Wondering how to build a custom motorcycle? Our expert guides are full of practical advice to take you through the difficult bits—from buying the right bike to choosing the best books and manuals to steer you through the hard parts.
Learn how to plan the project, select the correct tools and improve your abilities—whether it’s using a grinder, firing up a welder, or wielding a spray gun.
I’ll be honest, rebuilding the wheels on our 1975 Honda CB550F was a job I was hoping to put off a lot longer. The process of lacing and truing wheels is tedious, and there are plenty of opportunities to scratch a fresh rim when you pull the tire irons out. Considering a shoestring budget is…
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Any clown with an adjustable wrench can take a bike apart (the term basketcase exists for a reason), and if you go in without a plan, that’s exactly how the next owner will take delivery of your abandoned dream—in boxes. But you do have to break a few eggs to make an omelet, and for…
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They say one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, and we’ve certainly dragged our fair share of trashed motorcycles home. Wherever we scrounge them up, the rose-colored glasses wear the heaviest tint after you’ve bagged a neglected classic for cheap. But before you get carried away, it pays to take a good look at what…
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Like most things in life, building a custom motorcycle is certainly a process. It starts with a vision, and (hopefully) ends with a functional expression of speed and style—but you’ll have to get your hands dirty to get there. Lacing wheels, trimming tabs and building an electrical system are just a few of the less…
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Mikuni round-slide carburetors are some of the most common and reliable carburetors found on classic motorcycles and powersports equipment, and rebuilding one…
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Ready to tackle your first motorcycle paint project? In Part One of this guide, we outlined the first three steps: theory, planning…
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Whether you’re trying to save a few bucks, or you just like the challenge of doing everything yourself, at some point you’ll…
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Whether you’re customizing a bike or building your own work stand, welding is a great skill to have. In Part One of…
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Most of the bikes that grace these pages that have had some welding done on them, somewhere. If you’re building your own…
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If you’re working on your bike, even if just doing mild maintenance, you need to be aware of torque. It isn’t only…
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This week, I want to talk about one of the most indispensable tools in my shop: the Dremel rotary tool. I love…
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Our resident expert mechanic Matt McLeod reveals what he looks for when buying an angle grinder. Where would we be without the…
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Nearly every time you’re working on your bike, there are three types of tools that you’ll need: Wrenches, screwdrivers and pliers. Let’s…
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Our resident expert mechanic Matt McLeod reveals how he plans a custom motorcycle build. I’m not sure about you, but I hate…
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Our resident expert mechanic Matt McLeod reveals what he looks for when buying a used motorcycle. I take a checklist with me…
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