There are many ways to get started in the motorcycle aftermarket parts business. However, it is important to have a plan and some money saved up for supplies and inventory.
Custom motorcycle parts are a great way to add value and functionality to your bike. They can range from minor to major modifications.
3D Printing
3D printing is an additive manufacturing process that lays down material in layers to create a three-dimensional object. The process is commonly used for small-bore prototypes, but is also a valuable tool for creating final products.
A common use for 3D printing is the creation of custom motorcycle parts. These parts can be anything from simple plastic parts to more complex ones that include metal hardware, like nuts and bolts.
Traditionally, manufacturers would use laser cutting and CNC milling to produce these parts. These processes require machinists to carve out patterns from a block of material.
In addition, these processes create excess material waste. This isn’t always useful for other parts, and it can add up to significant costs in the production cycle.
Using additive manufacturing, manufacturers can bypass these limitations and design and manufacture custom motorcycle parts. This allows them to speed up the creative process and improve efficiency in every step of the development cycle.
CNC Machining
CNC machining is a fast and efficient manufacturing process that is becoming increasingly popular in various industries. It is also used to manufacture custom motorcycle parts and accessories.
CNC turning and milling are two of the most common machining processes. These processes involve holding bars of material – plastic or metal mostly, in place and rotating it with a cutting tool to remove the unwanted parts.
Another type of machining process, drilling, involves boring holes into a material. This technique is used for the fabrication of various components, such as ball bearings, transmission shafts, and camshafts among others.
Unlike wheels in cars, which are often plain and simple, motorcycles’ wheels are heavily customized. They can be made to feature specific colors and designs to improve their aesthetic appeal.
Fabrication
Fabrication is the process of constructing items from different parts using processes such as stamping, welding, cutting and bending. It can be done manually or mechanised by using CAD systems and CNC technologies, which can speed up the process, reduce costs, lower material usage and offer repeatability, accuracy and quality.
The fabrication process is a value-added activity that is often used in the manufacture of machines and other tools, appliances and other products. It also involves creating items from raw metal materials that can then be assembled into larger structures or items.
In the bike industry, fabrication is the process of transforming metal into custom motorcycle parts that fit a specific bike model and its specifications. This is a highly skilled process that requires time and effort to complete.
The process typically starts with sheet metal around a quarter of an inch thick or less, which is pliable enough to assume different shapes through cutting, stamping, folding and welding. For more complex work, a design can be based on hand-drawn diagrams or computer aided design (CAD) programs.
Assembly
One of the most satisfying and fun parts of a custom motorcycle project is assembling all the components to make it happen. For many, the process is as much a ritual as it is an adventure. Getting the right parts and the right tool for the job can be the difference between a successful build and an unsalvageable mess of metal and goo. While there are numerous books and websites dedicated to the task, there is not a single definitive source for the best advice. A well thought out plan is key to achieving that elusive custom bike of your dreams. Besides the obvious, you also need to consider your budget and time frame to determine what will work best for you and your crew. The best way to do this is to get a few estimates from reputable sources before you start. This will help you ensure you are not paying for the cheapest possible materials or labor.
