Post by rotoryguy on Aug 2, 2019 7:50:14 GMT -5
Hi All-
The RE5 restoration is slow unfortunately due to work, however I'm hoping to run the engine soon just to feel good about it!
That depended upon getting the carb cleaned and ready!
It occurred to me that I wasn't quite sure about certain aspects of the resto, so I thought I'd ask ya'll.
I looked around the forum and (maybe I missed it) but couldn't find anything about opinions on the resto itself.
I am very much an OEM type of guy. I like to use original parts on things I work on, and try to keep to the OEM colors and such.
For those who may customize for example turning a regular bike into a café racer, I applaud you for your skills!
My bike physically is in decent shape. Some rust spots on the frame - especially around bolt weldments and stands.
The fan shroud, though not in 100% perfect condition, is looking great. I painted the fan motor with epoxy black and it looks much better than the dried up rusty-looking black.
Ya'll have seen the radiator in the "RE5 Restoration North Carolina" - which essentially is black though not a factory paint.
I intend to clean and polish the engine as well as the rear brake hub and such and powder coat some of the bits such as the stands, and especially the right hand switch control.
I will either replace or re-chrome the handlebars. I sure don't like the section of rust where the chrome peeled off!
So my overall question for you to ponder is; What are your thoughts on restoration?
Do you believe in repainting?
Do you believe that the bike should be repainted or will that kill the lovely aged patina?
Do you think a restoration bike should be beautiful as in factory-like?
I don't intend to sell the bike and I'm doing this for myself.
There is an event in Durham every Labor Day (this year Aug 31) called Bull City Rumble that is based upon the Mods and the Rockers of England.
They mention about not having the bike necessarily beautiful - which I thought was interesting. One year, I hope to enter my Goldwing and RE5.
QUOTE: "The historic Lucky Strike Tobacco Warehouses in Durham’s Brightleaf District serves as the backdrop for the annual bike show on Saturday, August 31st where judges are not necessarily looking for the prettiest and cleanest machines but who are looking for well ridden bikes with personality and craftsmanship."
LINK: www.bullcityrumble.com/bull-city-rumble
