So You Want To Be A Custom Bike Builder? Start With A Motorcycle Kit!

So you want to be a custom bike builder? Well friend, before you rush out and buy that motorcycle kit, the one that will set you on the road to riches and fame, stop and think about the level of expertise and artistry the top builders have attained. More importantly think about how long it has taken them to attain it! Let's look at a few key issues?

Education

You'd be surprised how well educated a lot of today's top bike builders are. Several of them have degrees (some more than one!) ranging from mechanical engineering to business and marketing management. Billy Lane, the founder of Chopper Inc, has several patents relating to motorcycle technology in his name for example. What about someone a little more "old school" like Dave Perewitz? Dave has accumulated close to forty years of mechanical, metalworking and painting experience. Not theoretical, but genuine hands on, early morning late night kind of experience. Could you put that kind of time in? Matt Hotch is still only young, but has gained an incredible amount of practical experience customizing first bicycles, then VW's before moving on to custom bike building.

Facilities

These guys are building choppers and custom bikes that are state of the art. They don't get thrown together in the yard; the motorcycle shops have all the tools and equipment required to produce almost anything out of metal, not just bikes. Just as important are the other services these builders use; the local chrome platers, machinists, painters and so on. These guys have just as important a part to play in the construction of these one off bikes as the designer builders themselves.

Desire

All the top custom bike builders live for one thing; building the best bikes they can. They literally live eat even dream about custom bikes (and looking at some of the more way out creations you can totally believe this from the designs they produce!) They are constantly striving to build bikes better. Its not about money for the top guys, I am convinced of that.

So where does that leave Average Joes like you and me? Actually, I don't think we are too badly off; in fact if you want to build a custom bike, it has probably never been easier. Here's my take on it?.

Education

There is an unbelievable amount of information for the guys who want to start down the road to custom bike building. Videos, books websites, all of them help to flatten the learning curve for a novice. Most of the material out there relates to motorcycle kits, and for the beginner, building a motorcycle kit is definitely the best way to go if you want to get real hands on experience. After that there are motorcycle maintenance courses, which again will allow you to get up to speed as fast as possible in your quest to become the next Arlen Ness!

Facilities

To put together a shop like the ones you see on television costs thousands of dollars. But you don't need all that stuff if you start with a motorcycle kit. Motorcycle kits can be put together with some pretty basic tools, providing they are of good quality. Two things that are an absolute must in my opinion though are a torque wrench and a basic lift. With these two tools, you can tighten the motorcycle kits fittings correctly, and not break your back while you are doing it!

Desire

Well this is one area where you can match the pros, no question. If you really want to be a custom bike builder, start doing it for fun and put your motorcycle kit together.

We can't all be Billy Lane, Eddie Trotta or Russell Mitchell, but we can have a lot of fun trying!

Michael Holmes is a enthusiast for all thing motorcycle. His website, http://www.motorcycleparts-accessories-and more.com, is a great resource of articles aimed at motorcyclists of all levels, including a page specifically about the motorcycle kits resources available online.

---

Motorcycle Radar Detectors

Standard radar detectors were not built for motorcycles and were... Read More

Suzuki Motorcycles - From Fine Loom Manufacturers to Major Motorcycle Company

Started in a small warehouse by Michio Suzuki back in... Read More

Honda Super Cub and 50cc Honda Cub - The Volkswagen Beetle of Motorcycles!

A very clever design: the Honda Super Cub was the... Read More

Avoiding Excessive or Uneven Front Tire Wear

All rubber tires wear down over time, whether they're on... Read More

Yamaha Motorcycles - Creativity and Spirit of Challenge

"If you are going to do something, be the best"... Read More

Trackdays - Get the Maximum Enjoyment from Your Time on the Track

Many motorcyclists want to take their bikes onto the track... Read More

Ghost Minimoto Moto GP Reps ? What Are They?

What are Mini moto's? A Minimoto is a miniature version... Read More

Fuel Cells Motorcycles, Trucks, Tanks, ATVs and Fire Hazards from Heat Exchanges

We have heard a whole lot of talk about fuel... Read More

A Great Motorcycle Ride in Mexico: Queretaro

A beautiful ride across cities and places named World Heritage... Read More

Welcome To The World Of ?Upside Down? Motorcycle Loans!

With the depreciation on motorcycles being so enormous after they... Read More

Necessity of Motorcycle Parts

If you are one of the many people who consider... Read More

Minimoto Dirt Bikes, Miniture Motards - The Next Step Up from Battery Powered Toys

As your child grows out of their little bicycle and... Read More

Do You Need a Part for Your Harley Davidson Motorcycle?

Need a Harley Davidson Part for your ride?Where do you... Read More

Women and Motorcycles? You Bet!

To really understand the women and her ride, one needs... Read More

Take Care of Her and Shell Do the Same ( How to start out the riding season)

Has your scoot been sitting in the garage all winter,... Read More

It?s One Thing for People to Buy Your Product or Service, but It?s Another for Them to Tattoo Your

William Harley and Arthur Davidson, both in their early twenties,... Read More

Ride Hard - Hydrate Harder

This summer is showing all of the signs of being... Read More

0 to 60 in 4.5 Seconds

Speeding is illegal, yet we sell racing motorcycles and cars... Read More

Online Shopping for Motorcycle Accessories

When shopping for a certain item and material, the way... Read More

Frame Slider Design and Selection

Call them crash protectors, crash bobbins, fairing protectors or frame... Read More

The Buzz is All About Mini-Motorcycles

Pocket bikes are miniature motorcycles -- powered, for the most... Read More

Kawasaki Motorcycles - Independent in Thoughts and Actions

The story of Kawasaki Company goes back to 1924, at... Read More

Motorcycle Suspension: - A Troubleshooting Guide

Trouble Shooting Suspension Problems.Adjustment locations: ForksRebound adjustment (if applicable) is... Read More

Save Money on Used Motorcycle Parts

For every motorcycle enthusiast, it is indeed very taxing to... Read More

A Convenient Way to Slash Your Gas Bill

"With oil prices spiraling higher almost every day, people are... Read More

5 Steps To A Better Motorcycle Loan With A Better Credit Score

It is common knowledge that motorcycle lenders base high importance... Read More

So You Want To Be A Custom Bike Builder? Start With A Motorcycle Kit!

So you want to be a custom bike builder? Well... Read More

Motorcycle Helmets - Mind Your Head!

To most riders, motorcycle helmets do not fit into their... Read More

Workings of a Motorcycle Muffler Suspension

Motorcycles are becoming more popular because of its convenience and... Read More

Mini Moto Tips

These are some quick adjustments and tips for the B1... Read More

How To Make Your Own Vintage Motor Cycle & Automotive Spare Parts

Vintage Car & Motorcycle restoration enthusiasts all share one thing... Read More

People Are Crazy... and Everyone Is A Racer

?And everyone is a racer. If you doubt that, you've... Read More

Know Your Mini Moto

The Mini Moto is a small scale replica of the... Read More