How many bike builders in NZ?

**degrom** · 28th July 2006, 17:20

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** · 28th July 2006, 18:40

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

**degrom** · 28th July 2006, 19:49

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** · 28th July 2006, 19:52

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** · 28th July 2006, 20:07

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** · 28th July 2006, 20:10

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** · 28th July 2006, 21:04

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/849...613521?ie=UTF8
The late John Robinson's book isn't bad, although not as good as Foale.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/075...613521?ie=UTF8
also Cocco Motorcycle Design and Technology Handbook
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/076...613521?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** · 29th July 2006, 15:34

Originally Posted by geoffm

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** · 29th July 2006, 18:18

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** · 29th July 2006, 19:35

Originally Posted by 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.

I have found their site and will keep it in mind...

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

**paturoa** · 29th July 2006, 19:48

Originally Posted by degrom

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

what about a jap v twin chopper?

**degrom** · 29th July 2006, 19:51

Originally Posted by paturoa

what about a jap v twin chopper?

What Jap V-twin motor do you suggest?

**paturoa** · 29th July 2006, 19:53

Originally Posted by degrom

What Jap V-twin motor do you suggest?

something like a xv7 fiddy with shaft drive would be excellent!

**degrom** · 29th July 2006, 19:58

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** · 29th July 2006, 20:04

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