Custom Motorcycle Information

Custom Motorcycle Information

Welcome to Custom Motorcycle Information, located at Custom-Motorcycle.WikiDot.com, your source for custom motorcycle information.

Build Your First Custom Motorcycle

You have decided that you want to own a custom motorcycle, but you are not really sure how or where to begin. There are a few things to consider before you start on your journey for that original, unique, or unusual custom motorcycle.

First - do you want to fully build a custom motorcycle from the frame up, or to modify an existing bike, or order one completely made to your specifications?  What size bike are you thinking about? Large, small or in between? Do you want agility & speed, or do you just want to look good when you cruise the highway?  You will need to decide how much money you can afford to part with in the long run & whether your plan of ownership will most likely take you weeks, months or even years to complete.

Second - do you have the time to do the customization/modification on your bike yourself, or do you have the ability to have the work done for you. If you are going to do your own work, (as most of us do) you'll need to consider what tools you will need, where your work space will be located, how much help from like-minded friends you're likely to get, and your level and variety of skills.  Last but not least, do you have the motivation and dedication to continue once you have started creating your own custom motorcycle?

Third - how much work should be done to a bike to make it a custom motorcycle anyway?  This is a controversial argument.  Some say it's not a custom motorcycle, unless you basically change everything on the bike and others say changing just a couple of things makes it custom. This is the logical answer; make it uniquely yours in any way you want!   Build it, modify it, expand it, downsize it, lighten it, strengthen it, make it more agile, paint it, build it up, or strip it down, just make it yours!  If you have had it modified and it is no longer "stock", or you've modified it yourself, congratulations! You now own a custom motorcycle!

Fourth - get out there and ride!!


How To Buy Your First Motorcycle

When you are looking for your first motorcycle, there are certain things that you should look for.  This article should help you out so that you or someone you know won't get stuck with a lemon.  I know it may be tempting to purchase the first bike you look at… do not!  It's definitely a good idea to search around and see what your options are, whether it's the cost, engine displacement, or the model or style of motorcycle that fits you. I recommend purchasing a used motorcycle from a private seller via your local newspaper, or a classified website like Craigslist.org.  Dealers are generally very over priced for used motorcycles, as they mark them up over bluebook value.  

While looking  for a motorcycle, be sure you bring a motorcycle savvy friend with you if you have one.  Also, the search requires a specific set of "tools".  I like to have a flashlight and a little mirror with me when I'm searching for a motorcycle.  Even in the middle of the day, a flashlight can be very helpful.  Start by looking at the overall "look" of the motorcycle.  Does it appear shiny and new, or are there scratches and dings?  Any amount of damage over the foot peg level, could mean that the bike has been laid down or crashed.  Next, move on to the tires.  Do they look worn or cracked?  Are they slicks or track take offs?  Do they have a decent amount of tread left? Looking at the tires is a great way to tell what the bike has been used for.  

After you have inspected the body work and the tires, move on to the most important part of the motorcycle, the motor.  Look for significant quantities of oil, dirt, and grease, if there is a large amount of any of these substances, it can have a lot to do with how well this machine has been maintained.  If there'sthere is too much grease, oil, or dirt, it could be a sign of potential problems.  If the motorcycle is too clean, it could mean that the seller is trying to hide something from you.   Just remember that some dirt is normal.  Look at the engine covers, are they factory, or have they been replaced?  You can tell a lot just from the style of covers that are on the engine. If the engine covers have a performance company name on them, chances are they are not OEM covers.  This could mean that the motorcycle you are looking at has been raced.  Another way to check if it has in fact been raced, is to look at the heads of the bolts holding it all together.  If they have holes drilled in them, the bike probably has been raced.  These holes are for little cables that go through the head of the bolt for safety reasons, and are required on most tracks.

Now take a look at the chain/belt and sprockets.  They can tell you a lot about how the motorcycle was ridden.  If there are missing teeth on the sprockets, it can mean a number of things.  It could mean that the bike has been ridden hard, or stunted.  It can also mean that it really has not been taken care of as well as it should have been.  When inspecting the chain/belt there are a few things to look for here as well.  Is the chain rusted, has it been repaired, how much play does it have?  For a belt, the same kind of scenario, is the belt frayed, teeth missing, cracked or broken?  Either way I would recommend getting a new one.

Inspect the frame carefully.  Look at the welds to be sure that they aren't broken or cracked. Has the frame been modified, or repaired?  This can be a tell-tale sign that the bike has been abused.  Look for stickers on the frame that might be concealing damage, also check that the VIN number is stamped into the frame somewhere and matches the VIN on the Title,  overlooking this can cause you a heap of trouble.  If the inspection looks good, there's only one thing left to do.  If the owner is ok with it, and you have never ridden before, or don'tdo not have a license yourself, have your friend take the motorcycle for a test ride.  A simple test ride can tell you how the bike runs, and any quirks that may arise, and also show you how the bike responds performance wise, and to rider input.  HAPPY HUNTING!


Lightweight Custom Motorcycle Wheels

Why They Make Such A Big Difference

One of the most beneficial performance modifications you can do to your custom motorbike, is to put on aftermarket rims! I know, you see that these rims tip the scales at like 10 pounds less than factory, so you're contemplating, 10 pounds isn't going to validate spending all that money for light custom motorcycle rims. But the real question is not how much weight are you losing, it is where is the weight you are losing?

aftermarket rims will make a astronomical  change in the handling of your bike, acceleration and deceleration "braking" of your bike for the listed reasons.

Non-Rotational Weight:
One oz reduced from the rims total weight, is equal to 4 oz's removed from another part of the bike. Magnesium wheels will on average weigh about 10 pounds less than your stock aluminum wheels. This is equal to 40 pounds of weight removal on the streetbike, not too bad…

Rotational Weight:
This is the weight reduction on the outer rim of the rim and this is where the weight loss makes a RIDICULOUS difference. At 100mph, each ounce of weight reduced here, is equal to having 25 pounds of weight removed from the motorcycle! This is actual weight that must be turned, accelerated, and stopped, and likewise, it will improve cornering, acceleration, and stopping.

At any speed the reduction is relative to the rate of the bike. As you increase your speed the weight savings will increase exponentially. There are lots of types of performance custom motorcycle wheels out there, made in a variety of different materials, such as aluminum, magnesium, and carbon fiber.What to expect:

Most people who upgrade to performance wheels, experience better acceleration, more responsive engine braking, "lighter feeling" in motion, and easier turning, with no perceivable stability loss. Due to their ability to start rotating so easily, many riders report being able to slide with the back tire through corners, but without any loss of control.

Conclusion:
Although they may be costly, I honestly believe that performance motorcycle wheels are an unmatched modification for anyone wanting to get more performance from their bike. What other part can you get for your motorcycle that allots you better handling, better braking, better acceleration, and better looks for that kind of money?

Unless otherwise stated, the content of this page is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 License