Title: Winter Project - Restoration Resources
Post by: flyingbeagle71 on October 12, 2005, 06:18:44 PM
Post by: flyingbeagle71 on October 12, 2005, 06:18:44 PM
I've got a 1971 Suzuki TS250 that I am going to attempt to completely restore this winter. The 04F is fun on the road, but it kinda lacks when it comes to riding around the farm. :) Anyway, what are your favorite sites for restoration ideas and tips, sites that have parts for older bikes and such. Currently all I have is a Clymer service manual to help, but it covers 125-400cc from 1964-1981, so it's pretty generic. Any help would be appreciated.
Title: Winter Project - Restoration Resources
Post by: starwalt on October 12, 2005, 06:29:30 PM
Post by: starwalt on October 12, 2005, 06:29:30 PM
I can think of no generic restoration sites, but I guess it depends on how restored you want to go.
I have been looking for simple information like metal polishing. Haven't found the "Metal Polishing World" website yet.
Try Google and pick topical words and phrases. Who knows? Someone has probably done it already.
I have been looking for simple information like metal polishing. Haven't found the "Metal Polishing World" website yet.
Try Google and pick topical words and phrases. Who knows? Someone has probably done it already.
Title: Winter Project - Restoration Resources
Post by: Cal Price on October 13, 2005, 08:33:44 AM
Post by: Cal Price on October 13, 2005, 08:33:44 AM
I have an '81 project. I could not find a specific but I found some Yamaha and cruiser sites that were helpful a little. I asked some specific questions on here and got some help but found that the best way was to get out into the world of breakers yards and local mechanics. I managed to find a couple who specialise and one in paticular has been very helpful, he has done some jobs for me and tracked down parts and given advice freely on the things i can do. I intend to go to my local motorcycle club but have not yet made it, they meet on Sunday nights and I am often commited elswhere. Talk to bikers and not just on websites. :)
One of our moderators has a vast experience with lots of different bikes and gave me some info in a PM that answered a question for me, he often giver non-GS advice, I'm sure you will figure it out. :o
One of our moderators has a vast experience with lots of different bikes and gave me some info in a PM that answered a question for me, he often giver non-GS advice, I'm sure you will figure it out. :o
Title: Winter Project - Restoration Resources
Post by: flyingbeagle71 on October 13, 2005, 09:13:53 AM
Post by: flyingbeagle71 on October 13, 2005, 09:13:53 AM
Quote from: starwaltI can think of no generic restoration sites, but I guess it depends on how restored you want to go.
I'm thinking about complete ripping the bike apart, polishing/painting/cleaning everything, rebuilding the engine and clutch and replacing some partts (plastics, wheels, fuel lines). Sounds like the only choice is to just rip it apart and search for help piece by piece. Maybe I'll document some of it and post a web page for others going down this road.
Thanks for the info.
Title: Winter Project - Restoration Resources
Post by: Alphamazing on October 13, 2005, 10:38:09 AM
Post by: Alphamazing on October 13, 2005, 10:38:09 AM
Hey! I've got a 1980 TS250! Cool! Mine's blue!
Title: Winter Project - Restoration Resources
Post by: jake42 on October 15, 2005, 07:33:14 PM
Post by: jake42 on October 15, 2005, 07:33:14 PM
The vintage japanese motorcycle club (VJMC) will be of some help. If I remember correctly ther url is //vjmc.org When i was rebuilding my 67 Yamaha they were really helpful on that site. There's a ton of knowledgable guys on there. For example, they put me onto a place right here in PA that is the US's largest NOS dealer for Yammie parts. Check it out.
jake
jake
Title: Winter Project - Restoration Resources
Post by: jake42 on October 15, 2005, 07:35:16 PM
Post by: jake42 on October 15, 2005, 07:35:16 PM
http://vjmc.org
hopefully this one will work.
jake
hopefully this one will work.
jake
Title: Winter Project - Restoration Resources
Post by: Blueknyt on October 15, 2005, 11:03:11 PM
Post by: Blueknyt on October 15, 2005, 11:03:11 PM
QuoteI have an '81 project
this the XS400 or XJ650 you have? cal?
Title: Winter Project - Restoration Resources
Post by: Cal Price on October 16, 2005, 03:08:09 AM
Post by: Cal Price on October 16, 2005, 03:08:09 AM
It's an XS400 US Custom special (I think) A few of them were imported into the UK to fill a shortfall in demand. As far as i can see the only differences from the UK version are just cosmetic plus the UK model had a kickstart and the US did not. The casing is the same with the appature for the kick start plugged with an aluminium plug. I am looking around to get a kickstart and spindle. This model has no dipstick or oil pressure light but has a window in the casing.
Title: Winter Project - Restoration Resources
Post by: VTNewb on October 16, 2005, 06:56:19 AM
Post by: VTNewb on October 16, 2005, 06:56:19 AM
www.thegsresources.com
Alot of those guys have that same bike. Try the tech forum.
Alot of those guys have that same bike. Try the tech forum.
Title: Winter Project - Restoration Resources
Post by: davipu on October 16, 2005, 02:50:37 PM
Post by: davipu on October 16, 2005, 02:50:37 PM
tigard motorcycle recycle has a ts400 that I sold them had a really nice tank and seat on it 503-968-0298 ask for Troy he's the one running the show over there. and Mikes cycle parts in Salem is now open again. (they are the largest salvage yard on the west coast) so if your looking for spefic parts they have them. http://www.mikescycleparts.com/ they claim over 1 million parts in stock. but it's alot closer to two.
Title: Winter Project - Restoration Resources
Post by: flyingbeagle71 on October 16, 2005, 08:14:31 PM
Post by: flyingbeagle71 on October 16, 2005, 08:14:31 PM
Quote from: AlphaFire X5Hey! I've got a 1980 TS250! Cool! Mine's blue!
Cool, here are a couple of pics of my '71.
or if they load too slow, links to the pics are...
Right Side View
Left Front View
Left Rear View
Thanks for all the links everyone, I'm starting to create a webpage to journal my restoration process in and will put them on the page.