Recommendations for restoration

[Aware]

I picked up this darling for a song last year. It has only done about 10,000 miles, and has been in storage for most of it's 35 years.

Which means basically everything is dry and needs cleaned/rebuilt.

I accept that restoration isn't cheap, but I also know that crappy repairs are expensive.

So where would you suggest I go to get expert service on a 1981 CB900c?

 

[afm199]

I picked up this darling for a song last year. It has only done about 10,000 miles, and has been in storage for most of it's 35 years.

Which means basically everything is dry and needs cleaned/rebuilt.

I accept that restoration isn't cheap, but I also know that crappy repairs are expensive.

So where would you suggest I go to get expert service on a 1981 CB900c?

I'd suggest you learn to work on it yourself. I am not sure you know just how much work is involved in restoring old sitters. Or, to put it another way, establish a budget that you are willing to expend, and go from there.

Repainting and rechroming will cost $3k or more. A simple fluid replacement will be under $500, but you really shouldn't run that engine without tearing it down, there's no telling what it looks like inside. You'll need new bearings all around front and rear suspension, shock and fork rebuild. new rubber. The gas tank may be fine, it may be rusted out from the inside if they left gas in it. All the rubber and plastic hoses need replacement and a total carb rebuild. If they left gas in the carbs, no telling how much work there.

 

[MikeGyver]

I'd suggest you learn to work on it yourself.

+1

I would have thought you learned from your first lesson

 

[augustiron]

I would not use the term "restoration" as that means a full refurbishment to as new condition. I doubt that is what you want here, what I would imagine it is more a "revival". Which means go through and address everything that needs it to make the bike safe, ridable, reliable and looking as good as can be for what it is.
I have done this with tons of old bikes, especially Hondas. What I know is it can cost from about $1000 to $5000 in parts and labor. Why the big variance? In the famous words "there are known unknowns and unknown unknowns". You can't see how bad some things are until you open them up, as Ernie said. Also, the amount of work needed adds up fast in labor hours, some parts are scarce, unobtainable or top dollar because of that.
At a minimum if you are lucky You could probably do a carb rebuild, clean and lube what needs it, throw a battery in, oil and filter and be running for $600 if you wanted to do that. But think about changing tires, filters, all fluids, going through everything.
Having an old bike, especially a cheap to you one, is the best opportunity to learn how to DIY. Because 1) most shops won't work on them 2) if they do, the costs can exceed the value of the bike 3) someday, somewhere that old bike will remind you it is old and having the knowledge and experience with it can get you home.

 

[bpw]

The most cost effective route would be to find the best example of that bike available on Craigslist and buy it.

Those are only worth a couple thousand bucks for a really good one.

 

[Eric B]

Nils knows resto stuff, might be able to help you with things/decisions. He posts here on barf - http://www.restocycle.com/

 

[Aware]

There is nothing good about suggesting I do it myself. I wm a terrible mechanic. I lack motivation, skill, judgement, knowledge, patience and mechanical sympathy. It would be a disaster.

Thanks for suggesting Nils.

And i do 100% understand the potential cost variance. It would be worse and more expensive for me to do it 8#)

 

[Zwicker]

I have taken my cb1100f to quickturn cycles in concord. They are fairly priced, and know a good deal about older Honda's. You should also check out cb1100F.net, lots of good info.

Matt

 

[berth]

There is nothing good about suggesting I do it myself. I wm a terrible mechanic. I lack motivation, skill, judgement, knowledge, patience and mechanical sympathy. It would be a disaster.

Just so you know, the only problem here is the first one, the rest are fixable given the first.

 

[Aware]

Just so you know, the only problem here is the first one, the rest are fixable given the first.

Just to be clear - I don't have any inclination to spend what would actually be 3x as much, plus my own time, learning how to be a mechanic. It is not, and will not ever be a hobby of mine to be a mechanic. You all can tell me to change my mind all you like, it isn't going to happen.

I hate tennis and golf too, so don't try convincing me to take up those hobbies either.

 

[Aware]

+1

I would have thought you learned from your first lesson

hmmm - that is why I am asking for recommendations

 

[NobleHops]

Sorry I am just seeing this, but if it's not too late I'll offer some input.

I just completed a project putting one of these back on the road and I'm about 25% of the way into another. Your bike is cosmetically sound, but as you say, brakes, bearings, carbs, tires, fluids all need renewal, valves need adjusted, and a deep service, clean and detail, check everything, lube everything.

I'd expect a bill around $2,500+ to do a really thorough job on all those items, including a top-rated carb rebuild with the good parts, carb insulators, caliper and master cylinder rebuilds, brake lines, plugs, filters, pads, shoes, etc.

And then you do have a bike worth $2,000 on the market, but one you could ride for many years with confidence and enjoy too.

Hope that's helpful.

Nils Menten
RestoCycle LLC

 

[Aware]

Thanks for the input, Nils. I ultimately got a quote in that ballpark from a reputable Bsrf sponsor, and work is under way.

 

[NobleHops]

Thanks for the input, Nils. I ultimately got a quote in that ballpark from a reputable Bsrf sponsor, and work is under way.

Perfect, hope you get a great result man!

 

[Aware]

Fingers crossed