Wheelie Machine Build: Tools & Materials Checklist

Worried that building a wheelie machine is beyond you? It isn't. With a welder, grinder, drill and hammer, and around $1,500 in materials, depending on your local prices, most riders complete a build in a weekend. Here's the checklist.

Tools you'll need

• Angle grinder with cutting and flap discs
• Welder (or a local fabricator for a few cuts)
• Drill and metal bits
• Spanners, sockets and an adjustable wrench
• Tape measure, square and marker
• Safety gear: gloves, glasses, ear protection

Core materials

• Steel box section & plate for the frame and bike attachment
• Roller(s) for the rear wheel to spin on
• Airbag / spring for the adjustable ramp
• Bearings, bolts and fasteners
• Cooling fan for longer sessions
• Paint or coating to finish and protect the frame

Our build plans include the complete, exact materials list with quantities so there's no guesswork. Once you've got everything, follow our step-by-step build guide to put it together.

"But I'm not a fabricator"

You don't need to be. The design is intentionally simple, and if welding isn't your thing, a local fabricator can do the handful of welds cheaply. Everything else is bolt-together. Many first-time builders have never welded before. Every cut and weld comes with exact dimensions and blueprints so there's no guesswork.

No CAD, no engineering degree — just follow the cut list and assembly order.

How long does it take?

Most people finish in a weekend, spread over a couple of sessions. Source your parts first, then build in the order the wheelie machine plans specify. For a sense of the finished result, browse the build gallery. Curious how the total cost compares to buying a commercial rig? See our full cost breakdown.

Ready to start?

Grab the complete plans — they turn this checklist into step-by-step instructions with measured blueprints.