Kawi2strokes.com Forum

do you "build as you go" or do you gather all the parts and assemble at the end?

On all my previous Kaw triple and Yamaha RD resto work I have started with the wheels, then frame and then set it up as a roller while the engine remains untouched and dirty. Once it sits as a roller then I start buying engine parts and cleaning, blasting, polishing etc and set the engine in once done. Then I'll do harness repairs, controls and lastly paint and seat

I was sorta thinking on this 72 H2 that I might do all the work of powdercoat, rechrome, paint, engine work, etc and leave the bike all apart, then have all the parts out on the floor like a plastic model kit. With all new parts, pieces, bits I could assemble the "new" bike in about a day or two.

Have you guys done it either of these two ways? any advantage of either way?

The latter technique has advantages of being able to assess condition of parts and needs before any money is spent and the ability to bulk process parts like plating, cleaning, painting. Take plenty of pics as final assembly date may take longer than your memory lasts.

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Answers are here: http://kawatriple.com/

what memory

I take everything apart all at once. Taking pictures and laying out every part on a few large tables. I then assess everything to determine what can be reworked, what needs what, and what I'll need to buy. I then make my purchases all at once. I then start reworking items while waiting for the parts to show up.

Once all that is done I review what I have and start assembly.
No way can I tolerate addressing one part/issue after another.

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Busy doing more riding than wrenching.......

Since resto work for me is therapeutic, I just wing it. Sometimes I "build as I go". Sometimes, I have most of the stuff ready for assembly.
I have 99% of the pieces (already restored and ready to bolt on) gathered together for a '72 H2 build, and if I buckled down and just started putting it together could probably have it done in a weekend.
Problem is, life gets in the way.........A LOT!!!

Much has to do with the weather as well. In the summer, I'd much rather NOT be working on a bike..since nice weather is so short lived up here.

So as a rule, a proper restoration usually takes me a year from start to finish. Although, I have done a full on nut and bolt in less than a month.

I never will restore a bike, but when I build one, I like to find out (as best I can) what I need, and get it ordered. That way, when one build part slows down or there is something I can't do, I can work on something else. I try to end up with a roller, that I drop the motor in and start.

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Twist the throttle, tilt the horizon, and have a great time. What triples are all about...........

in my mind there is a difference between restoration and re-finish. I think what I'm doing is more re-finishing. I think of a restoration as it being put back with all factory stock stuff and restored back to original configuration.

on my H2 everything will be newly painted, plated, powdercoated and Ja-Mooed but the 72 had a black brake housing, and I am going to do it polished. Also I dont like the black front wheel hub so its getting polished too. Also non-stock levers, non-stock front brake, etc

MadKaw

I focused this last winter mainly on the bike itself and rebuilt everything (upgraded to new systems, don't care about being stock, want good performance), did do a new top end the motor as well. Will split the cases this winter

Something that helped me ALOT is to start a book, keep all your receipts, printouts, notes, etc.......my book is 2" thick at least already

I had about 20 blank pages that I would draw a quick sketch when something came apart, such as cable routing or axle bolts, forks, swingarm and rear brake, etc.......It does not have to be pretty, just so when you go to put it back together, you have a sketch of each system........do this for EVERYTHING you take apart and make little notes

This will help more than you think, don't count on some weird KAW diagraim to put your bike back together

Also, sit outside with your buddys and drink beer and stare at the bike......all the while dreaming of your vision for want you want your bike to be, get a vision then make it happen.

I tore mine down and got the frame powder coated and started assembling on a rack in the basement to get a roller, then move on from there

THX Phil

If that counts as restoration I've been "working" on my S1 for 3 years now!

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We don't need no stinkin' Cams!

Complete teardown, tag and bag parts, take lots and lots of pics, make a list.

Send out long lead items like paint, chrome, crank, etc. At the same time send out powdercoat.

Rebuild wheels and suspension, start Zinc plating, install new steering head bearings.

Assemble rolling chassis

Rebuild motor and install in rolling chassis

Rebuild carbs and install with pipes

Restore wiring and electrical components and install with lights, switches, bars, controls, etc.

Restore seat and install chrome and paint.

Finish up detail items

Test ride and rid bike of Gremlins.

That is my basic game plan but of course it is like any other plan, and usually can change at any moment. I find a methodical approach works best for me especially as the memory gets older.