Topic: Would you?

[Ernie]

I'm thinking about a total customization of my bike this winter,I'm thinkin maybe a brat/bober type stlye or along those lines.The bike is a fairly decent 550k with low milage 5k and runs great but i dono if i should chop it all up,I think I could make look purdy darn cool, would you do it or not?

heres some of the details:
1. lower the rear
2. chrome spokes and white wall tires
3. 5'' headlight and new smaller signals
4. stop tail light
5.duel front disk
6. suiside shift and clutch pedal
7.two peice seat
8. handle bars (dono what kind yet)
9.powder coat frame and repaint bodywork

[martini]

Why not - make it your own man.

Having said that I wouldn't dream of chopping my 750.

Hope that helps.

[putnaja1]

I'm thinking about a total customization of my bike this winter,I'm thinkin maybe a brat/bober type stlye or along those lines.The bike is a fairly decent 550k with low milage 5k and runs great but i dono if i should chop it all up,I think I could make look purdy darn cool, would you do it or not?

I wanted to customize my 550- but it looks so good stock (also low milage) I think I'm gonna try to convince the mgmt to tolerate another CB, just for customization..

[Uncle Ernie]

If this bike is as nice as you make it sound, I vote no.  Since you're thinking of totally bombing it, why not start with a POS?
Some of your ideas I like, but I can't see a hand shift.  I don't think it will look right, and it will mess up your shifting and make the bike a chore to ride.  I know this because I've seen 3 other guys try this on diffferent bikes.  If you want a tank/jocky shift, there are plenty of older options out there.

[prsman23@hotmail.c]

I second what unc ernie said. Find yourself a $100 craigslist or old lady find, and tear that up. Then you have two bikes, one that is running while you tear the other apart. This might take longer than you might think, and come next riding season be without a bike.

[ChrisR]

Likewise - while I totally understand and appreciate the custom jobs that demonstrate someone's skill and personality I feel that a bike that has made it through 30 odd years in great condition sort of deserves a little respect - it seems a shame to chop it up now.
I think it adds to a custom bike if it is made out of a machine that was basically scrap. You're creating something out of nothing.
prsman's point about making sure you have a running bike is a good one.
Just my gut feeling.

[Roach Carver]

i want to get on this band wagon also. If its nice, dont chop it. there are not many nice original bikes out there anymore. There are a million turds that have been neglected and left for scrap. find one and build it like you want. If you are building a brat you will be stripping alot off anyway. I have multiple projects with no runners ( and i started with runners). Take it from me, keep one running bike or you will be misserable.

[cmorgan47]

is it in really good shape?  that'd be hard to do, unless i felt my skills were really up to doing it properly. 
my 400 looked and ran like crap when i started out, so it was pretty easy to hit it with the grinders, but if it looked nice, i would've been nervous. 

i guess it's all in the confidence you have in your skills.  have you done similar work before?  hows the paint and seat look now?  i wouldn't consider the millage/engine condition that much, unless you're chosing between chopping/selling.  it'd be pretty nice to build something around an engine that i knew had a ton of life left in it.

that said, we just got a POS 550 and bobbing it out was my first thought.....the more i look at it though, i think i'd rather see it fairly stock and bob the 400twin.

 

[6pkrunner]

When I finish up with restoring the bikes that can be restored, those remaining will fall prey to the cafe/bobber and others the 60's psuedo-AEE chopper mold. Its a hobby and you do what you want with your toys. The only kick to the 'nads is if you start down one road and alter parts that cannot be returned, and have a change of heart halfway through the project.

[JP]

Yep, get a junker.

Even if it's just a frame to hack up and then add your good stuff to it.  I love the suicide shift idea, I've wanted to do it for a long time now.  Too many people don't take chances with their builds.

JP

[Ernie]

Thanx all for your valued input,but the wife is against a second bike right now so my options are as follows:
 1.forget the whole idea
 2. build my existing bike
 3.get another bike and a spare bed for the garage (for me ofcourse)
she does however like the idea of the mod 

[ic455]

Thanx all for your valued input,but the wife is against a second bike right now so my options are as follows:
 1.forget the whole idea
 2. build my existing bike
 3.get another bike and a spare bed for the garage (for me ofcourse)
she does however like the idea of the mod 

I hear that cots are cheap and relatively comfortable.....

[Troy R]

wohhh there ic455 ever heard of "Happy Wife Happy Life" .... Hey Ernie a buddy o mine got himself three for one deal on 350cc twins. So far he and his brother have just over a grand into each . They chopped the rear end , rigid frame, Custom 2 into 1 to supertrap end, air filter kit, cool paint on small rear fender sweet and time consuming, but doable. Just  don't get caught with your bike in pieces come spring man....!

[ic455]

wohhh there ic455 ever heard of "Happy Wife Happy Life" .... Hey Ernie a buddy o mine got himself three for one deal on 350cc twins. So far he and his brother have just over a grand into each . They chopped the rear end , rigid frame, Custom 2 into 1 to supertrap end, air filter kit, cool paint on small rear fender sweet and time consuming, but doable. Just  don't get caught with your bike in pieces come spring man....!

Shoot, my wife ain't been happy for about 2 years.  In my specific situation, the cot in the garage would be a bloody improvement.

[pmpski_1]

Thanx all for your valued input,but the wife is against a second bike right now so my options are as follows:
...
she does however like the idea of the mod 

Keep looking for another bike. In the mean time, if she's into the idea of the mods keep talking to her about your indecision whether to chop yours or not. Sooner or later she's gonna get sick of you talking about it and tell you to just get another one. This worked for me. (Or make you get rid of the one you have )

Also, you can mention that you're only chopping it for a winter project and that you'll be selling it in the spring when you can get more for a bike. Next spring.

Yes, I have a very understanding wife.

[Ernie]

  hahaha thnx for the advice