I'm 'sort of' building my own bike (I'm not building the frame). I am getting a nickel plated oil-in-frame frame and putting a reconditioned Trophy/Bonneville engine in it. I wanted to ride a classic bike around the world because I think they help open doors, look great, feel more visceral etc.
I was originally going to rebuild a Commando but they are heavy bikes, track very well on tarmac but are crap about bad surfaces but I read an article about a Rickman-Metisse competition frame from the 60's - Metisse are now making the same frames. I'm using modern suspension, wheels and brakes and running a batteryless system, which will help save weight.
I've totted up all the parts and spec wise it will have about 8" travel front and back, decent ground clearance, about 50bhp and weigh in at less than 145kg.
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