Tips to Successfully Rebuild an Old Motorcycle

So, you have gone to the trouble of finding the old model you have dreamed of owning. What comes next doesn't have to be confusing if you follow our essential tips for rebuilding old motorcycles. 

Gina's Motorsports of Monee, located in Monee, Illinois, employs technicians with expertise in rebuilding old motorcycles. We proudly serve the city of Chicago, as well as Kankakee County, Illinois.

Obtain a Service Manual

Step one of a successful build is to obtain the correct service manual for your model. This guide is essential to rebuilding the parts of a bike. If you can find it, look for the OEM version. The OEM manual includes absolutely everything you need to know about your specific cycle.

Replace Battery

Older bikes usually are sold with dead batteries. Check your manual to see what kind of battery you need to use for a replacement.

Clean Carburetor and Gas Tanks

The carburetor on your motorcycle hopefully only needs a thorough cleaning. To make sure your bike runs smoothly after a rebuilding project, clean out the remnants of old gas. Complete the same cleanup with the gas tank, which will likely have rust buildup.

Replace Spark Plugs

An old cycle that has been languishing in a shed somewhere will probably need new spark plugs. If you are lucky, you might only need to replace a few. Check to see if they are dirty, which indicates that they are old and faulty.

Check Electrical System

Once you have a freshly charged battery, it's time to check all the parts wired to the electrical system. These parts include the headlights, turn signals, and the lights on your gauge cluster. If anything has burnt out, this step should be a quick fix of changing light bulbs.

Brakes on Older Motorcycles

One of the most critical steps when rebuilding an old bike are the brakes. Without a well-working braking system, you can find yourself in a dangerous situation. You will find either drum brakes or disc brakes on older motorcycles.

You will need to check the rotors and calipers on disc brakes. You can expect to replace the rotor pads and potentially the calipers. With drum brakes, you might need to replace the shoes.

Make It Yours

After all that work, the last step of rebuilding an old motorcycle is the most fun. Now that you have a safe, well-oiled machine, you can add some personal flair. Customizing your bike can be as simple as a fresh paint job or picking out a different style of handlebars. 

Don't worry if you get stuck during a rebuilding project. You can bring all of your questions about old motorcycles to Gina's Motorsports of Monee in Monee, Illinois. Our staff is excited to offer their help to anyone in the city of Chicago or Kankakee County, Illinois.