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BIKE
KITS/DISPLAY BIKES:
What
is a "bike kit" (or "display bike"), exactly?
Bike
kits are not really a "kit", as in "car kits". They
do not come ready to assemble with instructions. What they
are is all the parts you need to build a motorcycle. These
parts have been fitted in a R&D (research and development) department
to make sure they all work together, saving you lots of work and
frustration. They also come with all the hardware you need,
saving you from buying large amounts of items you do not need. The
parts are priced much better, saving you thousands of dollars (really!)
over piecing a bike together.
You
will need to do a mock-up, and there will usually be some welding,
grinding and drilling necessary. DO NOT POWDER COAT YOUR
FRAME BEFORE DOING A MOCK-UP!
We
will supply a H-D manual and the book "How to Build a Kit Bike". If
you choose to go about building the kit without reading the supplied
material, we will not be responsible if you find you have to ruin a
paint job or powdercoat job because you did not do your work in proper
order.
These
kits are "special construction" and not D.O.T., T.U.V. (or any
other agency) approved. So be sure to check with your local
DMV about any laws pertaining to building motorcycles in your state.
How
complete are the "complete
bike kits"?
Ultima
kits will need: paint, oils, fuel, speedo, turn signals horn & mirrors. (Some
now offer some of these items. Check each kit for what it
offers.) We offer a safety package which will supply these items
(click on "options & upgrades" link
off of bike kit page) and we supply a free HD manual. We will also
supply you with a catalog.
When
I build my bike kit, how do I get it registered?
Your
first stop should be your Dept. of Motor Vehicles for your state.
Most states have a package with forms and requirements for a special
construction vehicle. (Be sure to get the package and not just
take the word of a Motor Vehicle employee; many are not familiar
with motorcycle regulations. Some people have been given bad information.)
What
you will receive from us is a bill of sale for the kit listing
the parts that come with it. You will also receive three MSO's
(Manufacturer's Statement of Origin), one for each serial numbered
item (engine, transmission & frame). All documents will be
originals and will be notarized. MSO's take approx. 30 days to
be sent after kit is shipped.
The
most common scenario is: Build
the bike. Take it to your state's Inspection Authority (usually
the State Police). They will inspect your documents and your vehicle
to be sure it is built to your states standards and that no parts
are stolen. Then take your documents to DMV and get an assigned
title.
Will
I have trouble insuring my bike kit, once assembled?
No,
you shouldn't. If your insurance company hesitates to insure a
special construction, contact Foremost
Insurance. They have insured assembled bike kits. Also McGraw
Insurance Services insures special constructions with no restrictions. Helpful
hint: Don't mention the word "kit",
it only confuses the insurance companies. Your bike will be a "special
construction", so use that term. All non-factory bikes (or
modified factory bikes) are considered "special construction".
Can
I get a substitution on the bike kits?
Only
as listed on the bike kit pages.
What
about the EPA regulations on bike building?
The
EPA has recently admitted that it has no jurisdiction over individuals. They
can only regulate businesses. As usual, you should always
check with your local motor vehicle regulations before starting
a build, but the EPA regulations will not effect you. THEY
CANNOT STOP YOU FROM SELLING YOUR BIKE, or regulate how many
you build.
How do I pay for the bike kit?
We
accept wire transfers for bike kits. This
is the fastest way to get your kit. Send us a fax number (you
can use your bank's if you do not have access to a fax machine), and
we will send you the transfer information.
If
you choose to pay by check, it will take about 2 weeks to clear. We
will not ship the kit until the check clears.
Sorry,
but we cannot accept credit cards for purchases over $5,000.00.
Why
is it called a "display bike"?
The
manufacturers started calling these "display bikes" because "bike
kit" seemed slightly confusing. It's also a legal thing
(you know, all that mumbo-jumbo that companies have to use to protect
themselves). Frankly, we call it a bike kit so it will come up
in online searches. Unassembled motorcycle is the most accurate
description.
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