I wanna know how

[hooked]

Forgive me if this all sounds a bit stupid, but i am totally hooked on the chopper thing, 33yrs old and only just discovered them!
So now i want to build my own, don't know where to start.
Where to get a frame, can't make one don't know how.
what bits to use, do you all buy new or use second hand, what goes together and what doesn't.
is there a book?
Any and all information greatly recieved,
Thanks Hooked.

[Creature]

i have built and ridden chops for the last 20 odd years - follow these tips and you wont go far wrong.

1. never pay over the odds for something you know nought about.

2. Always take someone with you who has some knowledge of the type of bike your are purchasing/building.

3. Ebay is a great place to look, but before you bid go and have a look at what the seller is offering.

4. Never get caught in a bidding war - use the auto bid facility and do not be tempted to go over your bid.

5. always check the welds on the frames very carefully - check motorcycle press and local bike shops. A few quid spent on gettint the frame exrayed could save your life.

6. for your 1st custom do NOT buy/build anything too radical - you have to learn how to ride it

7. the first time out on your chop will probally be a drastic shock to you !!!!!!!! if the trail has been altered you are gonna have to learn a different riding style.

8. After you have got your chop on the road there are a few things that you must do for your own safety.

A.. every week check all nuts n bolts (simple but often over looked)

B.. Check wheel bearings and steering stem bearings monthly - a few quid replacing these can save your life.

C.. Never try to race your chop or race against others.

D... As a rule of thumb the more radical the bike the longer a journey is gonna take ( on mine about three times as long as a crotch rocket).

9. Never buy from friends UNLESS both parties agree that if parts are missing or you hurt yourself you will not be at each others throats.

10.. Never rush to buy - take your time, if possible get a test ride.

11. Make sure DVLA are aware that the bike is custumised

12. Phone around for insurance - and dont leave any minor change out - if the worst comes to the worst they will try n get out of paying you.

13.. Try and get an aggreed value insurance policy

14.. If stopped by the boys in blue - be polite they are just curious and sometimes are genuinely interested.

15. One a year strip the bike down to basic components. This is the time that i replace the following regaurdless of condition.

a. chain and sprockets
b. Head bearings (Always use tapered)
c wheel bearings
d. brake pads & shoes
e. if front end is girder or springers - strip and clean bushes and inspect thoroughly - if one bush is faulty replace the lot !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
f. replace engine mount bolts (if not using standard items)
g. when rebuilding - take your time and double check everything.
h. I strip mine a month or so before the MOT is due. Then if i overlooked or missed anything they hopefully will pick it up.

16. Be prepaired to travel for MOT's - try and ask around anyone local who rides a chop - they will normally tell you the best MOT stations and were to stay a way from.

17. Check the DVLA website and consult with your local boys in blue gfor any rules and regs that will aplply to your bike.( i keep mine before 1980 when a lot of rules came in).

18. Be prepaired to be knocked back by insurers !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

if ya want more please feel free to ask or email me

[hooked]

Thanks Creature, where do i get a frame from, whats the cost of one, i want a v twin engine and quite a large rear wheel, lots of i wants!!

[Creature]

depends on what you are looking for.....

2nd hand --> ebay, bike mags

to have one made - try Ginger on http://www.glf-eng.co.uk/ or 01775 761162 in office hours. JUst say creature with black n purple honda 550 chop gave ya details.

I can personally vouch for this guy - he is 100% and gives good prices as well. ALthough when i spoke to him few weeks ago was booked up till around sept.

other places can be found in back street hero's & any other custom mag.

But recomendation from other people who have had work done is better advertiseing, so get down to local rallies and ask the owners of chops - those who are desent will tell you were they had stuff made if they didnt do it themselves.

[JOE]

Hooked, you ain't the only one new to this - I only passed me test a year ago and am now starting to build my own chop with an experienced mate. If you go to rallies and stuff you'll find most folk are more than willing to just talk an' give you ideas/tips. Don't be scared to ask, the worst that happens is they take the piss before giving you advice, which is a small price to pay for advice that could save you ****loads. Also check the workshop on this site, I've had loads of good advice.
cheers, Joe