Trying to decide.... - Ducati.ms

bruce19 · Nov 27th, 2011, 5:47 am

As some of you know, I just sold my '02 Bayliss. Sad but necessary thing to do right now. That hasn't stopped me from thinking of the day I will be able to have a second bike to go with my SS1000DS. I had been thinking of searching out another Superbike or even a nice Monster until I saw that Baines retro Duc recently posted here. I got to thinking....my son has started building custom bikes on a rather small scale starting with a 1970 Yamaha scooter. So, why not try to join with him and build something similar? Then I started thinking that I wanted to make the "ultimate" sport-tourer (emphasis on sport) or Supersport from an SS1000DS. Of course I have no idea where to start in terms of things like frames but I do thing a DS engine is a good choice. Just wondering if anyone has opinions and/or experience about this kind of project.

kaos · Nov 27th, 2011, 9:45 am

building a bike (and having it look professional)usually is a very expensive deal.its just the fact the money is spent over a long time that makes it (affordable).i'd count on investing at least 40% more than the bike will be worth.if your comfortable with that then go for it!

spitfire1776 · Dec 2nd, 2011, 12:24 pm

Bruce, its not a bad idea. But as mentioned the cost can skyrocket, depending on how you go about it. I've done it in the past, rather cheaply and with great results. BUT I also have a lot of resources at hand. Count your resources: machining (what can you do and what would you have to shop out), bike pieces/parts availability, etc. Also try to have a detailed idea of your final outcome before starting. This will help you lower cost by not going down roads that won't work, or losing your way and buying parts you won't use. And don't use a bike that is just cheap as the base. Use something that has a good NOS parts supply. Many times its the old, run of the mill stuff that will cost a fortune (who wants to spend 200.00+ on a voltage regulator?)

A few years ago, I took a Honda CM400 and turned it into a nifty, good looking cafe racer that topped over a ton for under 1000.00 total. BUT I had to do a lot of stuff myself (welding, machining....) and search moto-junkyards for parts.