Anyone put together an entire bike?
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Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 593
Likes: 0
From: Linden, Virginia
Anyone put together an entire bike?
Since last fall I've been wanting a Bagger. Specifically a Road Glide. I was looking on ebay one day and got the bright idea to build one. I have the Low Rider so I have a ride and don't have to hurry. I've picked up the frame, swing arm, front end and outer fairing so far. Just curious if anyone has done this or has advice.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,008
Likes: 6
From: Jax, FL
Here's a pic of a bike I built from scratch. Ran in the expert class at my local track on the first day out. Most parts were off ebay but had to buy some of the parts (ohlins forks/shocks/etc) from vendors. Take your time and double check everything and you'll love having a bike you built yourself. Sorry I don't have access to all the pics of the hundred parts laying around the garage.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,049
Likes: 6
From: Oregon City, OR
Never built one from scratch. I bought my FXD in pretty bad shape after an accident. Fork lowers were almost touching the highway pegs. Replaced everything except the engine, drivetrain, ECM and rear wheel. Kept some of the wiring, but not much. Other than putting on the trees from a FXST, the 16" apes and a 21" front wheel I built it from mostly stock parts that I had in the shop. Nothing better than taking a pile of parts, putting them together and then taking off on a 200 mile run 8 hours after you finish. Good luck with your project.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 7,079
Likes: 21
From: Queens, NY
pops and i built my fatboy from the frame up.
it's cool riding around on something you know you've personally turned every bolt on.
there was never any "ahh f*ckin harley did this stupid..." if something went wrong it was just "****, wat'd we do here?"
we didn't take many pics but if you check my albums i think i have some pics of just the engine put in and then pics of the finished bike...
it's cool riding around on something you know you've personally turned every bolt on.
there was never any "ahh f*ckin harley did this stupid..." if something went wrong it was just "****, wat'd we do here?"
we didn't take many pics but if you check my albums i think i have some pics of just the engine put in and then pics of the finished bike...
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my sporty was "assembled" when i got it but it shortly after gettign it running the rear cylinder grenaded on me and necesitated a complete strip down and build up. i've had it down to the bare frame once, had the frotn end off replaceing neck cups and bearings, had the swing arm off for inspection re greasing, the motor has been out twice etc. its really not all that bad just remember where every thing goes or label wires and ziplock bag nuts and bolts * one bag for rear head, on fore front, one for cam chest etc etc etc*
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Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,595
Likes: 8
From: Vancouver Island British Colombia Canada
Different locations have different rules so you have to look ahead to the end of your build. I learned the hard way.
Make sure the vin on your frame is valid, not stolen or you cant plate your bike when your done. Take pic's all the way through & document everything because you might have to prove the value of your bike for insurance reasons.
Some parts fit different years & others don't which isnt too hard to figure out.
The real eye opener is just how many weird little parts are actually bolted to a motorcycle. If you take a Decker & strip it down, you will be amazed at how much stuff is really there as well as the order that it all goes together which can make you rip your hair out!!!
It's a very rewarding challenge. Im already saving parts for another bike which is jumping the gun a lil. It is best to start with a frame & an idea as to what you want in the end.
Good luck!
Hatch.
Make sure the vin on your frame is valid, not stolen or you cant plate your bike when your done. Take pic's all the way through & document everything because you might have to prove the value of your bike for insurance reasons.
Some parts fit different years & others don't which isnt too hard to figure out.
The real eye opener is just how many weird little parts are actually bolted to a motorcycle. If you take a Decker & strip it down, you will be amazed at how much stuff is really there as well as the order that it all goes together which can make you rip your hair out!!!
It's a very rewarding challenge. Im already saving parts for another bike which is jumping the gun a lil. It is best to start with a frame & an idea as to what you want in the end.
Good luck!
Hatch.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 9,162
Likes: 1,906
From: Doghouse... mostly
Naw, no one has ever built a scoot from the ground up. Can't be done. Too complicated. The parts aren't numbered consecutively. That's why the MOCO is still in business.
But seriously all you should need to get you started are a few of the shop manuals for the vintage of scooter(s) that you are going to wrench on. Along with some input from a few Mechs if you know one or two. 70% of the parts of all big twins are interchangable from the same generation and some do cross-over. It's that other 30 that will give you fits on fitment and clearances. So you'll need to be able to think outside the so called "box" on things or ask questions. Seems like you knew a good place to start though.
But seriously all you should need to get you started are a few of the shop manuals for the vintage of scooter(s) that you are going to wrench on. Along with some input from a few Mechs if you know one or two. 70% of the parts of all big twins are interchangable from the same generation and some do cross-over. It's that other 30 that will give you fits on fitment and clearances. So you'll need to be able to think outside the so called "box" on things or ask questions. Seems like you knew a good place to start though.
Last edited by OldEnuf2NoBtr; Mar 9, 2010 at 02:55 AM.