Author Topic: Custom Frame (Read 12673 times)

Ecosse · « **Reply #25 on:** December 17, 2008, 09:56:26 AM »

What about a spine frame similar to Tony Foale's? Fuel/oil could be in the frame with a 'glass dummy fuel tank or design one around OEM tanks. I've seen several variations of the design.

I agree you'll never please everyone but maybe with a spine type it may be adapted for a number of engines.

bone head edit: just followed the link above and I had that site bookmarked. Should have caught it.

Spikeybike · « **Reply #26 on:** December 17, 2008, 10:37:50 AM »

Quote from: Ecosse on December 17, 2008, 09:56:26 AM

What about a spine frame

when first saw this thread , the first thought i had was "wonder how long before Ecosse brings up the spine frame"

saw that coming a mile away

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #27 on:** December 17, 2008, 11:08:22 AM »

That Martin frame in the other post is pretty sweet looking (with the exception of the color).

Matt Hubbell · « **Reply #28 on:** December 17, 2008, 11:25:26 AM »

Chopper frames have no swing arm and they are 800.00, I think we may be looking at close to 1000.00 for a frame and swing arm, with all the good stuff we want. I am targeting the 750 fiirst, depending on how it gets priced out, maybe other models.

Ecosse · « **Reply #29 on:** December 17, 2008, 12:58:40 PM »

Quote from: spikeybike on December 17, 2008, 10:37:50 AM

when first saw this thread , the first thought i had was "wonder how long before Ecosse brings up the spine frame"
saw that coming a mile away

There's a certain comfort in being predictable.

So Vonblonde, you're thinking of fabricating a swingarm then rather than using a sourced part? While faaar from an authority 1k seems within reason for a frame/swingarm. Perhaps offer them separately?

At the risk of being biased, if you look at the bike registry you might note there are more 500/550 owners... at least registered here.

ct_racer · « **Reply #30 on:** December 17, 2008, 01:47:03 PM »

Quote from: Ecosse on December 17, 2008, 12:58:40 PM

At the risk of being biased, if you look at the bike registry you might note there are more 500/550 owners... at least registered here.

As one of those 500 owners I have found that the parts to build an engine are much easier to find for the 750. Just a thought...

Matt Hubbell · « **Reply #31 on:** December 18, 2008, 07:46:13 AM »

Thanks guys, I am going to try and make the frames as adaptable as possible. The reason I am starting with a 750 is, that is what I have to work with, if I can sell a few, I will most likly branch out to other models.

Ecosse · « **Reply #32 on:** December 18, 2008, 08:36:12 AM »

As a fellow SOHC owner I'm enthusiastic over any enterprise that furthers that cause. Best of luck, I'm eager to see your results!

Especially if it's an elegant, rigid, lightweight, and versatile spine frame.

I'm shameless.

Soos · « **Reply #33 on:** December 18, 2008, 09:35:38 AM »

Quote from: Vonblonde on December 18, 2008, 07:46:13 AM

Thanks guys, I am going to try and make the frames as adaptable as possible. The reason I am starting with a 750 is, that is what I have to work with, if I can sell a few, I will most likly branch out to other models.

I hope things get off the ground well for you.
A trashed out 500/550/650 would cost you little in the future if you want to expand your line of frames.

I'll be keeping an eye on your progress.
Good to see more support for these old Hondas sprouting up.

l8r

736cc · « **Reply #34 on:** December 18, 2008, 07:47:00 PM »

Bimota had an interesting frame for the CB750. Didn't make too many, less than 10 I believe.

[/URL][/img]
...and more info here
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=18794.msg201168

754 · « **Reply #35 on:** December 18, 2008, 08:00:16 PM »

Hate to be harsh, but sounds like you dont know what to actually build....and everyone wants someting different.'

So maybe build one for yourself, or to order for an interested party that can pay ther price, if it works. build more. No point in building more till you thoroughly test the original designs. I knew a builder that was probably one of the first custom frame builders to get TUV certified in Germany, pretty stringent testing before you can sell in that market.

I built parts for a couple frame builders, my thinking is if you built only a few frames and swingarms and sold them for less than 1500 for both, you will be losing money. The only frames that can be reasonable are mass produced.

Not that everyone would not like a frame for 1000.00 or less..

What are you going to do about VIN numbers?

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #36 on:** December 18, 2008, 10:18:45 PM »

If someone could replicate the Bimota frame, that would be a step in the right direction.

Matt Hubbell · « **Reply #37 on:** December 19, 2008, 05:45:35 AM »

The Bimota frame is the exact direction I will be heading. We have mass produced chopper frames for the cb750 and have had very good luck. vin numbers will need to come from the customers original frame. I will be back in a month or so with some pics. Thanks again for your help.

736cc · « **Reply #38 on:** December 19, 2008, 06:06:26 AM »

Thats a good idea, I always wanted an HB1 bimota frame. Sign me up, I volunteer to test out the prototype.

[/URL][/img]

UnCrash · « **Reply #39 on:** December 19, 2008, 07:12:04 AM »

Hell yeah!

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #40 on:** December 19, 2008, 07:29:51 AM »

Hey Matt aka Vonblonde,

Out of curiosity, how will you "transfer" the VIN from a stock frame to a custom frame? If you are proposing riveting the VIN tag onto the new frame, that may cause some legal problems to register or insure. I've never purchased a custom frame, so I'm a fish out of water as to how you register a bike with one, but my "gut" says you have to register the bike (at least here in California) as an "Other" rather than a particular year and make -- and you might have to have it certified roadworthy by the Highway Patrol prior to getting it registered. Do you have any experience with this issue?

736cc · « **Reply #41 on:** December 19, 2008, 07:33:16 AM »

Look what this clever Japanese dude has done to a 400F, he cloned an HB1 using airtech bodywork and painting a stock 400F frame red (plus a few other tasteful mods)

[/URL][/img]

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736cc · « **Reply #42 on:** December 19, 2008, 07:36:10 AM »

The simplest route to the vin situation would be to cut and weld a titled steering neck to the new frame.

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Ecosse · « **Reply #43 on:** December 19, 2008, 08:00:44 AM »

My possibly outdated take on the VIN issue is based on 'kit' or component car applications. There really is no one answer as different states, etc... all address it a bit differently. But I believe documentation from the manufacturer of the frame is the place to start with regards to assigning a new VIN. Scores of 'new' home built cars are made every year around the world so there are ways. Some are straight forward and others not so.

A few years ago I looked closely at building a hardtail Sportster using a new frame. My understanding was current law allowed a one time chance (for the owner?) to swap all pieces from a stock Sportster to the new frame and using the old VIN legally. This option created for bikes with written off frames from wrecks and such.

Don't know if this still can be done, if legal everywhere, and doesn't seem to apply to pieced together projects- but then again, it might. In the end it's up to the purchaser mainly to get the VIN and not the manufacturer unless they are building production vehicles. But I could be wrong.

Bimotas are nice and I like that they used the engine as a stressed member and elegant frame. Don't like the tank.

754 · « **Reply #44 on:** December 19, 2008, 03:09:59 PM »

In most places you cant legally put numbers on another frame,
unlees..
the state allows this, AND orignal frame is handed in and destroyed..

But seeing as you have already mass produced frames, you should be able to supply Manufacturers Statement of Origin.