Motorcycle Help

J. Crawford · #1 12-26-2011, 08:17 PM

I've gotten serious motorcycle GAS, and have been researching 'bobber' bikes for a few months. My dad always had bikes growing up and got rid of them when I came around. Family man and such. But I've been bit. My cousin has 2 bikes, and I would love to be able to ride with him, as well as just ride to ride.

I have the mental image of my dad and myself building a bobber from an older bike, but I wanted opinions. I know they're are some experiences riders here!

My uncle can weld and him and my grandpa know all about engines, where my dad is just an all around smart cat and knows his way around a bike. Between the 3, I think we could pull it off. Right?

Any help, opinions, etc., are appreciated! I plan on this being a cheap build like I see on YouTube, <$1000.

Thanks folks!
J.

McHaven · #2 12-26-2011, 08:28 PM

Don't build a bobber.

That's the best advice I can give you. It's not a comfortable enjoyable ride. Also with that budget you won't be actually getting anything worth modifying, and/or you'll ruin any value of the motorcycle.

McHaven · #3 12-26-2011, 08:29 PM

You should also learn to ride, buy a cheap, small bike and actually find out if its a hobby you enjoy.

J. Crawford · #4 12-26-2011, 08:32 PM

I think building the bike is what I'm more excited about.. something for myself and my dad to do. If it happens, it would be with a 70s or 80s Kawasaki or Honda.

I dunno Mick. It's like bass GAS, its all I think about.

McHaven · #5 12-26-2011, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J. Crawford

I think building the bike is what I'm more excited about.. something for myself and my dad to do. If it happens, it would be with a 70s or 80s Kawasaki or Honda.

I dunno Mick. It's like bass GAS, its all I think about.

Yes, but we all know GAS isn't always reasonable. You may want it, spend a bunch of money on it, and realize you don't like it all. Just like we've all done with basses, amps, and effects. That's why beginners should buy an SX, not a project bass or a Dingwall.

Lee H · #6 12-26-2011, 08:41 PM

first off, $1,000 is not enough but if you are determined, you will learn this for yourself. This is because inexperienced builders make a lot of mistakes, and the trial and error process can be expensive. Start looking for a metric cruiser (japanese built bike). you really want a V configuration engine. This is because the wider inline 4 cylinder engines have to be kept higher, so they do not drag when you corner the bike. A narrower V engine allows for a lower center of gravity... start by finding the bike, and learning how to ride. Everyone drops their first bike. Often bobbers are built when someone cannot afford to repair a damaged bike correctly. The other part is that you do not want to do all the work, then drop it and mess the bike up again

My own bike

Little yamaha 1100 virago I built as a woman's bike a couple years ago. These are a great starting place, because they can be lowered right down on the ground

nortonrider · #7 12-26-2011, 08:57 PM

under 1K is gonna be tough.

If I was going to build a bobber on the cheap, I would look for a Honda SOHC CB750.
To save myself a bunch of hassles, I would want one with a clear title and hopefully in running condition.
Buying someone else's "basket case" project will always cost you more in the long run than buying a complete bike.

Why a CB750 you ask? there are a few reasons:

. They are very dependable engines and powerful enough to keep up with traffic (and your buddies)

. The CB 750 is unit construction. that means that the engine and transmission are attached together in 1 unit. they are a lot easier to install than a engine with a separate transmission. alignment and connection by a primary drive set-up. Think sportster instead of a big twin Harley.

. They have really good frames that are pretty easy to modify. If you want rear shocks, the frame can be kept stock, If you are looking for a "hardtail", there are rear sections of the frame being produced that attach fairly easily.

. there are plenty of parts available to make the bike look like you want it to.

I bet if you check out youtube and google, you will find plenty of cool examples of Honda CB750 bobbers.

Lee H · #8 12-26-2011, 09:02 PM

I like what nortonrider said with the exception of one concern..
the old honda SOHC engines WERE absolutely great engines.. but "were" is the operative word. Now they are old, and many have been abused. rebuilding them is expensive

This means a potentially costly gamble for people who lack the experience to really know what to look for.

LilRay · #9 12-26-2011, 09:07 PM

Look for an older Honda V45. They're light, fast, and probably close to your budget.

God Bless, Ray

Lee H · #10 12-26-2011, 09:13 PM

those V45s are faster then stink too...they are scary fast in that short wheel based cruiser frame
I liked them as much as I did the V maxx

nortonrider · #11 12-26-2011, 09:15 PM

V45?
a bobber with a radiator?

I'm sure it's been done, but I don't think I've ever seen one.

Lee H · #12 12-26-2011, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nortonrider

V45?
a bobber with a radiator?

I'm sure it's been done, but I don't think I've ever seen one.

I have seen a couple harley VRODS turned into radical customs
personally, I think the VROD is ugly, but I like that porsche designed engine enough, that my next bike might just be one

nortonrider · #13 12-26-2011, 09:28 PM

this one's cool.
it's a yamaha XS650:

iamlowsound · #14 12-26-2011, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lee H

I like what nortonrider said with the exception of one concern..
the old honda SOHC engines WERE absolutely great engines.. but "were" is the operative word. Now they are old, and many have been abused. rebuilding them is expensive

This means a potentially costly gamble for people who lack the experience to really know what to look for.

You can find some great 750s still. I have one and it runs perfectly. I was planning on turning it into a cafe racer, but I have no money. Plus, they are actually quite cheap to rebuild. You can still buy the rebuild kits right from Honda and they only run a few hundred. They are also one of the easiest engines in the world to work on and are BULLETPROOF. Not to mention the rest of the bike is also awesome.

lowsound

Lee H · #15 12-26-2011, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iamlowsound

You can find some great 750s still. I have one and it runs perfectly. I was planning on turning it into a cafe racer, but I have no money. Plus, they are actually quite cheap to rebuild. You can still buy the rebuild kits right from Honda and they only run a few hundred. They are also one of the easiest engines in the world to work on and are BULLETPROOF. Not to mention the rest of the bike is also awesome.

lowsound

you missed a crucial point there. The OP is am absolutely inexperienced potential first bike owner. He is not ready for a complete rebuild. Even if he was, buying a bike, paying for the mods, and paying someone to split cases is not in a $1,000 budget

I never said they were not great bikes. They were excellent 20 years ago. I had both a CB 550 and a CB 750 SS back in the 80s. I just stated that they can be a pricey gamble for someone starting out now. There are better options out there.

Lee H · #16 12-26-2011, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nortonrider

this one's cool.
it's a yamaha XS650:

I absolutely love the look of this...the yama XS650 had a look that was ripped off from the british bikes, and the reliability of a metric... I built a chopped one once. I did not know how to paint then, so I had it done. The painted mixed the color wrong. I hated it, he loved it, and made an offer...I left with money in my pocket, and never rode it

anyone else remember the old amen savior frames?

nortonrider · #17 12-26-2011, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lee H

anyone else remember the old amen savior frames?

this is on ebay right now:
Amen Savior Honda CB750 Frame rolling with engine Bobber Chopper | eBay

Lee H · #18 12-26-2011, 10:56 PM

wild looking, but I would not ride it on any curvy roads.

those rear sections would wear if not kept greased, then the wheel would lean inside the frame in a corner. I had an 8 over girder on one of those frames (triumph 750 bonny powered), and it handled like a bayliner

Looks like a cool little bar hopper though. I saw that yamaha, and it looked like an old Amen rigid frame. That reminded me of the old savior frame

Subrage · #19 12-27-2011, 08:54 AM

+1 on the xs650, super cool looking when turned into a cafe or bobbed.

About a 6 mo ago I wanted to build one out, but wasnt sure I would be happy riding it since Im pretty tall which it wouldnt be real comfortable. So I just picked up my Triumph Speed Triple...

Someday I'll eventually build one and have it as a cool little commuter, but I wouldnt want one as my only bike.

Pick one up get it running and ride it before you do a bunch of work to it. Figure out what would make it more comfortable to you and what you really want to change.

mrpackerguy · #20 12-27-2011, 10:52 AM

Best advice I ever got was to take the motorcycle learner's course. It teaches you skills and skills you can practice for a lifetime that may save your life sometime.