The best thing about a motorcycle is that the ways you could put it together (or take it apart) are endless. The true motorbike aficionado will understand that a small outlay of time and labour can in fact save a lot of money in getting the machine that you want, looks the way you like and rides the way you ride best.
In fact, price is the one factor that prevents most people from getting their dream bike, so if you're set on getting that bike you've always wanted at the cost that's at least reasonable – then you really need to consider putting your own together.
Here's two reasons why people like building their own bikes to help you make your mind up.
1. You'll see bikes like you've never seen them before
Ever seen or heard of the sci-fi-ish Urban Cavalry (it's a custom Harley)? What about the retro-futuristic Voltron (mish-mashed from BMW parts)? Those custom-made bikes by Rough Crafts and ER Motorcycles, respectively, made rave reviews just a few years ago and for good reason: these were fantastic machines, cleverly combining classic looks with futuristic features.
Bikes like these are perfect examples of how imagination can be transferred to motorcycles – opening new thinking and possibilities. If you ever want to build your bike, you'll learn so much more than if you just bought yours straight out of the showroom.
2. You'll trim off a lot of the price for better quality items
If saving money isn't enough for you, think about quality too! Custom bike company Revzilla says that purchasing aftermarket and specialty parts is easier to justify when you are building a bike from scratch because you’re not replacing a still-functioning item. It’s possible to create a motorcycle entirely from aftermarket or custom pieces, avoiding some of the design flaws that can be present in OEM parts and designs.
When designed and built carefully, a completely non-stock bike might be superior to factory offerings.
Besides, where else are you going to find moulded frames, super long forks and old designs on new bikes if you don't build it yourself.
In the end, there's really nothing wrong with buying a ready stock motorcycle, or even modifying one straight off the factory conveyor… but there's really nothing quite right about it either, wouldn't you agree?