How to Build a Bobber on a Budget - (Motorbooks Workshop) by Jose de Miguel (Paperback)

About the Book

Learn how to turn odds and ends found around the shop into one-off motorcycle parts-and make a cheap, run-of-the-mill custom build into a drop-dead show-stopper.

Book Synopsis

In the old days all a person needed to build a killer custom motorcycle was a bike, a set of tools, a little know-how, and a creative vision. But with the rise of the high-dollar, haute moteur Gucci choppers, the true custom bike has gotten out of most riders' reach, right?

Dead wrong. In this book Jose de Miguel, a custom builder from way back, sets out to prove that those good old days never ended. In the clearest and simplest terms, he shows readers how they can turn odds and ends found around the shop into one-off motorcycle parts--and make a cheap, run-of-the mill custom build into a drop-dead show stopper. Following de Miguel's lead, along with his straightforward illustrations, any resourceful owner with rudimentary mechanical skills, a basic tool kit, and--most importantly--a modicum of imagination can build the bobber of his dreams for less than the price of a new bike.

From the Back Cover

Building a classic bobber from the ground up is many a custom bike fan's dream. In the old days, all one needed to build a killer custom motorcycle was a donor bike, a set of tools, a little know-how, and a creative vision. But with the rise of high-dollar choppers and superstar builders, a true custom bobber is beyond the average household budget, right? Not so fast. Any resourceful rider with basic skills, a garage and the right tools, and some creativity can build the hot bobber of their dreams.Author and builder Jose de Miguel shows the reader how to build a killer bobber for much less than the price of a new motorcycle. From choosing a donor bike and diagnosing engine and transmission problems, to choosing a knockout paint scheme and fabricating parts, de Miguel takes the complicated work of a custom build and makes it easy to understand. Drawing on years of experience, de Miguel shows the reader how to turn cast-off bikes, parts, and odds and ends into one-off custom elements turning a run-of-the-mill custom build into a drop-dead show stopper.This book includes over 280 color photos, with step-by-step guides to the most complicated projects. How to Build a Bobber on a Budget" is the perfect guide for anyone craving their own unique ride at a bargain price.

Review Quotes

"Each chapter explains, in a mentor-like style, how to approach each phase of your budget build in a realistic fashion. You are also given lots of little tips for working in the garage, things to be careful of and finding all those unique items for your ride. This really works out to a cliffs notes of 15 years experience of putting custom bikes on the road. It's definitely worth reading through prior to your first project. Ever wonder where do all those cool looking knobs on jockey shifters come from? They don't come from Custom Chrome or the Harley dealership. You'll have to read the book to find out." - Teknikka.com

About the Author

Former professional race car driver Jose de Miguel began building custom motorcycles in his home town of San Juan, Puerto Rico from necessity. In San Juan a rider had to build his own custom bike because there were no custom shops at the time. Today he runs the thriving Caribbean Custom Motorcycle shop in San Juan, but he still relies on the resourcefulness and creativity that made his early builds possible.