Building a chopper?

**phiire** · 15th July 2009, 19:20

this has probally been done to death in this forum already so i apologize for that but can anyone point me in the direction of where to find the likes of 2nd hand frames and engines.

**hospitalfood** · 15th July 2009, 19:25

no, but great idea. I want to build a bobber or cafe racer or both, will start with an old R series BMW as soon as I can buy a third bike.

I would recommend looking on the net for what you like then choose your starting point, i would also suggest avoiding jap parts if you want to be able to sell it one day

**phiire** · 15th July 2009, 19:28

Originally Posted by hospitalfood

no, but great idea. I want to build a bobber or cafe racer or both, will start with an old R series BMW as soon as I can buy a third bike.

I would recommend looking on the net for what you like then choose your starting point, i would also suggest avoiding jap parts if you want to be able to sell it one day

i am looking at using a 1340 evo engine or S&S equivalent but the internet hasn't proved very helpful so far trademe and google nz seem to have a lack of parts and information.

**Molly** · 15th July 2009, 19:34

There's a thread on here (in this section) started by someone who's just had her S&S motor Dyna written off but she's not buying it back to rebuild. Maybe (at around $5k) that'd be a good starting point?

By the way, second hand parts tend to be silly money in NZ. I used to pick up bits from ebay.co.uk as there was a lot more choice and it was a good bit cheaper (e.g. typically fifty quid for a wheel that most TradeMe sellers seem to want $250+ for).

Good luck.

**hospitalfood** · 15th July 2009, 19:45

you might find it easier to buy a cheap harley as a starting point. that would be my angle. then get an engineer to sort the rake and possibly axe sub frame to tidy rear ( if you want a hardtail it gets even harder ). then find some forks somewhere ? ebay ? not really sure ?
I would try to find a harley with the 1340, or settle for the engine it has.

if you google harley chopper you will find heaps of them, you will probably find a company in the states that will give advice.
also, nz has batoutofhell customs or something like that.

part of the reason I'm thinking bobber is that it is a cool look for less work.
best of luck.

**phiire** · 15th July 2009, 19:52

Originally Posted by hospitalfood

you might find it easier to buy a cheap harley as a starting point. that would be my angle. then get an engineer to sort the rake and possibly axe sub frame to tidy rear ( if you want a hardtail it gets even harder ). then find some forks somewhere ? ebay ? not really sure ?
I would try to find a harley with the 1340, or settle for the engine it has.

if you google harley chopper you will find heaps of them, you will probably find a company in the states that will give advice.
also, nz has batoutofhell customs or something like that.

part of the reason I'm thinking bobber is that it is a cool look for less work.
best of luck.

i am a boilermaker by trade so modifications shouldn't be too big a problem ive played with the idea of looking for a cheap harley with a 1340 or similar engine but broadening my searches to Australia i could pick up and ship a frame for around 2.5k haven't checked locally if i can get one made or 2nd hand cheaper here. That leaves me with a bit of cash spare befor i even get close to the cost of a 2nd hand harley

**rosie631** · 15th July 2009, 19:53

Originally Posted by Molly

There's a thread on here (in this section) started by someone who's just had her S&S motor Dyna written off but she's not buying it back to rebuild. Maybe (at around $5k) that'd be a good starting point?

Good luck.

That would be me. Was written off by Vero. Told them I didn't want to buy her back on Monday. Last time I saw her she was in the shed at Rolling Thunder. Could give them a ring and see if still there or where she was taken to. I don't know what Vero do with their written off bikes. Buy back price I was given was 5grand. No damage to motor at all. Would be a good buy.

**phiire** · 15th July 2009, 19:55

Originally Posted by rosie631

That would be me. Was written off by Vero. Told them I didn't want to buy her back on Monday. Last time I saw her she was in the shed at Rolling Thunder. Could give them a ring and see if still there or where she was taken to. I don't know what Vero do with their written off bikes. Buy back price I was given was 5grand. No damage to motor at all. Would be a good buy.

thanks for the suggestion i might give them a call tomorrow i also haven't rang around any dealers yet Ive heard there is a few around that would have harley parts.

**rosie631** · 15th July 2009, 19:58

I would have bought her myself but needed all my money for my new bike. There is a pic on my profile page if you want to have a look. There is also an album on there of pics after the crash. You need to add me as a friend to see those ones tho. I LOOOOOOOOVED that bike.

**hospitalfood** · 15th July 2009, 20:01

be interested to see how you go with that ?

i guess i was thinking you could get a harley for 5-6k ( but maybe not a 1340 ) and it would cost heaps more to buy a frame, engine, controls, loom and electrics, lights, pegs, wheels, rubber, seat, forks, rear suspension, tank and guards.

i guess if you bought a harley you would still need to buy another front wheel but most of the rest could be adapted.

**phiire** · 15th July 2009, 20:03

i am budgeting around 2k for the frame and 4k for the engine go from there ill be checking over seas markets the likes of ebay i was just hoping to buy kiwi if i could but as i mentioned i haven't rang around wreckers etc yet.

**phiire** · 15th July 2009, 20:05

Originally Posted by hospitalfood

be interested to see how you go with that ?

i guess i was thinking you could get a harley for 5-6k ( but maybe not a 1340 ) and it would cost heaps more to buy a frame, engine, controls, loom and electrics, lights, pegs, wheels, rubber, seat, forks, rear suspension, tank and guards.

i guess if you bought a harley you would still need to buy another front wheel but most of the rest could be adapted.

could probably pick up a sportster for around that price but anything like a softail will cost abit more.

**stify** · 15th July 2009, 20:05

Originally Posted by hospitalfood

I want to build a bobber or cafe racer or both, will start with an old R series BMW as soon as I can buy a third bike.

i have a few plans....

**doc** · 15th July 2009, 20:07

Originally Posted by phiire

haven't checked locally if i can get one made or 2nd hand cheaper here. That leaves me with a bit of cash spare befor i even get close to the cost of a 2nd hand harley

Check out Orb at the Hog Farm, can get you his no if you need it.