best metric

nobobber · #1 (**permalink**) 06-12-2012, 10:18 AM

hi all,
What is the most popular metrics to use for a bobber project in a metric bike , I dont want to get one and find out later it is hard to get parts for IE, frames carbs electrics etc.
thanks

EscaladeSteve · #2 (**permalink**) 06-12-2012, 11:59 AM

Check this out and report back...

poop's tuscaloosa dumplin'!

Poop · #3 (**permalink**) 06-12-2012, 08:30 PM

haha, thanks steve. bobby, yamaha xs 650s are among the "hottest" metrics to get chopped the past several years. they have a 360 degree crankphase like the british twins that is both impractical and cool. this causes them to vibrate tons (like the british twins) but also sounds nice. there is a large aftermarket growing around them, too. unfortunately, their popularity comes at a cost; they are getting a little bit harder to find, and their prices seem to have risen along with the popularity.

another that seems to be gaining popularity are the kz twins; sr500 thumpers (single cylinder) are hot numbers, with a pretty cool sound and fun power. honda cbs have long been popular. available in twin setups and fours (even a six!), from a couple hundred ccs to a thousand. the cb450 twin was a total badass in its time; my cb500t is a stroked descendant (ascendant?) from that. personally, i've come to love the uniqueness of the head design. what used to be ugly and clunky to me is now beautiful in its intricacy and unique place in history. (the torsion valve design is a snapshot in technological history addressing the age-old problem of valve float, adapted from honda's v12 grand prix engines.) also iconic in that lineup is the 750 inline four, which ruled the road for some time. don't overlook the cb360s, which many here and elsewhere swear was honda's most reliable engine, and produced quick, fun power in a light little bike.

you have a lot to choose from. if i were in your shoes, i'd keep an eye on craigslist and the like, and everytime you see something that looks might be a good bike in good shape at a cheap price, then google the bike model and year and "review" to see what was originally said about it, and go from there. take those road tests and reviews with a grain of salt, as reviewers can be as douchey as any other asshole.

and remember, the more difficult the project you have to chop, the more creative it will force you to be. but if you're looking to avoid challenges, pay attention to things like shaft drives, multiple backbone tubes, and water-cooling as potential hurdles. all of these things, of course, have been the mothers of some pretty cool motherfucking inventiveness.

good luck! keep us in the loop as you navigate your options!

Poop · #4 (**permalink**) 06-12-2012, 08:31 PM

oh yeah, consider something with a kickstart. that's just plain fun.

nobobber · #5 (**permalink**) 06-13-2012, 12:44 AM

thanks poop , thats what i needed to know

SJ Bikesaws · #6 (**permalink**) 06-22-2012, 09:47 AM

Poops choices are the best. Just stick to anything with air cooled, chain drive, kick start is your best bet. You will find the largest aftermarket in CB750's and XS650's, I have built and ran both, and they are both great motorcycle platforms to build on.

*Unless you stupid like me, in which case you start building a bike with none of those features, 0 chopper aftermarket, an un-choppable frame, and a goofy motor. But I like a challenge.
runnin 001.AVI - YouTube

mechdesign2k4 · #7 (**permalink**) 07-13-2012, 10:32 AM

stay away from suzuki GS's... cant do anything with them. in fact they are unreliable, and extreme deathtraps..

that should keep the prices low..

and goldwing chop/bobs rock... was planning one myself..

JOHN/JOHN · #8 (**permalink**) 07-26-2012, 04:19 AM

a 750 intruder VS or a 1400 intruder look at mine

Barefoot Choppa · #9 (**permalink**) 07-26-2012, 04:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poop

as reviewers can be as douchey as any other asshole.

!

Are you speaking in the 3rd person again your doucheness?

Bluto5 · #10 (**permalink**) 07-26-2012, 06:55 AM

The cost of a XS650 in good running order is going up. I've been close to buying one until the guy says 2500 bucks !
"Does it run"?
uh, don't know, been sittin in the barn fer 20yrs ...

Poop · #11 (**permalink**) 07-26-2012, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barefoot Choppa

Are you speaking in the 3rd person again your doucheness?

poop's doucheness was thought to be so great as to be unspeakable. however you managed to type that, one cannot comprehend.

donald branscom · #12 (**permalink**) 07-29-2012, 05:22 PM

I used a v4 engine. Honda VF1000R V4. Hand built frame,seat.

Orange skullz · #13 (**permalink**) 07-29-2012, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by donald branscom

I used a v4 engine. Honda VF1000R V4. Hand built frame,seat.

That's pretty damn COOL !!

The Kawi ZL Eliminators are a nice platform to start with also. Those motors made some very nice hp numbers and parts are easy to come by.

Bluto5 · #14 (**permalink**) 07-29-2012, 05:44 PM

Fantastic !
Very nice looking scoot !

vision · #15 (**permalink**) 07-29-2012, 05:47 PM

Got this SR400 and had a blast with it before rain season started here but I eventually had to tear her up. Not alot of HP but fun, simple, kick start, air cooled, 1 cylinder so even I should be able to work on it as soon as I figure out the oil plumbing. It also has some really quarky things to it like oil in frame, twin leading shoe brake and a window to see where TDC is when kickstarting

Once I heard the sound of this engine I knew I wanted one. Don't worry too much about getting what everyoine else has, just get what you like. Your the one that's gonna have to build and ride the thing.