Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > All Miscellaneous questions > Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else
Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else This is an opportunity to ask any question, and post any notice you wish that doesn't fit into one of the other sections.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Like Tree1Likes
  • 1 Post By TurboCharger

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 24 Jan 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Brazil
Posts: 134
Make your own bike

Just a curiosity, any of you guys have ever envisioned about building your own bike from scratch (frame, forks, engine, gearbox) instead of buying one bike like, for example, a KLR650 or a 1200GS?

Answering my own question. Yes I already thought about building my own bike, and I´d like to make a bike similar to the BMW R80GS Basic with Showa front forks, Brembo brakes, and Ural 750cc engine (with the newly designed crankshaft, modern electronics and Japanese alternator), a 6 speeds gearbox (with a loooooooong 6th gear) and a rear suspension similar to the Buell Ulysses.

How about you guys? What would be your ultimate adventure bike?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 24 Jan 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: brussels
Posts: 74
hello, I recently bought a yamaha TT 350, the idea was to transform it into a TENERE for traveling two up.(only adding pegs (passenger)change tank, seat, windscreen...)
So I did start reading about tranformations and people who did so, BUT after reading stories about the front wheel becoming very light at high speed ( for TT350=120 km/h ?) I started doubting about my personal engeneering skills, I gave up and sold the bike
I gonna buy me a XT 660 Z Tenere and thrust the precious life of my wife in the hands of the yamaha ingeneers

sorry for your enthousiasm
see you on the road
__________________
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 25 Jan 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Boulder, CO, USA
Posts: 182
My original idea behind buying a KLR650 was to more or less do that. I planned to change so much on the bike, there would be almost nothing left of the original KLR but the frame and the engine -- but even those would be modified, perhaps significantly. Then I started planning my RTW trip and that all fell away as I prepped it for travel instead.

I would still like to try it some day if ever I have the time and money. I would probably choose the bike to start modifying from based on the engine I wanted to use. Not certain what it would be, but my first instinct is a single cylinder, easy to maintain, with a history of being rock solid (very few repairs).
__________________
Traveling The World Since: 2011
Blog: The Seductive Life (General Travel)
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 25 Jan 2012
electric_monk's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Waterford, Ireland
Posts: 309
A wise old man once said "you don't need to reinvent the wheel"

Or as Grant has signed off on couple of occasions "KISS"

There really is no need, but I am curious as to why you would pick a Ural engine ahead of say an airhead BMW flat twin.
__________________
The electric monk always has faith.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 25 Jan 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Brazil
Posts: 134
Quote:
Originally Posted by electric_monk View Post
There really is no need, but I am curious as to why you would pick a Ural engine ahead of say an airhead BMW flat twin.
Sentimental reasons
A modern twin engine like BMW´s F800 engine would make a lot more sense for sure, but an Ural Big Trail would have a special place in my heart.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 26 Jan 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
This https://sites.google.com/site/yorkshireoutbacksidecar/ is pretty home made to my own requirements.

It has the huge advantage that with the exception of some stuff I'm still working on it meets my exact needs. The bits I'm working on have spaces left ready in the design.

For every step in this direction you lose something at the other end. I know the power settings to weld the frame at home but give me a different welding set in another country, who knows. I know the running gear is Ford Escort but you can forget any help from Ford or BMW if this breaks so much as a light bulb. It can get worse if you have parts made, the Unit forks are going rusty inside a year because they've obviously switched to some summer bikers standard of paint. I dread to think what would break if the machine shop got a Ural to gearbox bell housing adapter out of line and fixing it would be a nightmare.

You also get hassle with any government department you meet and the in-sewer-ants.

The balance between getting the bike you want and the hassle is up to you.

I too wouldn't touch a Ural motor (people used to bin them and put BMW/VW/Subaru engines in the Urals, so the opposite could be done). You can have air cooled and carbs, made out of proper modern materials, without 30 years of previous owner bodges and gearing of your choice on a Hinckley Bonneville. Scrambler shocks take the ground clearance above R80GS levels. Same performance and still has the support of the manufacturer. I'm sure you could do the same to a GS500, CB500/750, Kawasaki W650/800, Moto Guzzi etc.

If you want a practical bike, modify as little as possible IMHO.

Andy
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 26 Jan 2012
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 994
I'm 'sort of' building my own bike (I'm not building the frame). I am getting a nickel plated oil-in-frame frame and putting a reconditioned Trophy/Bonneville engine in it. I wanted to ride a classic bike around the world because I think they help open doors, look great, feel more visceral etc.

I was originally going to rebuild a Commando but they are heavy bikes, track very well on tarmac but are crap about bad surfaces but I read an article about a Rickman-Metisse competition frame from the 60's - Metisse are now making the same frames. I'm using modern suspension, wheels and brakes and running a batteryless system, which will help save weight.

I've totted up all the parts and spec wise it will have about 8" travel front and back, decent ground clearance, about 50bhp and weigh in at less than 145kg.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 27 Jan 2012
jkrijt's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 636
henryuk, I would like to see some pictures of that bike. It sounds very interesting.
__________________
Jan Krijtenburg

My bikes are a Honda GoldWing GL1200 and a BMW R1200GS

My personal homepage with trip reports: https://www.krijtenburg.nl/
YouTube channel (that I do together with one of my sons): motormobilist.nl
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 27 Jan 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Aussie expat in Switzerland half way RTW
Posts: 611
Quote:
Originally Posted by jkrijt View Post
henryuk, I would like to see some pictures of that bike. It sounds very interesting.
+1

Lots of pics please.
__________________
TurboCharger + Francois (our BMW R1200gs) '07
www.riding2up.net, blog.riding2up.net
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 27 Jan 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Aussie expat in Switzerland half way RTW
Posts: 611
Quote:
Originally Posted by bkm_br View Post
Just a curiosity, any of you guys have ever envisioned about building your own bike from scratch (frame, forks, engine, gearbox) instead of buying one bike
Imagined, yes. Actually done something, no.

The cost and time factor alone are prohibitive, not to mention the outcome and quality that one person vs a whole company could come up with.

I believe that modifying vs building is the much better solution for countless reasons. But if you want some then:
1. parts availability thereof
2. price
3. time & effort
4. expertise
5. testing - both by manufacturer and actual real world
6. power output
7. latest technology
8. documentation
9. support
...


The only real factor FOR building your own bike I see is knowledge, that being you built it and you know it, but over time you might forget little things, and I doubt you'd have written a workshop manual to keep notes of what you did and how, so when you came to fixing things years later, you'd have only your memory to rely on. And for some of us, that is less than perfect . Everything else seems to be AGAINST building your own.

But you can't underestimate the feeling and emotional high you would get from knowing you built your own motorbike!! That would be pretty cool
__________________
TurboCharger + Francois (our BMW R1200gs) '07
www.riding2up.net, blog.riding2up.net
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 28 Jan 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
You end up with a sort of manual. All the ratty bits of paper and fag packets covered in "notes" gets stuffed in some sort of container. You intend to write it up and laminate it so you'll never be standing in the rain wondering which black wire does what. You never do!

Andy
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 28 Jan 2012
Jake's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Northumberland, uk
Posts: 761
I am also building up a bike frame modified and strengthened using a flat twin motor and chassis as the basis. The BMW g/s series bikes are great but have very limited ground clearance and the suspension is limited by its length and strength - the wheelbase is short and as such if loaded up it can be a bit limited in the handling department and I nor am I a great fan of monoshock or paralever set up so so I am hoping to improve the bike and have based it on the Paris dakar racers of the 80s, using a twin shock bevel box (very reliable and simple) but built to my own requirements and with a different approach to certain areas ie the swing arm and rear suspension etc different suspension one off rear end, one off wiring and a lot more to boot its almost done and should be ready for the paintwork and powder coating in a few weeks. I put some photos on this web site so it might be of interest The BMW Club :: View topic - project Paris dakar rallye bike (home built) Jake.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Buying Used Bike in Santiago Chile lachy SOUTH AMERICA 187 5 Dec 2023 13:53
Buying and registering a motorcycle in Chile timyarb Trip Paperwork 16 2 Jan 2018 18:55
Central America Border Crossing Info nugentch Central America and Mexico 45 28 Feb 2013 20:04
Transfering Title In Buenos Aires kwelfl SOUTH AMERICA 7 28 Dec 2008 15:06

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 05:49.