SWEARING, gnashing teeth, tearing out hair and throwing things about the shed can all be part of the rich tapestry of life encountered during building a custom bike from scratch.

Or a kit bike can be purchased where all the parts have been selected for fit and overall style. This will also have the benefit of the neighbours not wearing earplugs and a set of healthy gnashers being displayed when the bike is ridden.

Which brings us to the Hooker 250, a bike in a box, which was recently unveiled by Battistinis. The finished bike shown here comes as a complete kit - just paint it, put it together, inflate tyres and add fluids.

To prevent purchasers getting stressed and depressed, a dedicated helpline is being set up - a friendly voice dispensing expert advice can make all the difference.

Another nice touch is that every kit purchased before June comes with a full Draper stacking tool box.

The Hooker is available in two models, Standard or Premium. Both include Battistini Ness billet wheels with a 250 Avon back tyre. That's what the 250 refers to - not the engine size.

The motor is somewhat bigger, a 1,600cc S&S engine with Crane Dual Fire ignition running an open three- inch BDL primary to a belt final drive.

The frame is a Battistini Softail with 40 degrees of rake and stretched by four inches at the top and six inches on the down tubes.

Managing director Mark Battistini explained: "We wanted a name that was memorable and that suited this type of bike. Hooker 250 came about when the first kit bike had been built - we thought it looked sexy, a little bit sleazy."

This Saturday is the Battistini open day when the Hooker and other Batz bikes will be on display so you can see for yourself.

As well as new and used custom parts at special prices there'll be a band and a barbecue. Full details and specification sheets on the Hooker are available on 08702 250399 or e-mail sam@battsistini.co.uk