ANN ARBOR, MI – Patrick West inspects the antique machine in front of him. He sees a part missing. The paint is damaged, and, before he dismantles it, he’s trying to figure out how authentic he can make this machine look through restoration.
For about 30 years, West’s labor of love has been restoring old motorcycles in his garage. From race bikes to ones produced prior to World War II, the 70-year-old Ann Arbor resident has restored about 10 bikes, with some projects taking years to complete.