So you want to build a custom chopper? I do too, so the first question I asked myself, is where do I start. Should I make a business plan, a schedule, a financial statement, or should I just buy my wife some flowers and blindly proceed? I guess I should do all of the above but not necessarily in that order.
4 1 2 Angle Grinder
I will start by trying to justify this purchase and or endeavor, to do this I will make a list of my reasons for building a Chopper. 1) I want to ride a custom chopper, a totally cool stretched out, fire breathing, gas eating, pavement pounding, old lady scaring, 2 wheel monster. 2) I want to be able to say "I built that" when someone asks me where I got that totally sick bike. 3) I want to be able to customize the bike beyond the standard add on parts I can get for my current bike a Harley Davidson Fatboy. 4) I want to be able to make this dream come true, meaning I need to be able to pay for it. A ,000 chopper is out of my current budget. 5) I have been talking about this for 5 years so why don't I get to it and stop doing all the talking and start doing some building.
4 1 2 Angle Grinder
Now I have a few reasons on paper a will look at my options, then make a plan, a schedule, and find some extra money.
Let's start with a my build options, and plan on a slow and steady approach. I realize I will need to do a lot of research before I start. I have 4 basic options, a kit bike, a rolling chassis, a start from zero build, or an extreme makeover of a current motorcycle.
Option 1) If I start with a motorcycle kit I maybe the farthest ahead from a mechanical perspective, and farthest behind from a financial point of view. What do I mean by this, well a kit bike has all the parts it just needs paint, labor, gas, oil and some love. The problem a complete kit bike will cost me ,000 dollars right up front. This is a bit out of my spend a ton of money now then not be able to ride a bike for a year or two thinking. If I get a kit, I maybe able to get it together faster, as I will be motivated and have all the parts ready to go. As a first bike I think this is a very good option, when you consider all the expensive mistakes I may make along that way. One drawback to this option is the amount of customization I can do to the bike as it is put together. Because all the parts are in the kit, I may resist the urge to get new bars or different sheet metal, or other parts.
Option 2) Start with a Rolling chassis, this is the middle of the road option, spend a lump sum of money, about 1/2 of what the overall bike will cost and get a basic setup that all works together.
A Rolling chassis kit consists of a Frame, 2 wheels, the forks, and triple clamps and bars, all build and configured to work together. Add a motor and a transmission and all the major workings of the bike are in place. This setup helps avoid some of the major work needed to mix match and fit these items together. This option also allows for a ton of customization in the parts that people see and the parts that give a bike it's personality. For me this is a very serious option to consider. I would only have 1/2 the cost and 1/2 the parts sitting around and gathering dust until I get time to get it together.
Option 3) Find each and every part one at a time and build a completely custom motorcycle. I know I could do this, but I also know I will encounter more unexpected and possibly expensive issues with this type of build. This option would give me a bike that no one would ever duplicate. This could be very good or this could be very bad. What if some possible combination of frame, motor, forks, or wheels didn't work together? It would not be discovered until the motorcycle was all together. I think this option is better left to the serious professional who build bike all night long, as the are working on other peoples bikes, and running businesses during the day. I may consider this for my second custom chopper.
Option 4) Take an existing bike and start cutting and changing it. This is maybe as involved as chopping and re-welding the frame to create a new rake and angles. Or it could mean just getting a new frame and using the engine, transmission, and various other part to build a new machine. I like this idea, and I think it would be a lower cost alternative to all new custom parts. With this option you are also able to keep the current registration and title if the frame is not replaced. This is also a lower cost option because a lot of the miscellaneous parts can be reused.
I know that in one page all the possible combinations of Custom Chopper build can't be completely explained, I just hope this information give you something to start with and build on. It has help steer me in the direction of a rolling chassis, so I better get shopping.
Building A Custom Chopper Motorcycle, Where Do You Start?
4 1 2 Angle Grinder
Nov 29, 2011 05:59:21

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>> Click here to update Cyber Monday prices for Makita 9564PC 4-1/2-Inch Angle Ginder with Paddle Switch <<
Cyber Monday Makita 9564PC 4-1/2-Inch Angle Ginder with Paddle Switch Feature
- Powerful 13 AMP motor delivers more output for increased performance
- Super Joint System (SJS) helps prevent gear damage
- Labyrinth construction seals the motor from dust and debris by creating a complex set of channels prohibiting contamination
- Large ergonomic paddle-switch for operator comfort
- 1 year warranty
Cyber Monday Makita 9564PC 4-1/2-Inch Angle Ginder with Paddle Switch Overview
The Makita 9564PC is a 4-1/2-Inch SJS (Super Joint System) Angle Grinder with Paddle Switch.
Features:
- Powerful 13.0 Amp motor delivers more output for increased performance
- Super Joint System (SJS) helps prevent gear damage
- Gear housing rotates 90 for operator convenience
- Refined design at only 4.2-pounds
- Labyrinth construction seals the motor from dust and debris by creating a complex set of channels prohibiting contamination
- Large ergonomic paddle-switch for operator comfort
- Tool-less wheel cover for easy wheel change
- Ideal for Welders, Fabricators, Masons, Maintenance/Repair etc
What's In The Box:
- Makita 9564PC 4-1/2-Inch SJS (Super Joint System) Angle Grinder with Paddle Switch
- 4-1/2-Inch Grinding Wheel (741423-0-1)
- Side Handle (153489-2)
- Tool-Less Guard (135107-4)
- Inner Flange (224399-1)
- Lock Nut (224568-4)
- Lock Nut Wrench (782424-9)
Cyber Monday Makita 9564PC 4-1/2-Inch Angle Ginder with Paddle Switch Specifications
Makita's 4-1/2-Inch SJS Angle Grinder combines 13 AMP power with comfort and motor-protection features for longer-lasting industrial performance. The 9564PC is engineered with Makita's innovative Super Joint System (SJS) to protect the gears for longer tool life.
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9564PC Features | POWER - 13 AMP motor delivers 11,500 RPM | PERFORMANCE - Super Joint System (SJS) helps prevent gear damage | DURABILITY - Labyrinth construction, zig-zag varnish and thicker coil wires for longer tool life | COMFORT - Large paddle switch for easy operation; (only 4.2 lbs.) | INCLUDES - Grinding wheel, wheel guard, side handle, inner flange, lock-nut, and wrench |
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Tool Specifications |  | Grinding wheel | 4-1/2" | Wire cup brush | 3-1/2" | Sanding disc | 4-1/2" | No load speed | 11,500 RPM | Spindle thread | 5/8"-11 UNC | AMPS | 13.0 | Overall length | 12-1/8" | Net weight | 4.2 lbs. |
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13 AMP Power with SJS to Protect GearsThe 9564PC is powered by a 13 AMP motor that delivers 11,500 RPM, with soft start for smooth start-ups. Labyrinth construction protects the motor with a complex set of channels, prohibiting dust and contamination. In addition, the protective zig-zag varnish seals the motor and bearings from dust and debris by creating a barrier under rotation. The 9564PC is engineered with SJS, an innovation from Makita that protects the gears by automatically disengaging the motor should the grinding wheel accidentally catch or bind.
Comfort and Ergonomics
The 9564PC weighs just 4.2 pounds and is built with comfort and ergonomic features for extended use. The paddle switch provides easy operation, and the gear housing can be positioned every 90° for operator convenience. In addition, the side handle can be easily installed on either side of the tool as well as the top, and the "tool-less" wheel guard adjustment provides easy clamping.
Versatile Design for a Range of Applications
The 9564PC is a versatile and powerful grinder engineered for demanding applications including cutting, ferrous metal, paint and rust removal, shipyard maintenance, heavy machinery, metal polishing, general steel grinding, auto repair work, cutting brick and masonry, and restoration work. The grinder is built for welders, fabricators, plumbers, masons, electricians, automotive technicians, stone and tile workers, HVAC, and general contractors seeking a best-in-class industrial quality angle grinder. The 9564PC is just another example of Makita's commitment to innovative technology and best-in-class engineering.
About Makita's Super Joint System (SJS)
Super Joint System (SJS) is an innovation from Makita engineering where the motor armature and spiral bevel gear are linked by a coil spring. If the grinding wheel catches or binds, the coil spring relaxes and disengages the gears from the motor. As the grinding wheel stops, the gears and motor are protected. Makita's growing line of SJS-equipped grinders includes models ranging from a 1/4" die grinder to a 7-inch angle grinder.
About Makita
Makita is a worldwide manufacturer of industrial quality power tools and offers a wide range of industrial accessories. Makita applies leading-edge innovation to engineer power tools that are more compact and energy efficient, yet deliver industrial strength power and results. Makita U.S.A., Inc. is located in La Mirada, California, and operates an extensive distribution network located throughout the U.S. For more information, please call 800/4-MAKITA (800/462-5482) or visit makitatools.com. Makita is Best in Class Engineering.
Warranty
Every Makita tool is thoroughly inspected and tested before leaving the factory. If you are not satisfied with any Makita tool within 30 days of purchase, return it and Makita will provide a replacement or refund. Each Makita tool is warranted to be free of defects from workmanship and materials for the period of ONE YEAR from the date of original purchase. Should any trouble develop during this one-year period, return the COMPLETE tool, freight prepaid, to one of Makita's Factory or Authorized Service Centers. Please see makitatools.com for complete details.
What's in the Box
Makita 9564 PC 4-1/2-Inch 13 AMP SJS Angle Grinder with Paddle Switch, 4-1/2-inch grinding wheel, side handle, tool-less guard, inner flange, lock nut and lock nut wrench.
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