Building a bike

[nathanwhite]

I had an idea a little while ago which I have been pondering recently.
What if, instead of simply buying a bigger bike when I get my full, start building one from parts scavenged from trademe, wreckers and anywhere else?

What would be the pros and cons of this and issues I would face? Bearing in mind that I have very limited knowledge and experience in such matters, and also that I would only get stuff for/from that bike.
The bike model I have in mind is a VFR400 nc30

[FJRider]

I had an idea a little while ago which I have been pondering recently.
What if, instead of simply buying a bigger bike when I get my full, start building one from parts scavenged from trademe, wreckers and anywhere else?

What would be the pros and cons of this and issues I would face? Bearing in mind that I have very limited knowledge and experience in such matters, and also that I would only get stuff for/from that bike.
The bike model I have in mind is a VFR400 nc30

I think it's better to buy a tired/not running (almost ???) COMPLETE bike and go fro there ...

And why wait untill you get your full ... ??? the build WILL take time ... so start NOW ...

Get one with the rego on hold ... saves problems later ...

Unless you plan on keeping it forever ... resale value must be taken into account ... will you make the bike stock (restored) or custom (rebuilt special) ...???

Look at 750cc (plus ... ??? ) to build ... with a 400-600 cheapie in the meantime (after your full) ...

Just MY opinion ...

[blackdog]

The VFR is not a good place to start IMO if you want to be building a bike up. To come out with something roadworthy at the end you will have spent 3 times what the bike is worth.

If you want a project to work on think cafe build or bobber. Something that is unique as an end result made from something that was ready for the tip.

If you want a sports bike, buy one that is good to go. Or sign up for a truck load of heartache, and dollars down the drain.

[actungbaby]

yes i have to agree with all the replys i been burnt myself no such thing as free lunch , better to get bike thats working that needs some tlc on the outside
but engine is all good other wise it be torment and failure galore
and no one enjoys that rc 400 great bike but nightmare if its old and worn out
just to much money to recon the motor, and if somones selling it cheap theres always reason and not good reason either . save up get yourself as new as possible bike who wants buy someones esle problems

I had an idea a little while ago which I have been pondering recently.
What if, instead of simply buying a bigger bike when I get my full, start building one from parts scavenged from trademe, wreckers and anywhere else?

What would be the pros and cons of this and issues I would face? Bearing in mind that I have very limited knowledge and experience in such matters, and also that I would only get stuff for/from that bike.
The bike model I have in mind is a VFR400 nc30

[nathanwhite]

why wait untill you get your full ... ??? the build WILL take time ... so start NOW ...

Sorry, I didn't mention that, I mean to start it now (or as soon as funds permit)

... will you make the bike stock (restored) or custom (rebuilt special) ...???

about 90% stock (if that makes sense) changing just a few things

The VFR is not a good place to start IMO if you want to be building a bike up. To come out with something roadworthy at the end you will have spent 3 times what the bike is worth.

So how would you work out how much parts are worth? and if overall it fits into a reasonable budget?

If you want a project to work on think cafe build or bobber. Something that is unique as an end result made from something that was ready for the tip.

There is no way I would be able to build bike parts which would be necessary for a build like that. Modifying existing parts, maybe.

If you want a sports bike, buy one that is good to go. Or sign up for a truck load of heartache, and dollars down the drain.

Even if I could get a good engine, chassis, frame, wheels etc?
(btw, whats the difference between chassis and frame?)


Cheers for the answers guys, all good info

[Laava]

TBH you are trying to run before you can walk. Buy an existing machine complete, and rejuvenate, so you get some of the experience you will need for something more ambitious. Don't ever go down the track of thinking it will save you money. You would only do this type of project as a hobby. But it is a good and rewarding hobby! IMO

[Subike]

unless you can buy a rideable bike that needs basically just a clean , new tyres and registration, forget it.
example?
I paid $20 for an xs1100 yamaha in extreamly tidy condition,
I have spend 2k so far on it making it look really special,
I expect to spend another 2k on it before im finnished
the motor does not need to be touched
retail value when finnished? $2000 - $4000 max.
Unless you have a workshop, know what you are doing and access to very cheap parts, ......you will have a constantly empty wallet
Buy a running road worthy bike and ride it .....
when you are 45 - 50 rebuild it,
Because by then you want to be in the shed away from SWMBO!!

[The Pastor]

It will cost you a lot more money to build up a bike, but you'll learn heaps, have lots of fun (and stress).

Yeah its easier to buy a bike that's going, but mechanics are pretty simple, just takes a lot of time, and money. With KB and the internet, you'll get loads of help and some of that will be good

[nathanwhite]

So fixing a damaged repairable would be a much better option?