Bike Kit or Modify My Own : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

cdirk · 07-08-2007, 05:30 PM

Trying to decide if it makes more sense to modify my own bike or buy a Big Bear Bike kit. Looking at the Devils Advocate kit. Trying to decide which would cost less. If I did my own I would keep 95" Engine modify front end 40 degree rake and buy 200 tire kit for rear. I estimate it would cost $7500 -$10,000 to do my own bike on someone elses labor. Doing the kit, trade in my bike for $10K cost $20K to after trade in for the kit assembled with paint. Am I way off on the cost to rake the front end of my own bike, put a 200 tire on the back, get a paint job, purchase BBear Tank? $10,000? not enough? opinions..........issues.........

06deuce · 07-08-2007, 11:12 PM

what are you riding? I've investigated rake jobs for a deuce (saving pennies now). Check out http://www.customworksdaytona.com/003_rake%20jobs.htm. This will give you an idea of what can be done, of course it helps if you live in FL. Others on this site have done 40 degree rakes as well. If you use the search you will find plenty of info. Really the cut and weld shouldn't be more than a few hundred bucks, its the tear down and reassembly that will run up the cost. Of course you may want to find someone who know wtf they're doing...

A fat rear and a rake shouldn't run 10k but you may want to do a lot more...

Totenkopf · 07-08-2007, 11:23 PM

I think you're comparing apples and oranges. A BBC kit is completely different than a modified H-D frame based bike. You should decide what you want to ride around based on how you use the bike. The difference in comfort and effort to ride is something you need to consider.

cdirk · 07-09-2007, 06:29 AM

Currently riding a 2000 FXST. Basically I wanted to know if it was possible to modify the HD frame to get the same look. Put a fatter tire on the back, rake the front end, buy new tank possibly BBC tank if it will fit the frame, and then paint job. I understand comfort is an issue when making these changes. I dont ride very far. Mostly commuting, and short trips under 2 hrs.

I was considering buying the BBC kit, but I thought its a waste if I can get the same look for much less by modifying my own bike. I was also talking to an owner of a chopper shop and he said the S&S motors are junk. Always have issues getting them to run properly. So that also made me think about modifying my own and keeping the HD motor. Although I am not sure I believe that the S&S motors are junk.

Totenkopf · 07-09-2007, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdirk

Currently riding a 2000 FXST. Basically I wanted to know if it was possible to modify the HD frame to get the same look. Put a fatter tire on the back, rake the front end, buy new tank possibly BBC tank if it will fit the frame, and then paint job. I understand comfort is an issue when making these changes. I dont ride very far. Mostly commuting, and short trips under 2 hrs.

I was considering buying the BBC kit, but I thought its a waste if I can get the same look for much less by modifying my own bike. I was also talking to an owner of a chopper shop and he said the S&S motors are junk. Always have issues getting them to run properly. So that also made me think about modifying my own and keeping the HD motor. Although I am not sure I believe that the S&S motors are junk.

If you put a wide tire kit on and change the front end, you will essentially get an FXST that looks modified. Kind of like the new '08 Rocker from MoCo....
http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/C...p?locale=en_US
Set a Devils Advocate next to it and they will look very different. Not to mention ride comfort and handling differences.

As far as the S&S comment from a chopper builder. All I can say is that all the chopper shops around here are NOT engine builders. In fact several of them use Otto to do their long block assembly builds and he does a lot of nicethings to the internals to make them work. But even when a engine builder does this work with the greatest of care, an unwitting bike customer or chopper shop guy can hurt one of these engines with abuse. Really nothing wrong with an S&S if it's treated properly.

cdirk · 07-09-2007, 06:47 PM

I like the looks of the new Rocker. 240 rear tire. Custom fender. Wich the front end was wide glide forks. But cant have everything. It still would pale in comparison to the BBC DA. But then again the BBC is 12K more. So I guess you get what you pay for. I will check out the Rocker when it comes to showroom floors in Sept. Money is always an issue. Rocker seems to be a decent compromise. Like the deluxe paint job, 36.5 raked front end, and 240 tire.

Spoke to BBC dealer today. Seems it makes more sense to order the Devils advocate than modify what I have. One other option he told me was that the DA rolling chassis will accept Twin Cam engine and components. Rolling chassis $10K, TC Engine $3K, add another 3 -5K for other components, then Labor to assemble. Could get it done for $20K this way. That may be the way to go.

oh1deuce · 07-09-2007, 08:11 PM

I'd check on insurance as being a factor as well.

GCC · 07-09-2007, 11:30 PM

I think you are fooling yourself. 1. A modified Harley and a BBC bike kit are two very different things. But then someone on this thread already mentioned that. 2. Why would you even consider a bike kit if you are planning on having someone assemble it for you. The better idea would be to compare what it would take (in $$) to buy the custom built bike you might like versus having some shop customize your current Duece into something you would like. I also think you are way under calling what it might take to get what you want in either scenario. I build them and 20K will get you the parts if you buy quality stuff, but it not's running down the road. What does Big Bear Chopper want for one built and ready to ride? Use that as your basis for comparison between theirs and you modifying the Deuce.

cdirk · 07-10-2007, 04:37 PM

Assembled with one basic paint color is $32K. Probably add another 2 - 3K for a decent paint scheme tribal flames. I know they are two different animals for sure. Just considering all my options. That devils advocate pro street bike is one of the best customs I have ever seen. $32K is very steep though for my wallet. I dont think I could assemble it. So I am more leaning towards keeping what I got, raking front end a bit, not quite 40 degrees though. More like 37 degrees, putting DM customs 200 kit on the back. Then maybe paint. We will see. But its tough to get that bike out of my mind. Love it. May be able to find it used in the low to mid 20's. Another option to consider as they do lose their resale value quicker than HD's.

http://www.bigbearchoppers.com/bikes.../prostreet.htm

tireater · 07-10-2007, 07:03 PM

There are lots of low mileage customs about 2 years old for sale cheap around here. I would look to them first....
If you can somehow ride it BEFORE you bought it, that would be great. Some of these bikes ride like chit...
You see very few of these bikes when riding around here...There are too many twisties....Good Luck...! Andre'

cdirk · 07-11-2007, 03:09 PM

Thats what I am thinking about doing. Buying used with low miles. Probably get a decent deal. In the mean time I can customize what I got. Rake, fat tire, paint, lower the rear etc. Until I find a decent deal.

tireater · 07-11-2007, 03:24 PM

Just watch changing the rake much...consult an expert first...they have rake - trail calculators too...That's playing with fire...
I would also limit tire size to 180mm...bigger are pricy, hurt handling are probably over as a trend....
A "chop" is always started as a stock bike...But the idea is to make it better...not just trendy...FORM OVER FUNCTION SUCKS...!
.....GOOD LUCK...! ..Don't forget the 7 P's...Andre'

cdirk · 07-11-2007, 04:18 PM

Yah was thinking of going with a 180 or 200 tire with custom short fender. Then doing a 3 or 5 degree rake. Done rake & Trail calculations, called a few people, so many different opinions. 3 degree is safe I know. 5 degree not sure. Want to go 5 degrees.

oh1deuce · 07-11-2007, 07:12 PM

You can drive yourself crazy reading up on rake stuff. Vulcan has 3 degree cups, or have the frame raked.

cdirk · 07-11-2007, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oh1deuce

You can drive yourself crazy reading up on rake stuff. Vulcan has 3 degree cups, or have the frame raked.

You can say that again. Everyone has a different opinion. was thinking of 3 degree cups or trees. Then I read on another site where somoene says an fxst already has 3 degrees in the tree so buying 3 degree trees does nothing. harley dealer says neck is 32 degrees with no rake in the trees. You can see I am officially going nuts for sure. Just want a straight answer so I can calculate trail and see where it is.