Building the Perfect Custom Motorcycle

Tracy Carroll Texas Custom Choppers OwnerIn the early 2000′s and late 1990′s, custom motorcycles hit the mainstream. Custom builders like Orange County Choppers and West Coast Choppers were featured on television and became status symbols for a multitude of riders across the globe. Bikes built by these "big name" custom motorcycle builders cost tens of thousands of dollars and were a rider’s pride and joy. Unfortunately, most riders can’t afford custom motorcycles built by one of the big names, and, besides, the waiting list is longer than the trip from Sturgis to Little Sturgis. The upside is that there are many custom motorcycle builders that can offer you the same quality for much less.

When you’re searching for the right custom motorcycle builder, there are a few things you’ll need to remember. Always be sure to check out some of the builder’s previous work and even talk to other bike owners that they’ve done custom motorcycle builds for. A good custom drivetrain package contains the engine, transmission, starter and belt drive that will give your bike all the power you need. The drivetrain comes in different colors and styles, though black, silver or natural are most common. A natural finish means that the metal looks exactly as it appears when cast. Make sure that the builder specializes in the drivetrain package you choose.


Another factor to consider is the kind of gas tank that the builder can offer you. Builders are usually more knowledgeable in the workings and design of certain types of gas tanks than others. If you need a stretch tank, you’ll have no trouble finding a custom motorcycle builder, since stretch tanks are one of the most popular styles. An expert in hybrid tanks may be a bit harder to find.

If you’re really lucky, you’ll find a builder that can produce a great tank from scratch, giving your ride a completely unique appearance. The gas tank is one of the most important components of your bike, and you may want to stick with an old rule: bigger is better. More room in the tank means less stopping at gas stations.

A builder with the ability or connections to give you a great paint job is essential. Whether or not the builder can actually paint, he should have someone he works with or can recommend to you. Traditional flames should be no trouble, but finding someone to give you a design far off the beaten path will take some hunting. Skulls are another traditional option, whether they’re the ghost of Davy Jones or the Grim Reaper himself. If you want a roaring lion or an eagle on the prowl for its prey, make sure that your builder can provide the paint job you want. Maybe you want something a bit more subtle. In that case, a cool wash of color or a variation on a familiar logo may be what you’re after. Again, check with your prospective custom motorcycle builder to see what he can offer.

With a bit of homework and the right builder, you’ll have the custom motorcycle that’s the envy of your riding buddies. Take care of it, make sure it’s as clean as the day you first took it home, and always ride responsibly.

Texas Custom Choppers builds custom motorcycles and offers custom motorcycle paint jobs, as well as, Harley customizations.
Find out how you can build the custom motorcycle of your dreams at http://TexasCustomChoppers.biz

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Comments

2 Responses to “Building the Perfect Custom Motorcycle”
  1. Gia Anderson says:

    Thanks for the tip on building a custom bike. I don’t think I will ever build my own custom bike but I love to check out bikes that other people have built, some people do the coolest things with their bikes.
    I actually just started working with progressive motorcycle insurance and I have been finding out more about the whole motorcycle culture. I find it fascinating. Since delving more into the whole “Motorcycle Culture” I have heard nothing but how amazing Sturgis is and I can’t wait to check it out. We’ll be at Thunder Road at Sturgis giving away a FREE Exclusive Sucker Punch Sallys custom-designed T-shirt. All you have to do is visit http://motorcycle.progressive.com/, go to where it says Events and Rallies and print out the coupon. Present that coupon at our booth at Thunder Road and get your free exclusively designed Sucker Punch Sallys T-shirt, only given away at Sturgis. We’ll also have some other free fun stuff you got to check out, you’ll see once you get there. Oh, and while you’re there you can also enter to win a custom Suck Punch Sally’s bike. It’s an old school beauty.
    Are you going to Sturgis this year?
    Hope I didn’t over step my bounds by posting on your blog, and if you have any questions or want more info please feel free to shoot me an e-mail!
    Hope to see you there. Ride Safe.
    Gia Anderson
    Brand Ambassador
    Gia.progressive@gmail.com

  2. Mark Ballinas says:

    Nice new feature on the website. Very straight ahead and informative. Most enthusiasts don’t realize all that goes into the process of custom bike building. The bike building shows on television condense the process into a show or two and don’t really educate the viewer to the reality of concept, design renderings, costs, waiting for parts, scheduling and the time consumption that goes into the actual building process. If you are serious about a custom bike build, do your homework, take your time, and don’t expect the job to be done overnight. Keep your dream alive, and talk to the pros!
    Always ride safe and look out for others.
    Cheers,
    Mark Ballinas

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