Cloud Rider set me a pm asking me a question. I am posting it here because I would like everyone to learn and help each other.
"size,s of tires, wheels,motor, brands of equipment,things you would do different. I am new at this no bike yet trying to get my ducks in a row.looking for a site with antiques looking parts,tanks,etc.thanks for getting back to me."
-Cloud Rider
First thing is First, you need a frame. I recommend you create a folder on you computer and start collecting photos of ever real btr you find. Study them and pay close attention to the geometry. the spend hours literally hours looking at bicycle frame and cross referencing the btr photos. no matter which frame you choose you will have to make major alterations to it, other wise it will just look like a bike with a engine. Her is a few I recommend
Worksman Cycles- These will be my next two
INB- almost same exact rear triangle as early HD's
M2600- similar to 1909 Flying Merkel.
Nirve
B1- long wheel base and straight rear triangle. This is what I used.
As for the wheels I use two 2.5 wide disk brake rims from choppersus.com with the rear axel converted to run a sprocket from King Sales and Service. He make really nice stuff I highly recommend him. I also used Fat Frank tires I do not recommend this setup as it is too wide. I am going to switch to Worksman wheels and tires from here jeraldsulky.com. We need to remember not all btrs had really wide tires look at the Reading Standard bike.
The engine is a Honda Gx200 clone. I chose this because all of the after market support and the high output potential of this engine. Check out
Affordable Go Karts - Home page - AGK - http://www.affordablegokarts.com they have everything you need.
The tank and fork require you to be creative this is all custom work. Remember when building these bike you need to look at what is available what is similar and what can be modified to look like the real thing. Do lots of research and look at things like geometry, color, shape and visual weight. Be creative, resourceful and Innovative. If you guys have any more question please post them in this thread so other can learn and be inspired. I would love to see the quirky little bikes turn in to real fire breathing 100mph machines. At least that is what I'm going for.