question about doing a restoration

My question is, how far do you guys go when doing one? Do any of you strip it down to the bare frame and start over? I am really thinking about doing it since the bike really could use it. After looking at all those wires though, I'm wondering if I might end up getting in way over my head. It gives me a headache when I think about removing them and having to route them the same way again when I re-assemble the bike. Is it really as confusing and hard as it looks, or am I just making it seem worse than it really is?

 

Depends.....how much time and money do you want to spend?
Doing a frame-up you will most likely exceed the worth of the bike. If you plan on keeping it, and don't care about this, then go ahead. If you think someone will pay lots more for the finished product because you did a ground-up....fuggitaboudit. Also, bear in mind, that original paint with all it's scratches and minor dents, etc. is worth more than a cherry repaint job to a collector (if your bike is collectable?) 25 years ago the market was flooded with hundreds of thousands of these bikes. More bite the dust every day, but the remaining ones are not yet collectable for the most part. Not to say they won't be at some future date. But to answer your question, it depends on what your intentions are, first and foremost. We'll take it from there........

 

I'm in the middle of a frame-up resto right now, but I didnt' have much of a choice on how I restored. Now, if would just warm up and my broken toe would quit hurting so much I could actually get something done.

 

I've done 1.5 frame up restos and it took a few years to do. Even then, they aren't perfect. I did it more as a learning experience than anything and an excuse to buy tools!!!

In the end, I spend about 3 grand in parts and disposable items on the bike. I know I'll never recoupe that cost but you really can't put a price on knowledge!

So, my 2 cents, doing a resto makes sense depending on what you hope to get out of it. If you are in it with the hopes of picking up big coin when you are done then you are misinformed. If you are in it to learn about XJs and bikes in general then there is no better way to learn in my opinion.

Good luck!

 

Actually the reason I was thinking about doing it is because I wanted to repaint the frame and everything and make the bike look a bit better than it does now. Last night I was thing about it though and who is really going to notice that I did not repaint the entire frame? Nobody is going to be able to see what the frame looks like under the tank and the other areas that are hidden. After reading what you guys wrote about my question, I think I will just leave the wiring intact, clean up the frame the best that I can, and just paint the areas that will be seen.

I'm not looking to get a ton of money out of the bike, heck I don't even plan on selling it. I just want it to look good in my own eyes.

 

OK then....you've answered your own question. You can touch up most of the worn through/rusty spots on the frame with black Rust-Oleum and an artist's brush and noboby will be the wiser. This will leave you more time and money for the "bling" items I'm sure you have in mind. Good luck and keep us posted!

 

I'm doing one now, maybe not as deep as some others here, but this will be my third such doing. The bike is in many o many pieces right now. the frame, swing arm and related pieces are being stripped and repainted. The engine is getting a bunch new seals, gaskets, parts and a repainting. all applicable hardware is getting detailed to my liking. I should have the tins done the summer I hope. The bike has recieved so many parts it isn't funny. some of what it has gotten, mirrors, a full beautiful oem exhaust, new handle bars, starter and light switches, new headlight, new stator, new seat covers, back rest, gas cap, wiring harness, guages (not the odometer) and tires just to name a few things. I need a bunch more things for her, but who doesn't??