I'm looking to build a chopper?

Question

from the ground up. I know a bit about car repair, mechanics of a car, etc... and I have been interested in choppers (as in custom motorcycles) for a while now, so I decided that I want to try and build one. To any of you out there who have possibly done this before, how difficult is it really, and if I was using parts from junkyards etc how much would it possibly run me? Thanks, hope to hear from some of you soon!

Answer 1

bah... you can buy turn key kits unassembled for $12K with frame, albeit a revtec drivetrain, wheels, bars, lights, tank, etc... all that is needed is paint, fluids, and elbow grease

Answer 2

Sounds like your not even close to building one but it is possible with little knowledge to put one together. As far as time 1-110 years thats the beuty of it you can take as little or as long as you like. As far as parts from a junkyard why are you asking us howmuch it will cost ask the junk yards. Does this look like a junkyard to you. LOL Just messing dude but seriously ask them.

Answer 3

Do you only want to build one or do you plan on riding it too? The reason I ask is there are several key factors in building a bike and if some things aren't done right in regards to the suspension or engine it can get you killed if it fails. I would recommend getting an old bike and learn to repair and maintain it first. Then once you have a good understanding of motorcycles you will be ready to tackle a custom job.

Answer 4

Here is the Catch 22. If you don't want parts problems (some things you just can't get from junk yards- ex. extended fork tubes) you need to go with an old harley... NOW... finding an old or wrecked HD is near impossible with the salvage guys to the insurance guys grabbing them up. Harley frames with numbers on them are worth their weight in gold. Most chops are built from the ground up with aftermarket parts for just that reason, with swap meets and factory rebuilt engines and tranys being the route to savings. Others may differ with this notion but my experience is that it's very difficult to stay under 20 grand when building a bike... for every guy that says they have done it for 15 thou I know 5 that have abandoned the project when in it 25 thou and unfinished.

Answer 5

Junk yard makes it sound more like a contraption right from the start

Put a couple more thousand on Snoops answer ,Just to get away from Rev Tec, you can even spec them to a point