Anyone ridden a Chopper??- No seriously..

[newport100]

Anyone owned or ridden a proper chopper ( motorcycle?)
I dont do thousands of bike miles but though it would be fun for next summer...

looking at someting along the lines of these

just wanna know how really usable they are - ???

[Panhead Pete]

They're not your average handling machine. Long front ends, minimal suspension. A bit like the difference between a sports bike and a sportster. But once you ride one, you're hooked.
Always customised my bikes - last one had 14 over narrow springer (pogo stick) and rigid rear / no real brakes, etc., but a real blast!:169B9ADF43154 5348BC

Panheads forever...

[neilcotgrove]

Not ridden a harley chop like that, but used to have an ariel chop with 12 " overs, girder forks, it is ok in a straight line but crap for everything else, depends what you want to do on a bike, its hard to look cool when you are wobbling round mini roundabouts. i would sudgest you try riding one before you buy, Also a hardtail bike can be a tad uncomfortable, i ve got a bsa hardtail chop & you can feel all the bumps on the road, more so now im in my 40,s. Hope this is some help

[kevscrivener]

Originally Posted by newport100

just wanna know how really usable they are - ???

About as usable as a daily ride as a 44-tonne artic would be to do your weekly shop; only the artic would be easier to get into a parking space!

Neil's advice is good; most chops look great when they're either standing still or moving in a straight line. Surely, though, the real buzz with chops is from building them rather than riding them? I confess that they don't do anything for me, though I have nothing but admiration for the craftsmanship and skill of their creators.

Now, bobbers, that's another matter!

[newport100]

Thanks guys

great advice and kind of what I expected

the other option is someting like this - (paint on thesenot for me but you get the idea)

handle better??

[Panhead Pete]

The ones in the pics look like softails and built as a compromise between style and comfort.
Modern chops built by specialist builders are generally less uncomfortable over a distance but you need the right stature to fit them (long arms, short legs). Not recommended for doing your weekly shop, but if you can live with them, some of them can be almost as good as a regular cruiser, but with the individuality of an unusual creation.

[neilcotgrove]

my dyna,s got a 200 rear wheel, short mudguard, twin discs, a few other bits & all the bling crap off it, looks customised, but with shocks, so not only looks good( my opinion) but handles ok, & me bum & kidneys dont go numb!

[MORDUEMAN]

I saw some Swedish style choppers at the Centrum rally recently and now I'm hooked, I really want one.

Feck the roundabouts, think about peoples faces when you pull up at the pub.......priceless, just go for it, I know I want to

[BaZa®]

Originally Posted by MORDUEMAN

I saw some Swedish style choppers at the Centrum rally recently and now I'm hooked, I really want one.

Feck the roundabouts, think about peoples faces when you pull up at the pub.......priceless, just go for it, I know I want to

OK as long as your daughter brings the camping gear to the rally Gary.

[Panhead Pete]

OK so there's rarely a stck Harley, and a Wide Glide is developed from riders' customs by Willie G - so it's nearly a chopper anyway. Probably best to get something not too radical and you'll soon be dreaming up your next project