Thread: First Restoration Project: What Should I Buy?

I am going to try my hand at a restoration of an original CT70. Is it smarter to buy a bike that is say a 7 out of 10 as opposed to say a 5 out of 10? My concern is being overwhelmed at the size of the project as well as cost.

Can anyone suggest what to look for and give me an idea about what to pay for a bike that is a 7 out of 10??

I figure it is much less expensive to buy a bike that has little of no rust and may require some chrome and a few original parts.

On the other hand I could purchase a "clunker" for say $400.00-$500.00 bucks but then I would be spending a ton of cash to restore it. I don't want to make a mistake before I even start the project.
Thanks!

It all depends on what type of a restoration you are planning.The better condition the bike the easier it will be to restore.The least rust you can find the better off you will be.If you are planning a top notch restoration all parts would be replated anyway but if project bike is in bad condition starting out, some parts may be non salvageable even for replating.Try and find one complete and pretty much rust free and you will have a great project to begin with.
LOL,
Dennis

i'd try for the most complete bike you can find, if your planning a resto i'd assume your going to repaint every thing anyway so it doesn't matter if its weathered or not, its all the little bits and pieces that really add up at the end of the job if you have to track them down

Can anyone give me a general idea regarding the costs involved?
For example if the engine requires an overhaul what am I looking at? Cost to re chrome say one rim?
Off the top of my head I figure if I find a bike in good shape I will need to sink roughly 1500 bucks into it. Sound about right?

For a quality motor rebuild you need to contact someone such as hondact70.com
Normally you're looking at $650.00 plus.It all depends on what's needed.
As far as chrome,the rear wheels didn't come chrome.If you want to chrome them it's going to be expensive.You can go alum.if you prefer for a lot cheaper from CHP.These bikes can get quite expensive,it all depends how far you want to go with it.

Thanks For The Replies,

Right now I need to find out what is a fair price for a original bike that is a 5 out of 10 and a price for one that is say a 7 out of 10.

5 out of 10 should run about $500-600 ???

7 out of 10 about $800-900??

This a good estimate??

I gotta start someplace so I am sorry for the beginner questions.

Here's my .02 worth:
Frame media blast/repaint $300 - $1,000
Motor rebuild $300 - $1,000
Misc odds & end parts $200 - $1,000

Like Dennis mentioned, depending on the type of rebuild you do, it could cost as little as $1,000 or $3,000 and up. Good luck

Another thing to factor........Is the motorcycle titled/registered already. If so, it's worth more. Doing all the leg work, paperwork, and dealing with DMV red tape to get an old trail bike titled and registered can be an uphill battle, depending on the State in which you reside. I'd pay $100.00 to $200.00 more for a Titled/Registered Trail 70.

From a where to buy perspective, I like Craig's list. You get to see what your buying.
If you don't see something on Craigs list in your area, be patient they show up. Final warning is that they are addictive for some reason. Before you know it you'll have more than one. Good luck

IMO you need to decide if you want to do a full correct restoration or just want something to ride. If you want to do a full resto you could spend $200 or $1000 on a bike and could still end up spending up to $3k to restore it. If you just want something to ride then I would look for something that is complete, runs and may just need minor work.