The process of building a Harley-Davidson Motorcycle
The Harley Davidson brand is legendary among bike lovers and laymen alike. These bikes are known for their design, style, and sound. Some motorcycle enthusiasts prefer to build their own Harley-Davidson motorcycles. If you fall into that category, then this article is for you. Building a Harley isn't for everyone, most certainly not if you like eco-friendly motorcycles. But if you have the skill, patience, and dedication required, you will be well on your way to owning a custom bike unlike any other.
The first thing you need to do before you begin the building process is to decide what type of Harley you want to build. Do some thorough research about the different models you are considering. There are a lot of books available online, as well as a variety of online communities for those interested in building a custom Harley motorcycle. Locate several resources before you begin building so that you will have a place to go for help should you run into trouble.
Next, you should decide whether you want to build the motorcycle from the ground up or purchase a kit. There are a lot of kits available, many of which can be found by simply searching online. These kits come complete with the parts you will need, rendering the building process much simpler.
If you decide not to invest in a kit, your next step in the building process will be to locate and purchase the parts you need for your project. Vintage parts are sometimes difficult to find, but you can search online or visit some local shops. Local Harley retailers can sometimes order custom parts, and there are a number of websites online dedicated to Harley building and parts.
Once you have decided on a design and obtained the necessary parts, you will need to assemble them and paint. You should paint the motor first. Then, set the transmission and oil tank in place and make sure everything feels the way you want it to. Next, make a support brace to keep the bolt holes for the transmission aligned, and then make certain that the rear fender is in place. Raise your motorcycle to the desired height by cutting off the neck. You should also cut off and extend the backbone.
After you have completed the aforementioned steps, attach risers and a template backbone to check the rake's angle. If you need to bend the front of the frame, you can use a torch. Next, weld the brackets for the license plate in place and install the taillight and gas tank. Complete the final backbone and neck, and weld them into place on the bike.
Congratulations! The main body of your motorcycle is complete. All that remains is to add the finishing touches, like the bearings and neck braces. You can then set the motor in place and polish the bike. Finally attach the seat and harness, install the battery, and add the brakes.
Once you have completed all of these steps, you will have successfully built your very own custom Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Again, this process is not easy and it isn't for everyone, but the end result is very rewarding!