Author Topic: Modern bike for modding (Read 3432 times)

Skunkmiester · « **on:** February 24, 2010, 11:25:08 AM »

Hi guys, I would like to scope out a project if I may.
An engineering specialist shop and a high end custom bike paint shop are looking at creating a kit for a bike and have asked me to help out with some of the design and planning.

We are thinking about a DIY or fitted kit for a bike.
Mid size engine 400 - 750 (would be nice if the engine had character).
Planning on turning a nothing special bike into something idividual.
Needs to be 3+ years so the work would not void a warranty etc.

Ideal would be something like a Kawasaki W650, twin aircooled and standard.
Various kits could be made, Classic race style, Cafe, Flat tracker, Chopper etc. Basic run of 10 kits.

Would you have any other bike preferences? Ducati Monster?
We don't intend on making much money, it is proof of concept for a future projects.
Thank you for any help in advance.

Frankenkit · « **Reply #1 on:** February 24, 2010, 11:33:25 AM »

Honda Shadows are popular 750s with a lot of parts in common and a serious need for personality, themselves, though the motor looks nice.

sangyo soichiro · « **Reply #2 on:** February 24, 2010, 02:55:05 PM »

Quote from: Kit on February 24, 2010, 11:33:25 AM

Honda Shadows....

Ditto. Good choice.

Soos · « **Reply #3 on:** February 24, 2010, 03:42:22 PM »

Honda Rebel bikes.
The 450 isn't bad.

l8r

simon#42 · « **Reply #4 on:** February 24, 2010, 03:44:52 PM »

as your in the uk how about a triumph ? the bonneville , not air cooled but in serious need of a make over , as there is plenty about you would have a good chance of selling the kits
not sure if we got the shadow over here ?

sangyo soichiro · « **Reply #5 on:** February 24, 2010, 04:09:19 PM »

Quote from: Soos on February 24, 2010, 03:42:22 PM

Honda Rebel bikes.
The 450 isn't bad.

l8r

The 450 is rare! They were only made for 2 years. 250s are all over the place though.

Frankenkit · « **Reply #6 on:** February 24, 2010, 05:41:17 PM »

...Honda is making shadows that look extremely similar to Harley sportsters now... 6-speed, smooth running sportsters.

OakBehringer · « **Reply #7 on:** February 25, 2010, 09:23:57 AM »

If you're short enough, look for an older Suzuki Savage. 650CC Thumper - cool!

Frankenkit · « **Reply #8 on:** February 25, 2010, 01:03:21 PM »

savages are sad little under-powered bikes.

gane · « **Reply #9 on:** February 25, 2010, 04:53:52 PM »

the SV 650 is a pretty nice bike in stock nick, and i imagine many are getting a little long in the tooth. Some trick bodywork & increased displacement might be a mover..G

Green550F · « **Reply #10 on:** February 25, 2010, 05:20:34 PM »

Quote from: Kit on February 25, 2010, 01:03:21 PM

savages are sad little under-powered bikes.

Have you really ridden a Savage? I put 1600 miles on one last year over a 3 day period.
They are great, nimble, fuel sipping @ 60mpg, and a blast to ride on. I just wish there were better seat options, and that I was 5'6" instead of 6'3"!

Trust me the only point that they are under powered is if you need to run 85 on the interstate as they really max out at about 90. At 65 and lower(99% of typical riding) they are just fine.

The world is full of liter+ bikes that are over weight, poor handling, showboats. Leave that for the goad wings. They shine in that class.

The US needs a revitalized 500 class, if you ask me!

Soos · « **Reply #11 on:** February 25, 2010, 07:53:56 PM »

Quote from: Green550F on February 25, 2010, 05:20:34 PM

The US needs a revitalized 500 class, if you ask me!

+1!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

l8r

Frankenkit · « **Reply #12 on:** February 26, 2010, 12:06:26 AM »

Quote from: Green550F on February 25, 2010, 05:20:34 PM

Quote from: Kit on February 25, 2010, 01:03:21 PM
savages are sad little under-powered bikes.

Have you really ridden a Savage? I put 1600 miles on one last year over a 3 day period.
They are great, nimble, fuel sipping @ 60mpg, and a blast to ride on. I just wish there were better seat options, and that I was 5'6" instead of 6'3"!

Trust me the only point that they are under powered is if you need to run 85 on the interstate as they really max out at about 90. At 65 and lower(99% of typical riding) they are just fine.

The world is full of liter+ bikes that are over weight, poor handling, showboats. Leave that for the goad wings. They shine in that class.

The US needs a revitalized 500 class, if you ask me!

I have. MickeyX rode a savage while I was finishing my 650 rebuild. My cb650 way, way outperformed the savage even though technically the savage has a very slightly larger displacement.

OakBehringer · « **Reply #13 on:** March 09, 2010, 11:43:04 AM »

Quote from: Kit on February 26, 2010, 12:06:26 AM

I have. MickeyX rode a savage while I was finishing my 650 rebuild. My cb650 way, way outperformed the savage even though technically the savage has a very slightly larger displacement.

Four cylinder vs single cylinder bikes at the same displacement... gonna feel a lot different.

Uncle Ernie · « **Reply #14 on:** March 09, 2010, 01:20:21 PM »

DR, KLR, or even Royal Enfield. The new lumps are supposed to be rather impressive.
Suzuki makes some nice 400's, and that TU250X looks supreme. Put an alloy dustbin on there with a Brooklnds pipe and gitty-up.

HavocTurbo · « **Reply #15 on:** March 09, 2010, 02:45:26 PM »

Quote from: Uncle Ernie on March 09, 2010, 01:20:21 PM

DR, KLR, or even Royal Enfield. The new lumps are supposed to be rather impressive.
Suzuki makes some nice 400's, and that TU250X looks supreme. Put an alloy dustbin on there with a Brooklnds pipe and gitty-up.

Aye the new RE's are frickin ridiculous!!!

Look, feel, and ride just like the old!

Now that would be a nice bike to have a few kits for.

azuredesign · « **Reply #16 on:** March 10, 2010, 09:21:21 AM »

I love my sv650, tough, peppy bike that handles and feels great. Look for a '99 or '00, they're around periodically for cheap. A lot of gsxr chassis stuff swaps, and there's good forum support.
Good luck!

verboten1 · « **Reply #17 on:** March 10, 2010, 09:22:01 AM »

Quote from: Uncle Ernie on March 09, 2010, 01:20:21 PM

KLR,

LOL he said modern bikes...

KLR is so old tech ....but I love it!@

Syscrush · « **Reply #18 on:** March 10, 2010, 09:30:15 AM »

I think you could do something pretty cool starting with a DR-Z400SM - they're cheap, reliable, single-cylinder with lots of aftermarket support, and it comes with a pair of 17" laced wheels.

A kit that shortens the forks, replaces the triples (to correct rake & trail), provides clip-ons or clubmans, re-springs the rear end, and replaces the tank & seat would be doable to manufacture and fit, and the result would be a pretty cool machine.

MJL · « **Reply #19 on:** March 11, 2010, 07:22:41 PM »

A modern bike around 500-750 cc's, Buell Blast can be had for under 2k, older bikes I'd say a KZ 440 or 750 twin.

MaaseyRacer · « **Reply #20 on:** March 22, 2010, 11:55:15 AM »

Quote from: gane on February 25, 2010, 04:53:52 PM

the SV 650 is a pretty nice bike in stock nick, and i imagine many are getting a little long in the tooth. Some trick bodywork & increased displacement might be a mover..G

An SV650 would be a great choice for a project bike. Put a GSX-R fork & wheels, a solo seat, "street fighter headlight", Cams, Wide range of sport bike tires, Carb or FI upgrade, and maybe some larger pistons.

Frankenkit · « **Reply #21 on:** March 22, 2010, 12:00:02 PM »

+1, or in your case, Skunk, the 599 Hornet... man I would love to get my grubby little mitts on one of those.

LWATCDR · « **Reply #22 on:** March 26, 2010, 09:41:57 AM »

How about something like an RMX-450?
They are less than 300lbs and make a lot of power.

Put a sportbike fork, swingarm, brakes, wheels, and some nice body works and maybe some clipons

It would be small, nimble, and scary fast in the twisties.
Getting tag for it may be iffy but some states are easier than others.

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Author Topic: Modern bike for modding (Read 3432 times)

LWATCDR