Custom Motorcycles: Choppers Bobbers Baggers (Idea Book) - Softcover

Kelly, Howard

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0760336075 ISBN 13: 9780760336076

Publisher: Motorbooks, 2009

Synopsis

Whether you're building a chopper, a bobber, or a customized bagger--or simply adding personality to a stock cruiser--you want your bike to stand out. It is, after all, an original. For inspiration or direction, from the big idea to the finest detail, look no further than this book. With hundreds of examples of what builders and painters and passionate owners have done with their bikes, Custom Motorcycles is a great way to get started--or to fine-tune a concept. Custom front ends, tanks, paint, frames, wheels, and more--every inch of a motorcycle can be customized, and every step of the process is covered in this book. Packed with over 700 photos and detailed information on any problem you might encounter, the book is the first and most valuable tool that anyone customizing a bike should have.

About this title

Review:

A 'Ideas' book, and sister publication to 'Today's Top Custom Bike Builders', howard Kelley sifts throguh the detail pics of Michael lichters image library form the S & S 50th Anniversary bikes and beyond, breaking down the elements of high end custom bikes to their basic components so that interested readers can see what's what, and feed their creative sebses. pick a subject - say wheels - and there's a chapter that picks out just about every type of wheel, in glourious isolation without the rest of the bike to distract you. Now that could be dangerous, if it weren't for the side-on library shots at the front of the book under 'Bike Styles' which show most of the complete bikes so that you can cross-reference each component to its original application, because every bike is more than just the sum of its parts and how those parts work together is the biggest factor in the master-builders art. It's a quick and easy way to learn who's building what, and by the time you get to then end, you should be able to recognise the bike and the builder by its style alone without referring to the captions.For someone interested in building their own bike, or even modifying an exsisting one, this is an invaluable reference and saves hours of trawling throguh back issues looking for that elusive front end that was fitted to that blue XL photographed outside a cement factory...but never was. I would have liekd a little more technical information, but this is a visual examination which it carries of nicely. --American-V, December, 2009

From the Back Cover:

A custom motorcycle, by definition, is a one-of-a-kind creation. Whether it’s a chopper, bobber, or bagger, it will share its most fundamental elements with other motorcycles, but all similarity ends there. From that basic starting point, a custom motorcycle then becomes a reflection of the rider designing and building it. From a custom seat and paint job to unique handlebars and controls to hidden wiring and vintage accessories, the choices and possibilities are limitless. So, where do you start?

Building a motorcycle or having one built can be an expensive and time-consuming process. You’ll spend hours and hours of your own time, or you’ll pay for someone else’s. And the parts, tools, and paint can add up to thousands of dollars. You want your investment to pay off in a motorcycle that reflects your style and one that you’re proud to show off. Starting with a complete vision is the key to a great custom bike.

In the Custom Motorcycle Idea Book, custom-bike expert Howard Kelly employs Michael Lichter’s award-winning photos, detailing the work of famous builders from around the world to illustrate the variety of choices available. Whether it’s frames, fenders, engines, or paint, each chapter illustrates the variety of choices available to a builder and how to make the right choice for your ride.

If you’re building or customizing a chopper, bobber, or bagger, the Custom Motorcycle Idea Book will help ensure you achieve your goals.

About this edition

• Publisher: Motorbooks
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 0760336075
• ISBN 13: 9780760336076
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 160