Modifying bikes - do you do it?

[shrub]

I grew up when bikes were generally pretty crappy out of the crate and if you didn't fuck with them they were often unreliable, handled and braked badly and lacked power, so a lot of bikes got decent shocks and rubber, a second disc up front was popular, an exhaust system that didn't weigh 200 kgs and rust away in a week (or expansion chambers), lights that worked etc.

Then on the other side, some of us were into old Brit bikes, and fancied ourselves as Kiwi versions Dennis Hopper and Peter Fonda riding across NZ in search of drugs or something, so extended forks, hardtail frames, 6 bend bars and custom paint were common.

I've never been able to leave a bike alone, and everything I have ever owned has been fucked with - sometimes they've even been improved! So i'm curious as to who else is into modding their bikes, or not as the case may be.

[Banditbandit]

I used to - came from roughly the same period as you - I could never really afford to build what I wanted so I spend my time keeping Triumphs and BSAs on the road ... but had raised bars, different shocks ... repaints .. I was building a BSA A7 as a bit of a chopper - till I decided I wanted to be a rider not a mechanic and sold all the Brits ..

Now, I think bikes are pretty damm good the way the come out ('cept Harleys) so I've done little to mine ...

The BMW was a bog standard 1990s Paris Dakar so I left it alone ... My Honda FT400 was my commuter scooter so I left it alone ...

The two Bandits are wonderful - I put a fly screen on the 650 (looks cool but all it seems to do is catch bugs) and an aftermarket muffler on the 1250 to replace the bloody heavy standard one ... I'm eyeing up a tail tidy and hugger for the 1250 .. but I need a bit of spare cash first .. so all cosmetic and not much handling or power mods ... (maybe some braided lines for the 1250 ...)

[shrub]

I decided I wanted to be a rider not a mechanic and sold all the Brits ..

I remember that experience well. I sold a 72 Bonnie and bought a 750 Four, and while my mates all thought I was a dog fucker, suddenly I had more power, reliability I couldn't get my head around and i could park it outside the pub and it would be there when I left. But the brakes were crap even compared to my twin leading shoe drums and it handled like a walrus on skates, so I fitted a 4 into 1, a second disc, fork brace, Koni shocks and gave it a custom paint job. Then I got my hands on a big bore kit and a set of smoothbore carbs, big valves, hot cam etc, and it was going really well until I rode it into an outside toilet after drinking most of a bottle of tequila and completely buggered the frame and front end. After that it ended up with a custom frame, extended forks, 21 inch wheel etc, so it went like the clappers but handled like crap. I swapped it for an old 61 Chev Impala which actually went round corners better.

[slofox]

Mostly minor things...

1) Horn that is actually audible
2) Heated grips - helps with the Dupeytrens scarring in the right hand
3) GPS, mount and power source
4) Radar Detector, mount and power source
5) Ciggie socket to power mini compressor in case of puncture.
6) Distribution box to run all those accessories
7) Speedo-healer if the OEM is too inaccurate
and maybe
8) After market zorst

[Blinkwing]

Have a 250cc bike, so absolutely no point in customising it.

[bogan]

Yes. There is always going to be something worth changing, be it better running, handling, looking, or sound. Or all of the above!
However modern bikes are more complete packages than the older ones, so perhaps it is harder to make that first step into modifying them?

[NOID]

DONT ! ! ! ! my motard just been in for a wof, non oem brakes (aftermarket disk, calipers, caliper relocator/adaptor for larger disk, 17inch motard rims ) now i need a low volume cert due to not being factory :shit: :violin:

[Motu]

I wanted to be a rider not a mechanic ..

I wanted to be both - and still am. I'm not interested in bikes I can't work on. I always considered unreliability to be an advantage because it gave me more opportunity to work on my bike....otherwise I'd just pull it apart anyway like I do now.

[onearmedbandit]

DONT ! ! ! ! my motard just been in for a wof, non oem brakes (aftermarket disk, calipers, caliper relocator/adaptor for larger disk, 17inch motard rims ) now i need a low volume cert due to not being factory :shit: :violin:

Really? The inspector noticed that? Or did you tell them?

[milez1987]

Have a 250cc bike, so absolutely no point in customising it.

You can add a digital watch attached by Velcro lol

[ducatilover]

I crash 'em and build 'em better, shinier, lighter, stupider. I'll modify anything I can get my hands on I'm just lacking in decent tools these days (yet I have an obsession for original classic cars.... :confused: )

[ducatilover]

Have a 250cc bike, so absolutely no point in customising it.

Why not? I had one of my 250's for 3 and a half years, poured countless hours into it making it what I wanted from a 250. Achieved that and sold it. I still want it back.

[imdying]

Have a 250cc bike, so absolutely no point in customising it.Why ever not? My 250 is on the verge of becoming my most modified bike!

[Gremlin]

It sounds like you consider modifying bikes as more the performance/handling/braking. I said change a little, but I consider modifying as anything over stock.

Previous bikes, performance mods was a standard thing, exhausts, air filters, tuning, and depending on the bike, other things.

I think I'm getting old though (and I'm only in my twenties). The BMW has no performance changes, but thousands has been spent on guards and protectors (that have, ahem, been rather well tested) and electronic accessories.

As with others, I simply don't have stock bikes, even the GSA, one of the most heavily equipped bikes from the factory, has had a bunch of things added.

[HenryDorsetCase]

My problem is that I have now ridden and owned bikes with decent suspension. It all started with a fucked rear shock in my NC30 trackbike, and progressed from there to respring/emulators etc etc. Now its Ohlins for life!

And now I have to budget that not insignificant cost into any purchase.

that of course comes under the heading of "credit card ninja" farkling. But thats how I roll.

I did really enjoy doing up that CB400F a few years back, though I should never have sold it. stupid.

[Road kill]

I like bikes I can work on,and I like bikes that lend themselves to change easily.
I've owned a couple of bikes that were ultra reliable,had all the fruit like electronic ignition,fuel injection,tubeless tyres,alloy wheels,,or a combination of most of that utterly boring crap.
Now I know why so many young guys can't gap a spark plug or change a tyre.
These same bikes had dirty little things to stop the owner working on them or changing anything,,,even just changing the handle bars,,they had little indenting type knobs that only matched the standard bars,,,angle grinder made short work of that rubbish.
But then they never missed a beat,never did anything much other than run an stop an just about put you to sleep thinking about them,,,,,,,sold both inside 6 months an went back to me old, slow, ok handling, not to bad breaking, normaly reliable,mostly oil tight,always vibrating twins,,that I can tune myself,rebuild myself,change any bloody thing I want myself.
Think I'll run get fucked bars next week:laugh:

[Stirts]

So i'm curious as to who else is into modding their bikes, or not as the case may be.

All bikes that I have owned (3) have been modified ....................
to "Short-arse" mode

[short-circuit]

My problem is that I have now ridden and owned bikes with decent suspension. It all started with a fucked rear shock in my NC30 trackbike, and progressed from there to respring/emulators etc etc. Now its Ohlins for life!

And now I have to budget that not insignificant cost into any purchase.

that of course comes under the heading of "credit card ninja" farkling. But thats how I roll.

I did really enjoy doing up that CB400F a few years back, though I should never have sold it. stupid.

The only way to roll with a Striple - they fucken rock

[Zedder]

I used to - came from roughly the same period as you - I could never really afford to build what I wanted so I spend my time keeping Triumphs and BSAs on the road ... but had raised bars, different shocks ... repaints .. I was building a BSA A7 as a bit of a chopper - till I decided I wanted to be a rider not a mechanic and sold all the Brits ..

Now, I think bikes are pretty damm good the way the come out ('cept Harleys) so I've done little to mine ...

The BMW was a bog standard 1990s Paris Dakar so I left it alone ... My Honda FT400 was my commuter scooter so I left it alone ...

The two Bandits are wonderful - I put a fly screen on the 650 (looks cool but all it seems to do is catch bugs) and an aftermarket muffler on the 1250 to replace the bloody heavy standard one ... I'm eyeing up a tail tidy and hugger for the 1250 .. but I need a bit of spare cash first .. so all cosmetic and not much handling or power mods ... (maybe some braided lines for the 1250 ...)

Before I went overseas quite a while back I got tired of all the two stroke machines around and got into tidying up a couple of old Beezers. The first one was a 1954 C11g then I got a 1960 B33. After a lot of energy, time and money both ended up mint.

Now I've lept ahead to a 1991 Kawi ZZR400 do up just because I like the era and I had one when I was in Aussie.

[F5 Dave]

Why ever not? My 250 is on the verge of becoming my most modified bike!
So is mine, although more of a 500 now. LVV Cert'd, so be it.

[ducatilover]

Now I've lept ahead to a 1991 Kawi ZZR400 do up just because I like the era and I had one when I was in Aussie.

Throw a ZZR600 motor in it, I did it to mine. Easy 40hp upgrade :eek5:

[Blinkwing]

You can add a digital watch attached by Velcro lol

Or I could just lay 'er down and put a fancy dent in!


Why not? I had one of my 250's for 3 and a half years, poured countless hours into it making it what I wanted from a 250. Achieved that and sold it. I still want it back.


Why ever not? My 250 is on the verge of becoming my most modified bike!

Aftermarket exhausts/performance modifications are worthless as they only add a few horsepower for mega $.

I could add new mirrors, bars, chop the bike up and turn it into a bobber but that's just money I don't have. :pinch:

[ducatilover]

Or I could just lay 'er down and put a fancy dent in!





Aftermarket exhausts/performance modifications are worthless as they only add a few horsepower for mega $.

I could add new mirrors, bars, chop the bike up and turn it into a bobber but that's just money I don't have. :pinch:

It makes it cooler though :D My exhaust mods on my 250 cost me a bottle of bourbon (which included a free motor too)

[gatch]

I modify/repair everything under the sun at work. So when I get home and see the lack of a well equipped machine shop I get annoyed, go inside and open a beer.

When I have the cash to buy some proper toys, I'll start doing some REAL bike mods.

[Zedder]

Throw a ZZR600 motor in it, I did it to mine. Easy 40hp upgrade :eek5:

Apparently the 400 is just a sleeved down 600. It has certainly crossed my mind and is an option for later on.

[rastuscat]

If your budget runs to it, get Ohlins. Both my recent bikes (BMW R1150GS and F800ST) have been okay, until I Ohlined them, after which they were F****ING amazing.

Best bang for your buck. Lots of bucks actually, but you'll never go back to OEM.

[ducatilover]

Apparently the 400 is just a sleeved down 600. It has certainly crossed my mind and is an option for later on.

Different head (600 has bigger valves), 600 has bigger port sizes on the head, oil cooler on the 600, different shift forks, bigger carbs for 600.
The 400 also has a 180km/h limiter, I can send you details of how to remove it correctly.
The 600 conversion is easy, just get motor, carbs, headers and oil cooler. Swaps straight in, same airbox too :D

[neels]

Only mod to my bike was debaffling the mufflers before I got it, otherwise standard. I'm far too clueless to start modifying anything.

[Old Steve]

First thing I did was take a drill to the mufflers on Gloria, after a car pulled out into my space on my third day on two wheels. Each baffle was held in by just three pop rivets, and once they were drilled out the baffles came out and she sounded great. She chortles and burbles away beneath me something lovely.

I've also added heated handgrips, and that's the best money I've spent on her.

[AllanB]

I consider a stock bike as a blank canvas. :yes:

Physical changes to accommodate ones body - ie bars.

Bling (practical - CRG levers, nice!).

Exhausts (nice sound, but you can justify it as weight saving!).

Handling

Appearance (just made myself a tail tidy)

etc etc

lets see, in no particular order: I'm on my 3rd set of bars, grips (I can't stand the stock, skinny, hard ones on Jap bikes), CRG levers, 3'rd set of mirrors, Yoshi slip-ons, Stebel horn, tail tidy, assorted pretty bits of alloy, frame sliders, turn-signals, Ohlins fork springs and rear shock, plus assorted shit I can't think of right now!

Wish list...modified seat cover, rearsets etc etc .... oh I've located a supplier of carbon fibre goodies too ........

Always lots on the wish list!

Oh almost forgot - I've a second set of sidecovers coming from the States for a 'idea' I have .......

[Motu]

If your budget runs to it, get Ohlins.

Fortunately my budget doesn't run to Ohlins,so I was able to use Motu shocks,modified by him to suit my purposes.

[baptist]

Don't do much, don't have the time to be honest, put a set of forward controls (moved 4") on my S40, I might have a hobbit's inside leg measure but I still felt cramped up until I did it.

[nzspokes]

My bikes such a classic I have to mod it to keep it going.

[cs363]

If your budget runs to it, get Ohlins. Both my recent bikes (BMW R1150GS and F800ST) have been okay, until I Ohlined them, after which they were F****ING amazing.

Best bang for your buck. Lots of bucks actually, but you'll never go back to OEM.

Agreed, regardless of brand (though Ohlins is undeniably the cream of the crop) aftermarket or modified suspension to suit the individual rider is the best money you can spend on a bike, regardless of skill level or usage. :yes:
When it comes to suspension one size definitely does not fit all, anyone that would argue with that has obviously never had suspension modified to suit them.

[Zedder]

Different head (600 has bigger valves), 600 has bigger port sizes on the head, oil cooler on the 600, different shift forks, bigger carbs for 600.
The 400 also has a 180km/h limiter, I can send you details of how to remove it correctly.
The 600 conversion is easy, just get motor, carbs, headers and oil cooler. Swaps straight in, same airbox too :D

Thanks for the info and I'll get in touch further on in the project regarding the limiter (purely for technical reasons of course).

[ducatilover]

Thanks for the info and I'll get in touch further on in the project regarding the limiter (purely for technical reasons of course).

I did it for those private road moments.....it got in the way with the 600 motor in it

[Hitcher]

I've got a tank protector and other serious performance enhancing mods. Phoar.

[Blinkwing]

Don't do much, don't have the time to be honest, put a set of forward controls (moved 4") on my S40, I might have a hobbit's inside leg measure but I still felt cramped up until I did it.

One thing I've always wanted to do to a S40 is this (http://www.rycamotors.com/).

[Gremlin]

If your budget runs to it, get Ohlins. Both my recent bikes (BMW R1150GS and F800ST) have been okay, until I Ohlined them, after which they were F****ING amazing.

Best bang for your buck. Lots of bucks actually, but you'll never go back to OEM.
Unless you have electronic suspension... I'd lose functionality if I went to Ohlins... already spoken to Robert about it. Actually, I'd hate to think how much it would cost if Ohlins did make suitable suspension for the ESA bikes.

[Conquiztador]

Very few (any???) of bikes that have been in my ownership through the years have been left as they came. Reasons for modifying are as varied as bikes:

- Bikes have been customised for shows. Have built some from scratch where all bits have been handbuilt. Chrome bits, paint bikes, fit carbies, exhaust, extend, rake, stretch and list goes on.

- Others have had bits added/removed to make the bike more suitable for the purpose.

- Crashes and damage to bikes have sometimes guided any changes as if a bit is damaged beound repair then often something from the "good to have" box will be fitted, at times improving the looks/performance.

- Two have been made in to one becoming a "hybrid". Could be a working motor has been fitted to a rolling frame.

Much of this was done before the rules became tougher for us who loved to tinker and change bits. Now there is a need for paperwork if changes are done and you want to stay legal. Joy killers they are!

I also agree with an earlier poster who mentioned that he woke up one day and concluded that he wanted to ride more than spend time in the workshop. I used to live on a road where groups of bikers would pass every weekend. I would stand in my backyard with grease on my hands working on some project in the weekends when the riders went past. Initially I only realised that there was something wrong with the picture, but I just did not get it. Now I do. So I have come up with the ideal solution: Have decent bikes that needs no tinkering and run, and have others that are projects. This means that I can do both: spend time in the backyard tinkering and having a beer if I want to (and does not matter if the bike is not on the road) and if it is a day I want to ride I just grab a bike that is complete and ridable.

[Madmax]

1) Horn that is actually audible:unless you have hit already
2) Heated grips - helps with the Dupeytrens scarring in the right hand:1/4 twist trottle helps my mangled wrist
3) GPS, mount and power source: i know were i am (as a rule)?
4) Radar Detector, mount and power source:/Na
5) Ciggie socket to power mini compressor in case of puncture.:/Na
6) Distribution box to run all those accessories:/Na
7) Speedo-healer if the OEM is too inaccurate:bugger wont read past 300 kp\a
8) After market zorst yes

:devil2:

[Conquiztador]

One thing I've always wanted to do to a S40 is this (http://www.rycamotors.com/).


Thanks for that link! I like what they have done with the Savage!

[short-circuit]

One thing I've always wanted to do to a S40 is this (http://www.rycamotors.com/).

Amazing! Not sure about how it will ride after those mods considering it's original design, but certainly proof that (cosmetically at least) you can polish a turd

[baptist]

One thing I've always wanted to do to a S40 is this (http://www.rycamotors.com/).

The S40 has it's own web forum in the USA, look at what some of those guys do to them, cafe racer mods are not that uncommon, but the Ryca is rather smart... not sure how my back would like it bent over like that though!!!!!


Amazing! Not sure about how it will ride after those mods considering it's original design, but certainly proof that (cosmetically at least) you can polish a turd

My S40... it was the best I could get for my money that was not a hundred years old :weep:

[Banditbandit]

One thing I've always wanted to do to a S40 is this (http://www.rycamotors.com/).

Love it ...

[shrub]

One thing I've always wanted to do to a S40 is this (http://www.rycamotors.com/).

Bloody hell that is tasty. Almost makes me want to buy one.

[HenryDorsetCase]

Bloody hell that is tasty. Almost makes me want to buy one.

I looked really hard at it last year. I have a bunch of emails from the guys, price list and whatnot.

I came to the conclusion that by the time you pay freight and gST its a very expensive little custom bike. My thought was that maybe you buy the really hard to do bits from them (fuel tank, the electrical parts) and do the rest yourself using bits of number 8 wire, duct tape and zip ties in good old Kiwi fashion.


They're not huge, you'd be way too big for it.

[shrub]

They're not huge, you'd be way too big for it.

yeah, I would look like a clown riding a mini bike on one of those. One of the reasons I bought the BMW, and why a Rocket 3 will be in my shed one of these days.

[imdying]

Aftermarket exhausts/performance modifications are worthless as they only add a few horsepower for mega $.You've got the wrong bike then, get a two stroke.

Loving that S40 too... but having ridden a sewerage, you'd have to pay me to ride one again.

[Brian d marge]

no money...so to get what I want, one must do it himself........ after I finish the CR... modified frame .....A chop is being built...have been collecting the parts, slowly ...temporary forks will be run until I can make mine ..... but now here's the catch.....as close to zero outlay is the goal....I've done it before ..but this time I'll be happy if I can keep it under 100 000 yen.....
btw it will be a rigid 500 enfield ....as have mentioned in past
crap late again ....damn u KB...

Stephen

[ducatilover]

The S40 has it's own web forum in the USA, look at what some of those guys do to them, cafe racer mods are not that uncommon, but the Ryca is rather smart... not sure how my back would like it bent over like that though!!!!!



My S40... it was the best I could get for my money that was not a hundred years old :weep:

How disgusting are they? They're a hella cheap way to get on a Cruiser. I've been thinking of getting a cruiser, but, for a little more coing you could get an old XV535 on VL7/8/900 thing

[Voltaire]

Got a Norton Commando and a BMW airhead project.

Commando has upgraded electronic ignition and new alternator/regulator. Probably get some Ikons for that too and maybe even look at emulators as well.....one day.... reluctant to take it off road as its so nice to ride.

Building up a BMW R90 classic racer to play with.... that's going to be great fun.
336 cam, high comp,36mm Dells,lightened flywheel...and so on

Got a bit sidetracked lately building up VW motors.....:eek5:

If I could not spanner on bikes it would only be 1/2 as much fun.

[HenryDorsetCase]

Got a Norton Commando and a BMW airhead project.


In the comments of one of the threads on the kneeslider this week there was a comment from a guy who suggested repowering a NOrton Featherbed frame with a Kawasaki H1 motor, and "piss off a whole lot of different purists"

I think thats genius, and I'm just putting it out there so you can think about doing it to yours. Unless you're one of said purists. Oh, and paint it purple.

[Voltaire]

In the comments of one of the threads on the kneeslider this week there was a comment from a guy who suggested repowering a NOrton Featherbed frame with a Kawasaki H1 motor, and "piss off a whole lot of different purists"

I think thats genius, and I'm just putting it out there so you can think about doing it to yours. Unless you're one of said purists. Oh, and paint it purple.

2 stokes are for trimming weeds :yawn:
Featherbed frames are for putting Triumph motors in....:laugh:
( still got the Ohlins .....?)

[HenryDorsetCase]

2 stokes are for trimming weeds :yawn:
Featherbed frames are for putting Triumph motors in....:laugh:
( still got the Ohlins .....?)

Or Vincents. :yes:

Ohlins for the ST-R on the way. Forks being farkled. Just in time for summer. Looking forward to it.

Wanna buy my Scrambler? (its got Ohlins shocks :yes: )

[Geeen]

Yup, I got this disease. Thankfully, I don't know of a cure :lol:

[Motu]

Four boxes arrive in the mail,they are fitted to the bike the next day....now it is a customised bike. Is this classed as customisation? Modified by TradeMe or Ebay....with no owner input.

[DEATH_INC.]

Nothing I own stays stock for long... :woohoo:

[DMNTD]

Nothing I own stays stock for long... :woohoo:

Giddy the hell up! :blip:

[bogan]

Four boxes arrive in the mail,they are fitted to the bike the next day....now it is a customised bike. Is this classed as customisation? Modified by TradeMe or Ebay....with no owner input.

The only use for boxes I can think of, would be panniers or a pack rack, so not really custom. Unless the boxes are modified into something more spectacular, then yes I'd call it custom; probably shit custom, but custom none-the-less.

<img src="http://www.wtfeck.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/cardboard-car-body-kit-600x450.jpg" />

[baptist]

How disgusting are they? They're a hella cheap way to get on a Cruiser. I've been thinking of getting a cruiser, but, for a little more coing you could get an old XV535 on VL7/8/900 thing

Too true... but as a student I had a budget, went over it by a couple of hundred as it was and got a 2005, I would love an 800 twin far more but pragmatism has to come into it (not just purchase price but insurance, reliability, servicing and fuel costs all had to be looked at. I'm lucky not to be on a moped:facepalm:) ...so I will :wait: until I get back into full time work middle of next year and see what happens... hopefully soon after she who rules the purse strings will allow me a Trumpie:woohoo::woohoo: if not then a V twin cruiser.

[ducatilover]

Too true... but as a student I had a budget, went over it by a couple of hundred as it was and got a 2005, I would love an 800 twin far more but pragmatism has to come into it (not just purchase price but insurance, reliability, servicing and fuel costs all had to be looked at. I'm lucky not to be on a moped:facepalm:) ...so I will :wait: until I get back into full time work middle of next year and see what happens... hopefully soon after she who rules the purse strings will allow me a Trumpie:woohoo::woohoo: if not then a V twin cruiser.

How asthmatic is it to ride? I wonder as a commuter....

[Brian d marge]

Now Fking things up , does that count as modifying?

Ive fked

the wife

The car . the bike

Work ,

one or two relationships

the girlfriends sister ...that was one BIG fk up

a few skanky ho s

myself ( at least 3 times a day , more if the wife is out )

the goat in Blenheim

the same goat in Kiakora .....

the goats brother

oh yes and an American



Stephen , the world best modifier upper

[The Pastor]

Have a 250cc bike, so absolutely no point in customising it.

Lol, you wouldn't like my bike then

[baptist]

How asthmatic is it to ride? I wonder as a commuter....

Not a bad commuter, at the top end though not sure, after I get to about 95km the vibration is to much to go faster!!!!!!!!:facepalm::facepalm:

[ducatilover]

Not a bad commuter, at the top end though not sure, after I get to about 95km the vibration is to much to go faster!!!!!!!!:facepalm::facepalm:

I must ride one for a giggle :yes:

[Chancebmx25]

Why not? I had one of my 250's for 3 and a half years, poured countless hours into it making it what I wanted from a 250. Achieved that and sold it. I still want it back.

what was it? sounds good? 3 n a half years is solid for owning a 250.

[ducatilover]

what was it? sounds good? 3 n a half years is solid for owning a 250.

Was only a VT250 Spada, treated me well though and was a little bit different to the average Spada. 246237246238246239246240246241

[DrunkenMistake]

Was only a VT250 Spada, treated me well though and was a little bit different to the average Spada.

Wasnt a wheelie fun bike I take it?
You made those cans on it too ae?

[ducatilover]

Wasnt a wheelie fun bike I take it?
You made those cans on it too ae?

Wheelie great bike :woohoo:
Yup, made the whole exhaust system. Equal length headers :rockon:

[Conquiztador]

Four boxes arrive in the mail,they are fitted to the bike the next day....now it is a customised bike. Is this classed as customisation? Modified by TradeMe or Ebay....with no owner input.

Probably depends on what was in the boxes. If there was a set of malteser mirrors, a fluffy dice, some heated handgrips and a "FUCK I'M BAD" sticker, then I would say no.

But if the boxes had a 21inch s/s frontwheel with 120 spokes, a set of 18inch apehangers, a solo seat and a small square pillion seat and a set of straight drag pipes, then I would consider you as having modified the bike to your taste.

If you have cut the frame and stretched and raked her, extended/shortened the forks, fitted a set of tanks that you have spent a month in the garage building and replaced the brakes with some modern discs and multi pot grippers, then you have, in my opinion, customised. Add a tasty paint job and you could park here anywhere and she would be a one off customised bike.

But that is clearly my view of it all and this might differ for others.

[banditrider]

Only simple stuff I can do myself. Have never done any performance (can't count rowdy mufflers on the VTR can I?) or suspension mods. I've fitted luggage systems, horns, a centre stand, hugger, radiator guards, screens, heated grips, gps mounts and other electrical doo dads. That's about the limit of my skills but I really enjoy working on the bikes.

[shrub]

Only simple stuff I can do myself. Have never done any performance (can't count rowdy mufflers on the VTR can I?) or suspension mods. I've fitted luggage systems, horns, a centre stand, hugger, radiator guards, screens, heated grips, gps mounts and other electrical doo dads. That's about the limit of my skills but I really enjoy working on the bikes.

That's the key mate, work within your limits and enjoy the process. You have looked at your bike, seen things you'd like to be different and done the work so now the bike is YOUR bike. I have sold a few bikes that I had done a lot of work to, and some of them were (IMHO) very tasty and well improved, then I have seen some of them months and years later only to find half my mods had been binned and new stuff done. The first couple of times I was mildly pissed off, especially as I didn't think the bike had been improved, but now I feel stoked because the new owner loves the bike enough to make it their own.

[Conquiztador]

That's the key mate, work within your limits and enjoy the process. You have looked at your bike, seen things you'd like to be different and done the work so now the bike is YOUR bike. I have sold a few bikes that I had done a lot of work to, and some of them were (IMHO) very tasty and well improved, then I have seen some of them months and years later only to find half my mods had been binned and new stuff done. The first couple of times I was mildly pissed off, especially as I didn't think the bike had been improved, but now I feel stoked because the new owner loves the bike enough to make it their own.

Yep. Been there too. You have spent hours and money to get that brilliant paintjob done. Then the new owner gives it a spray can black one... Or that tricky setup you had done using nights and weekends to sort is gone first time you see the bike with the new owner. Makes me almost cry (almost... not good for my image). But you soon come to the realisation that the new owner likes the bike enough to want to put his/her own mark on it.

The only time I get a tear in my eye is when I find that the bike has been stripped and the parts used on another project.

[shrub]

Yep. Been there too. You have spent hours and money to get that brilliant paintjob done. Then the new owner gives it a spray can black one... Or that tricky setup you had done using nights and weekends to sort is gone first time you see the bike with the new owner. Makes me almost cry (almost... not good for my image). But you soon come to the realisation that the new owner likes the bike enough to want to put his/her own mark on it.

The only time I get a tear in my eye is when I find that the bike has been stripped and the parts used on another project.

I cried a river when I saw a bike I had poured my heart into parked outside a pub with the flawless pearl paint scratched and dirty, the chrome covered in shit, bits missing and the polished alloy badly corroded. I just about stole it back.

[bogan]

You guys modify bikes and then sell them? Thats is just asking for regrets.

[willytheekid]

I cried a river when I saw a bike I had poured my heart into parked outside a pub with the flawless pearl paint scratched and dirty, the chrome covered in shit, bits missing and the polished alloy badly corroded. I just about stole it back.

Been there before! :angry:
Built a "hotrod" A2 GPZ900 (+130hp@rear!) 5k worth of engine mods alone went into that bike, new custom paint job etc etc. (she was the fastest tidiest A2 in NZ...handsdown!)
Sold it :bye:...and the guy wrote it off a week later:blink::facepalm::crybaby:

[ducatilover]

You guys modify bikes and then sell them? Thats is just asking for regrets.

I don't think even I will be selling the ZZRR-SPR when it's done :blink: and I go through vehicles like old mate Sheen does coke.

[The Lone Rider]

There appears to be no options for those who modify by adding apes, cutting the frame, making new exhausts, new seats, different panel work, suspension changes. Not really modifications to go faster or handle better are they

[bogan]

There appears to be no options for those who modify by adding apes, cutting the frame, making new exhausts, new seats, different panel work, suspension changes. Not really modifications to go faster or handle better are they

Isn't that changing as much as you can get away with?

[Hamel]

What has previously been done
* Kawasaki ZXR front wheel and USD forks (Ohlins Valved)
* Full floating Disks
* Ducati 888 Front mudguard (Carbon)
* Braided brake lines
* GSXR750 Master Cylinder
* Projector beam headlight s(off-set Le Mans style) with carbon fibre internal mounts
* Custom front sub-frame
* Carbon Fibre Instrument Cover
* Kawasaki speedo
* Custom Ducati tacho face
* Custom wiring loom incl uprated alternator wiring
* Kawasaki Regulator/Rectifier
* Custom top triple clamp (Ignition barrel now sits between V)
* Custom CNC headstock nut made by Rob Selby (ex Britten)
* Later model Ducati switchblocks
* Frame braced and modified to fit later shock. All footpeg hangers removed from frame, new brackets added.
* Ohlins rear shock
* '95 900SS footpeg hangers
* Upside down gear linkage
* Billet alloy footpeg adjuster made by Rob Selby
* Gear lever & foot brake milled
* Ducati Supermono replica fairing (carbon fibre) Mould taken off a Supermono but changed & widened.
* Ducati 916 mirrors
* 95 Ducati 900SS tank
* Ducati Paso (aircraft style) tank filler
* Ducati 955 Corsa tail section - QB Carbon
* Custom Seat
* Vee Two Australia 944cc big-bore high compression pistons with Pankl rods
* Re assembly (new bearings, end floats checked) & tuning (valve setup, belt timing, etc) by Dave Cole
* 916 SPS aluminium clutch plates
* Carbon fibre belt covers
* Motor balanced by Dion Coleman at Whitemetal Bearings
* KTM Sprag Clutch
* Keihin 39mm FCR Flat-slide carbs (racked)
* Chris Beaumont (V8 Supercar) fabricated spaghetti exhaust pipes.
* Nuts for lambda sensor probes.
* Carbon mufflers
* Aftermarket indicators
* Custom Numberplate bracket (Carbon Fibre)
* Personalised number plate ‘DCATI’
* Custom paint job
* 1000DS Swingarm with underslung brake caliper and Marchesini rear wheel.

What I’m currently in the midst of doing:
Keihin 41mm FCR Flat-slide carbs (split)
Malossi short manifolds
K&N Filters
New crank cases with close ratio gearbox (change to master & slave cylinder set-up)
Radial master cylinder
Cut outs on clutch case
Barnett Alloy Clutch Basket
Rizoma Billet Clutch Cover
Mad Duc Clutch Cover
Heavily lightened flywheel
Igniteck adjustable ignition
Dual oil coolers with braided lines
Ported and polished heads
Ducati Performance cams with 900SSie adjustable pulleys (looking for 95Hp+)
MBP Valve Collets
45mm high rise spaghetti exhaust with carbon (Akrapovic I think) mufflers.
Walnut blast and repaint motor
Supersport front suspension with Race Tech valves
Brembo Goldline calipers
Ducati Speedo (modified speedo drive)
Cast Iron rotors
Ilmberger Carbon 1000DS Hugger
Ilmberger Carbon Front Mudguard
Marchesini 5 Spoke front wheel.
CNC milled rearsets
Shorai Lightweight Battery
LED Indicators
Re-covered (Alcantara) seat.

TO DO
Full Carbon 916 Mirrors
Ohlins Superbike forks with radial brakes
Brembo Narrowband R
916SPS Alloy rear subframe and with new mountings for electrics.

Then I’m finished, and building a 1000DS engined 999 with carbon tank and tail by Radical Ducati of Spain.

[Hamel]

You guys modify bikes and then sell them? Thats is just asking for regrets.

Like I keep saying to my girlfriend, "You can take the keys to my SS from my cold dead hand."

[Brian d marge]

Got to tell u an intersting story , I go to this little old man to get all the small stuff, I cant fabricate , made up .. He is about 80 if he is a day and proudly exclaims hes been doing this since the war ... his shop is one of those old fellas shop, where the machines are under piles of "stuff" but he does a good and reasonable job

Yesterday I went to pick some parts up , and sitting up against the bench was a mortar shell of an earlier vintage , I really hope these is nothing inside ,,,,,he also has a Ducati , 748 ish hanging on one of the walls , I thinks his son races it sometimes

I really wonder what else is in there......

Stephen

[caspernz]

Modifying varies from bike to bike for me. My current ride, 2008 GSX750F has had a few mods done to it. For me the focus isn't about more speed, more about practicalities that suit me.
Hot grips, Scott Oiler, K & N air filter, HID headlights, suspension upgrade front and rear courtesy of CKT, touring screen by Godiva, braided brake lines up front, sintered metal brake pads front and rear, tiny wide angle spotter mirrors.
Funny thing is, the biggest improvement on the bike itself was the suspension upgrade by CKT, while doing some rider training improved my riding....

[AllanB]

I've just finished making a custom front sprocket cover for my Hornet.

Why?


Because I could - it was a fun project, I learnt a bit about sand casting and it is unique.

[imdying]

Hell yeah, now that is what the fuck I am talking about!

That and our vac forming U87 builder :D

[Pseudonym]

I love doing little bits and pieces to my bike, or any bike come to think of it…
Better horns, a headlight that stays off until you flick the pass switch, heated grips, cat and exup valve sitting on a shelf out of harms way with the rest of the emissions rubbish, painted engine cases, anti surge baffles with extra oil capacity, tail tidy, GPS tracking unit, the list goes on.
I have two lists, one of things I’ve done and ones of things I want to do.
Odd how they both grow though…