Classic Motorcycle Build

Motorcycle How-To Tech Articles

The following articles were written for the mechanically inclined person who owns or has access to a fair amount of tools, has some mechanical background, and is willing to learn new skills.

Although there are numerous ways to approach any given problem, we have found these methods to be practical, reliable, and economical, while still providing a quality outcome.

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Cylinder Boring and Honing

For the DIYer, boring motorcycle cylinders with a $200 hand-held tool will take much longer than a $5,000 shop machine can do it in. But, whether cylinder boring is done in your home garage or at a machine shop, the results will be as good as the operator.

motorcycle tools

Read: DIY Motorcycle Cylinder Boring

Read: DIY Motorcycle Cylinder Honing

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Cylinder Heads

If you need valve guides, aftermarket ones are available for most classic bikes. Worn guides are usually pressed out and new ones pressed in.

DIY replace valve guides

Read: Remove Valve Guides

Read: Install Valve Guides

three angle valve job

Read: How To Lap Valves

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Repair Stripped Threads In Aluminum

There's not too many 40 year-old aluminum engine cases that don't have a stripped thread or two.

repair stripped threads in aluminum

Read: Repair Stripped Threads In Aluminum

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Aluminum Polishing

Polishing aluminum engine parts can be done by hand, but a buffing wheel is much faster.

how to polish aluminum valve covers

Read: How To Polish Aluminum Engine Parts

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Motorcycle Carb Rebuild

best carb for Ironhead
Bendix Carburetor Rebuild
Linkert carb on Harley 45 flathead
Linkert DC Carburetor Rebuild
Super B rebuild
Tuning The S&S Super B

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CAUTION

If you work on your motorcycle's engine and are unsuccessful, your bike doesn't run. If you work on your motorcycle's brakes and are unsuccessful, your bike doesn't stop.

Working on brake systems is not something to be taken lightly.

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Rebuild Brake Caliper

We all know that one front caliper with one big rotor will out-brake two front calipers with two small rotors. But back in the seventies, they were the best brakes Harley had, and they sure looked cool.

Harley dual disc brake overhaul

Read: Rebuild Harley Dual Calipers

This article explains how to rebuild 1977 through 1983 Harley dual front calipers.

To rebuild 1973 through 1977 Harley single front calipers click here.

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Rebuild Brake Master Cylinder

A master cylinder rebuild will involve removing, disassembling, cleaning, and reassembling with new seals.

rebuild motorcycle brake master cylinder

Read: Rebuild Harley Master Cylinder

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Remove Stuck Brake Piston

When a motorcycle sits for a long time, all kinds of bad things can happen.

stuck brake piston removal

Read: Remove Stuck Brake Piston

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For those of you with some welding skills:

Motorcycle Engine Stand

This article shows how to build a Harley Big-Twin/Flathead engine stand.

DIY motorcycle engine stand

Read: DIY Harley Engine Stand

Flywheel Truing Stand

A truing stand is a nice luxury, but homemade units work just as well.

DIY flywheel truing stand

Read: DIY Flywheel Truing Stand

Repair Cracked Engine Cases

Aluminum engine cases can be repaired and made as good as new, provided the repair was done right.

Repair old motorcycle engine

Read: Repair Cracked Cases

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Related Articles:

Best Engine Assembly Lube
Best Digital Caliper For Engine Building