original or not?

Hi all
I have a 1977 kz1000 ltd. that has 17000 miles on it and was thinking of cleaning it up. It as a couple of chips on the tank and a few scratches here and there on the frame. Other than that it just needs to be cleaned. I was wondering how many changes, if any: ie braded brake lines, headlight, etc. that could be changed without loosing it's original state. I don't know if I'll sell it or keep it and would like to keep it's value up.
Please let me know what you think.
Barry Conroy

Post edited by: Secondtime, at: 2006/11/30 12:04

Putting up some pics of it would help.

Almost without exception, a bike is NEVER worth more than in its original state. Orioginal paint - even inclusive of minor flaws like scratches, dings and whatnot - dependent upon how minor the flaws in fact are - is more valuable than a half-baked repaint.

Swapping in new components for saftety or appearance's sake does not require you to toss anything in a dumpster. You can always upgrade the brake lines, headlight, whatever you wish - and keep the originals around up in the rafters for that "some day" - if it comes.

Good advice from Pterosaur. Certain upgrades may not detract from the value but they also may not increase it. Pterosaur alluded to some of these but they may also include going to an electronic ignition, new shocks, fork springs, upgraded suspension bearings, etc. When you start changing exhaust systems, carburetion, wheels, forks, paint schemes is where you may start negatively impacting the longer term value of your bike.

For those purists in the audience, any change from original and the bike can theoretically be considered non-stock. If you are restoring the bike, then this should be considered.

Mcdroid wrote:

Good advice from Pterosaur.

Yes, that the way. I will do it also by my bike. I will install a 2nd Break, Steel-Flex, but I will not change other parts. A "old bike" will have patina, so you must not change everything new.
A comlete makeover yes, if you like it, but every time the possiblity to change it back.
BAD ENGLISH...yes, but you will understand.

Zinamia
Germany

Zinamia wrote:

Mcdroid wrote:

Good advice from Pterosaur.

Yes, that the way. I will do it also by my bike. I will install a 2nd Break, Steel-Flex, but I will not change other parts. A "old bike" will have patina, so you must not change everything new.
A comlete makeover yes, if you like it, but every time the possiblity to change it back.
BAD ENGLISH...yes, but you will understand.

Zinamia
Germany

Ihr Englisch ist gut. Ihre Ideen sind besser! :laugh:

I think that restoring a bike can be a fun project, but it should end up the way YOU like it. If you're in the restoration business, and you buy up old bikes, restore them, and sell them for profit, then you're in a different league, and there is probably a market for such bikes.
A restoration should zero the clock, as much as time and money will allow. Lots of parts will clean up to like new, and others can be painted to look showroom fresh. Seems like it's hard to get your money back, especially if you consider your time worth something. Body paint's a tough call because keeping the original paint is best, if you can live with the look of a 30 yr old paint job. But fresh paint - if done right - will make your bike young again.

Pterosaur wrote:

[
Ihr Englisch ist gut. Ihre Ideen sind besser! :laugh:

Thanks for compliments , but the idea/trend of this thread, that yours. I have a only reapeted with my words. :kiss:
is your german so good, or is your translater better?

Zinamia wrote:

..is your german so good, or is your translater better?

Mein Deutsch ist gerecht - mein Ungar ist besser -Übersetzer bist best!

ICH Verwendung Übersetzer zu vergewissern mein Bedeutung ist zusammenklappen Deutsch ist mißlich zu Englisch Sprecherinnen!

For non Deutsch Sprecherinnen:

My German is fair - my Hungarian is better - but translators are best!

I use translators to make sure my meaning is close - German is difficult to English speakers!

Post edited by: Pterosaur, at: 2006/11/30 15:13

:silly:

Post edited by: tganek, at: 2006/11/30 15:45

Thanks Fellas
I like that idea of upgrading and keeping the original parts on hand.
I will keep the original paint job for the time when....
I have a

theyre worth more origional?:blink: :S :dry: :huh: :blush: :ohmy: oh boy,now ya tell me!

Well, the same concept applies to painted parts - nothing says you can't pick up another gas tank, covers and tail and paint or have them painted any scheme you'd like - it's merely a parts-swap...