It's no secret that some people will build a custom bike because it's cheaper than buying one. Other people just like the feeling of having personally built their bike. And, there's always the bunch that wants nothing to do with an "off the shelf" model.
If you're planning on spending some time in the garage building your own motorcycle, there are three paths you can opt to take.
1. Buy a Custom Kit
There are a lot of custom kits on the market you can choose from, and if you can follow instructions, you can wind up with a bike built by your own hands. Sure, you may make a few mistakes along the way, but you rarely have to worry about picking up the wrong parts.
2. Buy a Rolling Chassis
A rolling chassis is a partially assembled bike that can be customized. This is a little cheaper than buying a bike kit, and the framework allows for a lot of customizing options.
You can take an existing bike, cut it down, and you'd have essentially the same thing as a rolling chassis. Used bikes are great to start with. They're cheaper, and you’ll benefit by removing the parts that have the most wear and tear.
3. Build from Scratch
You have to know a lot about bike building before you can venture to build from scratch. In this scenario, the bike you build becomes a true expression of your personality. Every nut and bolt you use is hand selected.
This kind of build is normally beyond the range of most bike enthusiasts.
You can approach the bike build any way you choose. You can go cheap and buy parts from the scrap yard, or you can go in high end and buy a complete kit, or you can choose middle ground and start from a rolling chassis.
If you're interested in building or servicing motorcycles for a living, why not request a WyoTech DVD to learn more about what the Motorcycle Technology Training Program can do to help put your life in high gear!
Former Co-host of Spike TV's "Xtreme 4X4"
"At WyoTech, I received the skill set necessary to take me as far as my imagination will lead me."
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