How many bike builders in NZ?

[degrom]

Hi all...

I want to start building my own bikes and need a few contact people who are building bikes or can help me with advice on building bikes...

Thanks.

[Wired1]

How much are you planning on building? are you talking making your own frames or chopping existing ones? tell me more...

[degrom]

I would love to build the frame and most of the parts. I recently started welding and is really addicted to it...

Realistically I don't want to build a Britten V-1000. A chopper would be fine at first. I have also repainted my GN and could not believe how satisfying it is to see how it forms as you go.

I am thinking of building a metric chopper with a CB750,Z1000 or XS650-750 motor.

I am open for suggestions... Should I first start with chopping old frames?

[Macktheknife]

There is a guy in Invercargill who will sell you a rolling chassis for a chopper for $4000, pretty good too, look him up, I think he advertised on Trademe for a while...
I think there are a couple of guys down your way that play with similar stuff, a good internet search should find them.

[degrom]

I have see his work and it looks great. He can also supply "BIG" engines...

What engine would be the best to fit?

I am looking for something that's going to be reliable and one that's parts are widely available.

[Motu]

There are the trike guys in Taupo,The Hog Farm still do bikes,they have been in business since the mid '70's,John Anderson churns out sidecars at an alarming rate.Who makes the stuff for the Roadrage...or do AMPS do it all inhouse?

[geoffm]

Firstly, you have some reading to do:
Can I suggest
Foale and Willoughby Motorcycle chassis design
Now out of print I believe but you might be able to find a second hand copy through ABEbooks.com, or library interloan

and Tony Foale's sequel
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/8493328618/sr=8-4/qid=1154076476/ref=sr_1_4/104-2875549-3613521?ie=UTF8
The late John Robinson's book isn't bad, although not as good as Foale.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/075061840X/sr=8-1/qid=1154076579/ref=sr_1_1/104-2875549-3613521?ie=UTF8
also Cocco Motorcycle Design and Technology Handbook
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0760319901/ref=pd_sim_b_1/104-2875549-3613521?ie=UTF8

Also, have a look on www.eurospares.com for some ideas and join the mc-chassis mailing list.

Sorry, my copies aren't for loan to anyone...
Geoff

[degrom]

Firstly, you have some reading to do..

Thanks. I am looking forward to start building. I will try to get my hand on these books!!!

[Wired1]

It is something I have always wanted to do but never quite got around to it, I guess it is a question of money and the uncertainty of getting the end result registered. There is a low-volume vehicle registration process you have to go through so you will want to read that before you embark on any chopping. It's a bit like the building industry these days, the bloody government actively discourage anyone doing anything themselves so you had best check up on wether you are allowed to do your own welding or not first. Lets us know how you get on.

[degrom]

It is something I have always wanted to do but never quite got around to it, I guess it is a question of money and the uncertainty of getting the end result registered. There is a low-volume vehicle registration process you have to go through so you will want to read that before you embark on any chopping. It's a bit like the building industry these days, the bloody government actively discourage anyone doing anything themselves so you had best check up on wether you are allowed to do your own welding or not first. Lets us know how you get on.
I have found their site and will keep it in mind...

http://www.lvvta.org.nz/

[paturoa]

....am thinking of building a metric chopper with a CB750,Z1000 or XS650-750 motor....

what about a jap v twin chopper?

[degrom]

what about a jap v twin chopper?
What Jap V-twin motor do you suggest?

[paturoa]

What Jap V-twin motor do you suggest?
something like a xv7 fiddy with shaft drive would be excellent!

[degrom]

LOL . . . Then I already own the motor! L O L!!!

But be serious now... What motor can I use that's parts are not to bad to find?

[paturoa]

There are a whole bunch of options, call around the insurance companies and find out where they sell the write offs.

An older one without electronic stuff would be the go.

Honda made several engines like those in Transalps, obviously Yams, Suzuki used to sell a good 800 vtwin, cant recall a kawka off the top of my head.

Start a thread and see what the KBers have in their back sheds

[degrom]

Hey... I found a real bike builder and his local.

EZinNZ... Here is a picture of his bike... http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/member.php?u=3429

[gamgee]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Parts-accessories/Engine-drive-train/auction-83153034.htm

[The Pastor]

So are you going to build a new frame or chop an exsiting frame?

[degrom]

So are you going to build a new frame or chop an exsiting frame?

I would like to build a new regit frame. But most of the donar bike's frame will be needed to fit the rest of the parts.

[Colapop]

Get your arse out to visit ezinnz (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/member.php?u=3429)
The bike in his profile he built himself and has a huge amount of knowledge on this subject. Well worth picking his brain (costs involved, time, technical...etc)

[degrom]

Get your arse out to visit ezinnz (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/member.php?u=3429)
The bike in his profile he built himself and has a huge amount of knowledge on this subject. Well worth picking his brain (costs involved, time, technical...etc)

Thanks, I just mailed Andy(EZinNZ) to see if we can meet...

The pictures on his site is really nice. I must say I have a lot of respect for someone like him that goes out and do this kind of things.

[Colapop]

And it's not bolt on shit either...

[Denniso]

Just thinkin maybe you could look at GSXR 11 motors as they have been around awile and are easy to get parts for , also a good range of models to choose from , Bandit , 1100F , GS1200 etc

[nudemetalz]

I reckon a Suzi Savage would be a good baseline. Nice, simple motor and frame.
Mostly reliable (if you keep them fed with oil, ay Col ;) ....).

Thought about that once or twice,...hmmm,... "Newlands County Choppers"...hmmm... :dodge:

[Dodgyiti]

Honda fours, Yammie twins- They have all been done to death.
Find something off beat, or unloved that you like the look of and go for it.
The reading list posted early in the thread, great advice!:rockon:
There are a few pretty Jap motors that have been hidden behind plastic for too long, and they are in some cases (pun intended) quite pretty under there.
Or how about the Hyosong (excuse spelling) that has to be original and a few get to the wreckers yard.
I like the triples, with one underseat pipe and one pipe either side, yeah!
How about a new school Triumph chopper, Hinkley style

[Colapop]

I reckon a Suzi Savage would be a good baseline. Nice, simple motor and frame.
Mostly reliable (if you keep them fed with oil, ay Col ;) ....).

Thought about that once or twice,...hmmm,... "Newlands County Choppers"...hmmm... :dodge:
Not a bad idea that, Nudz. Savage has one pot, they're basic and you can get parts easily. Good engine (with oil..) good torque