It takes a significant amount of hard work and patience to build a custom motorcycle. A project such as this one requires at least a basic understanding of motorbike parts, including the engine. Let’s analyze this process and the many factors that impact its total cost.
Factors That Influence The Cost Of A Custom Motorcycle
The cost of a custom motorcycle can vary based on several different factors. However, here we will focus on three specific factors: the size of the engine, the variety of parts used and paint customization. As with any major project, you should begin by setting a budget so that you avoid spending more than you can afford.
The Size Of The Engine
For a long time, most motorcycles had single-cylinder engines. Nevertheless, large manufacturers such as Suzuki and BMW began introducing engines with multiple cylinders (and more horsepower) for performance-oriented bikes. Examples of such engines include parallel-twins, V-twins, inline-triples and flat-four and flat-six engines.
Generally speaking, the larger the engine (or the smoother it runs), the higher the cost of this essential part of a motorcycle. According to howmuchisit.org, the total cost of rebuilding a motorcycle engine can range anywhere between $500 and $8,000, depending on several factors, including the bike’s make and model and the cost of labor used for this type of project.
Variety Of Parts Used
Many different complex parts can be utilized to complete a custom motorcycle rebuild: the frame parts (chassis, brackets, distance axle, etc.), shocks, brakes, headlights, the clutch, the exhaust system, and the seat, among several others. Some of these parts can be made out of a wide variety of materials, and their cost can vary based on this characteristic alone.
If you choose to add accessories, such as additional lights, a speaker/sound system, or a custom engraving, this will likely cost you a few more hundred dollars. If the parts you are looking to add are rare and you end up needing to buy them as aftermarket parts, this could also potentially impact the final cost. Once again, be sure to factor in the cost of labor, if this applies to your parts installation.
Paint Customization
A custom paint job will always require a significant amount of time and money to complete. Aside from paint, this type of project typically involves the use of epoxy primer, hardener, and sandpaper to smoothen the motorbike’s surface and ensure you end up with even paint coats. In some cases, clear-coat lacquer may even be recommended. If there is a specific image or other design that you wish to add to your bike, this will also likely imply a higher price.
According to NADAguides.com, JD Power’s industry-leading source for used-vehicle valuations, custom paint jobs for motorcycles can cost, on average, between $800 and $2,500. If your bike is more sophisticated, a paint job can cost as much as $30,000.
You should also remember that you need a specific set of tools to build a custom motorcycle (allen wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, hammers/mallets, etc.). This implies that unless you already own some of these tools, you will need to factor in this expense as well.
Hiring A Custom Auto Shop
As with any major project, it can be extremely beneficial to acquire professional help. A custom auto body shop can help you by offering recommendations on which types of tools to utilize or how to prepare for your motorcycle rebuild. They may even be able to give you an estimate for how much to spend on each tool, material or step of the process.
Reach Out To An Experienced Custom Auto Body Shop
Speak to the experts at Robs Customs & Restorations in Manassas, Virginia for more information on the total cost of building a custom motorcycle. We have experience working with several different types of vehicles, including classic, vintage, antique and muscle cars. We can perform custom bodywork, which includes frame-straightening and alignment. A straight frame will help ensure that your motorcycle rides smoothly on the roads.
Robs’ team can also perform interior restorations, which includes cleaning and rebuilding your seats, updating your dashboard and repairing any normal wear and tear that your motorcycle may have experienced over the years. We can also perform custom and full motorcycle paint jobs that take care of all dents and scratches on your vehicle. Finally, we also perform rust repair, since we know that metal on a motorbike can easily corrode with time.
Regardless of how sophisticated you wish for your motorcycle to look, the team at Robs is here to help. Call Robs Customs & Restorations today at (703) 552-5001 or contact us online for a free quote or to learn more about our many services.