Chopper Motorcycles
An Introductory Guide To Custom Chopper Motorcycles
Custom chopper motorcycles are essentially the bi-product of aesthetic and practical customization of design. The potential for motorcycle customization may well have arose purely out of keen interest of motorcycle enthusiasts in improving standard models of motorcycles at the time, in essence perhaps out of amusement or avocation.
The Origin of Chopper Motorcycles
The trend towards the chopper motorcycle was exhibited at first mainly in post war America in the 50’s as the desire to remove excess bulk from standard models proved appealing, further augmentation would ensue. Custom chopper motorcycles display several key differences from their 1940’s counterparts and can be typically attributed to changes in stylistic and practical preference. Parts that were not paramount to the fundamental performance of the motorcycle including, parts aesthetically superficial such as fenders were altered or removed.
Changes primarily focused on the replacement of essential and non-essential chopper parts with lighter and less cumbrous ones, this became more apparent with the introduction of smaller fuel tanks and wheel sizes. In time the chopper frame could also be completely altered providing further emphasis on the choppers appearance in general.
From Standard To Custom Chopper Motorcycle
The chopper motorcycle ‘chopper’ being derivative of ‘to chop’ because of the cutting and removal of parts explains the extent of the modifications made to more standardized motorcycle design. The intended results achieved through the customization of the chopper frame and mechanics provided significant adjustment to both performance and style. Changing the frontal design with the introduction of a longer fork for instance enabled the motorcyclist to achieve a steadier effect at accelerated speeds despite impairing handling when moving slowly. Other augmentations such as replacing a heavy saddle and lowering of its position closer to the ground granted the operator with a greater sense of control.
The Popularity Of Chopper Motorcycles
The appearance of the chopper motorcycle has become an established and popular convention of motorcycle design. In more recent times the popularity of the chopper motorcycle has lead to the current boom in the further customization of the vehicle. With the practical design essentially established many of these so called custom motorcycles are augmented to provide an original aesthetic appearance without too much effect on performance.
Custom Built Choppers
Generally a standard factory Harley Davidson is used as the basis for the design, the motorcycle being first stripped down to completely basic functionality and the process carried out from then onwards. This basic skeleton provides a building block from which substantial reworking and adjustment can occur.
This often will include the addition of smaller parts, lights and the fuel tank for example, as well as the lowering of the saddle and extension of the handle bars. Of the most major changes are the reworking of the exhaust pipes as well as the frame itself, a longer fork and smaller, wider wheels being preferable.
The most popular custom built choppers are: West Coast Choppers and Orange County Choppers.
The extent of the visual customization has become extremely varied and often considerably original. Using specialized metals along with detailed paint jobs has provided many outlets for the creative development of the chopper motorcycles aesthetic design. The popularity and demand especially for original custom choppers has provided an industry in itself, there are now many ‘chop’ shops dedicated solely to this purpose.
More About Chopper Motorcycles
Chopper Bikes
A chopper motorcycle is basically a name given a hand built chopper motorcycle. It is more often than not a high performance custom motorcycle for haul racing plus a lot of costly chopper parts are involved in it.
Harley Chopper
Before you go out and buy yourself a Harley Chopper, it's wise to do your homework and determine which type of chopper motorcycle is best suited for you.
Cheap Choppers
Do you want a cheap chopper? Don't forget quality used custom chopper bikes. You can buy a top quality chopper motorcycle at a massive discount if you go for a used model.
Custom Choppers And Mini Motorcycles
Custom Motorcycle
To avoid unpredictable result, experienced custom chopper builders recommend waiting until you can buy all the different custom chopper parts from the same manufacturer.
Mini Chopper Motorcycles
What happens if you’re driving a mini chopper on a public road and you’re stopped by a police officer? Chances are you could get a citation for a vehicle code offense.