Building A Custom Chopper Motorcycle, Where Do You Start?

So you want to build a custom chopper? I do too, so the first question I asked myself, is where do I start. Should I make a business plan, a schedule, a financial statement, or should I just buy my wife some flowers and blindly proceed? I guess I should do all of the above but not necessarily in that order.

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I will start by trying to justify this purchase and or endeavor, to do this I will make a list of my reasons for building a Chopper. 1) I want to ride a custom chopper, a totally cool stretched out, fire breathing, gas eating, pavement pounding, old lady scaring, 2 wheel monster. 2) I want to be able to say "I built that" when someone asks me where I got that totally sick bike. 3) I want to be able to customize the bike beyond the standard add on parts I can get for my current bike a Harley Davidson Fatboy. 4) I want to be able to make this dream come true, meaning I need to be able to pay for it. A ,000 chopper is out of my current budget. 5) I have been talking about this for 5 years so why don't I get to it and stop doing all the talking and start doing some building.

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Now I have a few reasons on paper a will look at my options, then make a plan, a schedule, and find some extra money.

Let's start with a my build options, and plan on a slow and steady approach. I realize I will need to do a lot of research before I start. I have 4 basic options, a kit bike, a rolling chassis, a start from zero build, or an extreme makeover of a current motorcycle.

Option 1) If I start with a motorcycle kit I maybe the farthest ahead from a mechanical perspective, and farthest behind from a financial point of view. What do I mean by this, well a kit bike has all the parts it just needs paint, labor, gas, oil and some love. The problem a complete kit bike will cost me ,000 dollars right up front. This is a bit out of my spend a ton of money now then not be able to ride a bike for a year or two thinking. If I get a kit, I maybe able to get it together faster, as I will be motivated and have all the parts ready to go. As a first bike I think this is a very good option, when you consider all the expensive mistakes I may make along that way. One drawback to this option is the amount of customization I can do to the bike as it is put together. Because all the parts are in the kit, I may resist the urge to get new bars or different sheet metal, or other parts.

Option 2) Start with a Rolling chassis, this is the middle of the road option, spend a lump sum of money, about 1/2 of what the overall bike will cost and get a basic setup that all works together.

A Rolling chassis kit consists of a Frame, 2 wheels, the forks, and triple clamps and bars, all build and configured to work together. Add a motor and a transmission and all the major workings of the bike are in place. This setup helps avoid some of the major work needed to mix match and fit these items together. This option also allows for a ton of customization in the parts that people see and the parts that give a bike it's personality. For me this is a very serious option to consider. I would only have 1/2 the cost and 1/2 the parts sitting around and gathering dust until I get time to get it together.

Option 3) Find each and every part one at a time and build a completely custom motorcycle. I know I could do this, but I also know I will encounter more unexpected and possibly expensive issues with this type of build. This option would give me a bike that no one would ever duplicate. This could be very good or this could be very bad. What if some possible combination of frame, motor, forks, or wheels didn't work together? It would not be discovered until the motorcycle was all together. I think this option is better left to the serious professional who build bike all night long, as the are working on other peoples bikes, and running businesses during the day. I may consider this for my second custom chopper.

Option 4) Take an existing bike and start cutting and changing it. This is maybe as involved as chopping and re-welding the frame to create a new rake and angles. Or it could mean just getting a new frame and using the engine, transmission, and various other part to build a new machine. I like this idea, and I think it would be a lower cost alternative to all new custom parts. With this option you are also able to keep the current registration and title if the frame is not replaced. This is also a lower cost option because a lot of the miscellaneous parts can be reused.

I know that in one page all the possible combinations of Custom Chopper build can't be completely explained, I just hope this information give you something to start with and build on. It has help steer me in the direction of a rolling chassis, so I better get shopping.

Building A Custom Chopper Motorcycle, Where Do You Start?

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Biker Lifestyle - Building the Perfect Custom Harley Chopper

If you ride to live, then you know what it means to own a custom Harley chopper, and I am not talking about some add-on chrome bike either; Anyone with some cash can drop by your local Harley Davidson dealer and ride away on a new Road King, or other of their other factory models.

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A real custom Harley chopper is a one of kind custom built masterpiece that is created from the ground up, a 100% all original work of American beauty that reflects the personality and lifestyle of the proud owner. Hard core bikers know what I am talking about; the painstakingly hard work of creating and shaping a one of a kind statement of riding to live, and living to ride, wrapped around the perfect custom Harley chopper.

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Building the perfect Harley doesn't happen over night either, everything must be the perfect balance of frame, forks, the right rake and extension, rolling on tires and wheels that support the whole design. Every thing matters when building the perfect custom Harley, and if you are truly hardcore, then to complete the full extension of machine to man could mean 100% custom parts, engine, tank, and chrome. Nothing but the best will do.

So what does it take to build the perfect custom Harley motorcycle? First off it takes a boatload of cash, then you gonna need to find the right craftsman to hand all that cash to, and then brother you need some patients; you gonna have to sit down and talk with your craftsman, and help him understand how you are, what is important to you, so he can put pen to paper to form up some rough ideas. These ideas will be shaped and tweaked and considered until your Harley craftsman has the design that is truly you, and no one else.

Every nut, bolt, piece of molding, the right handlebars, and grips, absolutely everything will be well thought out, and nothing will be left to chance, or just thrown in. The perfect ride height that flows with a saddle that is made to fit your backsides contour, and all of the remaining pieces that are build around the heart of your custom chopper, the engine and transmission.

With you custom Harley almost complete, there will hours and hours of assembling and disassembling, fine tuning, tweaking, and testing until the final phase will be applying the richest paint job and graphics that turn thousands of dollars of hard earned cash and countless hours of laborious love, sweat, busted knuckles, and blood into the work of beauty that is your custom Harley chopper.

OK so where do you find this custom chopper craftsman? Well I am sure you already know the answer, and this isn't an overnight decision either, we have read every biker rag, went to all of the top bike shows, studied every custom bike we come across, and after we have researched all of our options, we pick up the phone or ride out to our craftsman and after a serious conversation or two we close the deal by shaking hands, signing some paperwork, and dropping that that big fat wad of cash we have been saving for who knows how long.

Those of you who have lived that dream of building and owning the perfect custom chopper know what I am talking about. Those of you still working on the dream will very soon know as well. The love of our lifestyle is but a reflection of how we live, carry ourselves and the bike we ride, the rest of this love is in our hearts!

Biker Lifestyle - Building the Perfect Custom Harley Chopper

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Building Your Own Motorcycle - Custom Chopper Kits Make it Cheap and Easy

Do you want to build a custom chopper that is unique but don't have the time or money available? Then have you ever thought about getting yourself one of the many custom bike kits which are now available. Certainly if this is the first time you are going to be building a custom bike then this will help you to get started and understand everything that goes into building one.

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When deciding which custom bike kit to buy you need to look at more than just how much it costs. Although you won't spend so much on custom bike kits as you would on a bike that is ready made the cheaper one's are unlikely to give you a good quality bike. So it is far better if one actually spends time comparing the various ones available. Certainly it is worth spending a little more to save you a lot of heartache in the future.

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After you have completed your research and chosen the custom bike kit for you, then you are on the first rung of the ladder to creating something that is unique. Through using such kits one can learn everything that goes into constructing a custom bike and over the years you can then add to it as you wish. The one thing that will bring you satisfaction in the end is knowing that as you cruise around on it you are the one that has lovingly created it from the ground upwards.

But the great thing about custom bike kits is that they don't take any of the fun or enjoyment out of being able to build a motorcycle for yourself. Instead what they do is provide you with all the pieces that are needed to put it together. Certainly when you are doing any DIY project at home and find you have run out of something and need to go to the hardware store to get it, you generally decide to give up. However, with a custom bike kit this is something that need concern you.

Plus just because you use a custom bike kit it does not mean that you won't be add to include custom chrome or Harley aftermarket parts onto yours. In fact you have the opportunity to include these on yours if you so wish. You can if you want rather than use certain parts such as the seat or mirrors provided with the kit replace them with others that you prefer. Also you don't need to stick with the standard paint job that is suggested for your bike, but instead get something that really says who you are. This way what started as a standard custom bike will turn into something truly special.

Before when people wished to build their own custom bikes they needed to use various tools in order to create some custom parts. However, because custom bike kits have become increasingly popular so company's like Harley produce aftermarket parts such as wheels, seats, exhaust systems that can be used with them. Also no longer do you have to spend lots of money buying equipment such as blow torches or saws in order to create a one off piece of machinery.

The other benefit to be gained from purchasing custom bike kits rather than trying to build one from scratch is the cost. No longer do you have to spend time driving around looking for that part you need or buying parts which are wrong. With these kits everything is there already for you and you can then just decide if you want to replace some of these parts with something else when you feel like it.

Building Your Own Motorcycle - Custom Chopper Kits Make it Cheap and Easy

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The Right Tools For Building a Chopper

As in any building trade, the right tools are required to perform a task safely and efficiently. I will discuss the tools required to build your dream chopper, at home. The tools mentioned should be searched online or your local retail store for the best deal and quality, to insure building your chopper will be a great experience. Also the tools mentioned will enhance the value of your chopper and get some get feedback from your buddies.

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Chopper Building Tools

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1. Chain breaker- remove the chain form your bike, a great tool. The main chain link should be very strong and can be very difficult to remove without the chain breaker tool. It is not too expensive and can save a lot of time when you are working on your chopper.

2. Chain press tool- makes reinstalling the chain much easier. This method is easier than the old hammer method which can be quite painful.

3. Compression tester- Check the compression of your engine. It is useful as it can tell you when you should rebuild your engine. Checks for bad rings, scarred cylinders and much more.

4, Hydraulic brake bleeder- bleed the air from your brake system. When repairing your brakes, air can enter into your brake lines. It removes the trapped air and does not require the assistance of another individual, to bleed your brakes.

5. Handle bar and sub frame straightener- straightens your frame or handle bars, easily. In some cases, straighten your chopper frame or handle bars, will require more than a cheater bar. The straightener can to do it efficiently and safely to insure best results.

6. Clutch holding tool and spring compression tool- they will aid in removal and installation of your clutch.

7. Fork tools- fork oil gage and seal drivers. The oil gage will check your level of fork oil and seal drivers will aid in installing your new fork seals, much easier.

8. Flywheel puller- remove your flywheel much easier and not cause any damage to your parts.

9. Motorcycle lift- will aid in lifting your motorcycle and be in a raised position to be able to safely perform repairs.

Above we have mentioned some of the tools, in which you will need to build, repair or restore your custom chopper. Now go out fix something!

The Right Tools For Building a Chopper

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Complete Motorcycle Kits - Building a Chopper the Easy Way

If you are looking to create your own, unique chopper, complete motorcycle kits can be extremely beneficial to your project. Motorcycle kits can end up saving you quite a bit of money and time because they provide the convenience of having all necessary parts in one place. Building custom motorcycles has become increasingly popular and so, there is a greater demand for complete motorcycle kits.

chopper bicycle frames

Most kits are dedicated to providing you with all necessary components to build your dream custom bike on your own. If you chose to get parts separately or used, you will not have the satisfaction of knowing that all the parts are new and will work well together. Many times, ordering parts online or from a mechanic will force you to wait and you may not even get what you want. With kits all parts will be available as and when you need them.

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Motorcycle kits generally include all technical parts so you can build your custom bike. Parts such as the chassis, the engine and the wheels are all included, although, paint, decals and other parts related to the design will have to be purchased separately to add a touch of your personality to your custom bike. Mirrors and speedometers are also not included, but these items can usually be purchased for relatively low prices.

Many people who build their own custom bikes will advise you to buy parts used, however, although it may save you some money, you may not be making the best decision. Parts that you get from junkyards or sales may not work as well as new parts because they are too old. It is also impossible to know how old the part is, so you will not know how long it will last, or if it will even work with the rest of your bike.

You will want to make sure all of the parts are working correctly because it can affect your safety when building the bike as well as riding it. Using a kit is the best way to stay safe because you know where the parts are coming from and that they are brand new. If a part has been over used, it can actually endanger you. Many times, when building a custom from scratch, cutting corners to save money is not the best idea.

For those of us just getting into the hobby of building our own custom motorcycles or even experienced builders, a complete motorcycle kit can make the process go much smoother. Many of the complete kits come with detailed instructions so if this is your first time, you can still create the bike of your dreams. After you finish will all the technical parts, you can begin customising your bike and really make it your own.

Complete Motorcycle Kits - Building a Chopper the Easy Way

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How to Build a Chopper - Chopper Building 101

Building your own custom chopper is becoming a very popular hobby. However, many people who decide to start building choppers do not know where to begin or what parts they will need to create the perfect custom chopper. Since the interest in building a chopper has been steadily increasing, there are many ways to learn how to build a chopper and add decals and graphics that will help make it your own.

chopper rolling chassis

One way when building a custom chopper is to purchase a custom chopper kit. Whether you are new to building choppers or have past experience, a chopper kits will make the process much easier because everything you need is in one place. Unlike purchasing parts over the Internet or ordering them from a dealer, kits allow you to know that all the parts are new and will work properly. Many of the kits also come with instructions for new builders.

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When building a chopper, you will want to make sure you have enough room. Many of the parts and especially the final project will be quite large, so it is important that you have space and a work area that will allow you to complete the copper without having any problems or endangering yourself.

Building a chopper, just like building anything is going to take time and effort. If you attempt to cut corners or try to purchase used parts in order to save money, the bike may not be in the best condition. It is very important to follow all directions exactly as they are given and stay away from substitutions. Remember, the parts and process are there for a reason and if you do not follow everything exactly, you could end up endangering yourself while building the bike or when actually riding it. Although, many people will suggest buying used parts, this may end up putting you at a disadvantage.

If you are looking to learn how to build a chopper, the best advice, whether you are new or experienced, is to eirt buy restoration project or a kit. When building a chopper, it is always good to have some knowledge of motorcycles and how they work, but if you do not have this knowledge, do not be afraid to ask for help. Building a chopper can be confusing at times and if you so not get the help you need, the bike may not work properly.

After all the technical work has been completed, you can start on the graphics part of building your chopper. This is probably the most fun part of building a chopper and it allows you to add some of your personal style and make the bike your own. If you want to know how to build a chopper, all it takes is time, a little bit of money and a lot of creativity.

How to Build a Chopper - Chopper Building 101

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