Discussion
AnimalMkIV said:
Crotch rockets. Why?
Who wants to be hunched up like a demented foetus?
That too.Who wants to be hunched up like a demented foetus?
There does seem to be a theory in some quarters that any concession to comfort or practicality hampers cornering ability to the point of being fundamentally, even morally, wrong. But even chopper fans don't argue that their creations handle better than conventional bikes.
Historically because the ex military bikes that ex servicemen bought had lots of weight so everything that could be chopped was chopped. Then that evolved to long fronts because Springer forks can be extended with a welder, pegs moved forward and seats given cissy backs etc for comfort.
I've ridden every type of bike there is and always spent my own money on commuters or choppers. I particularly like the laid back style of riding on a chop, ape hangers hold your arms in a nice position, pegs right out in front and big comfy seat, storage for a few days shopping etc just meant I enjoyed it more. (I wasnt running a car at the time so bike was daily everything).
I've ridden every type of bike there is and always spent my own money on commuters or choppers. I particularly like the laid back style of riding on a chop, ape hangers hold your arms in a nice position, pegs right out in front and big comfy seat, storage for a few days shopping etc just meant I enjoyed it more. (I wasnt running a car at the time so bike was daily everything).
ZedLeg said:
As with most modding and custom building the answer is why not?
Some of the stuff has got a bit silly but the original idea was making something unique to you.
I don’t really get the modern 5 foot forks and 250 section tyre builds but the classic ones are cool imo.
I think "why not?" is the best answer, people do all sorts of things to their bikes and more power to them.Some of the stuff has got a bit silly but the original idea was making something unique to you.
I don’t really get the modern 5 foot forks and 250 section tyre builds but the classic ones are cool imo.
I haven't followed the custom scene in decades but really long forks and big back tyres is probably derivative of the Swedish style choppers of the 80's, except they used car tyres. The bit I don't "get" in modern customs are the huge front wheels.
Choppers are merely an extreme case of form over function. A well crafted machine is more a piece of art than a useful conveyance.
Whether or not you appreciate them is entirely subjective.
I quite like authentic late 60's and early '70s machines, particularly vintage Arlen Ness digger style bikes. They are interesting period pieces, even if you would look like a tit on one trying to negotiate a mini roundabout.
They may be functionally incontinent, but you could probably say that about most vintage bikes these days.
The world would be a very boring place if we all liked the same things.
Whether or not you appreciate them is entirely subjective.
I quite like authentic late 60's and early '70s machines, particularly vintage Arlen Ness digger style bikes. They are interesting period pieces, even if you would look like a tit on one trying to negotiate a mini roundabout.
They may be functionally incontinent, but you could probably say that about most vintage bikes these days.
The world would be a very boring place if we all liked the same things.
Lost ranger said:
AnimalMkIV said:
Crotch rockets. Why?
Who wants to be hunched up like a demented foetus?
That too.Who wants to be hunched up like a demented foetus?
There does seem to be a theory in some quarters that any concession to comfort or practicality hampers cornering ability to the point of being fundamentally, even morally, wrong. But even chopper fans don't argue that their creations handle better than conventional bikes.
I always find these sort of simplistic posts a bit strange.. a bit like saying, "Curries... why?" Cos some folk like them and there's all sorts of different flavours.
There are many sorts of choppers out there, some built to cover miles, some built for show. Some with big engines, some with little engines. Some go round bends better than the bikes they are based on, some don't. Don't write off a whole style of bike without learning a bit more about them... you never know, you may find something you like. I've owned classics, muscle bikes, sports bikes (admittedly, only a few as they are my least favourite style so far) and some of the best trips I've done have been on hard tail chops. As soon as I have the space, I will be building/buying another. It will live alongside a restored T140ES and a restored 1970s Laverda, a couple of old custom Harleys and a modern muscle bike. It will offer a completely different riding experience to the others... variety etc. My mate runs a straight four BMW with about a 100 grand on it, he loves it, I think it's pointless for my lifestyle.
And for those thinking that they are not useable on British roads, handle badly etc. Everything's a compromise and it's all matter of perspective, but a well built chop can make a pretty good commuter, tourer, drag racer and, as long as attention is paid to keeping the trail within certain limits, can handle surprisingly well even with two foot over length forks and a forty five degree rake. Obviously not like a modern sports bike, but certainly not dangerous or unpleasant to ride. Without a doubt, my hardtails have ridden better than my hot rods, but I'd guess that the sort of person who asks, "Choppers, why?" would probably ask the same of hot rods...
There are many sorts of choppers out there, some built to cover miles, some built for show. Some with big engines, some with little engines. Some go round bends better than the bikes they are based on, some don't. Don't write off a whole style of bike without learning a bit more about them... you never know, you may find something you like. I've owned classics, muscle bikes, sports bikes (admittedly, only a few as they are my least favourite style so far) and some of the best trips I've done have been on hard tail chops. As soon as I have the space, I will be building/buying another. It will live alongside a restored T140ES and a restored 1970s Laverda, a couple of old custom Harleys and a modern muscle bike. It will offer a completely different riding experience to the others... variety etc. My mate runs a straight four BMW with about a 100 grand on it, he loves it, I think it's pointless for my lifestyle.
And for those thinking that they are not useable on British roads, handle badly etc. Everything's a compromise and it's all matter of perspective, but a well built chop can make a pretty good commuter, tourer, drag racer and, as long as attention is paid to keeping the trail within certain limits, can handle surprisingly well even with two foot over length forks and a forty five degree rake. Obviously not like a modern sports bike, but certainly not dangerous or unpleasant to ride. Without a doubt, my hardtails have ridden better than my hot rods, but I'd guess that the sort of person who asks, "Choppers, why?" would probably ask the same of hot rods...
Edited by spoodler on Sunday 31st July 18:08
Have a thread on here for this recent purchase.
Sold a nice, practical, sensible 2014 Ducati Monster 696 to fund it.
It joins my 2006 Hayabusa and 2004 GSXR600 in the garage, would i have it as an only bike ?, absolutely no way, as a fun thing to mess about with it takes some beating (luckily i like tinkering and i'm handy with spanners), the riding experience is something else, you can look down and see the engine and (also hear) the carbs when riding, it's very basic and raw, every ride is an event.
It's not built to be practical, efficient, fast, handle etc, as mentioned it's the bike equivalent of a Hot Rod car, you either get it or you don't.
I absolutely love it.
Sold a nice, practical, sensible 2014 Ducati Monster 696 to fund it.
It joins my 2006 Hayabusa and 2004 GSXR600 in the garage, would i have it as an only bike ?, absolutely no way, as a fun thing to mess about with it takes some beating (luckily i like tinkering and i'm handy with spanners), the riding experience is something else, you can look down and see the engine and (also hear) the carbs when riding, it's very basic and raw, every ride is an event.
It's not built to be practical, efficient, fast, handle etc, as mentioned it's the bike equivalent of a Hot Rod car, you either get it or you don't.
I absolutely love it.
I must admit I’ve developed a hankering for an old school raked out chopper, long forks and narrow tyres.
I’ve modified and rebuilt bikes so I could build something once I’d got my head around what parts are required for things to work together.
I’ve had bikes for over 20 years, cruisers and Harley’s have never held any appeal.
I just quite like the idea of something completely daft.
I’ve modified and rebuilt bikes so I could build something once I’d got my head around what parts are required for things to work together.
I’ve had bikes for over 20 years, cruisers and Harley’s have never held any appeal.
I just quite like the idea of something completely daft.
Speed addicted said:
I must admit I’ve developed a hankering for an old school raked out chopper, long forks and narrow tyres.
I’ve modified and rebuilt bikes so I could build something once I’d got my head around what parts are required for things to work together.
I’ve had bikes for over 20 years, cruisers and Harley’s have never held any appeal.
I just quite like the idea of something completely daft.
I feel the same and I am not entirely sure why.I’ve modified and rebuilt bikes so I could build something once I’d got my head around what parts are required for things to work together.
I’ve had bikes for over 20 years, cruisers and Harley’s have never held any appeal.
I just quite like the idea of something completely daft.
I've never owned a chopper, or even a cruiser. I suppose the closest I've got have been a couple of 1970s US spec 750 Triumphs.
I keep looking at the Fenland Choppers website and wondering about recycling an old XS650 or a Harley. I'm not sure I could bring myself to make a chopper out of a Meriden Triumph. My Dad would turn in his grave.
S2r said:
I've had most types of bike, the only one genre I don't understand is the 'adventure' type but then I don't understand why people buy massive 4x4s to pop to the shops either.
20 yrs ago, I would have totally agreed with you. I was lent a Super Tenere for a week, and decided it was just not for me.But now I'm a more mature gentleman, I've just bought myself a Tenere 700, and I love it, it kind of feels like the Range Rover of motorbikes.
But choppers, still a no from me. Ask me again in another 20 yrs :-)
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