Tips for first build
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Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2008
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Tips for first build
Hey fellas, I figured I would post here since many of you build your own bikes. I'm pretty comfortable with cutting and sanding on metal and have been toying with the idea of buying a rigid roller from some company and then transferring parts over from a donor bike. The stuff that intimidates me is things like knowing how to make sure all the drive trane parts are lined up and spaced properly as well as the proper way to torque things.Do any of you know if any of the kits come with assembly plans that describe how to do thesethings or is this stuff just way to over the head for a regular joe?
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 588
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From: live in Jackson, NJ
RE: Tips for first build
The "Bike in a Box" stuff I have been looking at seems to come with all you will need including oil and a battery, ya just gotta paint the tins and frame then put the sucker together.
Da Bone
Da Bone
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Joined: Oct 2007
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RE: Tips for first build
Recent years have brought all kinds of "bikes in a box" kits. For the most part the kits I've dealt with always have some tweaking here and there.
Unless the kit says that it's been fitted, bolted together and then torn down for you tore-assemble be prepared to have a few fitment issues.
So far as lining up the drivetrain and such there are plenty of good books and tools out there for that.
If you don't weld, I would suggest learning to weld or at the very least make a welder your friend! Cuz stuff never fits perfectly. Plus there is always something you will want to change.
Starting with just a frame and moving parts over from a donor, can be the most challenging.....but the end result is well worth it. Remember you can never have to many tools.
So far as torque specs...motorcycles are motorcycles 90% of the parts are common, so I've always used the torque specs from the donor, in other words I use the shop manual from the donor bike.
The hardest part for me has always been wiring.
Unless the kit says that it's been fitted, bolted together and then torn down for you tore-assemble be prepared to have a few fitment issues.
So far as lining up the drivetrain and such there are plenty of good books and tools out there for that.
If you don't weld, I would suggest learning to weld or at the very least make a welder your friend! Cuz stuff never fits perfectly. Plus there is always something you will want to change.
Starting with just a frame and moving parts over from a donor, can be the most challenging.....but the end result is well worth it. Remember you can never have to many tools.
So far as torque specs...motorcycles are motorcycles 90% of the parts are common, so I've always used the torque specs from the donor, in other words I use the shop manual from the donor bike.
The hardest part for me has always been wiring.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 749
Likes: 2
RE: Tips for first build
My .02 is DO YOUR HOMEWORK!.
1. Registration: in Virginia it's no easy task. You'll need the MSO's from the motor, transmission, and frame, receipts for the same plus "...all other receipts", about two months (that's how long ago I sent in my paper work) and more, and from $600 on up for taxes. Doesn't matter that you paid taxes for the parts, this is a use tax.
2. Insurance: I have found only ONE insurance company in the US that will write a full coverage policy on a home built custom bike (Foremost). Other companies, e.g. Progressive, Geico, etc, give lip service. They offer ONLY liability. Expect insurance, with minimum coverage, no medical, and $1000 deductible to be between $1500 and $2500...
In hind site, if I built another bike I would start with wrecked / cheap HD frame and go from there....
Good luck...
1. Registration: in Virginia it's no easy task. You'll need the MSO's from the motor, transmission, and frame, receipts for the same plus "...all other receipts", about two months (that's how long ago I sent in my paper work) and more, and from $600 on up for taxes. Doesn't matter that you paid taxes for the parts, this is a use tax.
2. Insurance: I have found only ONE insurance company in the US that will write a full coverage policy on a home built custom bike (Foremost). Other companies, e.g. Progressive, Geico, etc, give lip service. They offer ONLY liability. Expect insurance, with minimum coverage, no medical, and $1000 deductible to be between $1500 and $2500...
In hind site, if I built another bike I would start with wrecked / cheap HD frame and go from there....
Good luck...
Banned
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Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,955
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From: central TEXAS
RE: Tips for first build
just jump in head first and do it.................its not rocket science............ . The spacing on the wheels can be difficult......... . . .but again its not rocket science.............. . . .I built my first in 110 days......start to finish..................... . . . ...................Im now ready for my second................................... . . . ........................
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RE: Tips for first build
ORIGINAL: lolife
just jump in head first and do it.................its not rocket science............ . The spacing on the wheels can be difficult......... . . .but again its not rocket science.............. . . .I built my first in 110 days......start to finish..................... . . . ...................Im now ready for my second................................... . . . ........................
just jump in head first and do it.................its not rocket science............ . The spacing on the wheels can be difficult......... . . .but again its not rocket science.............. . . .I built my first in 110 days......start to finish..................... . . . ...................Im now ready for my second................................... . . . ........................
Not to hijack the thread....but who makes the Springer front end you have on your Sporty? I've been contemplating changing the front end out on my 'custom' Sporty.
Thanks!