Choosing the Framework

Whether you’re building your own bike and having someone design your frame, or purchasing a completed frame it is important to understand some basics.
Just like a house, the frame provides the structural integrity. So first it’s necessary to decide if you are going to purchase a pre-made or mass produced frame & build around it. If so check the country of origin and quality of materials.

If you are planning on designing your own frame or working with a fabricator/designer the following are several questions to consider:

1. Looks: Can you & the frame builder envision the complete bike? A bare frame can look good, but the end product may not work or not appear visually pleasing.
2. Materials: The type of material is structurally important. Mike Green of Mean Green Kustoms recommends a minimum of 11/2” dia. with at least a .120” wall thickness. Several materials are available including: Stainless Steel, Chrome Molly, and Titanium.
3. Does the weld operator possess a certification? Is his background, welding fences or motorcycle frames? There is a difference.
4. Is a jig being used to insure that all specifications are maintained?
5. Is a tube bender used to shape the material vs. heating? The tube bender will give a more precise bend, hold the shape, maintain the material’s strength & prevent brittleness which can occur using heat.
6. Visual Inspection: Does the weld operator produce a visually pleasing product.
7. Environment: Is the product being manufactured in a controlled shop environment? Temperature variations can produce weaker and less superior welds.
8. Finally does the shop or fabricator you are working with produce a consistently superior product, are they easy to speak and work with.

Hopefully this will give some basic ground work to begin the building process.

-Jill