The performance of vehicles is directly related to the type of components used to manufacture them. Motorcycles are equipped with countless parts, and each part holds a significant value.
Most motorcycle manufacturers even require custom motorcycle parts, and if you want to learn about their manufacturing process, the guide below can help you. So, let's read.
Why Consider Custom Motorcycle Parts?
Riders these days are attracted to custom motorcycle parts, which offer various benefits. They tend to enhance the uniqueness of the motorcycle and also the performance.
The use of custom motorcycle parts also offers personalization compared to the standard components, and riders can make the most of their personal preferences.
Custom parts for motorcycles enhance improved handling, performance, and power according to the tailored needs of a rider.
These components, like control parts, bodywork, and exhaust systems, can be upgraded. The efficiency of such components offers an exemplary experience.
The value of motorcycles also increases with the addition of custom parts, which makes the motorcycle stand out from the standard ones.
Manufacturing Methods for Motorcycle Parts
There are different methods of manufacturing motorcycle parts, and the common ones are discussed in detail below:
Mecanizado CNC
Mecanizado CNC is a very common process of manufacturing motorcycle parts, and it can also be used to prototype the components.
It works as per the software instructions to shape and cut the material to achieve the component.
CNC machining uses multiple techniques, including drilling, turning, and milling. It is suitable for manufacturing motorcycle body components using various materials.
Why Choose CNC Machining for Motorcycle Parts?
There are various reasons which make CNC machining suitable for motorcycle parts, and these are as follows:
- Motorcycle parts require accuracy and precision. The process is suitable for components in which there is no margin of error in the dimensions of components. CNC machining is a highly precise and consistent method.
- CNC machining uses multiple materials, including plastics, metals, and even composites. Hence, a variety of motorcycle components can easily be manufactured.
- CNC machining is a very efficient process and can be suitable for one-time as well as small-batch manufacturing. It helps with quick manufacturing.
- Custom motorcycle parts may have complex geometries, and CNC machining makes it easier to manufacture these components accurately.
Motorcycle Parts Produced through CNC Machining
There are different types of CNC machined parts that are produced for motorcycles; some of these components are as follows:
- Brake disc rotors are manufactured using CNC machining, which helps with heat dissipation and reduces weight.
- Billet aluminum triple is meant to customize the front end and improve handling.
- Clip-on handlebars ensure alignment accuracy, adding ergonomic layout and improving the aesthetics.
Fabricación de chapas metálicas
Sheet metal fabrication is suitable for motorcycle component fabrication, and this process allows the conversion of thin sheets of metals into the final components.
There are various techniques in sheet metal fabrication, which include plasma cutting, laser cutting, stamping, bending, etc.
Why Choose Sheet Metal Fabrication for Motorcycle Parts?
Sheet metal fabrication helps manufacture a wide range of custom motorcycle parts and is opted for various reasons, some of these are as follows:
- Sheet metal fabrication is a very flexible process of manufacturing custom motorcycle components using a variety of materials, allowing versatility.
- It offers cost-effectiveness and allows the manufacturing of a high volume of motorcycle components in less time.
- It produces very little wastage.
- Sheet metal fabrication is a scalable process and can help manufacture custom components in small and large quantities.
Motorcycle Parts Produced through Sheet Metal Fabrication
Some of the custom motorcycle parts manufactured through sheet metal fabrication are as follows:
- Gas tanks of multiple sizes and shapes.
- Fenders are also manufactured through the process, which offers an aesthetic look as well as functionality.
- The covers and body panels of the motorcycle.
Impresión 3D
Impresión 3D is an additive manufacturing process that helps create 3D components for motorcycles. It uses the process in which layers of the material are created, leading to a final component.
It is mostly opted for assessors and prototyping for the motorcycle parts.
Why Choose 3D Printing for Motorcycle Parts?
3D printing is opted for manufacturing custom motorcycle components for some reasons, which are as follows:
- 3D printing is very much suitable for manufacturing complex motorcycle components. It is a very accurate and flexible process that helps create components with detailed features and complex shapes.
- 3D printing helps with rapid prototyping, and it can allow the creation of motorcycle components for prototyping purposes in less time.
- The components manufactured through 3D printing are achieved in the form of layers, which makes them lightweight and fuel efficient.
- 3D printing itself requires high initial investment, but in the long run, it is quite cost-effective compared to other methods.
Motorcycle Parts Produced through 3D Printing
Custom motorcycle parts manufactured through 3D printing may be the following:
- Brackets and mounts for mirrors and lights
- Chain guards
- Air intake covers
Moldeo por inyección
Moldeo por inyección uses custom molds, and molten plastic is poured into them. The plastic, upon solidification, takes the shape of the mold and is used in various motorcycle components.
Why Choose Injection Molding for Motorcycle Parts?
The custom motorcycle components are chosen to be manufactured through injection molding for some of these reasons:
- Injection molding allows for the high-volume production of components, which helps reduce costs.
- The process is highly consistent and offers identical components.
- Structural components that are highly customized are mostly manufactured through injection molding.
- This process of manufacturing custom motorcycle parts is very quick.
Common Motorcycle Parts Produced through Injection Molding
Custom motorcycle parts manufactured through injection molding are as follows:
- Body panels and fairings
- Switch housings that offer weather resistance and durability.
- Cowls and side covers for engine protection.
How to Choose the Right Manufacturing Process for Custom Motorcycle Parts?
When choosing the manufacturing process for the custom motorcycle components, some of the considerations to have are as follows:
- Some custom motorcycle components have intricate details and complex shapes; hence, in this case, 3D printing or CNC machining are better options. If the components are simpler, sheet metal fabrication and injection molding offer suitability.
- Material opted for manufacturing custom motorcycle components also determines the manufacturing process. 3D printing and CNC machining are mostly compatible with all the materials. Meanwhile, injection molding is compatible with plastic, and sheet metal fabrication is compatible with metals only.
- Injection molding and sheet metal fabrication are suitable manufacturing processes when you need to produce high volume. However, for low volume, CNC machining and 3D printing are suitable.
- Every manufacturing process produces a different surface finish. Some require additional processes, and some don't. CNC machining and injection molding offer excellent surface, whereas the others may require additional processing of the surface.
Materials Options for Manufacturing Motorcycle Parts
The different types of materials used in manufacturing custom motorcycle parts are as follows:
Aluminio
Aluminio is a very strong metal and offers corrosion resistance and heat dissipation. The components manufactured using aluminum are lightweight and, hence, consume less fuel.
This material is also suitable for offering high structural integrity and is used in frames, engine covers, etc.
Acero inoxidable
Stainless steel is a type of material that resists corrosion and lasts longer. It is used in manufacturing structural components of a motorcycle, like exhaust systems, fasteners, body frames, etc.
Titanio
Titanio is a corrosion-resistant material with high strength and heat resistance. It is used to manufacture the components of motorcycles subjected to heavy loads.
It is suitable for use in harsh environments but is expensive.
Carbon Fiber Composites
Carbon fiber composites are used to manufacture components of motorcycle bike frames, fairings, swingarms, etc.
These components have high strength and less weight and hence offer fuel efficiency.
Plásticos
Plastic polymers of different types like PVC and ABS are opted for windshields and grips of handlebars. They are very strong and lightweight, hence offering fuel efficiency.
Surface Finishes for Custom Motorcycle Parts
Once the motorcycle components are manufactured, they might need additional processing for surface finishing, and some of these options are as follows:
Pulido
It polishes the surface of the component, making it shine and give it a smooth finish.
It is used mostly for engine covers and exhaust pipes. These are made using brass, aluminum, and stainless steel.
Recubrimiento en polvo
Powder coating is a process in which powder in dry form is fused with the surface of the component. It creates a protective layer of coating, which is available in multiple colors.
Most of the body parts of motorcycles have this surface finish.
Anodizado
En process of anodizing is a technique in which a layer of oxide is created on the component making it corrosion resistant. This finishing method is used for leavers, and handlebars.
Granallado
The process of bead blasting involves blasting abrasive particles of material, which helps enhance the texture of the motorcycle component.
Pintura
Painting is opted for bodywork, tanks and fairings which involves applying paint and letting it dry.
Start Your Custom Motorcycle Parts Project with DEK
En DEK, we manufacture custom motorcycle parts using various manufacturing methods. We have skilled engineers who turn your concept into a reality.
We offer precise components using cutting-edge technology, offering you high-quality components.
You can trust us with your personalized custom components for motorcycles, and we will deliver you the best.
Conclusión
The significance of custom motorcycle components is always considerable, the main aspect is choosing the right manufacturing process and materials.
The guide above must have given you a detailed insight on this helping you make the right decision for these components.