I've heard through e-mails and letters that the bikes which Ernie (Street Chopper's sole Associate Editor) and I are building in these pages are NOT realistic garage-built bikes. That's a load of crap. There is nothing we're doing that the average guy couldn't do in his garage. Both Ernie and I have yards to mow and families to take care of - the only things we changed were the lighting and the walls to create a more photogenic atmosphere and make it easier to shoot tech articles.
We're using the same electrical outlets that many people already have in their garages - I just had to have mine wired so I could use my HTP 220v TIG welder - but most of the welding I do is with an HTP 110v MIG. We don't have any industrial equipment or huge air compressors to run commercial-use air tools. We've got handtools and patience; every time we do something new, we're learning.
I've heard the transmission cutting of the Sportster motor was too advanced for the average guy. I used a freakin' Sawzall then modified a JIMS XL motor stand, and I did it all in my garage!
There are limitations to my garage just like yours. I don't have a machine shop with a lathe or CNC machines; just like you, I still have to go to guys who specialize in that kind of work. Incidentally, make friends with the guys at the local shops. If you're building a bike and you happen to need a certain custom spacer made real quick, they're more than likely going to do it for free because they appreciate your business. Never forget the old adage, "You'll catch more flies with honey than vinegar."
Time is another issue. We aren't able to get a bike together in 10 days - we're writers and photographers who love bikes - we're not builders. We just happen to be around bikes all the time. It is truly inspiring.
If you tell yourself that you can't build a bike because you don't work for a bike magazine or a custom shop then you're just making excuses. If you really want a bike you can truly call your own, you'll find a way to make the bike come together.
Hell, if Ernie and I (if you added up our brain cells you'd still have a single-digit number) can put together a couple of bikes that actually move under their own power, anyone can do it.