if you are serious about going into the chopper building business in Australia, these are the choices you have.
1; build a bike and oursource all the work except for some mechanical assembly that doesn't require any regulatory paper work...........very expensive and i doubt any money would be recuperated on a sale.
2; Do a welding course, get the appropriate tickets required to be able to weld structural frames, ( may require a trade certificate), build bikes and pay for any engineering regulatory paperwork. ...............Still expensive and may be able to recuperate the money spent building. Would need to be unique and something that would appeal to more than a few.
3; get all the degrees in engineering and get registered so you can do all of the work and be able to stamp the engineering paperwork your self..................Save a fortune and would be able to sell a bike and recuperate any money spent...................Would still need to have something a little different to attract those that can't do it.
This will take years and different states have different regulations so the chances are your tickets in NSW wouldn't qualify in another State, (research needed).
Not having a go at you, TLCbobber, but here is what i know. The best advice is to find out from you local gov't agency and/or from someone local who has actually done this.
nah your engineer friend is wrong... you could design and build something totally unique yourself, submit a report and have the vehicle inspected and approved for road use.
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You can design it but in some States,(Maybe all),
Engineered plans are to be submitted before building starts to make sure the proper procedures are to be done. Usually the engineer is the one who also builds it.
From talking to a guy a few years ago who built a bobber in Australia, basic hardtail etc, you do have to detail how the bike was put together, changed, methods and materials, welding, tubes used, slugging and sleeving etc, you know real detail on what was done and how. A proper engineering report so the inspector knows what they're looking at.
This is basically true, the inspector is usually a registered engineer who would do the welding
You might need to account for things you haven't personally done so it might be a good idea to speak to the previous owner/builder and get some supporting data to help you out for accuracy's sake...
If you cant get the paperwork on the work done i don't think any engineer would touch it.
whether you design and build a vehicle from scratch or heavily modify an existing setup, i.e hardtail a previously suspended frame, you need to submit a written report detailing its construction, materials and methods as basic info and have it examined and approved for road use.
In some States, (maybe all), the written report is a detailed plan presented before building commences
skull's link should point you the right way... but you can do it if the bike is deemed safe to run on public roads and it's well made with a suitable report. keep digging.
A suitable report and proper paper work will mean it is well made.
If you plan on going into business, you will have to learn to do research yourself, deal with Gov't agencies and ask the right people. Business courses, mechanical courses, welding courses, ABN, just to name a few things required.
