It takes a significant amount of time and patience to build virtually any sophisticated and expensive piece of machinery, and a custom motorcycle body is no different. You need to make sure you own all of the necessary tools and parts, find an appropriate spot for the build and, most importantly, develop a vision for your project before beginning it.
Steps To Building A Custom Motorcycle
Once you have set a budget and timeline for your custom motorcycle build, there is a specific list of steps you should aim to follow for this project. Here are the seven steps to take for this venture.
Purchasing The Project Bike
One of the first things you will want to decide is whether you prefer an older or newer model for your project bike. Older, classic motorcycles (Ducati 860GT, Honda CB750-4, etc.) are typically less difficult to perform work on, electrically and mechanically. By contrast, newer bike models (2020 Yamaha VMAX, Suzuki C50, etc.) often have more sophisticated features such as traction control, anti-lock braking system (ABS), and an electronic suspension.
Purchase The Desired Parts
The essential parts that will make your bike unique include the wheels, handlebar, seat, headlights, engine and transmission. If certain parts are not readily available at a motorcycle repair shop, you may need to purchase them as aftermarket parts. Parts such as the oil and air filters and the wiring harness are often particularly better off being replaced with newer parts.
Tearing Down The Bike & Sorting Parts
Before you begin the process of tearing down your bike, develop a system to categorize your parts. For example, you can use a chart and place each type of part in a distinct bag or box. It can also be helpful to take multiple photos throughout this step so that you can track almost every aspect of the process. If there are certain parts you are unsure of whether or not you will use, you can simply set them aside (in a secure location) and then decide later.
Cleaning & Modifying The Frame
The act of cleaning your motorcycle to eliminate as much dirt, grease, and oil as possible will help your custom build more than you may initially imagine. For this step, you can use either rags or aerosol cans filled with degreasing fluid. Above all, try to clean until you can only see bare metal.
After cleaning thoroughly, you should move on to modifying the frame. It is critical to be precise when completing this step because a motorbike must have a straight frame in order to circulate properly on the roads. This approach will serve to avoid placing yourself and other drivers at risk. If you need help measuring and cutting the frame, be sure to seek assistance from a mechanical engineer or a motorcycle shop worker.
Electrical Wiring
For this step, you can either install a reproduction harness or build a custom one. Which of these two options you choose depends partly on the model of your bike and partly on the types of modifications you have performed on it. For all other electrical accessories, simply make sure you follow the exact directions about how to set up the wires.
Paint & Polish
After sanding down your bike’s surface (to ensure even coats of paint), you can begin to paint. There are several different ways to paint a motorcycle, including compressors, spray guns, and aerosol spray packs filled with epoxy paint. Of course, be sure to apply a few coats of primer before painting your bike. Additionally, keep in mind that the cost of the motorcycle paint may vary depending on the colors you have chosen, as some are typically more readily available than others.
The Reassembly
One of the most important parts of the reassembly process is to ensure that all of the screws and bolts are tight. You should also verify that the fuel tank is full and that all filters (air, oil, etc.) are clean and that the brakes, engine, and transmission are also fully functional.
Why Hire A Custom Auto Body Shop
A custom auto body shop can help you ensure that your motorcycle’s frame is straight, that the wiring has been installed correctly, and that your paint job is even and consistent. It can also often provide high-quality replacement parts if you think some of your parts may be too old and unusable.
Reach Out To A Custom Motorcycle Specialist
Speak to the professionals at Robs Customs & Restorations in Manassas, Virginia for more information on how to build a custom motorcycle. We have experience working with virtually all types of motorcycles and can perform custom bodywork, restorations, and paint jobs.
We typically begin by straightening and aligning your bike’s frame, as this is essential for its circulation on the roads. We can also perform rust repair, as we know that a motorcycle’s metal parts can easily corrode over time. Regardless of the level of restoration you are seeking for your motorbike, Robs’ team is here to help. Call Robs Customs & Restorations today at (703) 552-5001 or contact us online for a free service estimate or to learn more about our services.