Buying a Chopper Kit

Before you buy a chopper kit it is important to have a plan. Understanding your needs and capabilities is crucial to getting a handle on the project. Your plan should include a budget and realistic goals based on your experience and know-how. Bikes can be bought as completed kits, ready-to-assemble kits, a rolling chassis, or by the part. Listed below are suggested considerations to aid in the process for buying the right chopper kit and starting point.

Any build is going to take money. Know what your monetary resources are before starting. The biggest stress of any project usually boils down to money. Create a budget and stick to it. Why start a project that may fail due to a lack of funds?

Research should play an important role in setting up a budget. Knowing and understanding the possibilities upfront, can greatly reduce unexpected expenditures down the road. For instance, a complete kit may be more economical than piecing a bike together. Not only will it save on time, but it should eliminate the cost of custom fabrication if the parts don't fit together appropriately.

Other considerations should include the cost of painting, those shiny little add-ons, and tools. Basic hand tools will take care of a good portion of the build, but there may be some specialty tools you will not have. To keep costs down, specialty tools can be rented or even borrowed. You may even that your local shop can help you out.

Time is a consideration often overlooked, yet it can have a profound affect on successful completion of the project. Be realistic. The family will definitely not share your enthusiasm if you are tucked away in your workshop rather than spending time with them. Be aware that unforeseen problems can sometimes add time to the project.Create a timeline that will keep everyone happy. There is no need to be in a hurry. This should be a rewarding project, not a contest.

This could be the biggest X-factor. The budget and timeline really rely more on your knowledge and experience than any other factor. Evaluate your skill level honestly. If this is your first build, then a complete chopper kit might be the best choice. On the other hand if your experience is extensive, then a rolling chassis or a part-by-part build may give you that unique custom motorcycle you crave.

Establishing a relationship with a local shop is an excellent way of bridging the experience gap. Though ordering a chopper kit online may seem the most economical choice, it may not be the most practical choice. Your local shop may already have established relationships with companies you will be doing business with. They may also be able to handle some questions based on their experience with those companies.

 Reference: Chopper Fundamentals 101 © 2007