Motorcycle modifications allowed by law in Canada ?

[McFlySSFC]

Hi all, first time poster. I've been hunting & hunting all over the net to find out some information about a bobber I'd like to make outta an old honda CB.

Are we allowed to chop our bikes with no rear suspension ? Just straight hard frame ?

Are we required to have front brakes ?

LImits on handle bar heights etc ?

It seems american customs can get away with a tonne in their bike mods but are we allowed the same freedoms ?

Any input or direction would be greatly appreciated as I obviously wouldn't be chopping anything if it didn't allow it to be street legal.

Thanks all !

[TimP]

Hey McFlySSFC! Welcome aboard! Our local (entirely volunteer) legal commentator, KZDon, is likely leafing through the statutes right now preparing a response. He has often reprinted the relevant text when questions such as your surface. On the other hand, he a busy guy with a job and kids so it may take a while...

Others on line here will no doubt offer their opinions, and here's mine: Call your insurance agent and have a chat. Coverage has a way of affecting design plans!

If you haven't already seen it, check out this thread:

http://www.passionperformance.ca/community/forum/showthread.php?t=536

for a similar discussion on modifications.

[TurboFJ6]

Whatever you are planning to do, make sure you create an ACCURATE budget, and then double it. Figure out how much time it will take you and add 2 years. Then add another $1000...

Seriously, it takes a whack of money and even more time. Odds are, there are bikes out there that will fill 95% of your requirements and could save you thousands of dollars.

Unless you are very experienced with motorcycles and have a lot of tools available, you could end up very discouraged very quickly. Trust me, I've been there, done that.

But, if it's really what you want to do, then go for it. Doing the research and finding the right parts is 1/2 the fun! I'm 1/2 way through my project (roughly) and having a blast!

[McFlySSFC]

Thanks for the quick replies folks. I look forward to any legal doc's that might be relevent to my questions. And will for sure give my insurance company a call for any changes that might take place if mods are done to the bike.

Thanks & keep up the great work !

[TimP]

While you're at it, have a look at the new Honda Fury. Twin cylinders, pseudo-hardtail, smooth frame with no extra brackets, etc. I admit it's no CB, but you could be riding it much sooner than a home built.:D

[Paddy]

I think McFly would rather not spend many thousands on a new bike, and have none of the fun of building his own. Or he'd already have a Fury. Hey McFly, forget budgeting. An old CB can be bobbed for peanuts with some imagination and some cutting tools. I wouldn't bother with a hardtail unless you're never intending on riding it, and eliminating the front brake will certainely negate your insurance should you make a claim. And if you ride with no front brakes, you'll surely be making a claim!!!
Other than that, there's no end of affordable bob-type pieces on the inter-webs and what's a handlebar, spring seat and a couple'a sawsall metal blades cost anyway?
Go for it. But keep it safe!