School me on Harleys: Im a newbie

[domingo]

Hi!

This is my first post and although I have always admired these bikes, I have never had the chance to own one...yet.

I was looking at some pics and vids on the net and I fell in love with this particular bike and Im dead set on building something very similar taking this bike as my inspiration.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-82Qj1CP9g8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtkgebik_Vw&feature=fvw

From all the research Ive been doing I can see that bike is a 42 Knucklehead bobber with an Indian Fork and modified fenders and seat. I wonder if the front fork has been raked or if it retains the original angle.

I have been looking at prices for original parts for these bikes and they are very expensive.

However, I have seen brand new reproductions of the vintage parts...specially frames.

Is it possible to build one of these using new repro parts??? Of course that on the bike on the vid above patina plays a big role on the overall look of the bike, but Im pretty sure that can be replicated.

I dont want to mess with old bent, cobbled old crap. I see they make repro knucklehead frames, I wonder if they also do repro gas tanks, engines, etc.

Where shoudl I start looking for parts?

Also, whats a good magazine to subscribe to? I like the looks of the bobbers, not so much the one of the newer custom bikes....

[aka_matt]

see if u can get a Drag Specialties catalog, they pretty much sell everything, altho u'll need a dealer or some kinda store that can order the parts for u

[LOW-RIDER]

Originally Posted by aka_matt

see if u can get a Drag Specialties catalog, they pretty much sell everything, altho u'll need a dealer or some kinda store that can order the parts for u

Or you can do what Drag Specialties did when they started out, pretend your a dealer.

[JustDave71]

wow, dude...wanting to really jump in the deep end, eh?

SWEET bike and I can see why you'd want to go there. just...with zero experience...?

[jpilone]

Are you sure you don't want to start out with a used bike first before you build something like that?

What kind of motorcycle experience/knowledge do you have pre-harley?

[dog155]

Half the fun of wanting a Harley is finding it.Over the years I have ground up built a lot of them.the only true way to get the bike you want is build it.You will save thousands of dollars.Have fun and good luck!

[Fred1369]

if you want to stay old school you might be interested in Paughco.

http://www.paughco.com/

[domingo]

Thanks for the replies guys!!!

Yes, I could probably just start out with a used running bike...but still I want to build the knucklehead.

No I dont have any previous experience building motorcycles, but I do have a restoration shop...I do mostly mopars. A motorcycle should be a breeze.

I want to break off from the cars and build a bike for a change. Im looking at this as a long term project...just something to have fun with.

I have a friend who has a Norton and a BSA....I think he wants to sell em. Maybe I can buy one of those to get into the bikes and have something to ride on right away...I would build the knucklehead slowly and have fun with it-.

Im gonna start a new thread now with more newbie questions....