[Darkwizard666]

How do I start Doing Motorcycle Customization/Modification?

Hi, I am new to this forum. I am 20 years old and if theres one thing I love to do its ride motorcycles. I got a 2002 honda shadow 600 vlx. My bikes not perfect, some days it won't start, sometimes it leaks, and it may be beat up looking. But at the end of the day its my piece of crap and I love it to death.

Not only do I love to ride, I would also really start loving to dabble in custom/modification work. I have no experience in welding or any of the necessary skills required to making beautiful custom motorcycles.

Basically I want to be able to strip my bike down and put it together with no issue and comfort. I want to be able to paint the frame, make custom welds, and hardware changes to the bike (to hard tail my bike, things of that nature). Also learning how to do nice paint jobs all in the space of my garage. No rattle-can dingy work (which is the level I am at right now lol).

I want to be able to have my bike running in tip top condition and be able to identify problems. Now some of the work i've seen on this forum alone blew my mind. Some of the custom work I have seen on this website alone or on popular instagram pages really inspired me to start getting into this hobby.

Where do I start? Do I buy a welding rig? Do I just practice? Is there any books I can buy to start learning? I figured i could come on here and get some insight from some of the greats. What can this young guy do to get started?

I don't mind putting my bike out of commission for months at a time to build something truly unique and spectacular.

Thanks, Oz - new member and new rider.

 

[tobimaru]

It sounds like you are passionate about your bike and riding but maybe you are pushing a bit too hard right out of the gate.

No reason to chop up or weld on a bike that's leaking and running poorly. I would fix the running problems 100% before starting the cosmetic mods you want to perform. No use in looking cool when you're broken down on the side of the highway, right?

Invest in hand tools first, or air/power tools depending on what you already own. I've disassembled most all of my Shadow with nothing but wrenches and sockets. There are specialty tools you might want for basic maintenance on the bike (spark plugs socket?), and things like a motorcycle lift to get it off the ground, drain pans, rags, etc.

If you were to go buy a ton of paint supplies and a welder you might be able to modify the appearance of your bike but you won't be able to fix it (or disassemble it). Being able to identify problems really only comes through research and experience. Most "custom fab" guys all started with basic tools and basic jobs. I would even go so far as to say welding and painting are an art and they take time and skill to learn and to be done well. Practice makes perfect, just don't practice welding on your bike frame.

 

[SuperboyX]

Welcome to the Forum. I can't give you any advice in what is the best route you should take. However you should make sure you are willing to invest in a good amount of cash if you are going to get into this. Also make sure that the bike is worth the time and money spent.

 

[Scared]

You tube has just about any "How To" videos you'll ever need. If I'm about to tackle something that I've never done, I'll spend a few days on youtube watchin videos. And take notes while watching.

 

[Mr.Wilson]

Wow!!!! Talk about investing in a hobby!!!!! What I am going to recommend is start with basic maintenance. Then move to bodywork, and paint. Learn to polish using a polishing wheel and the correct compounds. Basicly start with making what you got run and look like new. Then you will have an idea what kind of time and detail will be needed to do custom mods. I do know people will gladly give you work to help fund your new found passion. Hey man can you get my bike looking that good? Ye$ $ir!!!

 

[7xclm]

Darkwizard666. First, welcome to the forum. There are several custom motorcycle builders in Jacksonville. Go for a visit. Who knows they might let you hang around and see what steps to takes to build a custom bike. Just saying.

 

[tobimaru]

This would be a big job for me, but it involves nearly everything you're interested in I think. Done in a garage with basic tools, some cutting tool, a lift, etc.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1BUWFxoETFw

Working in the garage can be fun (sometimes) and making something your own is half the fun but I'd argue actually being out and riding the bike regardless of what it is or how it looks is the real joy of motorcycles.

 

[adlowe]

Basically I want to be able to strip my bike down and put it together with no issue and comfort.

What are you, a masochist? Most of us want to avoid discomfort. :mrgreen:

Anyway, start with a plan. Build the plan as acquiring knowledge, skills and tools in stages. Leave welding bikes for later though you can acquire a welder for learning and practice whenever space and money allow.

You say you don't know much about building bikes? Start by getting the one you have running like a champion. Not extra horsepower, just running the way Honda intended. (No matter how beautiful a creation you ultimately build, if it doesn't run worth a crap then it's just yard art.) Then move on to appearance. Get your bike looking beautiful. Not exotic. Maybe not even fancy. Better than a piece of crap. (Your words, not mine.)

When you're done with your bike, buy another. Maybe some barn find or a garage queen covered in dust. Make it better than the bike you have now. Sell it or trade it then do it again. And again. Each time, look for new challenges that provide opportunities to learn something new. Buy new tools for each project.

When you've gone through a couple, maybe even half a dozen, then your plan should have you thinking about the exotic creations of your dreams. Maybe you've taken a couple of classes at a local community college along the way that will make it even easier to create those beasts. Or maybe you're dedicated to learning everything "the hard way" because you're much more of a hands-on learner. Doesn't matter because you've built that into your plan. But it all begins with a plan.

Good luck!