a deciding factor in which machine you will purchase. Some bikes can cost a small fortune in today's market, and then the new owner must spend another small fortune getting the bike to be cosmetically, mechanically, or electrically correct again. Sometimes these bike will retain the investment, sometimes they will not. There are many variables that should be considered before committing to the initial purchase and the restoration.

Like any project, you should make your goals more achievable by picking the right candidate for restoration and determining exactly what kind of machine you want in the outcome. How much, and in what way you intend to use the finished machine will decide much for you. This is very important to realize before you begin, as there are several different possible objectives depending on an owner's sensibilities. A few examples of possible outcomes could be:

• A "100 point", totally correct, concourse award candidate
• A mainly correct example that has been subtly updated, modernized and made a reliable and usable classic, (this our preferred type!)
• A specialized custom, based on a vintage platform. Assembled for the best elements of the period, or combining modern and vintage components.

THE SEARCH IS ON

You, or someone helping you needs to be familiar with what you are looking for so that you can "read between the lines" of the ads you'll be browsing. Preparing yourself with this knowledge will enable you to ask the right questions of the owner and to examine the vehicles with objectivity. Buying motorcycles can be exciting, and people often make an emotional decision when they should be making a rational one. There are literally thousands of books and websites that offer old motorcycles and parts information that you can rely on as a point of reference. Many are devoted to specific marques. Clubs are often good sources for purchases, since their members buy and sell those types of vehicles routinely.

Remember, sellers of old vehicles will invariably represent their machine's condition in the best possible light. Some will outright lie and misrepresent the vehicle and others will overlook problems because they just don't know any better. It is your responsibility to become the expert, so get the right information together and keep a file handy when dealing with sellers. Line up several sellers if possible so you can look at a number of examples and compare.

Talk with the seller as much as possible before going out to look at the motorcycle. Ask specific questions, not general ones. The first question is always, "is the bike complete?" If not, what specific parts are missing? The next questions should be:

• Does it run and can it be driven safely?
• Do the brakes work correctly?
• Do all instruments operate properly?
• Are the tires in good condition? How old are they?
• Are there fluid leaks and where are they?
• How long have you owned it?
• Why are you selling it?

Write down the seller's answers and make sure they are giving you complete information. This is especially true for items located long distances away. If you aren't satisfied with an answer, ask the question again. If then you are not satisfied with the answer, consider passing on the sale and move on to the next opportunity.

Take your written notes with you when you go to examine the bike. Take your time and look over the vehicle carefully and meticulously. Take pictures with your digital camera for reference at a later time. Ask the owner if this is OK before you start. These can be helpful as you might be comparing multiple machines for sale, and the details of each visual inspection can get easily confused. You can also show these photos to others that may know more about the particular machines you are looking at.

If there are discrepancies from what they told you over the phone, note them and get the seller's agreement on them. Get the seller to agree with your assessment of the overall condition. If the vehicle is ridable and you are licensed, go for a ride with the seller's approval. Note any and all problems, verbally discussing them with the seller. If this is the best machine you have seen, or it is a particularly good value, you might consider making an offer based on condition and market value you have found in your research. Also, make sure you have a clear, solid understanding between you and the seller of what additional parts or other items might come with the sale of the bike. Remember, you've already gotten their agreement on the vehicle's condition, so your offer should reflect the condition, not their asking price. Once a seller accepts an offer, get the title and a written bill of sale, plus any documentation, manuals, etc. that pertain to the vehicle. Be persistent with asking if there is anything else that comes with the bike. All the manuals and parts and paperwork do really matter.

Now it's time to get it home and start the fun!

NEED SOME HELP?

At any point in the process described, Restoration Werks can help you. We can help find the machine, do research, go with you to see prospective candidates... and a host of other services after you have made your purchase.

Give us a shout... we'd love to work with you!