Subject: '68 Restoration Beginning
Author: RJSolo
Date: Jan 24, 2005, 8:02 PM
Post ID: 1718267277
Loopers-
I never seem to learn it's cheaper to buy RESTORED, so I'm starting down
the road to bring a 68 V-700 back to life. Bought the bike on EBAY
about 2 years ago and finally finished enough other things that this is
going to get done. After reading all your comments about the "cop bike"
currently on e-bay, I realize you guys know your details. If I could
figure out how to post some pictures I would but not tonight.
I am usually for restoring in as original condition as possible. The
bike I have is showing around 25,000 but hasn't been started in 10+
years, so I'm planning on removing the cylinders as a first step (I
actually will get some expect help in the mechanical area) and am
confident the mechanics can be dealt with over the next few
months....expecting to go the Nikasil replacement route. I expect to
strip the frame & rebuild from the ground up--new wiring, re-lining &
re-chroming tank, sand blasting, painting, etc.
I'm gonna opt for painting in a traditional red-silver combination. As
for paint color, is there a spec for the standard red/silver? If I vary
for personal asthetics, I might use a brighter silver & redder (less
orange) red. Also may opt for some pin striping on the fenders & tank
than I've seen on early bikes. Do you ever see "correct" early V-700's
with these added details??? My bike currently has no reflectors or turn
signals and I could add these as well, primarily for safety...
So how do you all feel about it....Is it really sacrilge to "jazz" up
the paint work and add features from later years, or should I stick to
PURE originality?
Thanks for any insight as to correctedness re Color codes & details on a
'68.
RON
1968 V-700 (under restoration)
1969 R69S
1979 T140E
2000 R1200