[6inarow]

Looking for a little advice on either what to look for or what to stay away from. I have been into trad hot rods (the HAMB) for years, but have never had a motorcycle project.

I am interested in pre 1970 style bikes. Any advice on where to start? advantages of British or American bikes? I would assume anything older than1950 is likely to be much more expensive.

any advice to get a noob started???

 

[GT6Steve]

Noob as in Total Noob??

I'd say get whatever is the current style bike like the old 650 Yamaha and learn to ride on an appliance before committing to a tool. Do some of the Motorcycle Safety Courses at community college and such and learn to ride first. Using some Jap throwaway appliance bike will allow you to think about the road as opposed to the electrics or the stylin'.

If you're already a rider than your heart will supply the answer. For some it's a Sporty, others gotta have some ol' Brit whilst many wouldn't be on wheels without hawg in there somewhere.

What attracts ya?

 

[el diablo]

how much are you able to spent on a project bike

because there are so many choices ,bsa,bmw,triumph,ironhead,flathead "45 or maybe even a shovelhead
like i said it depends on your budget ,how much you are willing to wrench on it yourself and the luck you have with finding one

also look in the ads overhere some people sell their project bikes before finishing it ,to get cash to buy or finish another bike

xs650 or kawa w650 are also nice starts ......but not really JJ type bikes

 

[kickstarts]

Save your money till Thanksgiving and THEN go shopping. Now is the absolute worst time to shop for motorcycles. From Thanksgiving till Christmas you'll have your pick of low priced bikes and projects. The stuff you thought you couldn't afford will be in your price range then.

As GT6Steve said, take this time to do all the rider training and maybe find a junker throw away to practice crashing on and when it gets cold, comb the for sale ads which will be plentiful.

 

[6inarow]

Noob as in Total Noob??

I'd say get whatever is the current style bike like the old 650 Yamaha and learn to ride on an appliance before committing to a tool. Do some of the Motorcycle Safety Courses at community college and such and learn to ride first. Using some Jap throwaway appliance bike will allow you to think about the road as opposed to the electrics or the stylin'.

If you're already a rider than your heart will supply the answer. For some it's a Sporty, others gotta have some ol' Brit whilst many wouldn't be on wheels without hawg in there somewhere.

What attracts ya?

Total noob to street bikes. I rode dirt bikes in the Colorado mountains in the 70's in my teens and rode them on farms and ranches. So, that way its not "total noob". but, I'm getting bored with cars with flatheads and inlines from the 30's. Just want to do something different in my garage.

what attracts me? Dunno - 30's-50's Harleys and Indians, 50's and 60's brit bikes. But I dont know much about any of them.

 

[dudley32]

I like brit bikes obviously...but I like the wait till Thanksgiving advise...no doubt when it starts to cool off a bit the prices come down..

Oh and welcome...

 

[hogster]

waiting is god advise,it will prepare you for the waiting to come.ha-ha like waiting for this part or that,or waiting on stuff in the shop.and so on .but its worth it in the end.get something that you like.cause you'll be the one riding it,I would look into other brands as well bmw ducati etc there are some really nice vintage bikes still around,try something popular as parts are usually cheaper and more available

 

[Swan]

Welcome and listen to the above. Wait, be patient and buy just before winter. I live for and love British bikes but I would not wish this curse upon anyone, buy a Honda CB, clean the carbs, fix the front brake seal, etc, and start riding. Generally can buy one for a $1 per cc for a project bike.

Always buy, read and understand the factory service and parts manual and then use a Haynes manual if you are a total noob.

 

[ralphiejantz]

ironhead sportys are always good cheaper bikes to start to build