Below are a few tips & resources to help make your motorbike project go smoothly…
1. The “Parts Sources” Cheat Sheet
Nothing kills momentum like staring at a computer screen trying to find a 50-year-old gasket. Here is a categorized list of the “Heavy Hitters” in the vintage world.
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The Big Box (General Metric):
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Dime City Cycles: The gold standard for cafe racer and custom parts.
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Z1 Enterprises: Incredible for 70s and 80s Japanese fours (Kawasaki/Suzuki/Honda).
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The Specialists:
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Common Motor Collective: If your reader has a vintage Honda Twin (CB350, CB450, etc.), this is their “home base.” Great YouTube tutorials, too.
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MikesXS: The go-to for Yamaha XS650 enthusiasts.
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The “Hard to Find” Hunters:
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CMSNL (Consolidated Motor Spares): Based in the Netherlands, they have the world’s largest stock of New Old Stock (NOS) parts. If it exists, they probably have it.
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David Silver Spares: The specialist for rare and obscure Honda parts.
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The Used Market:
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eBay Motors: Still the king for used side covers, original tanks, and engine cases.
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FB Marketplace Groups: Search for specific groups like “Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Parts”—the prices are often better than eBay.
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2. The “Project Bible” Template
You should suggest your readers create a binder with these five tabs. It keeps the “mental clutter” out of the garage.
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Tab 1: The Specs: Print out the torque values, oil capacities, and valve clearances. No more flipping through a greasy manual with dirty hands.
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Tab 2: The Wiring Diagram: Blow this up to 11×17 size and laminate it. Being able to trace a wire with a dry-erase marker is a game-changer.
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Tab 3: The Parts Log: A simple spreadsheet: Part Name | Source | Price | Date Ordered | Received.
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Tab 4: The “To-Do” List: Split this into Mechanical, Electrical, and Aesthetic. Check off one thing per day to keep the “Small Wins” moving.
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Tab 5: Receipts & Paperwork: Keep your title, registration, and every single receipt here. If you ever sell the bike, handing the new owner a “Project Bible” full of receipts can add 20% to your asking price.
A Final “Pro-Tip” for the Series:
“The $10 Box” Do youself a favor and go to the hardware store and buy a plastic tackle box or a nut-and-bolt organizer. Whenever you replace an original part or bolt with a new one, put the old one in the box. Even if it’s rusty, you might need it for a size reference later, or the next owner might want the original “stamped” hardware for a restoration.