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View Full Version : Does a chopper have to be a v twin?



Pwalo
13th October 2005, 12:09
Just a quick question for you cruisery types. Is it absolutely necessary for a chopper to be a v twin?

It's pretty hard to ignore all the chopper based programmes on Sky, and I know that the announcer always says that the bikes are so radical and innovative, but they all seem to be variations on a very specialised theme.

I just wondered if I'm missing something.

MrMelon
13th October 2005, 12:11
I reckon a cool variation on the American Chopper theme would be a Ghost Rider style street fighter show, followed by high speed wheelies on european highways. :D

avgas
13th October 2005, 12:20
Seen heaps of Bonnie's with monkey bars......So that would be a parrallel twin.

outlawtorn
13th October 2005, 12:23
purists would say yes, they all have to be V-Twin, but I reckon the beauty of create a "custom" chopper in doing what you want to it, from bodywork all the way through to engine, seat, etc etc.

TLDV8
13th October 2005, 12:30
CB750 SOHC's to Kawasaki Triples have been chopperised..Brit Twins to Panheads....even TL1000's.

<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v63/manurewa/chopt20.jpg" alt="Image hosted by Photobucket.com">

thehollowmen
13th October 2005, 12:46
purists would say yes, they all have to be V-Twin, but I reckon the beauty of create a "custom" chopper in doing what you want to it, from bodywork all the way through to engine, seat, etc etc.


Exactly.
My workmate and I have been trying to work out the most radical chopper design we could play with.. starting from Vtwins and V8s, we moved to rotaries and .. well.. I think a jet engine sorta like the Y2K bike could be fun.

Imagine passing a hyabusa while screaming 'fuck I can't get it into second gear'

so yeah.. for shits and giggles you can put anything into a chopper.

zadok
13th October 2005, 13:51
I knew somebody once that made an Aerial Square Four into a chopper. Did a beautiful job as well.

Big Dave
13th October 2005, 14:45
No! Some of the coolest bikes from the 70's biker flicks were Triumphs.

Coyote
13th October 2005, 15:35
I've seen a rotary chopper. Didn't look great though

ezinnz
19th October 2005, 06:23
Some of the nicest choppers from the 70's were the ones built with Honda 750 4's. Hell, I'd love to build one of those now. They're a nice powerplant for a chop and look retro to boot!

FROSTY
19th October 2005, 06:48
shit the japs got into the chpper thing too--xj550 custom.cb650 custom,gs750 custom etc etc --it was all the rage in the 80's

Colapop
19th October 2005, 06:58
I understand that a 'chopper' is a bike (any bike) customised usually by chopping the frame to create a longer lower version. :headbang:
This link will lead you to "The Chopper Builders Handbook" which has a lot of very useful, down to earth advice.
http://64.172.168.34/neatstuff/

I have gotten 3/4 of the way through creating (downloading and formatting) a hardcopy of it, but it's taking awhile (downloading pics separately and inserting them mainly)
The guy that wrote/is writing this handbook states he is an old school guy and, very much like this site, wants to get back to the old style clubs where guys/girls would go and exchange ideas/tips/bits etc and generally help each other out. Well worth a look even if just for ideas. :niceone:

Eurodave
19th October 2005, 07:58
Just a quick question for you cruisery types. Is it absolutely necessary for a chopper to be a v twin?

It's pretty hard to ignore all the chopper based programmes on Sky, and I know that the announcer always says that the bikes are so radical and innovative, but they all seem to be variations on a very specialised theme.

I just wondered if I'm missing something.

TRUE, why the hell are all the motors virtually the same Harley or ripoffs thereof ????? The only glimmer of hope on "American Choppers" was the lawnmower engined bike still a V twin though!!!

Colapop
19th October 2005, 08:31
I've seen a rotary chopper. Didn't look great though
I'd be interested to see what that looked like. I've played with the idea of doing that. I'm sure it could be done tidily and go like stink.

HenryDorsetCase
19th October 2005, 08:53
shit no...

though lots of twats think they do... the coolest bike I saw at the weekend amongst a sea of Hardleys was a 70's BSA twin hardtail chopper with an extended springer front end and a spring seat.

In fact theres a good David Edwards editorial in Cycle World within the last year about this very thing.... he bought a 70's CB750 chopper which prompted the column.

What it SHOULD be about is whatever floats your boat, but what TV tells you its about is "if we're going to get this bike done for Daytona, you better pull your finger out..." blah blah.

Jesse James and Hank Young are my favourites of the current crop. Youngs choppers is my screensaver at work.

HenryDorsetCase
19th October 2005, 08:55
TRUE, why the hell are all the motors virtually the same Harley or ripoffs thereof ????? The only glimmer of hope on "American Choppers" was the lawnmower engined bike still a V twin though!!!


www.mptracing.com


TL1000 engined "streetrods" 100 horsepower stock (and he is a race mechanic.. so his are more...), bone reliable, and painted black from the factory... yeah man!

Colapop
19th October 2005, 09:05
Jesse James and Hank Young are my favourites of the current crop. Youngs choppers is my screensaver at work.
I was just playing with an idea (rotary in a bike)....
I quite like the style of Russel Mitchell @ Excile Cycles. Nice clean bikes and I like his throttle style clutch.

Waylander
19th October 2005, 10:29
Mate it's your chopper, Build what you want out of it.That is the cool things about choppers (exspescially home built) they don't have to conform to any ones idea of a chopper but your own.

I plan on chopping out the CMX250 I got out in the gargre at some point, that's an inline twin. I'de attack my brother's scooter aswell if he would let me....

Motu
19th October 2005, 11:30
Choppers were a late 60s,early 70s thing - we didn't have Harley's in NZ in those days,so all chops over here were based on British bikes,and mainly older ones to get the rigid frame look,some swingarms were converted to hardtail.Here is a photo of my brothers Triumph chop,around 1971 - paint,forks and seat by Neville Lowe,the Godfather of chops in NZ.

ezinnz
19th October 2005, 11:39
Great pic Motu. I'm assuming the bike was road legal (?). No turn signals, no front fender. Excellent. This reminds me of how regulated this country has become since then.

Nice bike for sure, got any other pics of it?

HenryDorsetCase
19th October 2005, 12:24
Choppers were a late 60s,early 70s thing - we didn't have Harley's in NZ in those days,so all chops over here were based on British bikes,and mainly older ones to get the rigid frame look,some swingarms were converted to hardtail.Here is a photo of my brothers Triumph chop,around 1971 - paint,forks and seat by Neville Lowe,the Godfather of chops in NZ.


Just like to say:

DAMN THATS COOL!

HenryDorsetCase
19th October 2005, 12:26
I was just playing with an idea (rotary in a bike)....
I quite like the style of Russel Mitchell @ Excile Cycles. Nice clean bikes and I like his throttle style clutch.

Same...

I also quite like some of Billy Lane's stuff (particularly that hubless rear wheel).

a real nice RE5 was sold on tardme for $6k recently, and theres a Norton Rotor for sale for $14k at present.

Just so you know......

:D

Colapop
19th October 2005, 12:40
Same...

I also quite like some of Billy Lane's stuff (particularly that hubless rear wheel).

a real nice RE5 was sold on tardme for $6k recently, and theres a Norton Rotor for sale for $14k at present.

Just so you know......

:D
Yeah really like that hubless wheel. Have you seen the Excile chopper trke, it's quite tidy. It doesn't look all engine shoved up a bikes ass with trainer wheels to keep it from falling over.
And if I had $6 -$14k you think my missus'd be giving me so much shit about spending a few hundy on the Savage?

HenryDorsetCase
19th October 2005, 13:09
Yeah really like that hubless wheel. Have you seen the Excile chopper trke, it's quite tidy. It doesn't look all engine shoved up a bikes ass with trainer wheels to keep it from falling over.
And if I had $6 -$14k you think my missus'd be giving me so much shit about spending a few hundy on the Savage?


ah yes, I feel that particular pain the "Why do you need another bike, whats wrong with the ones you have?" conversation.

:(

I like the Exile bikes too. In fact that whole '50's bobber thing makes sense to me.... make it faster, get rid of any excess weight, kick out the front a little to make it more stable (but dont make the forks longer).. rigid rear and spring seat....

one day.....

HenryDorsetCase
19th October 2005, 13:12
oh yeah, one of the cheaper options is Sucker Punch Sallys:

they look not bad if you can swing a spanner a bit.

www.suckerpunchsallys.com


I love this:

http://www.exilecycles.com/bullfighter3.htm

Colapop
19th October 2005, 13:15
ah yes, I feel that particular pain the "Why do you need another bike, whats wrong with the ones you have?" conversation.
Another bike??? This is my first for over 16years? ... and we've only been together for 15 :shutup:

avgas
19th October 2005, 15:55
shit the japs got into the chpper thing too--xj550 custom.cb650 custom,gs750 custom etc etc --it was all the rage in the 80's
While it wasnt a chopper, can anyone explain to me why they took the XS850, little brother to the XS11 and then attempted to make a cruiser out of it?

Colapop
19th October 2005, 16:03
oh yeah, one of the cheaper options is Sucker Punch Sallys:

they look not bad if you can swing a spanner a bit.

www.suckerpunchsallys.com


I love this:

http://www.exilecycles.com/bullfighter3.htm

SPS bikes are pretty cool, very old school. I like 'clean' bikes not ness. too old school. They're good though, in that they don't seem to go for the fattest back wheel they find. OCC and co. seem to tend try and fit a 300 onto every bike they build. I understand they don't corner too well?

Waylander
19th October 2005, 16:18
It's not the fat back tire that makes them corner lousy, it's the difference in sizes of the front and back. Just makes it hard for the bike to keep it's line without lots of effort from the rider.

vifferman
19th October 2005, 16:23
It's not the fat back tire that makes them corner lousy, it's the difference in sizes of the front and back. Just makes it hard for the bike to keep it's line without lots of effort from the rider.
Well, yes, in part. But even with a 300 at both ends, it would be hard to turn, as the distance from the centreline of the wheel to the edge of the tyre means some effort is required to crank the bike over. That's part of the reason skinny-tyred bikes are easier to turn.
Add in the raked front ends choppers have, and it's never going to be a quick turner - the geometry is fine for straight lines, but crap for cornering.

Waylander
19th October 2005, 16:27
Well, yes, in part. But even with a 300 at both ends, it would be hard to turn, as the distance from the centreline of the wheel to the edge of the tyre means some effort is required to crank the bike over. That's part of the reason skinny-tyred bikes are easier to turn.
Add in the raked front ends choppers have, and it's never going to be a quick turner - the geometry is fine for straight lines, but crap for cornering.
Lol they arn't really meant for back roads riding anyway mate. Eye catchers for cruising town or bike rallys. Just a way to express yourself on a more visable (and Audible for some of them) medium. I like looking at Custom Bikes and Choppers (note the two seperate entities) because they give you a feel for what the rider is like even if you never meet them.

That's why I want to chop the Rebel, just for a bit of fun and something for me to ride around town on a friday night.

Eurodave
19th October 2005, 16:33
Add in the raked front ends choppers have, and it's never going to be a quick turner - the geometry is fine for straight lines, but crap for cornering.
Which is perfect for the huge wide open spaces & arrow straight highways of Septicland but not as usefull here in Godzone where corners abound

ezinnz
19th October 2005, 18:34
Well, even the 250 has a reasonable flat spot so by the time you're into the 270, 300 and now 360 rear tires, you have to throw that bike into a corner to get it around. Especially when they use such a low profile to go with that width.

Guys I've spoken to say the 300 is a terrible ride.

NZ roads aren't so bad for long bikes. They're work in the city and suburbs for sure but that's OK. What you do notice about NZ roads is how lousy Transit are at maintaining them - especially on a rigid!

Macktheknife
19th October 2005, 19:18
I am trying to load a piccie of my chopper build but I can t seem to get one small enough, anyone know how I can do that???
BTW, you can build whatever you want man thats the spirit of choppers and home builds. Build what ever you can imagine, dont be bound by the whole 'industry'. My chopper started out as a Suzuki VS1400, now it looks nothing like one but still handles better than any Harley!

Colapop
19th October 2005, 19:36
I am trying to load a piccie of my chopper build but I can t seem to get one small enough, anyone know how I can do that???...
You could open mspaint choose 'new' then copy and paste your image into it and resize it that way. Or just try saving it as a .bmp (then back to a jpg) or even a .pdf (requires adobe) that might work. I usually try one or more of those to get the file size down.

Waylander
19th October 2005, 20:36
I am trying to load a piccie of my chopper build but I can t seem to get one small enough, anyone know how I can do that???
BTW, you can build whatever you want man thats the spirit of choppers and home builds. Build what ever you can imagine, dont be bound by the whole 'industry'. My chopper started out as a Suzuki VS1400, now it looks nothing like one but still handles better than any Harley!
Hmm, Me and you should get along well lol. Feel up for a meet this weekend sometime? Could get some pics of ya bike and get them up here for ya.

Waylander
19th October 2005, 20:41
Well, .....
That your bike on the www.exrider.co.nz site mate? Fuckin nice that one is? Good to see a springer, sweet ride mate.

rudolph
19th October 2005, 21:40
I have a Honda 900 cc 4 cyl chopper

thehollowmen
19th October 2005, 22:56
I have a Honda 900 cc 4 cyl chopper
Tonight my workmate and I were talking about making a steam turbine chopper.

That should cause confusion :-D

ezinnz
20th October 2005, 07:40
I don't mean to hijack this post but I'd really like to see pics of your choppers guys. There just aren't that many on the roads in the lower Nth Island. I can't remember the last time I saw another one!

Kornholio
20th October 2005, 08:39
I seen one in Hamilton the other day, it was and Ironhorse one I think...looked meeeean :D
Those BigDog choppers look pretty cool too...quite reasonably priced too

Colapop
20th October 2005, 08:48
I don't mean to hijack this post but I'd really like to see pics of your choppers guys. There just aren't that many on the roads in the lower Nth Island. I can't remember the last time I saw another one!
Not mine but I liked the style of this one... A pic my scottish mate sent me when she was in Deutschland for her holidays.

Colapop
20th October 2005, 08:55
That your bike on the www.exrider.co.nz site mate? Fuckin nice that one is? Good to see a springer, sweet ride mate.

I used a bit of think stuff and went to ezrider.....
That chopper was shot in Wgtn! I'd like to see it in person, if anyone knows where it lives?

ezinnz
20th October 2005, 09:29
Sorry, I should have replied to that post too. Yep, I know where that bike is - in my garage!

You're right, those pics were taken at the Beehive and then Petone wharf. I've since moved up the coast to Kapiti.

Happy to hook up some time if you want to have a decent look.

Andy

Colapop
20th October 2005, 09:32
....Happy to hook up some time if you want to have a decent look.
Andy

Sure I'd love it. Have you seen the 'Handbook' I posted ealier in this thread? Some good tips I thought - but it seems you'd be the one with the tips. Would it be wrong to ask about the costs involved with that project?

Waylander
20th October 2005, 09:43
Late night and distracted by a beutifull bike. I'm sure you guys can forgive me of that.:niceone:



ezinnz, rather than hook me up with a look, think I could get a job at your shop? lol you're sitting where I want to be in 10 years or so.:headbang:


Don't have a chopper as yet but soon as I get some free cash flow.....

ezinnz
20th October 2005, 11:02
The Chopper Handbook is still considered the bible. I should get my own copy of it one day.

I was keeping a spreadsheet on how much the bike cost me to build but I soon gave up. It would have been less than $25K. Just in parts. Donor bike included. I was pretty happy with that considering what was available for the same money at the time.

I only do this work as a hobby. I'd like to work on bikes full time but I don't think I could make a reasonable living at that in NZ. When I can afford to semi retire in a few years, that will be the plan. Of course, by then the oil crisis will have really kicked in and I'm not that interested in building electric bikes so....

Colapop
20th October 2005, 11:20
The Chopper Handbook is still considered the bible. I should get my own copy of it one day.

I was keeping a spreadsheet on how much the bike cost me to build but I soon gave up. It would have been less than $25K. Just in parts. Donor bike included. I was pretty happy with that considering what was available for the same money at the time.

I only do this work as a hobby. I'd like to work on bikes full time but I don't think I could make a reasonable living at that in NZ. When I can afford to semi retire in a few years, that will be the plan. Of course, by then the oil crisis will have really kicked in and I'm not that interested in building electric bikes so....

I'll pm you once I get my shit together and back on the road. I've gotta get fork seals today so I can work on it over the long weekend. Then warrant, rego, permission from wife..... SHe's still pissed I bought the bike, oh well I can always trade her in. :whistle: the bike honey honest!! Owww!

ezinnz
20th October 2005, 20:13
Late night and distracted by a beutifull bike. I'm sure you guys can forgive me of that.:niceone:



ezinnz, rather than hook me up with a look, think I could get a job at your shop? lol you're sitting where I want to be in 10 years or so.:headbang:


Don't have a chopper as yet but soon as I get some free cash flow.....

I see you own an XV. A buddy of mine makes great choppers out of those powerplants. Click on 'Lifestyle' and then 'Chopper' on my website. He is the 3rd pic down with his XV chop photographed in Central Otago.

That thing hauls ass too. He has a chopper deal on TradeMe right now for $4000. I'd recommend his work to anyone.

Waylander
20th October 2005, 20:41
I see you own an XV. A buddy of mine makes great choppers out of those powerplants. Click on 'Lifestyle' and then 'Chopper' on my website. He is the 3rd pic down with his XV chop photographed in Central Otago.

That thing hauls ass too. He has a chopper deal on TradeMe right now for $4000. I'd recommend his work to anyone.
I be broked though. Get paid $450 tomorrow and it's been spent since tuesday last week.... Give me a bit and I'll check your mate's chop.
Edit: It is too aye.:headbang: Wicked bikes the Virago. May custom mine after while but not till I have another big bike to ride while it's appart.

Macktheknife
20th October 2005, 21:35
The Chopper Handbook is still considered the bible. I should get my own copy of it one day.

I was keeping a spreadsheet on how much the bike cost me to build but I soon gave up. It would have been less than $25K. Just in parts. Donor bike included. I was pretty happy with that considering what was available for the same money at the time.

I only do this work as a hobby. I'd like to work on bikes full time but I don't think I could make a reasonable living at that in NZ. When I can afford to semi retire in a few years, that will be the plan. Of course, by then the oil crisis will have really kicked in and I'm not that interested in building electric bikes so....


Nice Build EZ, PM me your email and I will send a photo of mine, not as flash as your job but still in process.
Ride safe :drinkup: :drinkup:

Colapop
21st October 2005, 07:52
I see you own an XV. A buddy of mine makes great choppers out of those powerplants. Click on 'Lifestyle' and then 'Chopper' on my website. He is the 3rd pic down with his XV chop photographed in Central Otago.

That thing hauls ass too. He has a chopper deal on TradeMe right now for $4000. I'd recommend his work to anyone.

That is a good deal all right. It'd take a lot of the pain out the build but leave enough so that there is something build and personalise. (just need a $$)

HenryDorsetCase
21st October 2005, 10:18
EZINNZ: Thanks a bunch for posting that link, I really appreciate it.

I have been looking for a basis for a project for next winter and I think thanks to that I have found it. Ive emailed them with some thoughts and will try and phone them one night next week.

Waylander
21st October 2005, 18:21
Hey ezinnz, your mate on the XV chop wouldn't be able to help me find a speinger front to fit my bike that is same length as the stock forks would he? After the paint job I'm gonna get done that and the tail light (want one that doesn't stick out like a big red sore thumb) are the only things I really want to change.

Love the springer look and don't really want to make my bike any longer or lower.

Also some 2.5 inch risers for 7/8ths bars. Want to put the flat bars back on but need some more clearance for the tank.

ezinnz
22nd October 2005, 08:47
You wouldn't be disappointed with Dave's frames he's a great craftsman and will build anything you want.

I've seen some reasonable springers go on TradeMe in the last couple of months for 500 - 600. Stock lengths too which would be what you want (Usually 26").

Dave (The Fabricator) makes Springer front ends. Any length you want. They're nice too. Not sure on his current prices.

I'm not sure about the 7/8" risers. Most metric bikes are 7/8" so you might be able to find some off another make/model. Another option would be to get yourself some Intruder or Savage handlebar switches and controls. These bikes run 1" bars so that means you could run HD aftermarket risers and your bar choice is endless then.

Would give you a lot more options.

Shotgun
22nd October 2005, 09:16
Howdy Ezi.....

Shotgun
22nd October 2005, 09:17
'L' plate rider? Sheeze.... 'D' plate rider... :-)

Eurodave
22nd October 2005, 09:41
Heres a couple of pix of the Guzzi custom I built a few years ago & the yellow bike is Lockys Hillman Imp powered 'Pig'

ezinnz
23rd October 2005, 08:55
Whoa, nice work Eurodave. They look cool.

That's a lot of hours work right there.

Guys, this is Dave (Shotgun). What he don't know about chopper frame building aint worth knowing! Let's get a chopper forum going here!

Waylander
25th October 2005, 12:19
Bring it on I say!! Can even be a sub forum of the Hogs and Cruisers one...


Hey Shotgun, How much would you charge for a set of springers for a Virago? Stock length and rake.

Colapop
25th October 2005, 12:50
Bring it on I say!! Can even be a sub forum of the Hogs and Cruisers one....

Well I got the front end off and now for the back. Unfortunately can't/won't be able to chop it - no dosh. Just a learning experience about things that come apart then go back together - hopefully. Look for the thread that start Can you help me put my bike back together!

Shotgun
25th October 2005, 14:06
You want to fit a springer to your Virago? I dont think that it would work mate, the cost of just doin that to a stock scoot probably isnt worth doin it...but...anything can be done I guess, figure around 18, or 1900 bucks, I've very little overheads workin from home these days....

Waylander
25th October 2005, 16:53
Well there isn't much else I want to change on it. What else would I have to do to it to make it more feasable? Change the neck or something else?

And 1900 is a damn good price. Gonna be giving you a call probably even for the Rebel's front end lol.

Shotgun
26th October 2005, 06:52
I'm thinkin that it may hang up with your stock fueltank....one other thing to consider as well, it will never handle like the stock bike did after youve done it, it will tend to 'pogo' a bit as well... One thing I always get asked about my chopper "how does it handle" my answer is always " It aint no stock bike anymore, I didnt build it to handle, I built it to look cool"....LOL....Fastest I'ver had it with 2up is 158Kph, by myself, 174Kph.. but it dont like windy days...more so if its a side wind.

Colapop
26th October 2005, 08:12
I'm thinkin that it may hang up with your stock fueltank....one other thing to consider as well, it will never handle like the stock bike did after youve done it, it will tend to 'pogo' a bit as well... One thing I always get asked about my chopper "how does it handle" my answer is always " It aint no stock bike anymore, I didnt build it to handle, I built it to look cool"....LOL....Fastest I'ver had it with 2up is 158Kph, by myself, 174Kph.. but it dont like windy days...more so if its a side wind.

How big is the turning circle? Those forks look mighty long. Given the length of the forks, does your bike have a tendency to 'bounce' or be very springy in the front end? Does having standard straight forks reduce the springyness? Is it to do with thickness (dia) of forks too? I don't want to make this a 20 questions but ... can you give us a little spiel on fork do's and don'ts?

Waylander
26th October 2005, 08:37
Knew it would affect the Handling but didn't thing it would do so by that uch...

ok maybe just a set for the Rebel then. That's not gonna be any more than a town bike anyway so not to worried about the handling.

ezinnz
26th October 2005, 19:49
Well, I'll chime in with what I know to start. The length is a big factor. Whether a springer or traditional telescopic forks, if the legs are long you've got leverage as a major factor. That's going to create flex and even running a fork brace (like some do) won't eliminate all of it.

Springers pogo slightly anyway, that's why in the latter years, HD have added a shock to theirs to dampen them down. You get used to it quick though and it's part of the ride on a long bike. Choppers look cool with springers :niceone:

Like Dave says, choppers are cool and you sacrifice something for that. Kinda like T-buckets are to the hotrod world.

They're not death traps if built right and if your trail is set up right they will handle fine. If trail is severely out one way or the other, the handling is deadly.

If you think of race bikes and them being short wheelbase and short front ends for handling speed and fast turns and then compare that to a chopper you see what we mean.

I get a fair bit of movement through my downtubes and my front end but you learn to deal with it. I haven't been at the speeds Dave has but at 120Kms, a sweeping bend has you 'thinking' the first couple of times!

No idea what my turning circle is. With my bike at almost 12 foot long, it aint tight!

I guess you need to weigh up the pros and cons before you jump in and commit to a bike so radical.

I've owned a lot of bikes and this was an easy decision for me. I get bored riding my buddies Dyna now. Just isn't anything else like it I guess.

Shotgun
27th October 2005, 06:13
Well there aint much more I can add to that mate....except my first mistake was using a fat car tire to start with...a definite no no, I'd not suggest that to anyone...

Oh yeah, heres something I do at rallies for a giggle, wander back over to yer bike once a crowd starts lookin at it, just linger in the backround and just listen to all the experts......theres usually one dude with 3 or 4 mates intow in a circle tellin em the do's & donts of chopper buildin and his mates are totally awestruck with his vast knowledge of such things...they'd be the ones with color coded leathers to match their sport bikes......See? now I've explained how I got to learn what I know & where I get all my ideas on how to build stuff from.....everyone is gonna be doin it...LOL

degrom
28th December 2006, 12:36
Well there aint much more I can add to that mate....except my first mistake was using a fat car tire to start with...a definite no no, I'd not suggest that to anyone...

Oh yeah, heres something I do at rallies for a giggle, wander back over to yer bike once a crowd starts lookin at it, just linger in the backround and just listen to all the experts......theres usually one dude with 3 or 4 mates intow in a circle tellin em the do's & donts of chopper buildin and his mates are totally awestruck with his vast knowledge of such things...they'd be the ones with color coded leathers to match their sport bikes......See? now I've explained how I got to learn what I know & where I get all my ideas on how to build stuff from.....everyone is gonna be doin it...LOL

LOL... I was wondering why gaining knowledge was so hard for me. I was listening to the wrong people.

Pixie
28th December 2006, 13:09
Lol they arn't really meant for back roads riding anyway mate. Eye catchers for cruising town or bike rallys. Just a way to express yourself on a more visable (and Audible for some of them) medium.

Oh I get it
An alternative to the penile implant, for the sqeamish

scumdog
28th December 2006, 13:22
Oh I get it
An alternative to the penile implant, for the sqeamish

Yeah, sort of like trendy helmets/leathers/boots/cars/i-pods/cell-phones/hairstyles/car sound systems/low profile tyres/bling mags etc etc?

Bonez
28th December 2006, 17:39
While it wasnt a chopper, can anyone explain to me why they took the XS850, little brother to the XS11 and then attempted to make a cruiser out of it?It was the trend at the time. There was a cruiser version of the 1100 too-

http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/yamaha/yamaha_xs1100sf_midnight_special.htm

There was also the cafe racer styled "Sport" XS1100, which I personnally liked. Just needed a biger tank.

http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/yamaha/yamaha_xs1100_sport%2081.htm

These "custom"(Honda), "special", "midnight special", "Maxim" (3 yammy series), "L" (in the case of Suzuki) and "LTD" (Kawasaki) models would probably be a good basis to start a chopper project with if you could get hold of one.

Woody@nztrails.com
28th December 2006, 20:22
Some of the nicest choppers from the 70's were the ones built with Honda 750 4's. Hell, I'd love to build one of those now. They're a nice powerplant for a chop and look retro to boot!

I remember a guy who I think was linked to the Rusty Nuts club. He had a CB750 powered chopper and it was awesome ( in my humble opinion ). All the chrome work all over the bike was engraved and it was one of the most different bikes I'd seen at that time (8 yrs ago). Real old school look and the guy was a hard case dude too!

Choppers can be powered by anything - just look at all the ridiculous 50cc single powered "minis" around the place now!

Cookie
7th January 2007, 10:52
I know this is an old thread, but it's still the appropriate place to paste a link to this: The latest in undersized choppers:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Cruiser/auction-82648733.htm

"Fully designed,developed,and manufactured by californian master bike builder" (Err - pass me a Tui).

Waylander
7th January 2007, 10:59
I know this is an old thread, but it's still the appropriate place to paste a link to this: The latest in undersized choppers:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Cruiser/auction-82648733.htm

"Fully designed,developed,and manufactured by californian master bike builder" (Err - pass me a Tui).
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=38843

Cookie
7th January 2007, 11:02
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=38843

Cheers Waylander - I will read with interest.

surfer
10th January 2007, 16:00
Interesting thread. About time there was more chop riding talk.


Just a quick question for you cruisery types. Is it absolutely necessary for a chopper to be a v twin?

I just wondered if I'm missing something.

You are not missing anything. If it moves and has two wheels, chop it. You don't have to go the V-twin look especially if you are on a budget. I used to ride a hardtailed suzuki 650 savage that had been stretched at the front end.

I'd suggest you investigate a sprung seat when you are contemplating building your chop as the roads in NZ aren't that smooth, motorways are ok. Anything over 90km/hr on the back roads sees me bouncing out of the saddle a lot. The missus hates it.

My bike handles just fine in a straight line; I've had it up to 150km/hr but it is an old bike so I wouldn't want to do this too often. Cornering is ok just got to get a good line and not think you are riding a sports bike. Tight cornering can be interesting though.

Anyway, if I wanted a fast bike I'd have a sports bike and if I wanted a cushy ride I'd get a factory custom. Having a chop is an indivual thing.

Wired1
18th January 2007, 21:32
A chopper by definition can start from any donor ride but you'd have to concede that the Vee twins look better than in-line twins and fours. How come you never see a Ducati chopper? (come on, some smart bastard must have a picture of one here)

Waylander
18th January 2007, 21:46
A chopper by definition can start from any donor ride but you'd have to concede that the Vee twins look better than in-line twins and fours. How come you never see a Ducati chopper? (come on, some smart bastard must have a picture of one here)
Was a thread about one not too many days ago. Give me a biut and I'll try to find it.

slowpoke
18th January 2007, 23:58
I've wondered about the V-twin thing myself.....then it kinda clicked. As the guys above said, it's about how something LOOKS...the IMPRESSION it gives...rather than whether it actually WORKS as a motorcyle. Having said, that if something is DESIGNED to LOOK good/tough/low/long etc, and it does that, then it DOES work, 'cos handling is only a secondary consideration.

The old school twins are used 'cos they are a physically LARGE engine/transmission. People who build these bikes wanna see an engine.....and lots of it! They don't give a shit about stacked transmissions, mass centralisation, narrow valve angles, smaller, lighter etc, they just want a physically large, IMPOSING powerplant to add to the impression. Physically, a 140hp Ducati/Aprilia engine (or ANY modern engine) LOOKS like a lawnmower engine compared to a 140hp old school 120 cube pushrod V-twin and separate transmission. It's all about proportions and impressions, and it's much harder to create a tough impression with a wimpy LOOKING, physically small engine.

I can admire the work in SOME of these amazing creations but I think a little too much credit goes to guys who just assemble off the shelf frames/engines/wheels/suspension/tank/guards/seats etc. The workmanship is still jawdropping but it's just lacking a little imagination.

The traditional choppers aren't really my thing, but bikes like the Confederate Wraith or Hellcat (www.confederate.com) I could happily sleep next to in the shed. And it would be in the shed 'cos I'd have to sell my house to get one.......

degrom
19th January 2007, 06:42
A chopper by definition can start from any donor ride but you'd have to concede that the Vee twins look better than in-line twins and fours. How come you never see a Ducati chopper? (come on, some smart bastard must have a picture of one here)

LOL....

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=41936

degrom
19th January 2007, 06:46
I've wondered about the V-twin thing myself.....then it kinda clicked. As the guys above said, it's about how something LOOKS...the IMPRESSION it gives...rather than whether it actually WORKS as a motorcyle. Having said, that if something is DESIGNED to LOOK good/tough/low/long etc, and it does that, then it DOES work, 'cos handling is only a secondary consideration.

The old school twins are used 'cos they are a physically LARGE engine/transmission. People who build these bikes wanna see an engine.....and lots of it! They don't give a shit about stacked transmissions, mass centralisation, narrow valve angles, smaller, lighter etc, they just want a physically large, IMPOSING powerplant to add to the impression. Physically, a 140hp Ducati/Aprilia engine (or ANY modern engine) LOOKS like a lawnmower engine compared to a 140hp old school 120 cube pushrod V-twin and separate transmission. It's all about proportions and impressions, and it's much harder to create a tough impression with a wimpy LOOKING, physically small engine.

I can admire the work in SOME of these amazing creations but I think a little too much credit goes to guys who just assemble off the shelf frames/engines/wheels/suspension/tank/guards/seats etc. The workmanship is still jawdropping but it's just lacking a little imagination.

The traditional choppers aren't really my thing, but bikes like the Confederate Wraith or Hellcat (www.confederate.com (http://www.confederate.com)) I could happily sleep next to in the shed. And it would be in the shed 'cos I'd have to sell my house to get one.......

Yes... They are really nice!!! Here's a few...

Wired1
19th January 2007, 07:27
LOL....

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=41936

Bugger, how did I miss that? Well done Bert.