Sunday, November 15, 2015

My Custom Bike Build: Part 1

I would like to start by saying that I am not really a motorbike person. This project started out as a need to fulfil my creative urge. A little while ago I stripped down my old mountain bike and rebuilt it into a single speed - a very straight forward project compared to the one I'm getting involved in now.

This whole process kinda started when my motorbike learners license was about to expire. I currently ride around on a 1967 Vespa 90, so have only ever needed a learners to ride on the road. I decided to book to take my motorbike license and with that decided that I would like to level up on my current transport. The more conventional route would have been to take a trip to the local motorbike dealer and find a suitable steed. But I have this creative drive and an interest in vintage and dated things that need a little TLC.

After some research I found a bike that would hopefully be ideal for my skill level and enjoyment. In conjunction with the bike search I was looking around to see if there were any workshops that would have a facility for customers to tinker with their rides. I had remembered hearing something a little while ago, but hadn't really taken it in because I'm not really a motorbike person. The place I found is called the Woodstock Mancave, yes mancave! It was just the place I was looking for. They have workshop bays and the tools you need to work on your bike. You can also store your bike in one of their parking bays.

The Bike:
I had found a bike, but as things work there was a slight hurdle. I live in Cape Town and the bike was in Kimberley, some 900 odd km away. After a few phone calls and plenty of emails, the bike found its way into a transport truck bound for Cape Town. After a nervous couple of weeks I had the bike with all the documents and a road worthy certificate. I was now the owner of a 1977 Honda CB400f.




No comments:

Post a Comment