Building a Bobber motorcycle
Discussion
I am looking for some help, advice and some suggestions...
I would like to build myself a nice hardtail bobber motorcycle in a similar style to these (see attached pictures)... Budget will be tight as I have very little cash for the project. What ever I do will stretch my finances.
I don't want anything the involves using a Harley Davidson engine if it can be helped.
I would prefer to ideally use a Brit Bike donors like Triumph or as a second option would be a Jap Bike donor...
So I would like some suggestions as to what donor bike will be a good starting point?
Needs to ideally be above 600cc.
I will need to be able to buy most items off the shelf and have easily accessible parts.
Is there a frame maker who supplies these types of frames so you can pull the engine out of one bike and place it into the new hardtail frame?
Any other aspects I will need to consider or advice people can offer.
All advice welcome
Regards
Joe Bloggs
I would like to build myself a nice hardtail bobber motorcycle in a similar style to these (see attached pictures)... Budget will be tight as I have very little cash for the project. What ever I do will stretch my finances.
I don't want anything the involves using a Harley Davidson engine if it can be helped.
I would prefer to ideally use a Brit Bike donors like Triumph or as a second option would be a Jap Bike donor...
So I would like some suggestions as to what donor bike will be a good starting point?
Needs to ideally be above 600cc.
I will need to be able to buy most items off the shelf and have easily accessible parts.
Is there a frame maker who supplies these types of frames so you can pull the engine out of one bike and place it into the new hardtail frame?
Any other aspects I will need to consider or advice people can offer.
All advice welcome
Regards
Joe Bloggs
Not a hard tail, but I've just pretty much finished my latest project build. First pic is what I started with, last is where it is now. You'll need to budget probably twice as much as you think you will as little "snags and remedies" can get costly. I did everything including paint and mechanicals myself and the cost was probably greater than the value but that's not the reason for doing it. My motivation was wanting to build period custom bike I wanted 30+ years ago but didn't have the finance or experience to do so. Expect some heartache and triumphs along the way and stick at it. It's easy to get disheartened and take breaks away from it that could end up permanent. That's why there is always so many unfinished project laying around. Try to do a bit every day, no matter how small, and you'll get there in the end.
I only built mine as I imported the bike from the US when restoring my original UK bike thinking I would need some spares but actually used very little of it so had a spare bike in pieces. I don't need another bike cluttering up the garage so expect to see it on ebay in the spring after UK registering and MOTing this winter.
I only built mine as I imported the bike from the US when restoring my original UK bike thinking I would need some spares but actually used very little of it so had a spare bike in pieces. I don't need another bike cluttering up the garage so expect to see it on ebay in the spring after UK registering and MOTing this winter.
Bear in mind that a new frame, or one with a welded-on hardtail, will require a Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval (MSVA) test.
Avoiding the MSVA by using a bolt-on hardtail severely limits your options - Harley Sportster, Enfield, pre oil-in-frame Triumph, BMW R??.
Alternatively, you could start with a (relatively) inexpensive "classic", such as a BSA B31, that was rigid or plunger to begin with.
Avoiding the MSVA by using a bolt-on hardtail severely limits your options - Harley Sportster, Enfield, pre oil-in-frame Triumph, BMW R??.
Alternatively, you could start with a (relatively) inexpensive "classic", such as a BSA B31, that was rigid or plunger to begin with.
Depends on your budget an how much you can do yourself?
Having built a few specials/customs, the first step I'd advise is to buy a running bike, ideally with a simple air cooled engine. I'd go for a twin, but there are plenty of older inline 4's out there that haven't risen too much in value.
You could have the original frame hardtailed, but it'll never look as good as one built with a new rigid frame. If you need a frame building, I'd recommend Briz at CCD, much better quality and lower prices than some of the places springing up for the hipster crowd.
As for needing an MSVA of you change the frame, wellllll.. technically yes, but in the real world the vast majority of similar UK customs use the original VIN number and reg number, and no one bats an eye. Even the likes of Crazy Horse customs with their £20K plus bikes do this. So in practice you don't need an MSVA. You can still get an MOT and insurance so its not an issue.
I'm sure some one will come along and say its all illegal and you'll get your bike impounded and crushed etc, but it just isn't so. Just go to a few custom shows and see how many rigid bikes retain their registration number, ditto for stuff like Harris Magnums etc.
The best forum in the UK for this sort of stuff is Britchopper, just register and there are hundreds of build threads to check out and advice if needed.
Having built a few specials/customs, the first step I'd advise is to buy a running bike, ideally with a simple air cooled engine. I'd go for a twin, but there are plenty of older inline 4's out there that haven't risen too much in value.
You could have the original frame hardtailed, but it'll never look as good as one built with a new rigid frame. If you need a frame building, I'd recommend Briz at CCD, much better quality and lower prices than some of the places springing up for the hipster crowd.
As for needing an MSVA of you change the frame, wellllll.. technically yes, but in the real world the vast majority of similar UK customs use the original VIN number and reg number, and no one bats an eye. Even the likes of Crazy Horse customs with their £20K plus bikes do this. So in practice you don't need an MSVA. You can still get an MOT and insurance so its not an issue.
I'm sure some one will come along and say its all illegal and you'll get your bike impounded and crushed etc, but it just isn't so. Just go to a few custom shows and see how many rigid bikes retain their registration number, ditto for stuff like Harris Magnums etc.
The best forum in the UK for this sort of stuff is Britchopper, just register and there are hundreds of build threads to check out and advice if needed.
Snapper7 said:
Hi James
Was the frame off the shelf or did you build it?
Seeing as he said he has used a Hard Up frame I'd guess that is what he has done Was the frame off the shelf or did you build it?
http://hardupchoppers.com/store/index.php?route=pr...
trickywoo said:
Seeing as he said he has used a Hard Up frame I'd guess that is what he has done
http://hardupchoppers.com/store/index.php?route=pr...
SORRY....... Thought that he was just discribing a hard tail ....http://hardupchoppers.com/store/index.php?route=pr...
James 33 said:
Those were both built using a standard off the shelf Wormburer frame. Just showing you what can be done with them.
My current bike uses a one off frame that was built to my spec.
Very nice! My current bike uses a one off frame that was built to my spec.
Edited by James 33 on Tuesday 1st November 12:52
Doesn't look very comfy to ride with those rear sets though ?!
freerider07 said:
That's quite a bump!OP - did you build your bike in the end? I love the bobbers Craig Jones at doghouse customs builds.
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