build a chopper from a kit

[swampbuck62]

Have you ever looked into building your own bike?

I have been doing research off and on for a few years and there seem to be several companies that offer turn key kits.. All you have to do is put them together, well you gotta paint the frames and body work and thats all, well you gotta hook up all the wiring and oil and fuel lines but thats it..

OK so there is a lot more to it but it would be a blast to build your own custom chopper..

 

[chopper duke]

As my name would suggest, I used to do it as a hobby. When the first wife left I had to take a major step back but it's something I've always enjoyed. It's been a few years since I've been in that scene but there used to be a few companies that made kits.

 

[swampbuck62]

yeah have just been looking at a few companies tonight or should I say this morning..lol

 

[chopper duke]

yeah have just been looking at a few companies tonight or should I say this morning..lol

For a long time, the best one available was the Big Bear Chopper's kits.

 

[swampbuck62]

For a long time, the best one available was the Big Bear Chopper's kits.

just a quick glance at their site it looks like they push the finished bikes but there are kits as well you have to call for prices.

 

[swampbuck62]

here are a few more..

https://www.artinmotionllc.com/custom-motorcycles/bike-in-a-box/

http://www.southern-mc.com/bike-kits.html

http://www.jsrcustom.com/the_models.html

http://www.pro-performance.biz/KITS.html

bunch more out there as well..

 

[chopper duke]

Some decent looking kits and prices aren't horrible. For awhile, things were nuts when American Chopper and Biker Build Off were big.

 

[swampbuck62]

Some decent looking kits and prices aren't horrible. For awhile, things were nuts when American Chopper and Biker Build Off were big.

a buddy had a custom built chopper done by Kotick kustoms in woodstock think he paid close $30k and that was 10 years ago..Biker build off is back on, I remember when a builder in Marietta was one of the competitors.

http://www.kotickustoms.com/index-2.html

 

[chopper duke]

a buddy had a custom built chopper done by Kotick kustoms in woodstock think he paid close $30k and that was 10 years ago..Biker build off is back on, I remember when a builder in Marietta was one of the competitors.

http://www.kotickustoms.com/index-2.html

Yeah, "Custom" Choppers became all the rage back then and it was kind of irritating because just like last year during the panic, prices shot up. The Marietta competitor you're referring to is Hank Young. He builds some wicked nice stuff.

If you buy a bike vs building a bike, you'll pay 3-4x what it would cost to build. Now, my first one I skimped and saved and bought used where I could. Frame, front end, bars, wheels and tires were all new as was the motor, a crate HD Evo. Had frame powder coated and nothing special for paint on the tank and rear fender. Finally cost was $8000ish. I watched eBay like a hawk though and at the time, you could order a crate motor from WV HD for like $2500. Tranny was a 5 speed take off from someone who upgraded to a 6 speed.

 

[gaphatty]

I have a Kotic Kustoms (http://www.kotickustoms.com/index-2.html) chopper. Going with a custom build will cost a little more than building yourself, but depending on how 'custom' you really want to go, there are things you probably don't want to do yourself without experienced help. These are good guys and will work with you to build or modify a bike the way you want it - I also go to them for maintenance, repairs and such for my Street Glide.