start with cheap jap or holdout for brit or harley

6936 Views 73 Replies 51 Participants Last post by AndrewC, Apr 4, 2012

mikeyg

Discussion Starter · Oct 30, 2011

i dont really know if this will get a response or not. or if it will be a good response. i might just get told to go to hell. my basic question is this, im planning on building my first bike. i hate to give it a label but it will basically be a bobber. rigid frame solo seat. springer forks. nothin extra just pretty much bare bones. now ive seen some good looking jap bikes that were basically the style i want to build. im more into the triumphs and sportsters. the problem is like everyone else im short on cash. and a guy can get a honda for less than half the price of a trump. i guess im just second guessing myself on justifying buying a jap bike just to have one a lot sooner. im pretty new to all this but im assuming i can get some parts cheaper and easier for hondas. and i think the aftermarket is pretty strong for them. things like the rigid back frame. and bars and stuff like that. any opinions and advice welcome... even if you just tell me to go to hell haha

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shovithead

· #60 · Nov 2, 2011

It is hard to believe, that in todays market, that all the sportsters and brits you see, are that expensive. Now, I know, that we are in two different areas, but I pick up running sportsters all the time, for 1000 to 1500 dollars, and usually all they need is TLC. You may need to get one that is ugly as hell, but ugly is easily fixed. But the motor needs to run and the transmission needs to have 4 working gears. With this, half your work is done. Quick paint, comes in a rattle can, until you can afford to spend money on removing rusty parts and paint. If you get your money in hand, and find one for more than you have, make a "best offer". These days, people are willing to let you dicker some, to get the cash you DO have. The most important thing to remember, is get one WITH a TITLE. Or your problems could just be starting. Places to check vin's online, so that will keep you from picking up a stolen one. Which is not necessary, if you get a current title, in the sellers name. One last thing. Ten years from now, if you build a jap bike, it will never return your investment. Ten years from now, in most cases, you will be able to recover almost all, if not even more, than you invested. Remember to deduct a little for all the fun you have and the pride of riding a American made mc.

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