Before and After - show the results of your hard work

[ancientdad]

Many members have completed restoration/refresh projects or custom builds that were either finished prior to VHT's existence or done shortly after we opened. Since the Projects and Builds section has well over 200 threads and growing, some long and very detailed, this thread will give new members a look at the "before and after" results to use as inspiration, or as a guide to a more thorough effort.

So, in this section let's post 1 before and 1 after picture of your bike along with a link to the thread in the Projects and Builds section.

I'll start with before and after pictures of my 450 build. Since it was completed before VHT opened, the synopsis is here - CL450 project reboot, street-legal this time. If anyone wants to trudge through the long and sometimes even more painful original, it can be found at that other forum

Before (and don't be fooled, it needed plenty of work and was a 20 footer at best)

After

 

[Saru]

That first picture of the bike with the American flag is really cool. You look super amped

 

[stl360+450]

My CB360 project was more about reanimation than restoration and most of it was completed prior to joining the forum, but the thread CB360G-yard-find-seven-years-later does discuss one of the unusual aspects of the project, namely, the use of CB450 carburetors on the 360.

Before:


After:

 

[ancientdad]

My CB360 project was more about reanimation than restoration and most of it was completed prior to joining the forum, but the thread CB360G-yard-find-seven-years-later does discuss one of the unusual aspects of the project, namely, the use of CB450 carburetors on the 360.

It's so hard to believe that someone let that bike just sit in a yard like that. Glad you rescued it, and I like the creativity of using a CB350 tank with sidecovers painted to match.

 

[Juneaudave]

This bike was parked in 1984. It looked pretty good when I found it, but suffered from fuel system woes due to the previous owner's failure to drain the gas, frozen rings and corrosion...

And I enjoyed riding over 1500 miles on it this summer after the restoration, Thanks VHT!!!

And here is the build thread... 1972 CL350 Winter Projects (vintagehondatwins.com)

 

[1969 CL350]

Ok, here’s mine. 1969 CL350 vintage cafe racer resurrection, built in the late 1970s, resurrected in 2015, revised slightly in 2021. Here’s the link to various photos in my original post… https://www.vintagehondatwins.com/forums/showthread.php?246-Vintage-350-Cafe-Racer-Resurrection

BEFORE

AFTER

 

[Hondaholic]

It's so hard to believe that someone let that bike just sit in a yard like that. . .

Agree. Why oh why?

Is it a case of too much money; a child left home and lost interest in bikes; a family tragedy? No matter what, one would think that at least it might be covered or stored a bit more appropriately. This was probably one of the greatest 'barn finds' without it having been in a barn!!

 

[HerrDeacon]

Great idea AD.

Here is a before and after of my first Honda Twin, a 1980 Honda CB400T. Was in very rough shape when I got it and had a broken transmission and trashed top end. Very fun project, wouldn't mind finding another one of these bikes.

Before:



After:


This project was well before VHT but you can find the build thread over on HT (although all of the pictures look to be gone due to the Photobucket fiasco) - 1980 CB400T Hawk - Project Clean Up

 

[Richard Pitman]

My CL175K7 doesn't look too bad as found. However, engine was seized, kick start mech broken as well, so engine has had a complete rebuild. Powdercoated frame, repainted tank and panels, rechromed front mudguard, air filters rebuilt, electrics sorted, new handlebars, stainless steel wheel rims, rear light, seat recovered, tank cleaned out and lined, new Wincycles carbs, Charlies ignition, DS rear shocks, brake linings, wheel bearings, indicators, chain and sprockets, several sets of tyres, headlight ears, etc etc. Still has the original rear mudguard, and new exhaust system will be fitted soon.

And here it is as it was last year, Mitas tyres removed since that photo was taken. Doesn't actually look all that different, considering the work that has gone into it.

 

[stl360+450]

It's so hard to believe that someone let that bike just sit in a yard like that. Glad you rescued it, and I like the creativity of using a CB350 tank with sidecovers painted to match.

Agree. Why oh why?

Is it a case of too much money; a child left home and lost interest in bikes; a family tragedy? No matter what, one would think that at least it might be covered or stored a bit more appropriately. This was probably one of the greatest 'barn finds' without it having been in a barn!!

The previous owner bought it in Nebraska during the oil crisis as a cheap commuter and moved to Georgia around 1980. He never registered or titled it in Georgia and my understanding was that he didn't want his sons to get hurt on it. My parents eventually moved into the neighborhood one house away and the bike was only visible from the small lake behind the houses. I first saw it from a canoe and asked my father to inquire. The owner then graciously requested a duplicate title from Nebraska to replace the lost original and gave me the bike in 2014. He was a really nice person and I think it was one of those situations where he bought it more for utilitarian reasons than for enjoyment. Once the need for a cheap commuter diminished, the bike was parked and eventually neglected. It showed 5652 miles on the odometer when I got it, so he was averaging about 1000 per year prior to the move.

 

[Richard Pitman]

My CB174K4, as found, complete with number of the beast.

First incarnation, restored as a K4. But I really wanted a K6 ….

And now, transformed into a K6 alike, replaced the frame, seat, tank, side panels, exhaust, front mudguard ( DS CG125 part ), brake pedal, handlebars, indicators, brake linings, rebuilt rear shocks, tapered head races. Original engine left as found, runs well. Horrid CST tyres now changed for Avons. Original wheels and rear mudguard. CB200 clocks fitted, because I prefer them.

K4 seat and tank in loft, along with spare set of DS pipes.

 

[ancientdad]

Ok, here’s mine. 1969 CL350 vintage cafe racer resurrection, built in the late 1970s, resurrected in 2015, revised slightly in 2021. Here’s the link to various photos in my original post… https://www.vintagehondatwins.com/forums/showthread.php?246-Vintage-350-Cafe-Racer-Resurrection

The "Chameleon" (as I call it) in one of its many forms over the years, looking awesome as always. And many here likely do not realize that Dale has owned this bike since it was new, and has been honored by Honda for it as well.

 

[ancientdad]

Great idea AD.

Here is a before and after of my first Honda Twin, a 1980 Honda CB400T. Was in very rough shape when I got it and had a broken transmission and trashed top end. Very fun project, wouldn't mind finding another one of these bikes.


This project was well before VHT but you can find the build thread over on HT (although all of the pictures look to be gone due to the Photobucket fiasco) - 1980 CB400T Hawk - Project Clean Up

Perry, you're the one who actually got me thinking about the idea yesterday. I remembered you did something similar over at HT and decided it would be a simple way for members to get a look at someone's creation and then dig into the details easily if they were inspired by it in some way.

Beautiful job on the 400, love the paint work.

 

[ancientdad]

This bike was parked in 1984. It looked pretty good when I found it, but suffered from fuel system woes due to the previous owner's failure to drain the gas, frozen rings and corrosion...

And I enjoyed riding over 1500 miles on it this summer after the restoration, Thanks VHT!!!

And here is the build thread... 1972 CL350 Winter Projects (vintagehondatwins.com)

Great attention to detail in the overall cleanup and refurb. Another beautiful job from a guy who puts his hand to pretty much anything it seems.

 

[if/else]

1973 CL450

I have taken this bike I purchased almost a decade ago from its as-found-not running on one cylinder to where it is now. It is now a running bike and it was quite a thrill to hear it run again. It brought back memories of my old K1 from 1970.
Unfortunately, the bike will have to go now as I need to make room for a riding lawn mower. I will post a link to a video showing it idling and revving once again. Mr. Honda should be proud that so many of his designs still run after 50 or so years.

 

[ancientdad]

Good to see it's back together and running. Do you have the gauges and the heat shields for the exhaust?

 

[if/else]

I have the two shields for the mufflers although one, (lower) needs to be replaced or replated. I do not have the one for the pipes ahead of the mufflers. I have the gauges but they are pretty bad looking with the faces all full of circles on the inside of the glass. I have the feeling that the previous owner bought the bike as part of a collection and some parts were swapped out before I bought the bike with ones in ratty condition. The speedo reads 16K on the odometer. Someone did a good job of filling in the mounts on the tank before painting the tank black well before I got the bike.

 

[12ozPBR]

My first 450. As bought, barely running


Same bike after motor rebuild and return to stock

 

[Denny K]

My '79 CB400T

Picked this tired CB400T up last February and likely saved it from the junk yard. Have left the finish on the tank and side covers intact. Great looking stock bike. Couldn't have done it without the help I received from so many VHT members.

Link to my build 1979 CB400TI - Western Colorado (vintagehondatwins.com)

 

[ancientdad]

Picked this tired CB400T up last February and likely saved it from the junk yard. Have left the finish on the tank and side covers intact. Great looking stock bike. Couldn't have done it without the help I received from so many VHT members.

Anytime you can keep one from the crusher it's a good thing. You brought it back to being a more than respectable Honda again.

 

[birdland]

Purchased my 1971 CB450 in October of 2020 - this pic is from the Kijiji ad.



Most of the work has been mechanical so there doesn't appear to be a lot of changes. It's just a lot shinier.



However, here's a list of accomplishments;

Installed K&N pods (17K miles)
Changed fork oil. Refilled to 215cc/side
New handlebar vibration dampers
Installed wind deflector - easily removable for short rides.
Rewired left front signal
New signal light relay
Installed motion sensor / remote alarm
Installed new tail light (1970 CB350)
Cleaned and deoxit all bulb sockets
Cleaned and deoxit handlebar switches and instrument lighting sockets
Dielectric grease applied - bulb socket rubber and spark plug boots
Cleaned oil filter
Checked fuel filter and petcock
Changed oil. Recharged with T4 Rotella 15w 40
Checked compression - 150 psi/side
Checked stator output (within spec) - deoxit connection at wiring harness
Stator charging mod (full time-full charge) wired inside headlight bucket
New plugs gapped .7mm (.7-.8 spec)
Fixed lateral play in shift shaft - installed carbon steel drill depth collar in place of circlip
New oil seal on shift shaft
New front sprocket cover replacing cracked unit
Replaced speedometer cable
Front sprocket replaced with 16T (+1 from stock) (17k miles)
Changed out rear sprocket with new 35T (stock) (17.3k miles)
Chain replaced with DID standard roller chain 92 link (17.3k miles)
Rear wheel bearing replaced. (17K miles)
Rear brake pads replaced (17K miles)
Wheel alignment and balance (17K miles)
New front tube and tube strip (17.3K miles)
Clutch cable replaced and re-routed
Clutch adjusted
Greased frame/sway bar
Seat reupholstered (added 1 inch foam)
Refreshed battery cage (sanded off rust, painted with hi-temp enamel spray)
Installed SparckMoto rectifier/regulator (spare ground wire from harness grounded to battery box)
Cleaned grounds
New AGM battery
Replaced 4 cam followers
Cam follower adjustment (0.05mm - .002in)
Points adjusted (0.014 in) and timing set
Cam chain tensioner set
Replaced fuel lines with OEM
Installed dual shutoff valve in fuel transfer line
Replaced all tank mounts
Carb rebuild - new floats, seals, gaskets. Ultrasonic cleaning. Main jets 135 Pilot jets 38. (17.3 K miles)
New intake boots. (17.3 K miles)

 

[ancientdad]

Purchased my 1971 CB450 in October of 2020 - this pic is from the Kijiji ad.

Most of the work has been mechanical so there doesn't appear to be a lot of changes. It's just a lot shinier.

However, here's a list of accomplishments;

Installed K&N pods (17K miles)
Changed fork oil. Refilled to 215cc/side
New handlebar vibration dampers
Installed wind deflector - easily removable for short rides.
Rewired left front signal
New signal light relay
Installed motion sensor / remote alarm
Installed new tail light (1970 CB350)
Cleaned and deoxit all bulb sockets
Cleaned and deoxit handlebar switches and instrument lighting sockets
Dielectric grease applied - bulb socket rubber and spark plug boots
Cleaned oil filter
Checked fuel filter and petcock
Changed oil. Recharged with T4 Rotella 15w 40
Checked compression - 150 psi/side
Checked stator output (within spec) - deoxit connection at wiring harness
Stator charging mod (full time-full charge) wired inside headlight bucket
New plugs gapped .7mm (.7-.8 spec)
Fixed lateral play in shift shaft - installed carbon steel drill depth collar in place of circlip
New oil seal on shift shaft
New front sprocket cover replacing cracked unit
Replaced speedometer cable
Front sprocket replaced with 16T (+1 from stock) (17k miles)
Changed out rear sprocket with new 35T (stock) (17.3k miles)
Chain replaced with DID standard roller chain 92 link (17.3k miles)
Rear wheel bearing replaced. (17K miles)
Rear brake pads replaced (17K miles)
Wheel alignment and balance (17K miles)
New front tube and tube strip (17.3K miles)
Clutch cable replaced and re-routed
Clutch adjusted
Greased frame/sway bar
Seat reupholstered (added 1 inch foam)
Refreshed battery cage (sanded off rust, painted with hi-temp enamel spray)
Installed SparckMoto rectifier/regulator (spare ground wire from harness grounded to battery box)
Cleaned grounds
New AGM battery
Replaced 4 cam followers
Cam follower adjustment (0.05mm - .002in)
Points adjusted (0.014 in) and timing set
Cam chain tensioner set
Replaced fuel lines with OEM
Installed dual shutoff valve in fuel transfer line
Replaced all tank mounts
Carb rebuild - new floats, seals, gaskets. Ultrasonic cleaning. Main jets 135 Pilot jets 38. (17.3 K miles)
New intake boots. (17.3 K miles)

Definitely shinier!

 

[redfalken]

Bought my basket case '69 CL350 for $350 about 15 yrs ago and have been polishing it up a little at a time ever since.



https://www.vintagehondatwins.com/forums/index.php?threads/3508

 

[ancientdad]

Bought my basket case '69 CL350 for $350 about 15 yrs ago and have been polishing it up a little at a time ever since.

And it is one beautiful example, love that old school Daytona Orange.

 

[LongDistanceRider]

Bought my basket case '69 CL350 for $350 about 15 yrs ago and have been polishing it up a little at a time ever since.

View attachment 12619 View attachment 12620

Polishing? I've always thought it was a great repaint.

 

[redfalken]

Polishing? I've always thought it was a great repaint.

It did get a fresh base/clear paint job but even that involved LOTS of polishing. I put on a couple extra coats of clear so my amateur abilities could be salvaged with a lot of cut and buff.

But polishing more as a general term for making it look and run better as a rolling restoration and as funds permitted.

And sorry, forgot the link to my build. It's only for the engine. The rest has been so long it would take forever to find all the info and pics.

https://www.vintagehondatwins.com/forums/index.php?threads/3508

 

[if/else]

Finally

 

[LongDistanceRider]

Nice

 

[ballbearian]

Come a long ways. I'd think the riding mower would have to find a different crib. Nice job.

 

[honda_matt]

I love this thread, such a great idea to have a place for folks to catch a quick glimpse of the before/after then have the possible option to dig in to a particular bike project if they want to. Lots of inspiration here. I also appreciate the fact that there are many different approaches to 'fixing up' an old bike....I know some folks do full restos, some do variations of resto-mods, some do a refresh just to get the bikes back on the road...or some take a bike and transform it into something different altogether. It's nice to see it all, without judgement or the arrogance I've seen in some other places where the purists have a conniption if you do anything other than straight up restoration of whatever vehicle is the focus of the group. Great stuff here, looking forward to following.

 

[ALBeix]

Started my 1983 CM450E with this.


Ended up with this


Happy to answer any questions about the issues addressed and processes used.

 

[HerrDeacon]

Nice work ALBeix, really cleaned up nicely! Another one saved from the scrap heap.

 

[ancientdad]

Waking up this thread because I know we have a lot more finished projects here at VHT that need to be represented in the Before and After category.

 

[ballbearian]

Gort! Nictoo Barada!

 

[ausman1000]

Another '71 CB350 back on the road, last registered 38 years ago!

My son put the last touches on it yesterday. We acquired it about 6 months ago in non running condition. It is very original and is now running like a spunky sewing machine! 13K miles and starts with barely a touch of the kickstart.

Before


After


AD Edit: Despite the OP's belief it isn't worth of a before and after, not every bike is in dire need of major work to bring it back to health.

 

[ancientdad]

It looks great. Do you have a picture of it from before you started on it?

 

[ausman1000]

It looks great. Do you have a picture of it from before you started on it?

Yes I do have a before pick somewhere. I will post it when I find it. Bike was in excellent shape when acquired just dusty and not running. A lot of old gasoline that had turned to glue in the bottom of the tank and float bowls. Did the usual safety and tuning stuff, including a honing and rings (though in retrospect it probably didn't need it). During it all my son has learned many new troubleshooting skills and a fair understanding of motorcycle mechanics that he did not have 6 months ago

 

[ancientdad]

During it all my son has learned many new troubleshooting skills and a fair understanding of motorcycle mechanics that he did not have 6 months ago

That's the best part, invaluable skills he'll have for the rest of his life.

 

[RockReef]

Looks like it’s running a tad lean. Takes a lot of heat to blue the headers. They are triple walled in that area.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[ausman1000]

Looks like it’s running a tad lean. Takes a lot of heat to blue the headers. They are triple walled in that area.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The exhausts are not original to this bike. The blued header came off another cycle. Couldn't swap out the header, it is welded onto the exhaust, not a clamp band fitting. Both sides are HM317 so period correct. Any secret tricks to get rid of the blueing?

 

[ausman1000]

Very nice, now for the before/after picture post https://www.vintagehondatwins.com/forums/index.php?threads/4722

It's not worthy of a before and after post. Perhaps it belongs in the "how to dust off your motorcycle" thread. Anyway, here's a couple of pics before it came home six months ago.
Note the after market exhausts.

 

[LongDistanceRider]

Time for the before and after.

I had previously saved a good engine from going to junk that got installed as survivor project and made the bike complete and road worthy

Here it is today with the original engine completely finished, waxed and polished. Going into the One Moto Show in Portland tomorrow.

Yeah, I know. It's a K5 paint color and scheme, I don't care for the K4 pinstripes and colors.
Shot on a typical PNWet day, barely any sun and temporarily no rain.

 

[ancientdad]

Looks great Jim, love the tag

 

[ballbearian]

Is that what is called the Bat-Wing? That really nice bike has enough "proper" in it to impress anyone. Thanks for showing what's possible.

 

[Chippe]

Nothing is more beautiful than a restored bike but my dream is a small bike that I could also ride off road. Update: it will never have a final look but I'm pretty proud and happy with the results. It's my first build, first time bending steel, welding and making a seat.

 

[ballbearian]

Wow, quite a difference, Chippe. I'm always drawn to this basic model. Nice to see one gone from svelte to sleek, especially losing the massive passenger mattress, although my old bones may need a bit more cush for my tush.
Congratulations on new skills acquired and executed.
If it's not the final look, then technically, it's not "after", but sometimes they are never quite done.

 

[Chippe]

Wow, quite a difference, Chippe. I'm always drawn to this basic model. Nice to see one gone from svelte to sleek, especially losing the massive passenger mattress, although my old bones may need a bit more cush for my tush.
Congratulations on new skills acquired and executed.
If it's not the final look, then technically, it's not "after", but sometimes they are never quite done.

Thanks and you're right, it will never be quite done but I'm riding it like this (with fork braze). I wanted knobby tires but couldn't find the right ones. I will always keep doing small changings/upgrades as long as I have the interest. It will probably get a new color every 5th year or so.

 

[ancientdad]

Is that what is called the Bat-Wing? That really nice bike has enough "proper" in it to impress anyone. Thanks for showing what's possible.

I've always called it the "Batman" stripe, no particular reason except the point of the stripe in the middle of the lower part. That was the first thing that came to mind when I saw the new models at the time and I ended up buying one with that stripe while in high school (CL450K4). It grew on me after I had it for a while, it was the 450 I wanted and I took it as they came new.

 

[LongDistanceRider]

Is that what is called the Bat-Wing? That really nice bike has enough "proper" in it to impress anyone. Thanks for showing what's possible.

The bat wing appeared on the '71 K3, the blue tank version in the post. Ed's bike has the stripes on Panther Gold, post 326, https://www.vintagehondatwins.com/forums/showthread.php?2975-The-“Good-Looking”-Build

 

[ballbearian]

The bat wing appeared on the '71 K3, the blue tank version in the post. Ed's bike has the stripes on Panther Gold, post 326, https://www.vintagehondatwins.com/forums/showthread.php?2975-The-“Good-Looking”-Build

I like your K5 scheme choice. Ed's looks good too, maybe the Panther Gold does it. I have a blue/white K5 but it won't come out as nice as yours. Keeping original paint is my excuse. Also like the rear side grab handle. My K5 didn't have one.