| Some people build custom bikes because they are | | | | A rolling chassis is a partially assembled bike that you |
| cheaper than buying one. Others just want the | | | | can customize. It includes the frame, handlebars, |
| I-built-that feeling as they look at it. Still others might | | | | wheels, gas tank, and other basic parts. You need to |
| want customization that they can't get in an "off the | | | | add an engine and a transmission then finish it off |
| shelf" model. | | | | with custom pieces. |
| When someone decides to build a motorcycle, there | | | | This is a good middle-of-the-road choice. A rolling |
| are three paths to take depending on budget, | | | | chassis is cheaper than one of the kit bikes while |
| mechanical skill, design aims, and past building | | | | keeping the advantage of pre-selected parts that |
| experience. Those paths are custom bike kits, a | | | | work together. Since all you have is the underlying |
| rolling chassis, and building the whole thing from a | | | | framework, you still have lots of customization |
| collection of motorcycle parts. | | | | options. |
| Custom Bike Kits | | | | Building a bike from a rolling chassis requires more skill |
| The simplest choice for someone who has never built | | | | on your part, since you are going to have to choose |
| a bike before is to try one of the many custom bike | | | | the other parts yourself. |
| kits out there. You get a box that has everything | | | | A variation on the rolling chassis is to take an existing |
| you need to build the bike from the ground up | | | | bike, cut it down to the frame, thus producing your |
| except the paint. | | | | own chassis. A used bike will probably cost less than |
| Kits are great for first-time builders. If you can follow | | | | a rolling chassis and you will be removing the parts |
| instructions, you end up with a bike put together | | | | that have seen the most wear and tear such as the |
| with your own hands. You don't have to worry about | | | | engine. |
| picking the wrong parts or whether two pieces will | | | | Building from Scratch |
| work together. You will make mistakes along the | | | | The ultimate in a custom bike is one that you select |
| way, but they will tend to be safe mistakes that | | | | all the motorcycle parts yourself. The bike becomes |
| won't ruin the build. | | | | a true expression of your personality because every |
| The biggest downside is the cost. This is perhaps the | | | | nut and bolt was hand selected. Needless to say this |
| most expensive way to build a custom bike. You are | | | | build is beyond most first-timers and even most |
| also limited as to how much customization you can | | | | second-timers. |
| do. Sure you can swap out the included parts with | | | | You can either go cheap, cannibalizing parts from junk |
| others of your choice, but that means throwing | | | | bikes, or expensive, buying high end custom chopper |
| away pieces you've already paid for. | | | | parts. This is truly a blank canvas and the ultimate |
| Rolling Chassis | | | | challenge for the bike builder. |