My father wants to restore a motorcycle, looking for suggestions..

[dirty_canadian]

What would be a good platform to start from? im a big fan of the modern triumphs but dont know much about the older bikes, he had a few japanese bikes in the '70s and i think thats what hes into, anyone got any insight or experience? pics, links, whatever.

 

[aaandht]

Older Honda CBs, like 750s are always pretty cool. A lot of people turn them into Cafe racers. I personally fixed up an 81 CB400 as my first bike. Easy to work on, tons of parts around. Engines are pretty bulletproof. And they are pretty cheap.

KZ900 and 1000 is something I'd like to fix up, 900/1000 along with the 750 were probably the start of the sportbike trend. If you want something with history check those out.

70s Triumphs were much like 70s Harleys...and that is they leaked oil...a lot. But again are pretty cool once worked up.

If you want something that is you'll have to tool around on a lot, but great when it runs look for mid-70s HDs(pre 79). Break down a bit, but not a nightmare to work on like 79-81(Ironhead sportsters especially).

 

[upside]

i love old triumphs. i have been wanting to build a bobber for a while now.

but if he is into vintage Japanese bikes I would suggest a kawasaki KZ (I would like to re-create an eddie lawson replica )

I have a buddy who is building one right now and i have to say they look like fun bikes to mess around with.

 

[oneSICsvt]

+1 on the cb750s, me and a friend of mine have been trying to restore a 71 honda cb750 to cafe racer style its a real fun project but we are both college kids and we have no money to do it really. But we do as much of the work as we can. We are complete noobs at all this but its a fun project and a great learning experience. I'd say the cb750 either restore to stock or cafe racer style.

 

[pan7eraboyca]

650 Yamaha Bobber conversions are pretty popular and very inexpensive. The Kawi KZ's are rock solid and are a good candidate as well. My 84 GPz 750 just hit vintage status so with minimal work will get vintage plates for 2010 (Big insurance drop in BC)

The old BMWs, Triumphs and Nortons are cool but for some reason even in mint status always want to break down.

Stick with the Japanese bikes,lol.

 

[SSCOBRA03]

Honda CBX. These bikes have their own cult following and are worth a little bit of money if restored.

 

[fiveoh2go]

If you want something that is you'll have to tool around on a lot, but great when it runs look for mid-70s HDs(pre 79). Break down a bit, but not a nightmare to work on like 79-81(Ironhead sportsters especially).

Eh, I'm going to have to say no on any AMF built Harley ('69-'81). Get a '68 or older H-D (cop bikes in particular are pretty collectible and can return a decent profit if bought right).