Anyone see the choppers on the news? (19 December)

[degrom]

Hi,

Just saw the last part of an story in the news about people making custom choppers in NZ.

Where are they from?

Can't be the Hutt Valley, can it?

[Scorpygirl]

Yip Hutt Valley Choppers!!! :gob: :shutup:

[team cudby]

Good story nice to see the hutt getting a boost.Did you catch the t shirt rack and its cheeky statement about aucklanders,good laugh

[Trudes]

Happy 1000th post Scorpygirl,
oh and yeah, rode past their pad last Saturday and thought, oh how cool, but was too afraid to stop incase they got sight of my Hornet and got ideas about chopperfying it!:shit:

[crashe]

I am sooooooooooooo pissed off.....:angry:

I missed them.......

I had a tape going that I had been watching and then my cell ph rung....

I finally get off the phone and it was the end of them talking about it......

I love the choppers and I missed them........:angry:

Damn and buggeration.

[Scorpygirl]

I am sooooooooooooo pissed off.....:angry:

I missed them.......

I had a tape going that I had been watching and then my cell ph rung....

I finally get off the phone and it was the end of them talking about it......

I love the choppers and I missed them........:angry:

Damn and buggeration.

Get onto the TVNZ website tomorrow and look for Close-up. They often have the vid clips.

Just a suggestion. :) 1001 posts!!!

[yungatart]

Did you see that kid?
"Should Dad buy this bike?"
"Yep, definitely!"
"Where's the money going to come from?"
"I have no idea, but it's about having fun, with me on the back"
She has her priorities sorted!!

[Geordie]

I just missed it, i make choppers, more like art, not like the inbreads at Orange County Choppers or as I call them Allwhinge County Choppers, Do they only have one style of frame??? Have a gander at my latest crationthing - 'Red Zeppelin' there's a picture on the KB site. DVD soon....

[blackkatana]

She was priceless, 50+ grand for a chopper, not surprising she had no idea where the money was coming from!

[degrom]

She was priceless, 50+ grand for a chopper, not surprising she had no idea where the money was coming from!

It's her university funds he is using... LOL

[degrom]

Yip Hutt Valley Choppers!!! :gob: :shutup:

I have been looking for a website,but I can see one...

Do anyone know where the shop is?

[crashe]

I just missed it, i make choppers, more like art, not like the inbreads at Orange County Choppers or as I call them Allwhinge County Choppers, Do they only have one style of frame??? Have a gander at my latest crationthing - 'Red Zeppelin' there's a picture on the KB site. DVD soon....

I can vouch for Geordie's work..... as I have seen his bike's up close...

[Trudes]

On Hutt Rd, on the left hand side heading towards Lower Hutt, close to the Car Stereo Company and the rock climbing place, someone else who drives down there everyday will tell you better where, but they are there.

[Oakie]

but was too afraid to stop incase they got sight of my Hornet and got ideas about chopperfying it!:shit:

Actually the sign on the wall said the 'Jap bikes will be crushed' so steer clear.
My understanding was that they were actually importing the bikes, not building them ...but I could be wrong (it is December and I'm due to be wrong about something this year).

[degrom]

On Hutt Rd, on the left hand side heading towards Lower Hutt, close to the Car Stereo Company and the rock climbing place, someone else who drives down there everyday will tell you better where, but they are there.

Close to Supercheat you say....

I will have a look tomorrow!!!

[pritch]

I have watched a couple of chopper shows on TV (mor like a psychological case study for people working with dysfunctional families) but I couldn't get the joke.

These dudes go to a chopper supermarket and fill a trolley with bits then go home and assemble them. The only reason they have to arse about with gas axes, grinders, and welders is because they are stuffing around with what they bought.
All of which just tends to indicate that at least one of the bits they bought was wrong?

Sorry, just being deliberately obtuse. (If only trying a little.) :whistle:

[degrom]

I have watched a couple of chopper shows on TV (mor like a psychological case study for people working with dysfunctional families) but I couldn't get the joke.

These dudes go to a chopper supermarket and fill a trolley with bits then go home and assemble them. The only reason they have to arse about with gas axes, grinders, and welders is because they are stuffing around with what they bought.
All of which just tends to indicate that at least one of the bits they bought was wrong?

Sorry, just being deliberately obtuse. (If only trying a little.) :whistle:

That's what I like about Jesse James and Billy Lane... They make there own stuff...

I don't really like Monster garage but if you have the money,way not screw around?

[Steam]

make choppers, more like art, Have a gander at my latest crationthing - 'Red Zeppelin'

Is this it? Wow, please, post pictures of your other creations and more of this one. WOW!

[Geordie]

thats an old picture, how do i put more on the site?

[Geordie]

you can buy them new, The Speights Bar in Albany has them, I was going to use on on a build but they are hard on the arse, ask any 90 year old tractor driver with piles!!!

[crashe]

Is this it? Wow, please, post pictures of your other creations and more of this one. WOW!

and you should see it up close......... amazing.....

plus all his other creations.....

[Waylander]

Is this it? Wow, please, post pictures of your other creations and more of this one. WOW!
Is it just me or is that a Virago engine in that thing?


And how the hell do you corner that!?!

[Bonez]

Agree with choppers and art bit. Good on the families getting behind it. Unfortunately they are totally unsuitable for my style of riding. Wouldn't want to get the damn thing dirty would we?. Connie, the trouble and strife, did like the look of the wee 250 Honda Magna and Rebel in Freedom Honda though.

[Colapop]

'bout halfway between Hirepool and Hirequip on the left heading north towards Motomart. There's a thread somewhere here about 'em...

[sinned]

Can't see the point in having a chopper and at upwards of $50k?

[degrom]

Can't see the point in having a chopper and at upwards of $50k?

Then I believe you also don't see the opportunity for after market parts to...

[Colapop]

It's all taste. I don't like the OCC guys style. I liked the theme bikes when they used to make them, themselves, but now as Pritch008 says - they just get bits from the shelf. Personally, I like Russel Mitchel's machines - low, sleek and clean.

[degrom]

It's all taste. I don't the OCC guys style. I liked the theme bikes when they used to make them, themselves, but now as Pritch008 says - they just get bits from the shelf. Personally, I like Russel Mitchel's machines - low, sleek and clean.

Yes... Like the saying... If it doesn't make you go faster or stop better it's a waste!!!

I was amazed with one of Jesse James's Motorcycle mania DVD's where he wheelied one of his choppers... Those 130 cubic motor's must have a few horses!!!

[Geordie]

the engines a copy of a Virago, It handles like Nelsons flagship 'The Victory'! but its only a toy, I was trying to capture the 'Cartoon' look,.. like early pictures of choppers from 'Mad' magazines, It drives like a sidecar outfit but choppers never did handle.

["D" FZ1]

Another over priced, under achieving, American Mobile Chicane :blip:

[Slayer]

Hi All,

Here is a link I found for the Hutt Boyz Choppers, only added 2 days ago, includes phone number etc etc.

From the looks of the map, going towards Motomart, they are on the left just past El Cheapo Cars.

Hope this helps.

http://www.zoomin.co.nz/nz/lower+hutt/alicetown/hutt+road/429/-hutt+boyz+choppers/

[Hailwood]

Just went to TVNZ website close up for 19 December and the clip is there to see...........may just have to wander out there for a look......bikini bike wash..mmmmmmmmmmmmmm has potential

[Beemer]

And didn't you love the guy riding along with his helmet hooked over his arm? What's the bet the accident rate in the Hutt skyrockets now there are more uncontrollable bikes on the road? If my husband ever had a mid-life crisis that required buying a chopper, there would be bits of him getting the chop!

[placidfemme]

Sam and I watched what we could of that last night... our TV1 sucks and jumps around and goes all fuzzy... from what we could see... it looks pretty kewl. I like choppers, but they wouldn't be my first choice of bike... if I could afford a sports road bike AND a chopper... then maybe...

Its good to see another bike style making its way into the nz Market, sure they are expensive, but a biker is a biker right?

[Storm]

Damn skippy, it not what you ride, as long as you ride

[Steam]

Here's the video from CLoseUp [ http://images.tvnz.co.nz/tvnz_video/windows/tv_one/chopper_191206_128k.asx ]

[Waylander]

Another over priced, under achieving, American Mobile Chicane :blip:
And that Star cruiser you have sitting on the shop floor at the moment is what?

[scumdog]

And that Star cruiser you have sitting on the shop floor at the moment is what?


Hey let the guy have his opinion - after all he obviously has ridden 'em all and his bike is the best one, right?

[surfer]

Wow, now that is what I call one individual looking cool machine.


I just missed it, i make choppers, more like art, not like the inbreads at Orange County Choppers or as I call them Allwhinge County Choppers, Do they only have one style of frame??? Have a gander at my latest crationthing - 'Red Zeppelin' there's a picture on the KB site. DVD soon....

I ride an XS650 chop. Although I did not make the hardtail frame or modify any of the other metal work as I do not weld (yet). I did make a wiring loom, fit it all the parts together, put the lights and other bits and pieces on it and chuck it all togther. So yeah, all hail to anyone that creates a bike.

Being out there is what counts but being out there on something you made, well go figure.

[BAD DAD]

I saw the slot on TV, bikes were definately impressive but at the risk of sounding negative or anti US etc: I thought the whole idea of "chopping" a bike was to reduce all the cosmetics end end up with something more bare or naked. Always loved choppers but not that impressed by the current trend towards the show-pony gin palace type of style. But don't let me stop ya, much rather a chopper shop than another Holden dealership or suchlike.

[surfer]

I thought the whole idea of "chopping" a bike was to reduce all the cosmetics end end up with something more bare or naked. Always loved choppers but not that impressed by the current trend towards the show-pony gin palace type of style

Agreed. The $50,000 price tag alone on some of these bikes is scary enough and puts it out of reach of most of us (me included). But I guess there must be a market out there for this otherwise they wouldn't be selling.

It is possible to make a chop that looks good on a small budget though (but then that depends on personal taste as well).

[Waylander]

It is possible to make a chop that looks good on a small budget though (but then that depends on personal taste as well).
Mate, you need to jockey shift that thing. Then it would be mean as!!

[surfer]

Mate, you need to jockey shift that thing. Then it would be mean as!!

It's challenging enough riding a hard tail peering over these bars without the added thrill of a suicide shift. But I will keep this in mind, you never know, in case I get bored one day.

[Bonez]

Agreed. The $50,000 price tag alone on some of these bikes is scary enough and puts it out of reach of most of us (me included).
Funny thing is you could probably buy all the bits that make one up out of the catalouges for half that cost.....................Wouldn't be a Harley though.

[surfer]

Funny thing is you could probably buy all the bits that make one up out of the catalouges for half that cost.....................Wouldn't be a Harley though.

I agree, but I wouldn't buy from a lot of the catalogues because when you start to shop around there are some real shocking differences in price.

Anyway, what is a Harley? Is it the marketing hype and image that we are sucked into believing? Or the badge/emblem on the side of the tank? Or the V shaped motor? Or the distinctive noise? Or must it come from the showroom all neatly packaged covered in chrome as standard? You tell me cause I don't know.

Not everyone wants to ride a Harley; that may be by choice or not. I ride a bike and enjoy riding it, it's a yamaha and I love it. I have no plans to change it for another.

[AllanB]

Wouldn't be a Harley - most of the US chopper makers use S&S engines not Harleys.

I've liked them for years - I was getting chopper magazines 30 plus years ago. BUT the present set of carbon copy works leave me a bit cold, I'd rather have that cool Yamaha that has obviously been made with a bit of love and care than a $50k billet copy.

A bobber would be cool - maybe a VN800 based one.

[Geordie]

My 'Red Zeppelin' didn't cost mutch, engine brand new in the box $1600, next bigest item 2 sprintcar rear alloy half rims from the states, shop around you can do it.

[BAD DAD]

Geordie, did you get much hassle VINing your red zep?

[BAD DAD]

Surfer those yammy 650s do make nice looking chops eh? Saw a couple at that bike show in Manukau recently. Had a couple of tx650s years back and always regretted cashing them in.

[Bonez]

Wouldn't be a Harley - most of the US chopper makers use S&S engines not Harleys.

Tossed that in because there was some guy on the article rambling about his Harley with 100,000kms plus up. Thought it might spark a bit of discussion in general.

Hey BadDad how long have you had the speed four? They're on my short list if I decide to by a new again.

[Bonez]

Anyway, what is a Harley? Is it the marketing hype and image that we are sucked into believing? Yip I think marketing and image has a lot to do with it. If it wasn't for the tarrifs on japanese bikes in the 80s they'd been stuffed. More bums on two wheels though. Which is what really matters isn't it?

[ezinnz]

I'm not sure those guys are actually building bikes out there in Lower Hutt. I got the impression they were importing completes and on-selling them. Good on them for setting up a shop with a 'drop-in and hang out' sort of concept where people can get together and socialise too. Well, that and watch the girls polish your chrome!

I just don't see a sustainable market in a country this size for $50k+ custom bikes. Not with so many Kiwis having the do it yourself mentality which is what chopper building is all about anyway IMO.

Great bikes Surfer and Geordie. Very cool.

The most disturbing thing of the TVNZ article was when Sainsbury said the guys at the shop had secured the Teutels from Orange County Choppers to come to NZ next year for a visit. Hopefully customs will stop those loudmouth clowns getting through our borders.

On a more serious side, it looks like we are FINALLY getting new episodes of Biker Build Off on Discovery in the 1st week of January so watch for those. Shows with REAL builders like Jesse Rooke and more Mondo and new episodes with Billy Lane and Larry etc. Cool.

[surfer]

Surfer those yammy 650s do make nice looking chops eh? Saw a couple at that bike show in Manukau recently.

Yep, I saw em too and one of them was mine.

[surfer]

My 'Red Zeppelin' didn't cost mutch, engine brand new in the box $1600, next bigest item 2 sprintcar rear alloy half rims from the states, shop around you can do it.

That's right, all you need is a lot of perserverance. If you haven't done this before talk to someone who has as there are a lot of hidden pitfalls along the way and costs.


Geordie, did you get much hassle VINing your red zep?

I'd like to know this as well. I had serious doubts about starting with a new engine rather than taking a donor bike which is the route I went. I would love to do another bike taking the route Geordie's went but with an enfield engine and a retro look.

Also what does your bike ride like Geordie? Can you make corners and is it a bumpy ride?

[surfer]

Great bikes Surfer and Geordie. Very cool.

Cheers ezinnz.

I'm still running mine without paint or chrome at the moment to see what falls off or what needs changing before it gets the final makeover.

I just had a look at your profile ezinnz. Really nice looking bike you have there. I'm sure you had a web page up with your bike build. When I was building mine sometime back I emailed you for tips on getting through the certification and wof with a side mounted plate. Cheers for the reply you sent it was helpful as I went the side mounted plate route and it went through fine.

[ezinnz]

I remember Man and you're most welcome. Always happy to help another builder.

I did the same thing, rode it in primer for a few months to bed down any fabrication issues I got wrong. There were a few but it's all part of the process I guess.

I like the geometry on your frame a lot - nice lines. Great Job.

Still running my website, the address is watermarked on my profile pic.

Safe riding Man.

[R6_kid]

My 'Red Zeppelin' didn't cost mutch, engine brand new in the box $1600, next bigest item 2 sprintcar rear alloy half rims from the states, shop around you can do it.

i remember when i came to your place to get some parts for my zxr, you had those mini choppers that looked way better than the chinese imports on tardme... was wondering how your hobby would progress!

[Geordie]

its not vinned as its only a toy, it handles like a skateboard being chased by a very, very fat tire! its just for flattening sand castles on Muriwai beach and for show, promos and maybe rock videos>? who knows i just had to build it, looking for parts for my next build up???

[scumdog]

Tossed that in because there was some guy on the article rambling about his Harley with 100,000kms plus up. Thought it might spark a bit of discussion in general.

Hey BadDad how long have you had the speed four? They're on my short list if I decide to by a new again.

My mate got 120,000km out of his Evo before he stripped it - and he only decided to do that because it broke its first drive belt and decided to pull the motor down for a look-see, just honed the barrels and put a set of rings in it.

BTW He does NOT baby his scoot by any means.

[degrom]

Just stopped at the Chopper shop and it looks great... They even have a nice bobber in the range.

Some of the flame jobs on their choppers are also very nice!!! Would love to be able to get my painting skills at that level!!!

Will see if I visit the shop tomorrow...

[Geordie]

i have managed to stick 5 more pictures on the site, 2 are the Red Zeppelin, 1 is my Mk3 and 4 build and one of my bikes at he Crusty press conference at Western Boings at the Global Assault Tour. Mad Mike Jones crashed my trike at the end of the show....

[degrom]

i have managed to stick 5 more pictures on the site, 2 are the Red Zeppelin, 1 is my Mk3 and 4 build and one of my bikes at he Crusty press conference at Western Boings at the Global Assault Tour. Mad Mike Jones crashed my trike at the end of the show....

Nice stuff...

Here is a quick link to the photo's...
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/gallery/displayimage.php?album=lastup&cat=0&pos=4

Love the creations!!!

[Waylander]

.... and new episodes with Billy Lane and Larry etc. Cool.

Fuck Indian Larry is a damn good bike builder!! Kinda wondering how Discovery would film him building the bikes for new episodes though.....

[Motu]

Billy Lane could do his build from in jail too....

I've seen your bikes too Geordie - you beat the mini chopper craze by a long way.

[degrom]

Fuck Indian Larry is a damn good bike builder!! Kinda wondering how Discovery would film him building the bikes for new episodes though.....

Yes,he was a great builder and a friend to a lot of people. Wish there were more people like him. Was very hart breaking when I heard he died, felt like I lost a friend...

Luckily he died doing what he loved most... :scooter:

[ezinnz]

Fuck Indian Larry is a damn good bike builder!! Kinda wondering how Discovery would film him building the bikes for new episodes though.....

We're due to get 'Round 4' of the series here next. This round started screening in the US on 11 Jan 05 so they're quite old. Better late than never though I guess.

Larry only filmed one episode of this round (before his end) but guys like Ron Finch and Roland Sands make an appearance so that should be very cool.

That big wheel bike is superb Geordie. Fantastic job.

[degrom]

Looks nice... Here are a few pictures.

[degrom]

The black bobber is really practical, something that could really be used on our road.

Liked the T-shirts... LOL

[Geordie]

We're due to get 'Round 4' of the series here next. This round started screening in the US on 11 Jan 05 so they're quite old. Better late than never though I guess.

Larry only filmed one episode of this round (before his end) but guys like Ron Finch and Roland Sands make an appearance so that should be very cool.

That big wheel bike is superb Geordie. Fantastic job.

I used to be a welder but I'm all right now!

[Waylander]

We're due to get 'Round 4' of the series here next. This round started screening in the US on 11 Jan 05 so they're quite old. Better late than never though I guess.

Larry only filmed one episode of this round (before his end) but guys like Ron Finch and Roland Sands make an appearance so that should be very cool.

That big wheel bike is superb Geordie. Fantastic job.
Talk to Slashwylde, he's got a few of them on his computer. He made a copy for me and it had Larry's final eppisode and also a tribute bike built by all the winners.

[El Dopa]

Wouldn't be a Harley - most of the US chopper makers use S&S engines not Harleys.

I always thought S&S engines were Harleys? Not that I've really thought about it that much....what are the differences?


A bobber would be cool - maybe a VN800 based one.

I'm pretty keen on building a metric bobber one of these days. For the rides where I just want to cruise a bit, and not go full bore.

Can someone explain what difference a hardtail (rigid frame?) compared to a softail (sprung rear?) makes? I'm a bit dubious looking at some of those rigid rear ends. what does it do to the handling? cornering? etc.

[Pixie]

I just missed it, i make choppers, more like art, not like the inbreads at Orange County Choppers or as I call them Allwhinge County Choppers, Do they only have one style of frame??? Have a gander at my latest crationthing - 'Red Zeppelin' there's a picture on the KB site. DVD soon....
They are craftsmen.
You can tell by the way their most common tool when assembling bikes is a hammer.

P.S. If any KB'ers get the urge to spend big money on an ill handling gutless piece of choppershit,just send the cash to:Pixie C/o Bugtussle Post Office and I'll relieve you of the ability to waste good cash.

[BAD DAD]

Hey BadDad how long have you had the speed four? They're on my short list if I decide to by a new again.[/QUOTE]

Bought it new in January this year and have really enjoyed it so far although I was looking forward to more free time to ride ended up working 7 days a week most weeks. Guess what my new years resolution is ( again ) ?

[Bonez]

Other alternative V-twin engines for choppers are RevTech and Ultima El Bruto donks.

[Motu]

And the CX500 of course,how could you miss them out?

[Bonez]

And the CX500 of course,how could you miss them out?You got me on that one. Must be a bit slow today. Grand kids have worn me out already.

[degrom]

Other alternative V-twin engines for choppers are RevTech and Ultima El Bruto donks.

What about a TL or SV engine? How many horses can a Harley produce? I am sure a TL V-Twin can give it a go... ???

[Waylander]

What about a TL or SV engine? How many horses can a Harley produce? I am sure a TL V-Twin can give it a go... ???

TL engones are 115hp according to a mate that rides one. But any engine can be used for a chopper. Makes them more original and back when they first started chopping bikes they did it to whatever they could get thier hands on so it would truely be oldschool.

[El Dopa]

What about a TL or SV engine? How many horses can a Harley produce? I am sure a TL V-Twin can give it a go... ???

I was wondering about that. The one thing about the SV engine is that it's a 90deg V-twin. Most of the choppers/bobbers I've seen use a far narrower configuration of V.

I assume that would cause some difficulties with frame configuration.

[degrom]

I was wondering about that. The one thing about the SV engine is that it's a 90deg V-twin. Most of the choppers/bobbers I've seen use a far narrower configuration of V.

I assume that would cause some difficulties with frame configuration.

Yes... If you build Lego choppers then your Mecano SV engine won't fit.

But you can always build a Mecano SV bobber that almost handles like a bike and has a proper engine!!! LOL

[madandy]

Know a guy building his own Chopper here in Tga... Has a HD engine that has been oversized & supercharged to the point where it no longer fits into a stock HD frame. He's imported an over sized frame from Carolina Customs and is building it up from all imported parts. 300 rear tyre. 250+hp.
Horses for courses...

[degrom]

Know a guy building his own Chopper here in Tga... Has a HD engine that has been oversized & supercharged to the point where it no longer fits into a HD frame. He's imported an over sized frame from California Customs and is building it up from all imported parts. 300 rear tyre. 250+hp.
Horses for courses...

Now why is the guy not on KiwiBiker? I believe it's part of the rules when you joint this forum... (One new member per year and cage to bike conversion gets bonus points... LOL)

Sounds really interesting. Please get the guy to post some pictures and say a few words. We are all interested in the topic...

[El Dopa]

Yes... If you build Lego choppers then your Mecano SV engine won't fit.

But you can always build a Mecano SV bobber that almost handles like a bike and has a proper engine!!! LOL

Well, yeah. But it's always easier to follow a trail someone has already broken than to donate sweat, blood, dollars and time that could be spent riding figuring it out from yuor own mistakes. Especially as I am more or less mechanically cack-handed.

[degrom]

Well, yeah. But it's always easier to follow a trail someone has already broken than to donate sweat, blood, dollars and time that could be spent riding figuring it out from yuor own mistakes. Especially as I am more or less mechanically cack-handed.

Very true...

My idea of custom chopper might be off a bit. I think of it as a one of a kind that you build your self and that you know like the palm of your hands. (I liked to make my own LEGO creatures... LOL)

I also think chopper is a life style you can't buy but have to live... Anyone can pay $50k for peace of metal, but can you really call it yours?

[ezinnz]

Very true...

My idea of custom chopper might be off a bit. I think of it as a one of a kind that you build your self and that you know like the palm of your hands. (I liked to make my own LEGO creatures... LOL)

I also think chopper is a life style you can't buy but have to live... Anyone can pay $50k for peace of metal, but can you really call it yours?

My thoughts exactly. People buying 'showroom choppers' don't get it. Hotrodding's the same : Ride What You Build!

[madandy]

Most of these 'Choppers' aren't even made to order...this outfit in Wellington is importing them already made up and painted? that's sad IMHO, but there is obviously demand - The chopper phenomenon is fuelled, mainly by wealthy or finacially better off born again bikers...if it weren't for these middle aged guys buying custom bike builders' creations there'd be a lot less chopppers and a lot more H.D.'s or other big, soft, cruisy, overpriced peices of art.


Now why is the guy not on KiwiBiker? I believe it's part of the rules when you joint this forum... (One new member per year and cage to bike conversion gets bonus points... LOL)

Sounds really interesting. Please get the guy to post some pictures and say a few words. We are all interested in the topic...

Ok I'm dragging the chain, only introduced two new people to Kiwi biker in 3 years, but one is a cage to bike convert...so I'm just scraping by!

As for the guy building the Chopper - He's a buisness man, Part owns a serious race car team, and "...too busy..." for online antics :(...I'll be trying to convince him & his Woman to ride to Paeroa this Feb once he's back from the States. May be on the New Chopper but more likely his Hog or Trumpet.

I'll ask him for some more detailed info on the bike and take some photos for ya.

Andy

[degrom]

Most of these 'Choppers' aren't even made to order...this outfit in Well is importing them already made up and painted? that's sad IMHO, but there is onviously demand - The chopper phenomenon is fuelled by wealthy or finacially better off born again bikers...if it weren't for these middle aged guys buying custom bike builders' creations there'd be a lot less chopppers and a lot more H.D.'s or other big, soft, cruisy, overpriced peices of art.



Ok I'm dragging the chain, only introduced two new people to Kiwi biker in 3 years, but one is a cage to bike convert...so I'm just scraping by!

As for the guy building the Chopper - He's a buisness man, Part owns a serious race car team, and "...too busy..." for online antics...I'll be trying to convince him to ride to Paeroa this Feb once he's back from the States. May be on the New Chopper but more likely his Hog or Trumpet.

I'll ask him for some more detailed info on the bike and take some photos for ya.

Andy


Nice... Can't wait for February!!!! Me and a few mates are also planning to ride to the the bike show.

[El Dopa]

Very true...

My idea of custom chopper might be off a bit. I think of it as a one of a kind that you build your self and that you know like the palm of your hands. (I liked to make my own LEGO creatures... LOL)

I also think chopper is a life style you can't buy but have to live... Anyone can pay $50k for peace of metal, but can you really call it yours?

My last post probably got misinterpreted a bit. I'm not trying to suggest that a cookie cutter type 'custom' is what I'm after.

What I mean is, for example, if someone has already tried putting e.g. an SV engine or other 90deg V-twin in a custom frame, they'll have a pretty good idea of what problems it might cause, and how to steer away from these next time round.

So if I do start down the road of building my own from scratch, it's almost like a warning sign, or a friendly mates word in your ear telling you 'I wouldn't do it like that. I tried that and it was a real ballache. Try it like this instead'.

Just a quicker way to get through the maze without having to hit every single one of the dead ends.

[Geordie]

Merry Thingmouse to all, Hey El Dopa, you would appriecate my short movie 'The Worlds Fastest Mexican'... a spoof of 'The Worlds Fastest Indian'..

[degrom]

My last post probably got misinterpreted a bit. I'm not trying to suggest that a cookie cutter type 'custom' is what I'm after.

What I mean is, for example, if someone has already tried putting e.g. an SV engine or other 90deg V-twin in a custom frame, they'll have a pretty good idea of what problems it might cause, and how to steer away from these next time round.

So if I do start down the road of building my own from scratch, it's almost like a warning sign, or a friendly mates word in your ear telling you 'I wouldn't do it like that. I tried that and it was a real ballache. Try it like this instead'.

Just a quicker way to get through the maze without having to hit every single one of the dead ends.

Yes... I know what you mean.. You don't want to reinvent the wheel.

I have noticed a thing about the V-Twin setup,the back cylinder is always hard to get to. Things like valves and tappets are hard to get to.

I am planning on building my own chopper some day. But I would consider building a Metric Chopper using a proper Jap motor. A motor you can get spares for and that does not need tones of maintains. Was thinking of a gs1200ss motor. Buy a second hand one that's only 2 years old and with say 10'000km on. Then you can use most of the parts from the standard bike to build your chopper. Things like the brakes and Carb's are nice to have close to new state...

Else I would go for an old knuckle head and re-do the engine from top to bottom.

I would love to build my own frame,but that is asking a lot and will cost a lot of R&D. Well worth it in the end... (It's just getting to the end that's the problem!!! LOL.)

[madandy]

So after a couple of beers around Christmas it turns out that this bike is gonna receive a S&S engine of 96Cu in.to keep the power down for 2 up cruising.Its about 3m long! The Frame is from Carolina Customs and most parts have been sourced ex. USA. Should be on show at the FF bike show in Tga in Feb.

The 104Cu In. blown engine is now gonna stay in its modified HD for one up grunting...the supercharger is off at the mo due to the engine continually twisting the blower's shaft:gob: so is being strengthened for more torque.

[degrom]

It looks brilliant!!! Thanks for the photo's...

[Geordie]

Red Zeppelins on you tube.... so far two clips, on fire on start up and finally the road test, click for video -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3Y8aLA7Qrg

[degrom]

Red Zeppelins on you tube.... so far two clips, on fire on start up and finally the road test, click for video -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3Y8aLA7Qrg

Great stuff!!!

[Geordie]

oh, i forgot, The Worlds Fastest Mexicans on there too.......watch out for that fat tire behind you!!!

[El Dopa]

oh, i forgot, The Worlds Fastest Mexicans on there too.......watch out for that fat tire behind you!!!

Looked for that the other day, couldn't find it. Can you post a link?

[Steam]

Looked for that the other day, couldn't find it. Can you post a link?

When you get to the youtube link posted above, click on MadGeordie's name and up comes a list of all his films.

[Geordie]

try
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kf9ABWYjWHg

the roadtest of the zepplins on ther two, happy new year.

[Geordie]

try
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kf9ABWYjWHg
happy new year,

[Geordie]

Geordie, did you get much hassle VINing your red zep?
Its not vinned its only a toy,,,,