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

[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:Me]

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...