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Specialising in the Supply of Vintage and Classic Japanese Motorcycles for Your Restoration Project
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Welcome to the Restoration Gallery

Classic Japanese Motorcycle Restoration Stories and Reference Photos.  This page is provided to encourage those considering their first, or next restoration.  I will be adding to this page over time with restoration stories and additional classic jap photos, which may provide a reference, as well as inspiration to all of us who want to bring back to life a classic Japanese motorcycle.   If this inspires you, then please check our current stock list for your next restoration project.

  
My Kat @ Bristol Classic & Custom 2002.JPG (454225 bytes)  Restored by me. My Katana 1100 on the VJMC stand at the Bristol Classic & Custom Show 2002.

 

before ...and    After.

Above...Originally bought from Classic Project Bikes as a restoration project (a flattering "before" photo on extreme left), Mark Kelsall's excellently restored  CB250G5, as it is today (right).  Mark provided the following views on his first classic Japanese restoration project to share with us, bearing in mind he hadn't passed his motorcycle test when he started the project!

"Yes, I passed my test first time (!) earlier in the year.  I have been riding a '74 CB125S since then,  which I purchased prior to the test to practice on (whilst finishing the CB250).  Hope the following highs and lows gives a flavour,  Its been quite a journey.  Hope to see you at a show"
 
Good Bits
  • Seeing the wheels after rebuild (I'd polished the hubs myself but had new spokes and rims fitted for me)
  • Seeing the engine finished after polishing and painting
  • Getting the engine in without damaging the frame coating!
  • Re-wiring was tricky but fortunately I took PLENTY of photos. Quite satisfying getting this bit right. Looks good to 'cos I cleaned and re-wrapped the harness
  • Getting the electrics working once I'd realised two of the fuses had blown since last run!?
And now for the not so good....
  • Cleaning all the crud off of the final drive casing, chain and rear hub
  • Hand cleaning the engine block; a real pig getting in between the cooling fins. Took HOURS. But Then I did not want to strip down the block for vapour blasting (you never know what you may find...)
  • Re-fitting the front forks and getting the master cylinder bled
  • Trying to get it to fire up and idle on a half flat battery.... You live and learn !

KH400 as purchased from Classic Project Bikes by Gary Clark before ...and Originally Bought From Classic Project Bikes - Gary Clark's Superbly Restored KH400 After,

Above...Originally bought from Classic Project Bikes as a restoration project (photo on extreme left), Gary Clark's superbly restored  KH400, with Production Race Tuned motor as it is today (right).  You too could do this..

As Supplied by Classic Project Bikes RG250 before restorationbefore ...and Supplied by Classic Project Bikes RG250 Restored by Andy Ball After,

Above...Originally bought from Classic Project Bikes as a restoration project (a flattering "before" photo on extreme left), Andy Ball's excellently restored  RG250 Mk3, as it is today (right).

  before ...and    After,

Above...as originally bought on the left, as a restoration project.  On the right Andy Orton's completed & superb SR500 cafe racer replica.

 

 Trevors_Super_Six_small.JPG (2437 bytes) Trevor Bailey's award winning Suzuki Super-Six on the VJMC stand at the Bristol Classic show.

 Nicks_H2_small.jpg (2531 bytes) In memory of my dear friend Nick Ingram, his beautiful Kawasaki H2 (750 2-stroke triple)