Soya want to be a bike builder, huh? Well, check this out, homez: come correct. Get into it because it's your passion, and your life just won't be complete without building two-wheeled weapons of mass destruction. Do it because it's all you dreamed of. I have been drawing and designing choppers since I was in second grade. Don't do it for money, fame, etc., because that is not likely to happen.
The Industry is flooded with enough "Master Builders" already. I swear, I have not even heard of most of these guys, and I have had bikes featured in magazines every year since 1989.
And please, try and be at least a little original. Take a chance and you just might get noticed. If, during this little adventure, you decide to manufacture parts, let them be of your own design. Don't take somebody else's part, change a couple dimensions, and make it "yours." A bitch named Kyle did that with my gas tank mounts, and yes, I am still very pissed. Don't get me wrong, if you dig what somebody is putting out there and you want to add it to what you are doing, just give that guy credit for his influence on your design.
Also, don't think that just because you saw something in a magazine that it is done correctly and functions. Very few of us have engineering backgrounds (I do) and truly understand geometry, physics, and their effect on our creations. That is why so many builders' bikes are never seen on the street...or if they are, they are on the side of the road or ride and handle like crap. Hey, I can understand a 330 tire if you weigh in at 400 lbs. It does have a slimming effect for sure. Other than that, they suck and handle like shit. Read the magazines and study the articles to see what parts guys like Ron Simms, Jesse James, and Matt Hotch are using. They know what's up and use only the best-quality pieces. There is a reason why companies like Baker Drivetrain, B.D.L., Performance Machine, and S&S have been leaders in their fields: Quality.
They and other quality brands continue to develop and refine their product lines. Invest in companies like these for your components and you will not be sorry. Some of those "knock-off" (Chinese, etc.) trannys are very affordable, but won't look or perform like a Baker trans. Nothing good is cheap, and nothing cheap is good. Save a little longer-it's worth it. And never, ever let function follow form. When your bike works right, it is so much more fun to ride. Jesse James, Ron Simms, and Roland Sands all build stunning bikes to look at. I have personally ridden with all of them and their bikes run and handle as good as they look.
And lastly, if you are wearing chaps, it better be way cold, or else you are gonna look a little gay. Splittin' lanes and takin' names...thatz how we roll.