Build a bike OR Buy a bike?

[mr_man]

Hi, I do not know much about minimotos/dirts but love the idea of building one to thrash around on my local beach.

I like having a project and think that building a mini dirt bike would be good so I know how they work and it would give me something to do.

Is it worth me learning and building a bike or would I save alot more money just buying a factory ready bike?

I'm looking for a 125cc sized bike. Nothing special just something that would run fairly reliable.I understand I'll probably be striping it down alot if I was to use it somewhere like a beach.

Also, are there any decent guides on here or on the web about building your first mini moto?

Mr_Man

 

[FMX_22]

If I were you mate I'd jump onto Dhz mini moto. also it will coast u heaps to build 1 . How Mutch are you looking T spending

 

[Carlts]

Hey mate im gonna say definently buy!!!!! building a bike requires tonnes of money, time and patience... all of which wear thin as the project drags on lol If your a dedicated mini enthusiast then building is a good project but from experience it takes a whole of energy compared to buying.. e.g. parts not fitting, postal delays etc but at the end of the day it comes back to your choice, but as fmx suggested dhz is an awesome place to get bikes from:

Australia No.1 Mini Bikes & Parts - DHZ Mini Moto

there products are quality and well priced and there before and after sale service is impeccable!!

Regards
Carlton

 

[FMX_22]

The good thing about building is getting exactually what u want . But unless u have heaps of cash it's not worth it.

 

[logicquests]

BUY, BUY, BUY, BUY, BUY, BUY, BUY.

As you can probably guess I would suggest you buy a bike.

There are many reasons for this.

1. If you buy a bike of reasonable quality it will have been built to a plan. In other words the Dimensions of the bike will be good to excellent and everything will be where it is supposed to be.

2. This has already been mentioned and I will only reinforce the issue of cost. To buy a bike that has been produced in quantity is going to be far less expensive than building one from scratch. You can buy a Hyundai Getz for about $13,000 with a 5 yr warranty. Try to build a car that will drive properly out of bits and pieces for even double that and I am sure, no matter how much you hate hyundais, you will wish that you had bought one. You see what I am saying.

3. Parts. Not always an issue but if you piece something together yourself you may find bits and pieces that should fit, for some reason just dont. If you are buying from the net etc. this can get very disheartening very quickly.

4. If you are building a bike and it is not because meccano or lego dont do it for you any longer. Meaning you want to ride the thing. You will find you will be spending more time building and tweeking than you will riding. I think it goes with the territory that most Pit or Miniriders like to change things here and there and like to tinker with their bikes. However, if you build, this is probably going to be a never ending story as you will always think of a better way to do this or that or wish you had done something different.

5. Its just easier and gives you more time to ride and find out what you really want in a bike.

Suggestions for you:

1. Buy a new bike. Ride it. Enjoy it. Find out where it is lacking, if it is lacking, and change little things here and there until you are happy with it. If you then destroy it, it may be the perfect time to start a build.

2. Buy a new bike. At the same time start building a bike. You will learn about all of the bits and pieces and how everything fits together. You will also learn about weak points and you will also have a purpose built bike to look at for reference any time you need enlightenment.

At the end of the day the decision is entirely yours. Think about what you want from the bike and also if building one will really offer any benefit to you in the short term. I totally get the romantic idea of building your own bike but the romance dies pretty quickly I can assure you. If you have had a girlfriend you will probably understand what I mean. It may just be me though in the romance department

Whatever you decide, I wish you the best and hope you will be back to either share your build with all of us at miniriders or post a pic of your new bike.

Last thing. There is an incredible amount of information on this site and lots of very knowledgeable members. There is everything you could possibly need to build a bike or buy the RIGHT bike and maintain either of them properly.

I hope this helps a bit.

Logic