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.
Mikuni round-slide carburetors are some of the most common and reliable carburetors found on classic motorcycles and powersports equipment, and rebuilding one is definitely a gearhead rite of passage. If you’ve got a bit of mechanical sense and a basic set of tools, you can definitely get the job done, and finally have that old…
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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 and the all-important prepping procedures, ending with a final coat of smooth spray putty. This week, we’re laying down the paint itself, using aerosol cans. So grab those tins and let’s get cracking.
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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 probably consider painting your own motorcycle. But not everyone has their own air compressor at home, or a spray booth and a decent spray gun. But who says you can’t paint a motorcycle…
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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 this guide, we covered some theory, and looked at the various welding processes and machines you might want to consider. This week, we’re diving right in with the basics of how to get…
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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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We’ve all been there. You’ve seen this great bike at a show, or online, and you’ve gotta build something like it. You…
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If you live in a major city, there are probably motorcycle workshop classes near you. But what if you can’t get to…
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Adapted from the new book The Build: How the Masters Design Custom Motorcycles by Robert Hoekman Jr., including interviews with some of…
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Untitled builds interesting and usable old school motorcycles in a small workshop under the railway arches in north London. And they’re doing…
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