Build a bike.

Goose51683 · 08-16-2013, 12:14 PM

Anyone ever built their own bike?

I'd love to discuss steps in starting the process, things to consider, etc since I really want to build one this winter but have never tried, don't know what to expect or look out for.

alantf · 08-16-2013, 01:41 PM

Real easy! I've seen every episode of "American Chopper" :whistle: :lol: :oops:

Water Warrior 2 · 08-16-2013, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alantf

Real easy! I've seen every episode of "American Chopper" :whistle: :lol: :oops:

Oh yeah that would be great if you only want a bar hopper.

Water Warrior 2 · 08-16-2013, 07:00 PM

Goose, how big of a bike do you envision? Your riding and type of usage will dictate the bike's design.

Goose51683 · 08-19-2013, 07:22 AM

I'm looking for something just a bit bigger than the 250. Maybe a 600-750. I want a daily driver, I like a bobber style so there won't be much in the way of accessories on it.

I really want the experience on this first project and after that maybe I'll start doing some crazier stuff.

Also, I'm pretty sure it won't go anything like you see on TV.

**jonathan180iq** · 08-19-2013, 09:40 AM

Lifan is coming out with a new 650cc motor. They're going to be cheaper than anything American or Japanese because they are an emerging company. You'll need a frame, or do you want to start from scratch?

I would just find a design that I liked and see if I could source one at a junker or something and then build onto that.
I have an old '79 Suzuki T-250 that I've toyed around with either rebuilding or turning into an electric motorcycle... That's the kind of build that I am interested in. I think what you're wanting to do can be done, but so can buying something that's running and then customizing it maybe a little more than you otherwise would.

Anything form the ground up is more work than we initially imagine....ask me how I know.

Goose51683 · 08-19-2013, 02:47 PM

Lol. I understand there is a lot more involved than what one might typically think but there is something about knowing every inch wire as bolt in something. As spiritual as a bike can be I think I would love that part of building a bike. Plus I want to build something tht is original but also has a very old feel to it. I know an old man who
Made a living building bike frames that I'm gonna talk to.

Anyone have a suggestion for an engine that is just an engine. I like the look of a seperate gearbox and would like to go that route.

**jonathan180iq** · 08-19-2013, 03:00 PM

I would use rebuilding and completely rewiring a vintage bike as a stepping stone into a complete build, customizing along the way. You still get the experience of intimately knowing every piece of wire on the bike, you'll be able to eliminate systems that you don't want, including custom fitting the wiring for example, and you'll still come away with something that is unique and solely "yours"

08-16-2013, 12:14 PM	#1
Goose51683 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Indiana Posts: 621	Build a bike. Anyone ever built their own bike? I'd love to discuss steps in starting the process, things to consider, etc since I really want to build one this winter but have never tried, don't know what to expect or look out for. Login or Register to Remove Ads
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08-16-2013, 01:41 PM	#2
alantf Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Tenerife (Spain) Posts: 3,715	Re: Build a bike. Real easy! I've seen every episode of "American Chopper" :whistle: :lol: :oops: __________________ By birth an Englishman, by the grace of God a Yorkshireman.
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08-16-2013, 07:00 PM	#4
Water Warrior 2 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Squamish B.C Canada Posts: 11,409	Re: Build a bike. Goose, how big of a bike do you envision? Your riding and type of usage will dictate the bike's design.
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08-19-2013, 07:22 AM	#5
Goose51683 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Indiana Posts: 621	Re: Build a bike. I'm looking for something just a bit bigger than the 250. Maybe a 600-750. I want a daily driver, I like a bobber style so there won't be much in the way of accessories on it. I really want the experience on this first project and after that maybe I'll start doing some crazier stuff. Also, I'm pretty sure it won't go anything like you see on TV. Login or Register to Remove Ads
	0

08-19-2013, 09:40 AM	#6
jonathan180iq Super Moderator Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Dalton, GA Posts: 3,996	Re: Build a bike. Lifan is coming out with a new 650cc motor. They're going to be cheaper than anything American or Japanese because they are an emerging company. You'll need a frame, or do you want to start from scratch? I would just find a design that I liked and see if I could source one at a junker or something and then build onto that. I have an old '79 Suzuki T-250 that I've toyed around with either rebuilding or turning into an electric motorcycle... That's the kind of build that I am interested in. I think what you're wanting to do can be done, but so can buying something that's running and then customizing it maybe a little more than you otherwise would. Anything form the ground up is more work than we initially imagine....ask me how I know.
	0

08-19-2013, 02:47 PM	#7
Goose51683 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Indiana Posts: 621	Re: Build a bike. Lol. I understand there is a lot more involved than what one might typically think but there is something about knowing every inch wire as bolt in something. As spiritual as a bike can be I think I would love that part of building a bike. Plus I want to build something tht is original but also has a very old feel to it. I know an old man who Made a living building bike frames that I'm gonna talk to. Anyone have a suggestion for an engine that is just an engine. I like the look of a seperate gearbox and would like to go that route.
	0

08-19-2013, 03:00 PM	#8
jonathan180iq Super Moderator Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Dalton, GA Posts: 3,996	Re: Build a bike. I would use rebuilding and completely rewiring a vintage bike as a stepping stone into a complete build, customizing along the way. You still get the experience of intimately knowing every piece of wire on the bike, you'll be able to eliminate systems that you don't want, including custom fitting the wiring for example, and you'll still come away with something that is unique and solely "yours"
	0