Custom
IF YOU REALLY want a custom bike but aren’t well-heeled enough to pay someone else to build it, hope is at hand in the shape of ‘unfinished projects’. Firstly, decide what you want – caff racer, bobber… Then choose your donor preference: make, model or at least engine size and configuration. Scrutinise what pro and successful amateur builders have chosen, remember that air-cooled singles and twins cost less to rebuild (and create exhaust systems for). Next trawl the internet to see what items are available off-the-shelf – seats, lights, fuel tanks, fenders, wheels etc. Most customs require rear subframes replacing to meet aesthetic requirements, so bank on getting one welded up or go to a specialist supplier – Café Racer Kits (caferacerkits. co.uk) have several. You can only do it roughly, but tot up how much you might have to spend to get what you want… then double it. Finally treat all claims about ‘unfinished projects’ with scepticism, especially engines. Mark Williams. Serial customiser of unlikely (and cheap) machines. Loves a gaudy paint job and handy with a hacksaw.