Starting a different thread here while rebuilding the '68 DT1 (that thread is in the restoration section). The rig I am working on was a rolling, seized up stripper. Most of the hard-to-find parts had been taken off (fortunately the meters, even with smashed glass on the speedo were set aside). I've been collecting NOS and used bits for it as I wanted to bring it back as much as I could to "original" (and that word means a lot of different things to different people, I know). In my head I have a vision of a nice, new-looking "68 DT1.

As I am starting to rebuild and will be starting to refinish things, I am wondering about how to go about that. I have both painted and had parts painted. Had frames powder coated, and painted them myself (with good results). But as this is what it is , kind of a collectable bike, I don't want to refinish "incorrectly". I will most likely have the pearl white done professionally, as I do not have a good spray setup now, and have budgeted for that. I could do the black and silver parts myself with good rattle can paint, but should I? There is apparently no good rattle can equivalent of the pearl white.

Also, I am wondering about doing internal "upgrades" that would be invisible without taking covers off. For something like this bike, is that 'verboten'? I have a friend who thinks nothing of making improvements to older bikes as he feels the increased performance and reliability far outweigh any negative comments regarding "originality". I have another who thinks that if the bike came with square wheels, then that is what it is supposed to have (yes, we do kid him..... a lot).

Currently the mag assembly that was on the bike is unusable; a later year mag and corresponding crankshaft assembly have been procured. Installation of them would never be seen once the covers are on. Taper rollers in the neck cannot be seen from the outside, etc. Progressive springs cannot be seen. Does doing these kinds of changes make the bike worth less?

Thoughts??

I guess it all boils down to what your objective is with the bike. If you just want to ride it and enjoy it, doesn’t really matter how “correct” it is. If you want a full restoration to OEM specs, you’ll dump a ton of money into it. If after the restoration you’re going to keep it, then that’s ok. If you want to flip the bike after it’s fixed up, then you need to watch your budget. I think the difference in value of these bikes for a perfect restoration vs “looks and runs good” restoration is not so large.

I’ve ventured into the restoration game in cars before and as I mentioned before it gets quite costly to make them showroom perfect. Personally I’m at a point where I like it to run close to 100% and will settle on a 7/10 for looks. On these bikes anyway. If it's too nice I won’t want to ride it.

NH Steve, I built what I had to build with. We have a separate topic somewhere on 68 DT1s where I listed everything that is wrong with mine. I like the way mine looks and I can ride it.

Appreciate your response. I agree with the functionality aspect. When I re-did the 360A I started out wanting to make it as original as possible, and started out with that bike being really rough as well, and it did cost a lot. Eventually I just said to myself it was my hobby, and "the heart wants what the heart wants". That is probably what will happen with this one. I'm really not good at keeping things under budget, once I get into them (my wife can tell you a lot about this................... )

The pic is of the 360A in it's current state.

I agree- I need to be able to ride it when I'm finished. I'll look for that thread. Thanks RTD2!

Im not sure why unless your going to travel to bike show competitions why you would ever go thru the effort to make one of these showroom perfect. Only the people that are into these bikes know what you went thru to get it to that condition appreciate it, and the others just pass it by. And even to go crazy and make it perfect stock for the most part because they had lousy suspension and quirky motors and handled poorly and they vibrated a lot. Make it durable and ride it. Young guys look at these thing and think we are crazy riding around on that jalopy. You had to ride these when they were state of the art to appreciate them now. Dealers couldn't give these away nowadays if they were brand new and EPA legal.

We've all seen "unoriginal" bikes sell for crazy prices...

I would say anything internal like the crank/ignition would not affect the value one cent. That's obviously a reliability upgrade Yamaha did.

Most important are external cosmetics. I personally don't like the "over restored" bikes that fetch $$$$ where everything is powdercoated, polished, and re-chromed to a show quality finish well above the way they were delivered new.

To me, I like patina...

That said, with a rough bike to start with I'd do what you can within budget to get it as close to original... if you don't have the two-bolt taillight or other rare features, who cares? There's still a lot of people that would love to have a nice looking 68 even if every little detail isn't perfect.

First and foremost always remember your one of the luck few to have a ‘68. As I’m sure you already know, there are many ‘68 only parts several of which were changed within the model year. I was lucky to find one that still had most of the hard to find (expensive) ‘68 only bits and I’ve spent the past few years acquiring the missing pieces without paying a fortune.

On the topic of restoration, I like Mark T do not like over restored show only bikes. I personally prefer the look of original factory finishes and then ride them as they were intended. That said, I have no issue with upgrading internals which do not change the appearance of the bike, Suspension internals, modern porting and carb work, ignition and electrical updates, etc.

Start by asking yourself what you want at the end and build to this goal. If that includes using some non ‘68 bits so be it. You can always keep an eye out for the missing items while your enjoying the bike...

My Dad on his, circa 1970



My current unrestored ‘68

And I like "period" modifications like fork braces, fenders, heads, exhaust, chain tensioners, levers, grips, etc. What I put together I want to ride, and it ends up dirty, dusty, and scratched.

But I do very much admire the ones that look better than new, and thank you all for sharing pictures of your machines whatever the condition. Some of us have the time, money, and OCD (JK:ROFLOL ) to make a really beautiful machine. Nothing like a shiny toy!

It’s Not