Custom motorcycles turn heads at even the biggest biker rallies. If you’re ready to build your own custom bike, do you know where to start? Have you already been working on a favorite bike and want to try your hand at restoring a classic motorcycle? Motorcycle enthusiasts around the world have upgraded from riding to building their own custom bikes. Here are strategies for successfully building (or restoring) a custom bike.
Upgrading a Favorite Bike
If you’re just starting out with bike customization, start with what you have available. Practice makes perfect, and you don’t want to practice on a pricey collector’s edition bike when you’re just learning how to install your own OEM or aftermarket parts.
Consider starting with an easy project, like swapping out your worn-out old seat with fresh leather on a new seat. If you want to enhance the noise your bike makes, install a new exhaust system. You can also improve safety features with new mirrors, indicators, handlebars and grips, and lines for the brakes and clutch.
You don’t have to overhaul your bike completely in a single weekend. Many custom motorcycles are built over time as a labor of love. You’ll need time to invest in tools, space, and parts.
If you have a buddy who is an exceptional custom bike builder, you might ask if you can bring your ride over once in a while to ask for advice on your upgrades. Making biker friends who already have some tools on hand is helpful if you don’t have a fully stocked garage yet, and you can lean on their experience as you’re just starting out working on your own bike. Don’t forget to show your appreciation with a meal (good food is always appreciated).
Restoring a Vintage Motorcycle
Once you feel comfortable tinkering on your favorite bike, you can take it to the next level and start working on classic motorcycles. Many motorcycle enthusiasts love how a vintage motorcycle looks at bike shows and raceways, and they’re fun to take out for a long weekend.
You have a few options with a vintage motorcycle. You can restore it as close to original as you can, or you can add custom finishes, upgrades, and lights. For example, certain models have key features like a particular body shape that you should retain when customizing these pieces. However, you can still add a custom paint design, chrome finishing, neon lights, and white, cream, or red leather rather than the traditional black on your seat and saddlebags.
You can also mix it up. Some vintage motorcycle restorers do simple work themselves but take their bikes into a shop for projects that require different tools or skills.
Building Your Dream Motorcycle
Do you dream of building custom motorcycles from the ground up? Whether it’s a chopper or a custom racing bike, many customizers turn to motorcycle shops to help them design and create their ideal motorcycle.
Professional shops have the tools, training, and experience to do the work on your bike to help you realize your vision while keeping you safe on your motorcycle.
Motorcycle Accident or Bike Theft? Call Law Tigers
Whether you’re just starting to explore custom motorcycles or have been working on your own bikes for decades, you have options to build your dream bike.
If you need help from a motorcycle attorney on a case, call Law Tigers. We’re lawyers who ride. Call today at 888-863-7216 for a free case evaluation, and never leave home without your free rider benefit kit.
