Well, right off the bat, I want to warn my loyal readers that this post may offend some of you... Of course, this isn't my intent, but enough is enough, this needs to be said.
DO NOT CUSTOMIZE YOUR JAPANESE OR EUROPEAN MOTORCYCLE! In almost every instance, "customization" is more akin to "bastardization" and should be considered a crime against humanity.
It doesn't matter whether the motorcycle is old or new, a cruiser, standard, or sportbike. The compulsion that many owners feel to "improve" their bikes needs to be resisted. A 15" extended swing-arm on a lowered Hayabusa not only looks foolish, but it destroys the handling and all but renders the machine useless. Removing the shocks and welding in "struts" on that 1971 CB750 does not make it any more cool. Either does removing the fenders and lighting. And your bike is certainly not cooler if, shocker here, you give it a flat-black rattle-can paint job accomplished without any masking tape. You all have seen the Craigslist ads advertising "custom paint" or "one-of-a-kind bobber/chopper", etc. You know, the ones that are being sold for the same price as an original unmolested bike. Every time I see an advertisement with the word "custom" in the description I immediately get sick to my stomach. Especially with older/collectible bikes. It really hurts me deep down inside.
Okay, okay... I'm being a bit ridiculous. There are some tastefully and well-done customized bikes out there. Some even that I would love to call my own. The reality of it is though, more often than not, the "customizer" lacks the skills, tools, and/or knowledge to do anything more than destroy the motorcycle. And even when the "builder" is able to pull off what he's trying to do, beauty really is in the eye of the beholder.
IF YOU CANNOT RESIST THE URGE TO "MODIFY" YOUR CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE KEEP READING...
1) First of all, I'd ask you one more time to reconsider. Try to appreciate the character of the motorcycle as it was intended to be. An old Honda CB, Yamaha XS, or Triumph Twin in basically unmolested yet functional condition is pretty rare these days already. If you come across a nice one, keep please consider leaving it that way. They are MUCH more likely to appreciate in value than a modified bike as well. In fact, if it's really nice, you probably could finance your entire project by selling it and buying a rougher one.
2) If you must mess with it, try to do it in a way that it is reversible. Many things, like handlebars, seats, racks, exhausts, electronic ignitions, etc., are bolt on items and can be added or swapped without otherwise damaging the bike. Put the removed parts in a box in storage, or sell them to somebody looking to breath new life into their bike, and at least nothing is lost. If you're painting body work or gas tanks, even if you think it's in lousy shape, PLEASE check to see what similar ones are going for on Ebay type sites. Some years, styles, etc., in original paint, even if only in fair condition are worth a mint and VERY desirable to some. Consider selling your parts and getting ones in worse shape if you're going to be repainting them anyway.
3) If you're going to be cutting or welding, you're probably not still reading this anyway. If you are, and you're set on it, make sure what you're doing is SAFE and STRAIGHT. I've seen some dangerous looking chopped/bobbed bikes being ridden by young kids with their first bike they thought was cool or got for a "deal". Remember, you may find somebody foolish enough to part with their money for your bike down the road. Please be responsible about it.
4) Wow, I can't believe you're still reading this... Last thing: If you do decide to paint ANYTHING on your bike, either take the part off, or spend the extra 10 minutes masking it off properly. Nothing looks worse than a crappy paint job, and very few things are more difficult to "fix" than over-spray where it shouldn't be.
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