"If you want to make a small fortune in the motorcycle restoration business, the key is to start out with a large fortune." wise Japanese Collector

I am often asked the question about the level of difficulty and availability of parts to restore a bike back to showroom condition. My advice has always been, buy it in the condition that you want it, because you will likely not have the capability or finances to even consider completing it yourself.

My advice was confirmed this week by my good friend Ellis Homan. Ellis a prominent VJMC member, acknowledged Honda guru, and a master at mechanical and physical restoration of motorcycles. This guy really knows his stuff and he is not prone to exaggeration.

His most recent restoration was for a Japanese Domestic Model that never made it to the United States--a CL 90. One has to look closely to see the difference. You can see the final product is a beautiful work of art.

Ellis said that he has kept a general track on the costs of prior restorations, but this time he kept meticulous records of his expenses. I have included it below for your education. While one could claim that this is a more costly restoration than normal because the bike is so rare, Ellis informs me that 97% of the parts of this restoration came directly out of a CL 100 parts catalog, and the other 3% had very comparable prices to the CL 100 parts catalog. His personal labor in building the bike is not even included in these figures.

I need to warn you; brace yourself before you look at the bottom line!

Ellis Homan

As Purchased

Japanese Domestic Marketed Honda CL 90
Description Cost
Initial cost of bike $500.00
Total Retail for all Hardware  $307.36
Total for powder coating $355.00
Total Retail for all Honda Parts $5,526.43
Total for Painter  $600.00
Total for Paint  $151.20
Total for shop services $280.00
Total for Plater $205.00
Total Labor $500.00
Total for all Parts and Hardware $8424.99


AS A POSTSCRIPT--THIS BIKE IS NOW SITTING IN MY GARAGE, THANKS ELLIS!