Building from frame on up
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
From: Newport News Va
Building from frame on up
Who here has bought aframe and all the goodies and assembled a bike? Does it wind up being out real expensive? And pointers to some one silly enough to want to try this?
Thanks
Tom
Thanks
Tom
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 314
Likes: 5
From: Albany Oregon
RE: Building from frame on up
Ebay, craigslist and swap meets can be your best friends. You didnt mention if you wanted all brand new parts or if you cared but I built an 81 FX from the frame up for under $5000 including paint and registration. If you are going used/vintage, look for the frame you want to have a title. If you can get an original title and register it as that, then insurance cost and resell value will both be more reasonable. New frame with MSO works but it will be registered as an assembled Bike which is no big deal but some people think tthe Bike isnt worth as much if you go to sell it.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
From: Newport News Va
RE: Building from frame on up
Thanks Cam. I'm not looking to resell. I just like to tinker and this seems like it might keep me off the streets for a while. New or used would be fine. I just have to get myself set to wrestle with Virginia DMV. I have heard they're ruthless.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,306
Likes: 5
From: Bellville, Tx
RE: Building from frame on up
I built mine back in '95. All new parts including a frame I designed and had fabricated. A simple bobber/chopper will cost a little less than a new Harley. I'm not sure hwo much in today's dollars, but some items(engines and trans) are cheaper now than then. I's say count on $16K but have about $2k ready for contingencies. I enjoyed the build and ride, have also enjoyed the pride of building it myself and the compliments from knowledgable people.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 829
Likes: 1
From: lakeland fl
RE: Building from frame on up
do plenty of research as to what you want to build.
Get a frame that will suit you.
Make sure the motor and trans you want will work in the frame.
If you plan on buying a complete engine, wait until your ready, since warrantee will start when you buy it.
Get your bike in a complete rolling chasis before getting the engine. Assemble everything and test ride it. Then take it apart and paint it.
kickstart
[IMG]local://upfiles/52880/838565274ACE4BADA98BBC1FBFC89CE7.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]local://upfiles/52880/A009439E140B4A5088E951399140B032.jpg[/IMG]
Get a frame that will suit you.
Make sure the motor and trans you want will work in the frame.
If you plan on buying a complete engine, wait until your ready, since warrantee will start when you buy it.
Get your bike in a complete rolling chasis before getting the engine. Assemble everything and test ride it. Then take it apart and paint it.
kickstart
[IMG]local://upfiles/52880/838565274ACE4BADA98BBC1FBFC89CE7.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]local://upfiles/52880/A009439E140B4A5088E951399140B032.jpg[/IMG]
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,389
Likes: 26
From: Windham,Maine
RE: Building from frame on up
It could get expensive if you do not know what you are doing.My last 2 bikes, RK's, were frame up builds both with big inch motors,for about the same money as 1 new top of the line UltraClassic.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,306
Likes: 5
From: Bellville, Tx
RE: Building from frame on up
ORIGINAL: DeJavu
I built mine back in '95 for $16K. I enjoyed the build and ride, have also enjoyed the pride of building it myself and the compliments from knowledgable people.
I built mine back in '95 for $16K. I enjoyed the build and ride, have also enjoyed the pride of building it myself and the compliments from knowledgable people.
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