first build**
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Stage II
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Rock NJ
first build**
Hey builder veterans,
I am new to the custom bike building scene and i am young (21) but would very much like to accomplish building my own bobber. I have been doing some research and alot of you seem to suggest to buy a donor bike that has a running motor and electrical and than buy a rolling chassis and go from there. That sounds like the cheapest and most efficent way for someone like me (has never built a bobber) to get the job done. I also had some motor questions. I know you cant go wrong with a sporty 1200" but id like to get some opinions on an evo 80" or a pan/shovelhead. i dont really wanna use and streetbike motors like a cb 750 or anything like that. If you guys could tell me some other good strong motors to use for a bobber build that would be great aswell. reply's would be greatly appreciated ! thank you
Dan,
I am new to the custom bike building scene and i am young (21) but would very much like to accomplish building my own bobber. I have been doing some research and alot of you seem to suggest to buy a donor bike that has a running motor and electrical and than buy a rolling chassis and go from there. That sounds like the cheapest and most efficent way for someone like me (has never built a bobber) to get the job done. I also had some motor questions. I know you cant go wrong with a sporty 1200" but id like to get some opinions on an evo 80" or a pan/shovelhead. i dont really wanna use and streetbike motors like a cb 750 or anything like that. If you guys could tell me some other good strong motors to use for a bobber build that would be great aswell. reply's would be greatly appreciated ! thank you
Dan,
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,830
Likes: 302
From: Lorain Ohio
there's several ways to go. the donor bike with an aftermarket frame works but you could have issues with title, plates, insurance stuff. Modifying a stock frame saves all these hassles. Since you're young an 883 may be a good choice to save on insurance then you just make it a 1200 yourself. Which engine you want is just preference. Another option is to look for an unfinished project an save the cash.
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 68
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Hi
Welcome
Yes insurance should be taken into consideration to be realistic, a stock bike would be a way of ending up with something if you cant finish it or insure it,
then not all would be lost if you run out of cash,
do a bit at a time and ride it and enjoy it
Welcome
Yes insurance should be taken into consideration to be realistic, a stock bike would be a way of ending up with something if you cant finish it or insure it,
then not all would be lost if you run out of cash, do a bit at a time and ride it and enjoy it
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,110
Likes: 51,396
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
883 are cheap if you shop a bit and a 1200 kit can be had under $500 and it's an easy install and with some cam's it will out run a stock 1200 for 2 to 4 thousand less , tidy bankroll for making the rest of the bike into whatever you want then . Done right they can make a very ridable mean street machine on a budget .
Helped a friend of mine do the same conversion to 89 883 and he went north of Fairbanks Alaska before he decided enough and turned around . Pretty ballsy for a Chinese kid and bike did fine , bent and twisted a bit but he rode it home back to cal.
Helped a friend of mine do the same conversion to 89 883 and he went north of Fairbanks Alaska before he decided enough and turned around . Pretty ballsy for a Chinese kid and bike did fine , bent and twisted a bit but he rode it home back to cal.
If you can find a metric v-twin they are pretty durable and the motor and tranny are all one piece. ****. I bet you could find a cheap v-star 1100. Then rake the front. They are already low at the seat and there is a huge aftermarket for them. Could be a pretty cheap build. Just take all the yamaha stickers off and fill the points cover lettering with j-b weld and paint it. Hehehe
Naaaaaaw. Follow twizted's advice. The guy knows Harleys inside and out. And post pics.
Naaaaaaw. Follow twizted's advice. The guy knows Harleys inside and out. And post pics.
If you can find a metric v-twin they are pretty durable and the motor and tranny are all one piece. ****. I bet you could find a cheap v-star 1100. Then rake the front. They are already low at the seat and there is a huge aftermarket for them. Could be a pretty cheap build. Just take all the yamaha stickers off and fill the points cover lettering with j-b weld and paint it. Hehehe
Naaaaaaw. Follow twizted's advice. The guy knows Harleys inside and out. And post pics.
Naaaaaaw. Follow twizted's advice. The guy knows Harleys inside and out. And post pics.
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Stage II
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2
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From: Rock NJ
Thanks for the help guys!, i actually went and bought a rolling chassis with evo motor and 6 speed trans, so we will see how it goes i will post picks. still any help would be greatly appreciated
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,913
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From: Darlington WI.
You have one problem with a rolling frame build unless the law has been changed. A few years back a law was put in to effect that you can now only own one custom built bike that you plan to ride in you're life time.(IE rolling ground up build bike)Thank the EPA for that one. And trust me after you build you're first one you will want to build more. Thats why pretty much every one I know building bikes have been doing it on pre titled factory bikes. No title problems No EPA problems because it can always titled as what it was when it rolled out of the factory.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,389
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From: Windham,Maine
Thankfully the state of Maine has not adopted that one custom bike in your lifetime foolishness.Who in the world comes up with these ignorant ideas,then stuffs them down our throats.