Does a chopper have to be a v twin?

**Cookie** · 7th January 2007, 11:02

Originally Posted by Waylander

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ad.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.

Originally Posted by Pwalo

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

Originally Posted by Wired1

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

Originally Posted by Wired1

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/sh...ad.php?t=41936

**degrom** · 19th January 2007, 06:46

Originally Posted by slowpoke

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.......

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