there are two ways to approach a custom motorcycle, at least in theory. start with an engine you really want to use and build everything around it, or find the right frame first and choose an engine that makes sense for that setup.

the engine-first approach gives you a clear direction, but it can turn into a lot of fabrication if the frame wasn't designed for it. frame-first seems easier to plan, although it might limit the engines that make sense for the project.

for people who have built bikes from scratch or heavily modified a donor, which decision has the biggest impact on the final result?

i'm interested in the mechanical side of it, not just which engine or frame looks better.

Has anyone had any problems with mounting an M.Unit on the frame above engine / below tank tunnel where it isn’t fully waterproofed? It’s shown that way on an install video from motogadget and considering doing it myself but wondered if anyone else had experience with it and any possible problems? Also mounting dual output coil nearby and little ECU from the trispark ignition. I guess i will try keep it at least 10cm away from the coils. Thanks

Im adapting a monoshock system on my double shock bike. The swingarm im trying to adapt has a 12cm width, but the pivot hole on the frame is 15cm width! Should i reduce the swingarm or the frame? I think if i reduce the frame it gonna have problems with chain aligning. Some ideas?

Well, i guess quote speaks for itself. Would you guys recommend me getting and impact wrench or not really needed? I've seen so many videos of people pulling off nuts so easy with it that i got interested...

With the paint removed from the tank and the bad welds fixed. You can just see how well it fits the bike.

Front fender made!

Made the tank cover. Only couple things left to go!

Short film on Tom and Purpose Built Moto, his custom and restoration shop on the Gold Coast.

It started in his home garage with one customer and got serious around 2019. Eventually his wife told him to go full-time on bikes.

He doesn’t sketch first. He learns each bike’s history and lets that shape the build, like one that had sat in a barn for decades.

The film covers fabrication and welding, front-end work, a bare metal tank, leather seat and polished alloy details, and a test run at the end.

His advice: “Let the work do the talk.”

Do the builders here sketch first, or design on the bench?

The subframe is getting close to being done. The rear brake master cylinder is mounted. And a front fender has been modified to fit.

Carbs have been cleaned and made to look nice but aren't installed yet. Same thing with the rear brake caliper.

Give my brother a follow if you want to see more of the build. IG greyslopegarage

This is my 50% progress update on my 1970 ct90 rebuilding the motor this weekend along with the clutch/rear wheel compliance bits. I’ve got grips, headlight guard materials, windshield and mirrors on the way. Just dropped the seat at reupholstery yesterday 2-3 week eta. Super stoked to have the build done!

Estoy intentando modificar una moto antigua, pero me encuentro con una duda muy frecuentemente. Mi intención es modificarla significativamente. Está muy sucia, con marcas y desperfectos en muchas piezas. ¿Creéis que es buena idea desmontarla entera?. Pienso que de esa forma podría limpiar y ver los desperfectos mucho más cómodo. Además podría montarla sin tener la molestia de otras piezas que quizá deba montar más adelante.

Un saludo!

Exhaust finished! 14 days left!

Hey guys need few details and have some doubts to clear. Anyone with experience in rebuilding Daytonas. Please help

Found this picture of a Ninja 500 with a really cool looking front and i want to know what you call that mod specifically, because i cant find it anywhere. I have no clue what im talking about, so im not sure if its some type of winglets or something else. Any information would be much appreciated

Hi there, just got my hands on a vintage sportster from '93 and thought it'd be nice to leave my own mark on it with some modifications. It's been equipped with forward pedals and alternate handlebars already, but I feel like a sissy bar and other stuff would be nice touches. Open for more ideas ideas and maybe some experiences made on this model.

Follow the build on IG @greyslopegarage

here is a picture of basically what I want for my bike, I saw this parked outside one day and said hell yeah, unfortunately I don't know where to go to get it built. I want a trunk for my bike, searched a long time and found all that I don't like/won't fit. I need an estimate on how much it will cost, who can build it? where can I get it built at?

Im very much 0 when it comes to Motorcycle building/mechanics. So recently i managed to get a Cheap CFMoto 450 CLC, no budget for a Japanese yet.

I bought a set of classic universal clutch and brake levers. The problem is, I just realized my factory left handlebar is a massive all-in-one integrated unit where all the wirings are in the said unit, if that makes sense ? The'yre molded into a housing that holds the turn signals, horn, the digital navigation buttons for the TFT screen all of it. Is this common in Chinese bike ?

My question is, If i Choose to use this after-market stuff, Will I need to get a seperate controls for the Switches like the Navigation button for the TFT Display and the Signals/Horn ?

Appreciate an Expert's advice so I dont messed up my Bike.