The word restoration is a well traveled descriptive noun in the title of classic motorcycles and for good reason because the experience of observing a bike can be entirely altered by the fact of the bike being an original or a restore. An original may stir nostalgic memories that strike a little deeper because all reference points of a memory are intact. A restoration can evoke the same memories as an original but deviating from the point of origin will subdue those memories; the further the deviation the less likely the nostalgia. We aren't going to try and write the next "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" but this small theory can give some insight on some of our ideologies and interpretation of the word restoration and how we apply it to every project that comes through our doors. To refinish the cast aluminum on this 1971 BMW R60-5 one could go about cleaning the tarnished and oxidized parts a few ways; sandblast it so it shines like it's never shined before or taking the matter in your own hands with a rag and some elbow grease. By this method we are able to revive the part to a state in which it once was - we feel the essence of restoration- staying true to the original machine is in our signature.
Here are some less philosophical bullet points that went into restoring this 1971 BMW R60-5.
1-Tore the bike down to the bare frame to detail/ thoroughly clean everything from the ground up.
2- The engine/ transmission were broken down to be thoroughly cleaned and brought back to life with new seals/ gaskets and a fine tuning.
3- Broke down the wheels and re-laced with new spokes. Overhauled hubs with new bearings. New tires.
4- A personality trait of these bikes in this condition - from the result of not being equipped with fuses from the factory - is a wiring harness bearing burnt wires so we can almost always count on some work in the electric department.
5- Misc info: New seat, corrected some prior repairs/ accessories that were not original spec, tank and fenders had been repainted but some time prior to coming in.
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