Tom's Cycle Recycling

After being off the radar for the last couple of months recouping from shoulder surgery, I'm back at it. A customer needed these parts finished for his pickup in a hurry and I was able to deliver in two days. It's great to be back!

My latest video showing how to install a Honda DOHC engine is now up on YouTube. Check it out when you have a few minutes. For anyone planning to do the job, they'll quickly see that it isn't that difficult.

Honda DOHC Motor Installation This video shows the installation of a rebuilt Honda CB1100F engine back into the frame. It covers the basic details of what's involved in getting the engin...

Here is the latest powder coating challenge that came my way - name plates and lettering for an old Airstream camper. The plates required 7 coats and the letters took 5. It was time consuming, but I learned some new tricks and the end result was worth the effort.

A powder coating challenge came my way in the form of 4 steel MG wheels. They were yellowed and in overall sad shape. Since I haven't done this type of two-tone wheel before, I decided to experiment on one initially, in order to come up with a good way to do them right. After media blasting, washing, and outgassing, I shot a base coat of zinc primer. Once the wheel was cool enough, the next coat of metallic silver went on and got a partial cure. After cooling, I shot the black recesses, then proceeded to remove it from the areas it didn't belong. First I used tiny vacuum cleaner attachments, which removed the bulk of the overspray. Then I went around with a damp fingertip and "finger wiped" all of the edges until I was satisfied. This part took close to an hour - if you rush, you risk messing up and removing powder that was supposed to stay down. Back into the oven for another partial cure and then after cooling, I shot a final coat of satin clear. Am I happy with the end result? Hell yeah! The other three wheels should go considerably faster now that I have it all figured out.

My latest restoration is finally done - my 1986 VFR750F Interceptor. I picked it up 4 years ago, but had to tuck it away so that I could finish the work that was already in my shop. Along the way I finished a stock CB1100F, 78 GL1000, and two complete CB1123 resto-mods. In April, my shop time freed up and I dug in. On 9/15, I was officially done and the bike was ready to ride.

The motor is untouched except for valve adjustments and cleaning. The cooling system was gone through, with all new seals and o-rings throughout. Bodywork was completely restored and repainted, and I powder coated the wheels, exhaust, triples, fork legs, brake components, engine covers, subframe, oil cooler, radiator, and many other bits and pieces. The brake system is like new again, inside and out, and the carbs have been professionally overhauled. Forks are rebuilt with Racetech springs and a new YSS rear shock is in place out back.

The bike runs great and is fun to ride. Glad to finally have this one done!

After 7.5 months of concentrated effort, I finished my client's custom build. What was a 1983 CB1100F is now a CB1123 Resto-mod. A 2012 CBR600RR swingarm and 1992 VFR750F front end have transformed this bike to one that handles like the modern ones, while maintaining much of the original look and character. This one has even nicer features not found on my previous two 1123 RM's, but that's always the plan. I always strive to make the next one the best one yet. 😀

Here's my newest YouTube how-to video on motorcycle wheel bearing removal and replacement. I hope you find it helpful.

Motorcycle Wheel Bearing Removal and Replacement This video shows how easy it is to remove motorcycle wheel bearings and replace them without any special tools. This is a job that no one would hesitate to ...

I've got one client who takes his off-roading very seriously. His Jeep Rubicon is loaded with all sorts of extra off-road accessories. Heavy duty high lift jack, spare tire bracketry, and of course, bead lockers. I did the lockers in high gloss red with two a super wet high gloss clear coat. The real challenge was powder coating 120 bolt heads and 120 washers without taking a day to prep them. Everything came out great and he's happy, so I'm happy.

Freshly released to YouTube is my first how-to motorcycle video in over 6 years. This one covers the removal of the DOHC engine from a 1983 CB1100F. Enjoy!

Honda DOHC Engine Removal If you have never removed the engine from one of the early 80's Honda DOHC inline fours, you will have no reservations about doing it yourself after watching...

I just finished these CBR wheels and sprocket carrier. Kingston Grey with super high gloss clear coat. They look awesome. Sorry Eric - yours looked so nice that this guy wanted the same finish!

Yesterday was "Ducati Red" day. Ironically, none of the parts that received that color were from a Ducati. The wheels are from a Triumph, the sub-frame is from a Suzuki, and the valve covers speak for themselves. I was pleased with the results.

I finished these parts for my good friend ToddK yesterday. He's building a 900F "Frankenbike" that will have these CBR wheels and swingarm, CBR front end, custom triples, KOSO gauges, and a bunch of other goodies. Black is the theme. The swingarm was done in an 80% gloss black with zinc primer underneath. The wheels were shot with 80% gloss black and then they got a topcoat of 90% super high gloss clearcoat. They really pop. When he sees them in person, he's going to be thrilled.