choppers...WHY???
Discussion
Why in the world would you ever buy a chopper??
i don't mean to offend, but they look crap, don't handle as well as a sports bike (don't say they can, that's y you don't see any chopper super bikes), sports bikes sound better (imo) i just like a whining V12 compared to a rumbling V8 ((i am totaly aware that v8's & v12's aren't standard fare on bikes)) (((and yes i know what the tomahawk is too)))
i just odn't see any point with the exception of trying to look BA
i don't mean to offend, but they look crap, don't handle as well as a sports bike (don't say they can, that's y you don't see any chopper super bikes), sports bikes sound better (imo) i just like a whining V12 compared to a rumbling V8 ((i am totaly aware that v8's & v12's aren't standard fare on bikes)) (((and yes i know what the tomahawk is too)))
i just odn't see any point with the exception of trying to look BA
They look good, they can look jaw droppingly gorgeous sometimes and they can take a huge amount of work, skill, talent and inspiration to make. They look a lot of fun to ride.
Personally I'll take a 500cc Daytona engined low rider in blue, spindly as poss with blue flames on the tank.
EDIT: Not buy, MAKE!
Personally I'll take a 500cc Daytona engined low rider in blue, spindly as poss with blue flames on the tank.
EDIT: Not buy, MAKE!
Edited by hiccy on Monday 29th January 23:36
It is a different type of biking that makes them attractive,
probably not backed up here amongst performance-orientated pistonheads.
Chopper riding means a more "laid-back" attitude (and sometimes seating position...
),
not competing for top speed,but to ride in a more relaxed way,
not bothering about lap times, but enjoying the ride more,
even if it takes a few minutes more to arrive than the guy on a sportsbike.
Originally, choppers were not "to buy", but "to build",
individually creating the sort of bike the rider wanted.
Then the "Easy Rider Outlaw-Biker" image thing caught on more and more
of the "quite normal biking bloke", and so the companies followed the trend.
I still like the individually buily bikes the most,
not built in TV show glitz, but in the garage (or even kitchen) of a real skillful biker.
(Anybody remember AWOL magazine?)
OK, so most factory choppers compromize in terms of handling and touring capabilities,
but they must not always do that.
It is surprising how fast a well-built chopper can move in traffic (or in the mountains),
using more of the torquey low-and midrange power they should have,
not aiming at five-digit revs and 150 mph or more.
And if you attend chopper rallys, you will find many a bike that has been ridden
500-1000 miles to get there, regardless of rigid frame or apehanger.
Cheers, and good riding to @ll,
Benni
probably not backed up here amongst performance-orientated pistonheads.
Chopper riding means a more "laid-back" attitude (and sometimes seating position...
), not competing for top speed,but to ride in a more relaxed way,
not bothering about lap times, but enjoying the ride more,
even if it takes a few minutes more to arrive than the guy on a sportsbike.
Originally, choppers were not "to buy", but "to build",
individually creating the sort of bike the rider wanted.
Then the "Easy Rider Outlaw-Biker" image thing caught on more and more
of the "quite normal biking bloke", and so the companies followed the trend.
I still like the individually buily bikes the most,
not built in TV show glitz, but in the garage (or even kitchen) of a real skillful biker.
(Anybody remember AWOL magazine?)
OK, so most factory choppers compromize in terms of handling and touring capabilities,
but they must not always do that.
It is surprising how fast a well-built chopper can move in traffic (or in the mountains),
using more of the torquey low-and midrange power they should have,
not aiming at five-digit revs and 150 mph or more.
And if you attend chopper rallys, you will find many a bike that has been ridden
500-1000 miles to get there, regardless of rigid frame or apehanger.
Cheers, and good riding to @ll,
Benni
chilli said:
Hmmm, I can see the attraction, as everytime I see one I'd stop and admire the work that went into it....but I'd never buy one...I mean, what would I use it for!!
I agree.
The nearest I have been to riding one was a Virago loan bike I had. I was walking like Quasimodo for a week afterwards it was so uncomfy.
They don’t do much for me, I’ve never liked raked out forks, however, I can admire the workmanship involved, and really it’s an American thing, with long dead straight roads and the ‘cruising’ style.
The ‘Chopper’ was just the next evolution of the ‘Bobber’ which was a much better look IMHO......more hardcore and compatible era wise with our ‘Café Racer’ era.
You can tell I’m not young.......
And I'd take a V-twin or parallel twin over a four any day.....
The ‘Chopper’ was just the next evolution of the ‘Bobber’ which was a much better look IMHO......more hardcore and compatible era wise with our ‘Café Racer’ era.
You can tell I’m not young.......
And I'd take a V-twin or parallel twin over a four any day.....
when i bought my 50 i really wanted a fantic chopper just to be different to everyone else but they are now rare as hens teeth and about £2500 if you can locate one
if the bike it just for cruising about and posing it will certainly appeal to some audiences but given the option of something else ill steer clear
if the bike it just for cruising about and posing it will certainly appeal to some audiences but given the option of something else ill steer clear
Edited by kingb on Tuesday 30th January 12:30
Young man, there's no need to feel down.
I said, young man, pick yourself off the ground.
I said, young man, 'cause you're in a new town
There's no need to be unhappy.
Young man, there's a place you can go.
I said, young man, when you're short on your dough.
You can stay there, and I'm sure you will find
Many ways to have a good time.
It's fun to stay at the y-m-c-a.
It's fun to stay at the y-m-c-a.
They have everything for you men to enjoy,
You can hang out with all the boys ...
It's fun to stay at the y-m-c-a.
It's fun to stay at the y-m-c-a.
You can get yourself cleaned, you can have a good meal,
You can do whatever you feel ...
Young man, are you listening to me?
I said, young man, what do you want to be?
I said, young man, you can make real your dreams.
But you got to know this one thing!
No man does it all by himself.
I said, young man, put your pride on the shelf,
And just go there, to the y.m.c.a.
I'm sure they can help you today.
It's fun to stay at the y-m-c-a.
It's fun to stay at the y-m-c-a.
They have everything for you men to enjoy,
You can hang out with all the boys ...
It's fun to stay at the y-m-c-a.
It's fun to stay at the y-m-c-a.
You can get yourself cleaned, you can have a good meal,
You can do whatever you feel ...
Young man, I was once in your shoes.
I said, I was down and out with the blues.
I felt no man cared if I were alive.
I felt the whole world was so tight ...
That's when someone came up to me,
And said, young man, take a walk up the street.
There's a place there called the y.m.c.a.
They can start you back on your way.
It's fun to stay at the y-m-c-a.
It's fun to stay at the y-m-c-a.
They have everything for you men to enjoy,
You can hang out with all the boys ...
Y-m-c-a ... you'll find it at the y-m-c-a.
Young man, young man, there's no need to feel down.
Young man, young man, get yourself off the ground.
Y-m-c-a ... you'll find it at the y-m-c-a.
Young man, young man, there's no need to feel down.
Young man, young man, get yourself off the ground.
Y-m-c-a ... just go to the y-m-c-a.
Young man, young man, are you listening to me?
Young man, young man, what do you wanna be?
I said, young man, pick yourself off the ground.
I said, young man, 'cause you're in a new town
There's no need to be unhappy.
Young man, there's a place you can go.
I said, young man, when you're short on your dough.
You can stay there, and I'm sure you will find
Many ways to have a good time.
It's fun to stay at the y-m-c-a.
It's fun to stay at the y-m-c-a.
They have everything for you men to enjoy,
You can hang out with all the boys ...
It's fun to stay at the y-m-c-a.
It's fun to stay at the y-m-c-a.
You can get yourself cleaned, you can have a good meal,
You can do whatever you feel ...
Young man, are you listening to me?
I said, young man, what do you want to be?
I said, young man, you can make real your dreams.
But you got to know this one thing!
No man does it all by himself.
I said, young man, put your pride on the shelf,
And just go there, to the y.m.c.a.
I'm sure they can help you today.
It's fun to stay at the y-m-c-a.
It's fun to stay at the y-m-c-a.
They have everything for you men to enjoy,
You can hang out with all the boys ...
It's fun to stay at the y-m-c-a.
It's fun to stay at the y-m-c-a.
You can get yourself cleaned, you can have a good meal,
You can do whatever you feel ...
Young man, I was once in your shoes.
I said, I was down and out with the blues.
I felt no man cared if I were alive.
I felt the whole world was so tight ...
That's when someone came up to me,
And said, young man, take a walk up the street.
There's a place there called the y.m.c.a.
They can start you back on your way.
It's fun to stay at the y-m-c-a.
It's fun to stay at the y-m-c-a.
They have everything for you men to enjoy,
You can hang out with all the boys ...
Y-m-c-a ... you'll find it at the y-m-c-a.
Young man, young man, there's no need to feel down.
Young man, young man, get yourself off the ground.
Y-m-c-a ... you'll find it at the y-m-c-a.
Young man, young man, there's no need to feel down.
Young man, young man, get yourself off the ground.
Y-m-c-a ... just go to the y-m-c-a.
Young man, young man, are you listening to me?
Young man, young man, what do you wanna be?
Funny isn't it: more people seem to be OK with the idea of a chopper than with a chavved-up Saxo... 
when it's still just a matter of taste/ lifestyle/ skill of the builder etc.
I did run a CB550 semi-chop for a while; it was a bit sad, but it attracted plenty of comment. Must rummage for a picture...
me in tasselled leather and a ponytail... 
when it's still just a matter of taste/ lifestyle/ skill of the builder etc. I did run a CB550 semi-chop for a while; it was a bit sad, but it attracted plenty of comment. Must rummage for a picture...
me in tasselled leather and a ponytail... 
Rawwr said:
Young man, there's no need to feel down.
I said, young man, pick yourself off the ground.
I said, young man, 'cause you're in a new town
There's no need to be unhappy.
Young man, there's a place you can go.
I said, young man, when you're short on your dough.
You can stay there, and I'm sure you will find
Many ways to have a good time.
It's fun to stay at the y-m-c-a.
It's fun to stay at the y-m-c-a.
They have everything for you men to enjoy,
You can hang out with all the boys ...
It's fun to stay at the y-m-c-a.
It's fun to stay at the y-m-c-a.
You can get yourself cleaned, you can have a good meal,
You can do whatever you feel ...
Young man, are you listening to me?
I said, young man, what do you want to be?
I said, young man, you can make real your dreams.
But you got to know this one thing!
No man does it all by himself.
I said, young man, put your pride on the shelf,
And just go there, to the y.m.c.a.
I'm sure they can help you today.
It's fun to stay at the y-m-c-a.
It's fun to stay at the y-m-c-a.
They have everything for you men to enjoy,
You can hang out with all the boys ...
It's fun to stay at the y-m-c-a.
It's fun to stay at the y-m-c-a.
You can get yourself cleaned, you can have a good meal,
You can do whatever you feel ...
Young man, I was once in your shoes.
I said, I was down and out with the blues.
I felt no man cared if I were alive.
I felt the whole world was so tight ...
That's when someone came up to me,
And said, young man, take a walk up the street.
There's a place there called the y.m.c.a.
They can start you back on your way.
It's fun to stay at the y-m-c-a.
It's fun to stay at the y-m-c-a.
They have everything for you men to enjoy,
You can hang out with all the boys ...
Y-m-c-a ... you'll find it at the y-m-c-a.
Young man, young man, there's no need to feel down.
Young man, young man, get yourself off the ground.
Y-m-c-a ... you'll find it at the y-m-c-a.
Young man, young man, there's no need to feel down.
Young man, young man, get yourself off the ground.
Y-m-c-a ... just go to the y-m-c-a.
Young man, young man, are you listening to me?
Young man, young man, what do you wanna be?
I said, young man, pick yourself off the ground.
I said, young man, 'cause you're in a new town
There's no need to be unhappy.
Young man, there's a place you can go.
I said, young man, when you're short on your dough.
You can stay there, and I'm sure you will find
Many ways to have a good time.
It's fun to stay at the y-m-c-a.
It's fun to stay at the y-m-c-a.
They have everything for you men to enjoy,
You can hang out with all the boys ...
It's fun to stay at the y-m-c-a.
It's fun to stay at the y-m-c-a.
You can get yourself cleaned, you can have a good meal,
You can do whatever you feel ...
Young man, are you listening to me?
I said, young man, what do you want to be?
I said, young man, you can make real your dreams.
But you got to know this one thing!
No man does it all by himself.
I said, young man, put your pride on the shelf,
And just go there, to the y.m.c.a.
I'm sure they can help you today.
It's fun to stay at the y-m-c-a.
It's fun to stay at the y-m-c-a.
They have everything for you men to enjoy,
You can hang out with all the boys ...
It's fun to stay at the y-m-c-a.
It's fun to stay at the y-m-c-a.
You can get yourself cleaned, you can have a good meal,
You can do whatever you feel ...
Young man, I was once in your shoes.
I said, I was down and out with the blues.
I felt no man cared if I were alive.
I felt the whole world was so tight ...
That's when someone came up to me,
And said, young man, take a walk up the street.
There's a place there called the y.m.c.a.
They can start you back on your way.
It's fun to stay at the y-m-c-a.
It's fun to stay at the y-m-c-a.
They have everything for you men to enjoy,
You can hang out with all the boys ...
Y-m-c-a ... you'll find it at the y-m-c-a.
Young man, young man, there's no need to feel down.
Young man, young man, get yourself off the ground.
Y-m-c-a ... you'll find it at the y-m-c-a.
Young man, young man, there's no need to feel down.
Young man, young man, get yourself off the ground.
Y-m-c-a ... just go to the y-m-c-a.
Young man, young man, are you listening to me?
Young man, young man, what do you wanna be?
Looks like someone's just 'outed' themselves......
wedg1e said:
Funny isn't it: more people seem to be OK with the idea of a chopper than with a chavved-up Saxo...
IMO that is probably because the bolt on style of customising appropriate to Saxo's bears closer comparison to the superbike with end can/tail tidy/hugger/LED indicators style (sound familiar?
) than the chopper which shares a lot more with the level of work and talent that go into hot rods. wedg1e said:
when it's still just a matter of taste/ lifestyle/ skill of the builder etc.
If you wanna ride a chavved up gixxer, Swede style panhead or a full dress Hog, it doesn't really matter so long as you ride
hiccy said:
wedg1e said:
Funny isn't it: more people seem to be OK with the idea of a chopper than with a chavved-up Saxo...
IMO that is probably because the bolt on style of customising appropriate to Saxo's bears closer comparison to the superbike with end can/tail tidy/hugger/LED indicators style (sound familiar?
) than the chopper which shares a lot more with the level of work and talent that go into hot rods. wedg1e said:
when it's still just a matter of taste/ lifestyle/ skill of the builder etc.
If you wanna ride a chavved up gixxer, Swede style panhead or a full dress Hog, it doesn't really matter so long as you ride
True... though I draw the line at having my name emblazoned across the rear of my topbox, as a certain Mr. McRae had done to the ST1300 I saw at Whites in Darlington the other day...
Some of them look good (at least the ones with shorter front forks) that OCC have made. The Lance Armstrong bike, the Sunoco bike, the Jay Leno bike too.
www.orangecountychoppers.com/occ/onairtheme.html
www.orangecountychoppers.com/occ/onairtheme.html
FourWheelDrift said:
Love the stuff on the 'Old School Series' For Sale page, and in particular the 'Orange Bobber'......
Edited by aeropilot on Tuesday 30th January 22:17
I had one of these fly past me on the motorway (not actual bike):
I stopped for petrol at the services and it was at the next pump. Apparently it's a Yamaha Warrior. I've never been into choppers but "bugger me" what a gorgeous bike. It's so low and aggressive looking. It sounded awesome with a pair of slash-cut pipes.
I stopped for petrol at the services and it was at the next pump. Apparently it's a Yamaha Warrior. I've never been into choppers but "bugger me" what a gorgeous bike. It's so low and aggressive looking. It sounded awesome with a pair of slash-cut pipes.
Edited by supersingle on Tuesday 30th January 23:33
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