Motorcycle RESTOMOD is a relatively recent phenomenon in the world of classic motorcycles. As a counterpoint to a purist restoration, these bikes combine old technology with modern technology to create the best of both worlds, combining classic styling with modern comfort, performance and reliability.
What is Restomod?
Restomod consists of respecting the aesthetics of a classic or vintage vehicle while modifying its technology to improve its performance.
At first glance we will see a totally classic motorcycle, but if we get closer we will appreciate modern wiring, ABS brakes, the latest technology wheels, nitrogen shock absorbers or even an intelligent entertainment system.
In short: the look is maintained and the guts are changed.
How does a restomod differ from a restoration?
A restoration aims to restore the bike to its original condition. To do this, either the standard parts are restored or exact replicas of the original parts are installed.
In a restomod, the aim is to respect the aesthetics of the classic motorcycle while improving its performance. For this purpose, certain components are modified by installing more modern ones.
But why? We love old motorcycles!
I don’t deny you. I love old motorcycles, but…
- I love it when my bike brakes when the car in front of me brakes.
- I prefer to keep my grips warm in winter.
- I hate continuous punctures.
- I don’t like my bike to look like a tartan when I hit a pothole.
- I don’t need to have a gym forearm because my clutch is harder than a rock.
Shall I go on?
As you can see, this restomod thing has its advantages.
New or reconditioned parts?
We all know that when we get deep into a motorcycle restoration, we replace many of the parts with new ones.
There are companies that specialize in the manufacture of parts for classic motorcycles that are no longer in production.
However, the restomod goes one step further: it is not about replicating a deteriorated old part. It is about designing a new part, with modern components, to improve the function of the original part.
What components are usually modified in a motorcycle restomod?
We can start from a list of the parts of a motorcycle and change them one by one (we love motorcycle mechanics not for nothing), however, in a motorcycle restomod we usually focus on the following components:
- Disc brakes and ABS. Like a new transmission, a new set of brakes offers numerous minor improvements overshadowed by one major advantage: the overall increased safety of your bike compared to a drum brake.
- Suspension. A new suspension, both rear and front, greatly improves ride comfort, but more importantly improves road holding and safety.
- Entertainment. Multimedia players, GPS navigators, USB sockets, … Who wouldn’t like them?
- Wheels and tires. Undoubtedly one of the most common reforms in the restomod of motorcycles is to change to wider rims that allow mounting modern high performance tires.
- Change from carburetion to injection. We have all experienced what it is like to start a classic motorcycle in winter. The injection system undeniably improves the performance of a motorcycle over a carbureted one, no matter how well it is carbureted.
- Transmissions. The most modern transmissions shift more smoothly and have more gears, but their greatest advantage is the overdrive gears. They make it possible to reduce engine speed on the highway, which improves fuel economy and reduces noise and engine wear.
