Motorcycles captivate many with their sleek aesthetics and unmatched mobility compared to cars. They are also among the most customizable vehicles available. Contrary to popular belief, personalizing a motorcycle doesn’t require extensive mechanical knowledge or DIY skills. Even beginners can achieve unique modifications by purchasing CNC machined parts from prototyping services.
The Importance of CNC Machined Parts for Motorcycles
Even if you’re not a motorcycle enthusiast, CNC parts can be incredibly useful. Motorcycles are more prone to damage due to their high speeds and lightweight, less robust design. If you find yourself needing a replacement part after an accident and can’t find it in stores, ordering CNC spare parts from a machine shop is a viable solution.
With advancements in machining technology, these services have become more accessible and affordable. Companies like AS Prototypes offer professional aluminum machining services, allowing you to create custom aluminum parts tailored to your bike’s needs. Their experienced engineers and machinists can handle complex design specifications, ensuring high-quality results.
Customizable Motorcycle Elements
Motorcycles, being simpler than cars, offer a wide range of customization options. While some enthusiasts build their bikes from scratch, you don’t need to go that far to personalize your ride. Customization can range from simple paint jobs and stickers to more advanced modifications like custom CNC parts, engine tuning, and performance enhancements.
Here are some commonly customized motorcycle components:
Wheel Customization
The appearance of motorcycle wheels significantly impacts the overall look of the bike. CNC machined aluminum wheel disks are popular, often manufactured through milling. While cast disks are available, they are typically milled post-casting. Proper wheel balancing is crucial and is done multiple times over the wheel’s lifespan, so minor imbalances after manufacturing shouldn’t be a concern.
Motorcycle tires vary in design based on their intended use. They are complex, multi-layered composite rubber products, mass-produced through processes involving melting, curing, and forming. While the tires themselves are not typically customized, there are options for wheel customization.
Engine Tuning with CNC Parts
The engine is the heart of a motorcycle, making engine tuning a popular modification among semi-professionals and competition participants. CNC motorsport parts allow enthusiasts to maximize engine performance. Even non-racers can enhance engine power through tuning. Key modifications include:
- Cylinder Head: Modifying the cylinder head can increase the intake of the air-fuel mixture, thus boosting power. This involves altering the intake channels or valves, which are CNC turned and require precise tolerances.
- Camshafts: These CNC turned components control the engine cycle. Modifying or custom manufacturing camshafts can adjust the timing of fuel intake and exhaust valves, allowing more fuel into the combustion chamber.
- Pistons: After enhancing fuel intake, replacing stock pistons is advisable to handle the increased stress and temperature.
Custom Motorcycle Lights
Custom lights can dramatically alter your bike’s appearance. However, it’s essential to prioritize safety by using high-quality components. The lens and cover of motorcycle lights can be customized through CNC machining. Lenses are often made from CNC milled aluminum, polished to a mirror finish, while covers are typically polycarbonate, valued for its impact resistance and clarity.
Custom Aesthetic Parts
Other customizable elements include body covers and seats, which often feature complex geometries and patterns. While manufacturers usually form or cast these parts, custom orders can be CNC machined. Modern 5-axis machining allows for virtually any design, from elegant curves to intricate sculptures, thanks to the machine’s extensive range of motion.
