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Before and After - show the results of your hard work
- Thread starter ancientdad
- Start date
Grumpybugger
Veteran Member
Been looking forward to posting here……kinda like graduation day. It’s not 100% yet, but I did ride it today. Still fine tuning to finish up, but overall I’m pretty tickled. I wanted survivor, not show queen.
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911scmedic
New Member
My new member post - first photo
Went through entire bike for my future son-in-law, to get him interested in motorcycling. Bike was a gift and he had no real skills or time and distance to work on it. It was an enjoyable project for me and I happily put my heart and soul into making it right and safe!
Went through entire bike for my future son-in-law, to get him interested in motorcycling. Bike was a gift and he had no real skills or time and distance to work on it. It was an enjoyable project for me and I happily put my heart and soul into making it right and safe!
911scmedic
New Member
Two years later this is where I am at...But now the project is mine, as my future son-in-law was not the person we thought he was. He mutually agreed to give the bike back (was in my garage).
So, now added to my toy box. Going to keep bringing it back! Exhaust next and use the bike for running around town, old school style!
Gotten a few "things" completed on the bike. Tracked down a stock exhaust, still had some missing parts so hunting for missing pieces. Had to get rear mount re-welded on left exhaust for heat shield. That involved buying another left tube and cutting off one of the salvageable mounts.
Locating all the different supports
Then 41 mm split collars for the flanges. Second project (in this photo) was getting the center stand mounted. Makes working on the bike a bit easier! Need to paint side stand silver now...
Stock exhaust makes it look way better!
So, now added to my toy box. Going to keep bringing it back! Exhaust next and use the bike for running around town, old school style!
Gotten a few "things" completed on the bike. Tracked down a stock exhaust, still had some missing parts so hunting for missing pieces. Had to get rear mount re-welded on left exhaust for heat shield. That involved buying another left tube and cutting off one of the salvageable mounts.
Locating all the different supports
Then 41 mm split collars for the flanges. Second project (in this photo) was getting the center stand mounted. Makes working on the bike a bit easier! Need to paint side stand silver now...Stock exhaust makes it look way better!
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2wheel
Veteran Member
I don’t think I posted in this thread with my 76 CB200. Pic of the day I bought it and present state. I didn’t have to do a lot to it other than maintenance and a good cleaning, and a new set of tires. Had it out for a short 5 mile ride on Sunday. Rode the Dream a bit further. 
ausman1000
Veteran Member
What style exhaust do you have your eyes on?
lundy341
Well-known Member
I started the project back in December of 2024 and am just finishing up the final touches. It has been an exciting, frustrating, and rewarding journey and I am so thankful for all the help I have received from this forum! 300 some hours later and this is the result of my restomod CB450K6 (I will get some better pictures once she is fully on the road).
Before:
After:
Before:
After:
JustinF25
Veteran Member
Is that the stock front fender, just cut down? I’d like to do similar to mine, inorder to have the fork brace. But need to make sure it’ll fit over the slightly larger front tire I run. Your bike looks great!
lundy341
Well-known Member
Yes, it is the stock fender but cut down! I cut a section out of each side of the fender and welded the original ends back on. This way I was able to maintain the lip around the edge of the fender and the hole for speedo cable grommet. I did the same thing for the rear fender too.
Tracks450
Veteran Member
Vintage Twin ..... But not a Honda.
1967 Kawasaki Samurai A1 250 - Last winters project.
Short video of the process.
1967 Kawasaki A1 Samurai Restoration
1967 Kawasaki Samurai A1 250 - Last winters project.
Short video of the process.
1967 Kawasaki A1 Samurai Restoration
RobMan
Veteran Member
Really enjoyed the video and seeing all the hard work you did and personally I think it’s worthy of a ribbon at the show.
I enjoyed your video. Nice job bringing it back to life. Very creative in the fabrication of NLA parts.
Those bikes have a special place in one of our members hearts and he owns about a dozen variations and all those years. All highly restored now too, so I commend your work that you have done here. He has built his own rubber molds for various NLA rubber bits and fittings for these bikes too.
If your ever in need or parts or rubber bits Don may have a part available and he is in Newmarket, so north GTA area of Ont.
If your ever in need or parts or rubber bits Don may have a part available and he is in Newmarket, so north GTA area of Ont.
911scmedic
New Member
Of course - but unless you're the author of the original post, one might not realize (as I did not, I'm pretty busy around here) that you had previously posted a before and after pair above. Kinda kills the before and after vibe when the pics are separated. Now your original post is updated with all 3 pictures and text.Post #254 above
Should we not update here?
And you should be able to edit your own posts too, and if you can't all you have to do is ask for help. We get things done here, I'm not an absentee admin.
Tracks450
Veteran Member
Then you should watch this one that is more site appropriate....
Honda 450 Hellcat
or any of the other ones I've done in the last 5 years.
Doug's Restorations
mhenj
Member
Before and after of my '73 CL350. To say this bike was a basketcase would be an understatement, been working on it since February 2024 and have only just been able to ride it around. It's been tough but I've loved every second of working on it. It's my first bike and my first rebuild. Could use a little cleaning and polishing but I love it
ballbearian
Veteran Member
Blue bandana bandito with hot taco delivery bag. Seriously though, well done journey and glad you're enjoying it.
I had watched that video before, this is where I got the info for the candy red paint codes - thanks for that! I now have the link to your other restorations bookmarked which I will watch.
2BrokeBikes
Veteran Member
Bought this runner in Colorado last year. Went and picked it up earlier this year and spent the last 4 or 5 months making it rideable. Funny, the before and after shots don't look too much different, but I swear I put a lot of work into this project. The only think I didn't take apart, repair, clean, lube, and/or replace is the bottom end.
Fifty5
Veteran Member
Every time I see a posting on this thread I think I should share my immense talents with the group.
Before, I had a beautiful, brand-new CB400F. This isn't really my bike, but it is close enough.
I rode about 10 days and got it through the break-in period. Time to show off my expertise at doing 3rd gear wheelies.
Here is the after picture. Broken frame. Totaled. I spent 4 days in the hospital. See, I told you I had really great before and after talents.
Before, I had a beautiful, brand-new CB400F. This isn't really my bike, but it is close enough.
I rode about 10 days and got it through the break-in period. Time to show off my expertise at doing 3rd gear wheelies.
Here is the after picture. Broken frame. Totaled. I spent 4 days in the hospital. See, I told you I had really great before and after talents.
Bobs 883
Veteran Member
This is my 1981 CB400T, I was given this bike after it had sat for 37 years. It was covered with grey overspray and the engine cases had seen better days. The carbs, with the generous help of LDR now work perfectly! Thanks again guys!
Bob
stl360+450
Veteran Member
I am finally ready to transition my 1971 CB350K3 project to the after status, although it is far from perfect and will continue to be improved going forward. This project arose through friends whose father/father-in-law had stored a bike away in a shed around 1980 without ever having it titled or running. I picked it up in 2022 and the picture below was taken as I was packing it into my VW Golf for the trip home.
It soon became apparent that another frame and motor would not hurt, so I picked what appeared to be the best CB350K3 out at the local salvage yard, Archway International Motorcycle Salvage (AIMS). I ended up acquiring a salvage title with this frame from AIMS and managed to convert that to prior salvage status after having the frame professionally straightened.
It took a few summers to get the bike roadworthy, with more or less an entire year lost to a troublesome oil leak that turned out to be caused by a casting defect in one of the cylinder block tunnels. I took a couple of pictures of the bike this afternoon at a quiet spot a couple of miles from my house.
It's amazing how much things can change in four years. The previous owner passed away in 2024 around the same time that the owner of the salvage yard retired and sold off his property, including all of the bikes and parts inside. Last year the owner of my go-to cycle shop retired without finding anyone to take over his business. He did all of the machine work for this bike as well as the powder coat on various parts of the frame.
I like this before and after thread for many reasons, but one is that it makes it possible to thank the community for all of the help along the way, whether it involved parts, advice, encouragement, etc. Thanks to all who followed along and offered advice and help. Anyone interested in all of the forward/backward progress can find the project thread here — there is a modest index included in the first post.
It soon became apparent that another frame and motor would not hurt, so I picked what appeared to be the best CB350K3 out at the local salvage yard, Archway International Motorcycle Salvage (AIMS). I ended up acquiring a salvage title with this frame from AIMS and managed to convert that to prior salvage status after having the frame professionally straightened.
It took a few summers to get the bike roadworthy, with more or less an entire year lost to a troublesome oil leak that turned out to be caused by a casting defect in one of the cylinder block tunnels. I took a couple of pictures of the bike this afternoon at a quiet spot a couple of miles from my house.
It's amazing how much things can change in four years. The previous owner passed away in 2024 around the same time that the owner of the salvage yard retired and sold off his property, including all of the bikes and parts inside. Last year the owner of my go-to cycle shop retired without finding anyone to take over his business. He did all of the machine work for this bike as well as the powder coat on various parts of the frame.
I like this before and after thread for many reasons, but one is that it makes it possible to thank the community for all of the help along the way, whether it involved parts, advice, encouragement, etc. Thanks to all who followed along and offered advice and help. Anyone interested in all of the forward/backward progress can find the project thread here — there is a modest index included in the first post.
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1973gts
Veteran Member
Very nice, you wouldn't have a picture of it in the Golf would you, be interesting to see how you got it in there!
Turned out nice and I really like the paint job and matching fenders.
stl360+450
Veteran Member
This is the closest I can come to that — hopefully my friend on the right will not mind me sharing the picture. The back seat folds down and everything fit there after disassembly. My only regret is that the motor had oil in it and no stator cover. Live and learn.
This is a picture of my CB360G packed for the trip from Georgia to St. Louis in my former VW Jetta. I had to use the front seat that time — and my bowling ball is in there, too.
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Spokes
Veteran Member
Bought this 72 CL 450 for $50 and it had been sitting in the middle of a scrap field for several years, previous owner didn't even know what it was. Boy did I not know what I was getting into and after 3 years of on and off work and several parts bikes later. The bike runs decent and looks good going down the road at 35mph from 50 feet away.
I will make a full list of pictures and descriptions of what all has been done but for a quick rundown.
Top end rebuild with a .100 over bore
CB500t Front disc brake swapped on
Electronic ignition conversion
low rise handlebars
Plenty of other restoration work that I can detail in a progress post
Sharing the current "its done state", since it's riding season and the next set of parts are taking some time to get done. well since I am riding the bike instead of wrenching...
Bought this 1981 CB400N, looks nice at a distance since it was painted black to sell. It had been unregistered for 9 years at the point I bought it, sat in a barn all that time.
I was almost not allowed to buy the bike because when my dad rode it, it was low on power. Just about when he was going to turn down the dirt road to the farm, the bike looked like the engine just died, diving the fornt suspension. Then it kicked back into life. This time with both cylinders firing, squatting the rear suspension, just about pulling a wheelie.
It was at that moment I was allowed to buy this magnificent machine.
We stripped the bike to paint the frame, the rear swingarm is the only part that would keep it form being registered again, they would properly let it slide but, but it looked bad, and my dad offered his help.
we did a compleate dissasembly, cleaned every bolt, nook and cranny. Painted parts and put the bike back together, the sundamaged plastic parts were reused to keep aged look of the bike. I only polished the aluminum that most people at the time did, top cover top of the carbs and so on, but skipped the hard to reach places, to keep the stockish look.
We got it back to stock for me to learn to ride on the street, this is my first street legal bike.
The starter motor needed a sleave since the motor was badley pitted around the tube. I cleaned it up and used polyurethane sealent (sikaflex) to wrap a can around it to stop further eroation of the metal. Its always fun when I get pulled for bomb inspection training at work since they slide mirrors under the vehicle, it's always a conversation starter.
we thought the can would loose its color and turn blanc, after 7 years that has yet to happen.
We have had to do some supporting modification on the rear sprocket carrier, it was becomming expensive to buy a new rim everytime it ripped out the C-clips groove, so we made a bolt-on bearing support and spacer. pretty sure the frame will bend before the carrier breakes off now.
Its got an ajustable ace handelbars.
Aluminum side covers, because I am tired of repairing the plastic ones.
changed the exhaust to a short magaphone with some supporting modifications.
modern coil pack, the old one was breaking up at high rpm.
New 1/2 inch nissin retro front breake master
Bought this 1981 CB400N, looks nice at a distance since it was painted black to sell. It had been unregistered for 9 years at the point I bought it, sat in a barn all that time.
I was almost not allowed to buy the bike because when my dad rode it, it was low on power. Just about when he was going to turn down the dirt road to the farm, the bike looked like the engine just died, diving the fornt suspension. Then it kicked back into life. This time with both cylinders firing, squatting the rear suspension, just about pulling a wheelie.
It was at that moment I was allowed to buy this magnificent machine.
We stripped the bike to paint the frame, the rear swingarm is the only part that would keep it form being registered again, they would properly let it slide but, but it looked bad, and my dad offered his help.
we did a compleate dissasembly, cleaned every bolt, nook and cranny. Painted parts and put the bike back together, the sundamaged plastic parts were reused to keep aged look of the bike. I only polished the aluminum that most people at the time did, top cover top of the carbs and so on, but skipped the hard to reach places, to keep the stockish look.
We got it back to stock for me to learn to ride on the street, this is my first street legal bike.
The starter motor needed a sleave since the motor was badley pitted around the tube. I cleaned it up and used polyurethane sealent (sikaflex) to wrap a can around it to stop further eroation of the metal. Its always fun when I get pulled for bomb inspection training at work since they slide mirrors under the vehicle, it's always a conversation starter.
we thought the can would loose its color and turn blanc, after 7 years that has yet to happen.
We have had to do some supporting modification on the rear sprocket carrier, it was becomming expensive to buy a new rim everytime it ripped out the C-clips groove, so we made a bolt-on bearing support and spacer. pretty sure the frame will bend before the carrier breakes off now.
Its got an ajustable ace handelbars.
Aluminum side covers, because I am tired of repairing the plastic ones.
changed the exhaust to a short magaphone with some supporting modifications.
modern coil pack, the old one was breaking up at high rpm.
New 1/2 inch nissin retro front breake master
Spokes
Veteran Member
TopHat9000
Member
1973 CL350 before and after. There are a few little cosmetic nickels and dimes to address but it's a beauty as is and runs better than I would imagine. The bike is shining like a new dime. Big, big BIG thanks to ericfreeman on this site who saw my post for tank and side cover painting and reached out. We had a great conversation over the phone he agreed to do the work and I couldn't be happier. Zoom in close on the tank under the Honda emblem on the "after" picture and you can even see my reflection squatting about 6 feet away! Amazing.
Here's the before:
...and here's the after shot (lots of shining, new grips, new headlamp, new tach/speedo decals, welding work on the pipes, new seat cover, blinkers installed, new cables, rear grab rail install, new rubber for all the footpegs, removed air filter pods and installed new filters ad new (to me) filter housing), and lots more little things. Big thanks also to eBay and my local Ace hardware store.
Here's the before:
...and here's the after shot (lots of shining, new grips, new headlamp, new tach/speedo decals, welding work on the pipes, new seat cover, blinkers installed, new cables, rear grab rail install, new rubber for all the footpegs, removed air filter pods and installed new filters ad new (to me) filter housing), and lots more little things. Big thanks also to eBay and my local Ace hardware store.
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Congrats on the finished product, nice work and very nice paint from Eric. Beauty!
Fifty5
Veteran Member
Beautiful!!!
stl360+450
Veteran Member
Two 1973 CL350s in a row! One back to stock and one from a worn down survivor to the track. Both very nice in the end!
Mydlyfkryzis
Supporting Member
I usually don't like cafe/racer conversions, as many people actually reduce the capability of the bike with a lot of the mods. You did it right though. Appropriate fenders, fork brace, lots of good details. I can't handle clip-ons (Back issues), but if I could, that is one really fine bike.