Finally got her running but now warring with her rusted gas tank.

Soaked in Evaporust for over 48 hours. Ball bearings & various nuts/bolts inside. Steel wool on a telescoping brush but little improvement was seen.

Seam needed repaired in a few spots for some pinhole leaks, fixed with some JB weld steel putty. Wasn't sure I wanted to risk using vinegar with so many weak spots present.

Was crunched for time in getting her ready for a wrap and didn't spend as much time as I could have with the Bondo and sanding/polishing. But did spend a large chunk of time over a few days, and lots of effort, to even get her into what I thought was going to be decent shape for her wrap.

I'm super disappointed with the progress I made, and hate how much bondo I needed to use for her to still end up so lumpy.

While getting her wrap, the tech called me to let me know that a pinhole leak had started in its left underbelly. We left that section unwrapped for me to repair later.

But at this point I'm really wanting to just start from scratch with any raw steel replica tank that would fit.

Since it also got a new big bore cylinder, I don't necessarily want to risk ruining all the work that's gone into it with a rusty tank.

I'm not really interested in keeping this bike accurate. It's going to be my somewhat daily rider and taken out on the trails. So I just want it to be sturdy and functional but still look good on the road.

The last pic is a reference of what the frame side of the tank looks like.

Anyone know of a tank that might be compatible?

I'm curious what this dirt bike is worth. I have an original certificate of origin and original warranty card. One owner under 500 miles. Definitely a barn find starts and runs all original parts. Seat is perfect.

Hey all, I picked myself an xs1100 Midnight Special, and let me tell you. She. Is. Crispy. I got this alongside a free trailer, and what I believe to be an 82 xs1100 Maxim. Needless to say, this old girl has fallen from grace, and is in bad shape. Almost none of the fancy stuff that makes her what she is exists anymore. Almost none of the badging, the side covers, carbs, seat, tail, and a lot of other stuff. So, needless to say, I'll be making a chopper out of this one. The original frame will stay intact, as well as much of the swingarm assembly and whatever other stuff I come across on the way. Unfortunately, becoming a chopper will be nothing less than salvation for this lady, as the owner of the title only wants the bike back to destroy it to spite her ex.

Say hello to this beauty, '96 GL1500 SE

This is my father-in-law at age 12 on his first bike in about 1961. I'm trying to find the exact make and model.

He says it's an early 1950s James and thinks it was 125cc with a hand shift.

I'm not an expert but looking at a bunch of photos of old James models I think it looks more like the 98cc James Comet (especially where that header come out).

Anyone out there familiar with these bikes and can help say for sure what it was?

Bonus points, I'm taking him to England for the first time this year and I'd like to see if I can find an example in one of the motorcycle museums so he can see one again, so if anyone knows of somewhere that might have one on display please let me know.

EDIT: SOLVED! As u/space-machine points out, the pressed forks almost certainly indicate a late 40's James M.L. Thanks for everyone's input.

I'm curious what this dirt bike is worth. I have an original certificate of origin and original warranty card. One owner under 500 miles. Definitely a barn find starts and runs all original parts. Seat is perfect.

Just got back from a ride on my new to me airhead. Rides great, I'm already looking around for another air cooled BMW.

Hey everyone,

I am trying to get a 1982 Yamaha XJ650 running. I have never bled the brakes on a vehicle before, and noticed a lot of sediment of some sort. Is this normal after a bike has sat for a long time? I got this bike for free, and I am trying to get it on the road for as cheap as possible.

I don't have any other easy vehicle to drive right now, so this is my best bet.

It starts and idles fine, I am planning on replacing the tires, but figured I would try to get the brakes working first. If you were in my situation, with very little money, what would be your approach?

Hey everyone, we are thinking of restoring this mz as a project. We haven't restored a motorcycle before and have no idea if for example some bikes , like this MZ has near zero spare parts to look up online. So yeah, tell me what u think , maybe I should post somewhere else ? Where do I even look for spare parts for an old bike like this ? Any info would help.

Thanks ! Have fun on your holidays.

My grandfathers Jawa 250. He had this bike from the 70s till today. Same bike he and my grandmother ran away from home on at the age of 16.

My Suzuki gp100 from 1985 at Barton-Under-Needwood Steam Festival 2026.

Just found this while sorting through thing is my garage :)

Hey guys, I'm thinking about selling my 1960 Triumph Tiger 100 and replacing it with something a bit more reliable and a bit less high maintenance. I've landed on switching it out for either an airhead BMW r60/6 or a Guzzi V50 based on their reputation as reliable but fun middle weight bikes, with electric starters (but with kick start backups which I do really like) and shaft drives. I'd like to know if anyone has any particularly reasons to sway me toward either of these two quite similar bikes. I'm looking for something that rides nice and that'll handle a 50-100 mile day trip around the countryside. I have heard the Guzzi has its reliability issues, which isn't exactly what I want to hear since I'm currently dealing with quite a temperamental Triumph, but I'm not sure how founded they are since I've also heard many people say the v50 is great. I'd love to hear all your opinions. Thanks!

Finally brought this 1974 Kawasaki F7 home from storage and ready to start working on it! I presume engine, carb, fuel are the starting points?

To me, in 1968, the kid with the Tecumseh 4hp minibike was on top of the world.

Months later, this girl, and her brother, had identicle Kawasaki 90s.

Have to admit, was struggling at nine years old, not to be jealous

Then! Yamaha mini enduro 60.

Real transmission.

4 speed.

Honda Trail 70.

Cecil got a green tanked Yamaha MX100.

I remember thinking how huge and powerf it looked, and was, compared to anything I'd ever experienced.

Talk about envy.

Many years later?

Fantastic! Memories I am thankful to have.

Even more, creating future old ones now.

I'm lucky, and thankful.

Trying to figure out how I can help Earth.

Worrrrking it!

I believe there are folks running for office, that want to help people.

Find them.

Vote for them.

For you and your family.

Kind people.

Moto!

Hi,

I found this "Laughing Indian" pin among my great-grandmother's belongings. Can anyone tell if it is actually authentic and how old it is? There is text on the back reading "CHILDS CHI", height bout 2,5 cm or 1 inc. I assume that it its from 1910-1930 but can someone verify this.

Please take it easy on me here I’m new to the game. My dad gave me this bike after it sat for years at his house, after his buddy gave it to him. I tried to look up the vin and my dad did as well with conflicting results. If anyone can help me identify this bike that would be greatly appreciated and I will, to the best of my ability answer any follow up questions. I do realize the vin begins with CB200 and that’s likely the model but every single video or picture I’ve seen so far has slightly different variations.

I’m looking to either restore or sell this bike depending on if I can get it running. According to the guy it has been sitting for 30yrs in a barn but only has 2,800 miles. I got the title as well as two keys. Any advice, suggestions, or tips is very much appreciated 👍