Long-term Bike Project

[devino246]

Raywelders "minibike" build has inspired me and Ive had this strange fascination with bikes in the last few years. It must run in the family, because several of my family members have motorcycles. I dont have gobs of cash, but I do have some design skills, plenty of tools, and a hankering to build something. This thread is titled "Long-term Bike Project" because now isnt the very best time to start building something. However, now is a good time for research. I'd like to find an older wrecked/broken bike, take the engine, wheels, speedo, lights, etc. off, and build a new, older style frame. If I feel like an extra challenge, some custom tin work could be integrated. Eventually, when its "perfect", mabe consider getting it registered. This wont be a "seat-of-your-pants" build, it'll be carefully researched, planned, and modeled on programs like Inventor and AutoCAD. I dont expect any sort of construction will begin till next fall, so all I've got is time. Any advice/pointers/tips would be greatly apreciated. Attatched are 2 examples of the sort of look I like.

 

[KieranM]

Nice, this will be interesting, what size engine are you thinking?

 

[devino246]

Nice, this will be interesting, what size engine are you thinking?

Small, single cylinder.

 

[r97]

sounds like its gonna come out nice!

 

[Bluethunder3320]

lookin for the old style look? sweet.

 

[redsox985]

I love the look of an opposed twin! I also love the cafe racer style.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/flatracer/2620838963/

http://www.bikeexif.com/moto-guzzi-cafe-racer-4 kind of an opposed twin, just not flat

http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2006/07/18/wakan-1640-new-french-v-twin-motorcycle/ not an opposed twin but I LOVE the look

 

[devino246]

I love the look of an opposed twin! I also love the cafe racer style.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/flatracer/2620838963/

http://www.bikeexif.com/moto-guzzi-cafe-racer-4 kind of an opposed twin, just not flat

http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2006/07/18/wakan-1640-new-french-v-twin-motorcycle/ not an opposed twin but I LOVE the look

That last bike is interesting.

The seat and handlebars will have some height difference, i dont like leaning over all the time. A couple of my family members go on day-long rides on the Blueridge parkway several times a year. It would be pretty sweet to join them on my own creation.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

That'll be great. I can't wait to see what you come up with. How about the legalities of riding along- what does it take to do something like that in NC?

 

[devino246]

That'll be great. I can't wait to see what you come up with. How about the legalities of riding along- what does it take to do something like that in NC?

The requirements for a bike in NC are pretty basic; Lights, horn, speedo, etc. I have my restricted license now, which allows me to drive by myself between 5&9. In April I get my regular license and then would be able to take a motorcycle safety course and get a motorcycle license. Then of course, you cant have a passenger for 6 months. (My bike will have room for a passenger, just in case)

 

[Doc Sprocket]

So as far as registering the bike goes, what? Do you just take it to a mechanic and get a safety check?

 

[devino246]

So as far as registering the bike goes, what? Do you just take it to a mechanic and get a safety check?

Not totally sure about that yet. Im wondering if I were to get a wrecked bike and the title for it, if I could "transfer" the VIN to my new frame. Then just get the bike registered in my name and get the plate.

 

[redsox985]

Check these out!

http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2006/01/12/hyanide-and-baal-all-terrain-motorcycles/
http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2009/10/26/kickboxer-subaru-wrx-powered-motorcycle-concept/

 

[r97]

that track thing is awesome!!!!!!! i have seen the "kick boxer" before, but its still sick, you know my dad has a wrx.............

 

[redsox985]

Ok that has officially taken the top slot on my to build list.

 

[brendonv]

You will have to get it certified by an engineer in order to register it if you change the frame in any way. Ive done two restores so far. One 1990 Kawasaki GPX250 and an old 1985 Suzuki TS185. I got the kawaka rego'ed and currently getting indicators, speedo, lens, brake light switch and bar end mirros for the suzuki. I stripped it back, re sprayed everything, cleaned it, fixed some bits and put it back together again. Should be ready to take over to the pits to get it licensed in the next couple of months.

 

[modelengineer]

The rules in the US are a bit more lenient than here, I think. From what I've read on locostusa.com about registering custom sports cars (ground up builds, frame and all) the rules are very lax compared to the crap we have to go through. I doubt an engineer would have to look at it.

 

[devino246]

Check these out!

http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2006/01/12/hyanide-and-baal-all-terrain-motorcycles/
http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2009/10/26/kickboxer-subaru-wrx-powered-motorcycle-concept/

Those are sweet! however, gotta remember im looking for old school with a twist.

You will have to get it certified by an engineer in order to register it if you change the frame in any way. Ive done two restores so far. One 1990 Kawasaki GPX250 and an old 1985 Suzuki TS185. I got the kawaka rego'ed and currently getting indicators, speedo, lens, brake light switch and bar end mirros for the suzuki. I stripped it back, re sprayed everything, cleaned it, fixed some bits and put it back together again. Should be ready to take over to the pits to get it licensed in the next couple of months.

Im 99% sure that the US is ALOT more lax. I doubt registering it as a custom build would be hard at all anyway.

 

[redsox985]

I think they say that as long as it has lights, signals, gauges, and the basics, it's legal. Just get a VIN number assigned and have it inspected. I do know that you want an older look, but those were so interesting. A tread bike and a WRX boxer engine powered bike. That would be horrifying.

 

[newrider3]

You will have to get it certified by an engineer in order to register it if you change the frame in any way.

No such thing as engineering inspections here in the US, kind of makes it a lot easier for someone building a hot rod or bobber, but can allow some unsafe crap on the roads at the same time.

 

[kliff]

Here's what ya need...