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The Awesome Art of Custom Bike Building in Oz

Jason Hayes

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Published in Ozbike 1: The Awesome Art Of Custom Bike Building In Oz

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Custom bike building is a thriving art form in Australia, with a growing number of builders creating unique and stunning motorcycles. From classic choppers to modern streetfighters, there's a custom bike out there for everyone.

In this article, we take a look at the world of custom bike building in Australia, and meet some of the talented builders who are creating these amazing machines.

Ozbike 1: The Awesome Art of Custom Bike Building in Oz

Ozbike Book 1: The Awesome Art of Custom Bike Building in Oz

by Joe Camp

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	124048 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	81 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

The History of Custom Bike Building in Australia

The history of custom bike building in Australia can be traced back to the early days of motorcycling in the country. In the 1950s and 1960s, a number of Australian builders began to create their own custom motorcycles, often based on American designs. These early customs were often crude and basic, but they laid the foundation for the thriving custom bike scene that we have today.

In the 1970s and 1980s, the Australian custom bike scene began to mature, with a number of builders developing their own unique styles. This was a time of great innovation, and many of the design features that are now considered to be classic custom bike elements were developed during this period.

Today, the Australian custom bike scene is stronger than ever, with a number of talented builders creating world-class motorcycles. Australian custom bikes are now highly sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts around the world.

The Different Styles of Custom Bikes

There are many different styles of custom bikes, each with its own unique look and feel. Some of the most popular styles include:

Choppers: Choppers are classic custom bikes that are characterized by their long, raked front ends and chopped frames. Choppers are often powered by large V-twin engines, and they typically have a lot of chrome and other custom parts.
Streetfighters: Streetfighters are a more modern style of custom bike that is based on production motorcycles. Streetfighters are typically stripped down and modified to create a more aggressive and performance-oriented look. They often have upgraded suspension, brakes, and engines.
Bobbers: Bobbers are a stripped-down style of custom bike that is based on early motorcycles. Bobbers typically have no fenders, and they often have a single seat and a small gas tank. Bobbers are often powered by small engines, and they are known for their simple and utilitarian look.
Cafe racers: Cafe racers are a type of custom bike that is designed for speed and agility. Cafe racers typically have a streamlined design, with a low profile and a tucked-in riding position. They are often powered by high-performance engines, and they typically have upgraded suspension and brakes.

The Process of Custom Bike Building

The process of custom bike building is a complex and time-consuming one. It typically begins with the builder selecting a donor motorcycle. The donor motorcycle is then stripped down to its frame, and the builder begins to create the custom bike. This process can involve a variety of tasks, such as welding, fabricating, painting, and assembling. Depending on the complexity of the build, it can take anywhere from a few months to a few years to complete a custom bike.

The Cost of Custom Bike Building

The cost of custom bike building can vary greatly depending on the builder, the style of bike, and the materials used. A simple custom bike can cost as little as a few thousand dollars to build, while a more complex bike can cost tens of thousands of dollars. The cost of the donor motorcycle is also a factor, as well as the cost of any custom parts or materials.

The Benefits of Custom Bike Building

There are many benefits to custom bike building. For one, it allows you to create a truly unique motorcycle that is tailored to your own tastes and preferences. Custom bikes are also often more comfortable and stylish than production motorcycles. Additionally, custom bike building can be a great way to learn about motorcycles and how they work.

The Challenges of Custom Bike Building

Custom bike building is not without its challenges. One of the biggest challenges is finding the right donor motorcycle. Another challenge is dealing with the complex and time-consuming process of building the bike. Additionally, custom bike building can be expensive. However, if you are passionate about motorcycles and have the time and resources, custom bike building can be a rewarding experience.

The Future of Custom Bike Building

The future of custom bike building is bright. The popularity of custom bikes is growing, and there is a growing number of talented builders creating world-class motorcycles. As technology advances, we can expect to see even more innovative and unique custom bikes in the future.

Ozbike Book 1: The Awesome Art of Custom Bike Building in Oz

by Joe Camp

4.5 out of 5