Everything you need to know to restore or customize your classic Japanese motorcycle. Whether you want to correctly restore a classic Japanese motorcycle or create a modified, custom build, you need the right information about how to perform the mechanical and cosmetic tasks required to get an old, frequently neglected, and often long-unridden machine back in working order. How to Rebuild and Restore Classic Japanese Motorcycles is your thorough, hands-on manual, covering all the mechanical subsystems that make up a motorcycle. From finding a bike to planning your project to dealing with each mechanical system, How to Rebuild and Restore Classic Japanese Motorcycles includes everything you need to know to get your classic back on the road. Japanese motorcycles have been the best-selling bikes in the world since the mid-1960s, driven by the "big four": Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, and Kawasaki. Of course certain bikes have always had a following - Honda CB750, 305 Hawk, CB400-4, Benly; Suzuki GT750, Katana, GS1000S; Yamaha XS650, RD400 Daytona, TZ; Kawaski H1, H2, Z1R - and these have now become the blue-chip Japanese bikes leading collectors to seek out more common (and now more affordable) alternatives. This is the perfect book for anyone interested in classic Japanese motorcycles, as well as prepping a bike to build a cafe racer, street tracker, or other custom build.

The 1970s and 1980s were wonderful eras for the motorcycle, with their assortment of crazy two-strokes, and the first multi-cylinder superbikes coming thick and fast from Japan. It was a time of fast-paced engineering advances, and a time in motorcycle history that is unlikely ever to be repeated. Those over-budget motorcycles that we longed for then are now available well within budget ... and just waiting to be restored. This book will guide you, in detail, through every stage of classic motorcycle restoration. From sourcing a bike, to outlining each of the techniques, tips and tricks used by experts, this guide will save you time, money, and - best of all - show you that you don't need expert knowledge or a fully-fitted workshop to restore your dream bike. Packed full of photographs, and with detailed instructions, this book is the perfect companion for any classic motorcycle restorer.

DIVWhen it comes to collector motorcycles, none hold the allure of the classic Harley-Davidson Big Twins built from 1936 to 1964. But owning and maintaining these tempermental machines provides endless challenges. Even the most pristine, restored example needs a tremendous amount of care, maintenance, and repair. The rebuilding and restoring of these machines is not so much a defined task as a never-ending process. This book serves to guide owners through that process./div Beginning with a practical section on understanding, choosing, and purchasing a classic Harley, this book focuses on the nuts and bolts of classic Harley ownership. Through step-by-step photography and thoughtful, informative instruction, the reader will learn how to disassemble a chassis, rebuild a fork, lace a wheel, and paint the major parts for any restoration. It also provides thorough instruction on repairing, overhauling, and restoring all major components, such as the engine, transmission, and electrical system.

The market for used motorcycles is vast and deep, with many popular motorcycles available for a fraction of what they cost when new even a few years ago. With a little hard work and know-how, a restored used bike can become a reliable and stylish commuter vehicle. But restoring an older motorcycle can be challenging. Often you're dealing with old technology, parts that are hard to replace, rusty and stubborn bolts, etc. How to Restore Your Motorcycle walks the reader through the process of tearing down an old motorcycle and building it back up again. This revised edition adds color photography throughout, as well as new information covering bikes and technologies new to the collector realm.

In the decade preceding World War II and into the 1950s, Harley-Davidson was the United States Military's battle bike of choice. Employed by the U.S. Army, Navy, and Marines, as well as several allied forces, it saw service in World War II arenas from Normandy to China. Loved for its toughness and versatility by the men it carried into conflict, Harley's military models are highly prized by today's motorcycle collectors and military enthusiasts.How to Restore Your Military Harley-Davidson 1932-1952 Second Edition is the ultimate reference for correctly restoring these rare and historically significant machines. Author Bruce Palmer III is one of the top experts on Harley-Davidson military motorcycles bringing years of research to this work. Through extensive research, the book details the different models, parts, finishes, equipment, and markings necessary to restore or preserve these motorcycles. More than 250 archival and detail photos cover every facet of these unique motorcycles.