Comments on: Can You truly build a custom Harley with just “bolt-on parts”?

By: Ride on

Ride on — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 14:16:15 +0000

That is one of the coolest things about Harley.
There are more suppliers of after market parts and accessories than any other bikes out there.
The hardest part is not getting overwhelmed by all the choices.
I have done several " from the ground up " reconstructions ,a few for myself one for my dog, one for my girl friend and a couple for profit.
Once in a while you may run across some items that are just not compatible,You can either modify ,or exchange them.
But I think the answer you are looking for is " Yes one can buy a pile of after market parts and build a pretty sweet bike.

By: Tim G

Tim G — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 14:16:15 +0000

Probably. but you might want to see a finnised version of the one your gonna build first. You may not like some of the basic things like ride hight suspention and steering. most "kits" seem to work on paper but unless you have alot of matching or compatable components, you will be chasing the correct part alot of the time. I have seen custom bikes made this way, and they are allways prone to problems of durability and reliability. So unless you really are a hands on all the time guy, ide say go for it good luck.

By: cheyenne95129

cheyenne95129 — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 14:16:15 +0000

get online and check out jp cycles. Get a catalog and read it
Shovel? better get the look alike engine or you will have lots of reliability issues. Why not a used post 1985 big twin? they are far more reliable..

By: mycoldfeet

mycoldfeet — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 14:16:15 +0000

Yes, it’s possible, but take it slow ask questions, and think about a custom softail, looks just like a hard tail, but you have about 4" of travel, and join club chopper.com they have shop forums, builders forums, and a lounge just to BS, and if you got any questions about anything, you’ll get all the help you need, if you see mycoldfeet on the that’s me, Look at the builders pic’s and members pic’s and get some ideas, mine doesn’t have a stock part on it.

By: chopperchopster

chopperchopster — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 14:16:15 +0000

you need to know what fits what first,that way it will simply bolt together. However there will ALLWAYS be a small amount of fabrication which is what makes a custom build a challenge and therefore kinda fun. I just finished a panhead chopper and it took a year but turned out perfect.