Choppers, bobbers and other observations

1973x75

1973x75

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Nov 15, 2015
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Seems like a lot of heavily modified british bikes on Craigslist that are listed for more than a good unmolested stock bike. But I never see these abominations riding around on the road, so are people not buying them? If not, why build them?
 
'Because I can' is never a good reason for doing anything. A friend of mine once said to me 'at least your bike looks right'. I suggest it looks right because that is the only way it can look and still fulfil it's major function - road-racing. What is the function of a bobber or chopper - fashion accessory ?
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Choppers, bobbers and other observations
Cycle World ad circa 1972
 
acotrel said:
What is the function of a bobber or chopper - fashion accessory?
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It is a "style" just like any other.

Not trying to stereotype anyone or anything, but in my limited experience of 50 years riding, having seen bikes in 22 states, and on well over 100 online groups, forums, "pages", etc., The TYPICAL (not ALL) chopper/bobber is owned by guys (and a few girls) with tattoos & piercings, and the often "rough" looking clothing. OCCASIONALLY, some of the cleaner ones' owners dress in natty attire. Not so much leather (some, not much), very few helmets except in states that require them. Typically smokers/drinkers.

Again, not stereotyping, just personal observations.
 
I'm guessing most people build them for themselves or perhaps to 'customer order'. Being that 'personal' you've got to find someone with a similar vision come sale time, maybe? One man's 'vision' could well be another man's 'nightmare', and if they've cut or altered the frame as many do, too much hassle to salvage....
 
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I've been involved in building choppers bobbers cafe Racers street fighters for over 40 years
I generally find people that tell me how bad they handle have never ridden one
For what it's worth some handle worse some better
But they are all a lot of fun!!
The bikes I get involved in get used and used a lot all over Europe in fact
The furthest they get ridden in my mates club is from the UK to Macedonia
Cracks me up when we are at a local event and you hear comments like "look at that it's only built for show" etc etc bla bla
 
I modify my bikes to look and ride the way I like . Originality is meaningless to me. I have a couple of friends who buy and sell bikes who are disgusted by this. Of course they are used motorcycle salesmen who are only interested in value. One calls me the butcher. I am an enthusiast who is not that interested in the sale value of the final product. I just finished putting Commando forks and drum brake on my Matchless G12. It had sat unused for several years and I tried to sell it, but got only two low offers. So I decided to further devalue it. Sold the original front forks and wheel for more than it cost me to modify it. And I enjoyed the process of doing it. It amuses me when I go to an event and see exact copies of restored and polished motorcycles parked in a row next to each other. Saves me time though as I only have to look at one and I have seen them all. I'm sure they enjoyed the process of restoration as much as I enjoyed the process of modification.
 
Just "For What It's Worth", I have no quarrel with anyone who chops a bike, unless they first stole it.

I, personally, have NEVER chopped one. My biggest "horror" was de-tabbing an old Honda once; never done that to a Britbike.

I have personally rescued at least SIX choppers, and de-raked two formerly mutilated frames, one of which was a seriously bodged welding mash-up (literally, it involved a mashed section of galvanized pipe).

That's just me...
 
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My first Commando came to me as a “ chopper “ . A high school classmate bought a brand new Combat Roadster and made it a
“ chopper “ by merely replacing the stock fork stanchions with really long ones - it may have had equally silly ape hangers as
well . Within a week he rear ended a car with it .
 
The force is growing stronger.
Best I have seen to date, an IsoChopper.

 
See lots of choppers and bobbers in custom bike shows and on Fleabay and Craigslist, but I never see anyone riding one. Never having desired one, I assume they're not very comfortable, rideable or reliable. Something keeps them hidden, for the most part. If that's what you like, go for it. Personally, I think they are a waste of metal.
 
Danno said:
See lots of choppers and bobbers in custom bike shows and on Fleabay and Craigslist, but I never see anyone riding one. Never having desired one, I assume they're not very comfortable, rideable or reliable. Something keeps them hidden, for the most part. If that's what you like, go for it. Personally, I think they are a waste of metal.
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My '64 Panhead was a chopper in a sense, but it was chopped for performance.

The otherwise stock '73 Superglide front end was extended 2' over stock (4" longer then the stock Duoglide front end) That allowed a better lean angle for cornering. It had a bobbed stock front fender, a 3.3 gallon Mustang tank and the rear had Superglide fender supports with a front Electraglide fender that was flared slightly with some 1/8" plate/bondo at the rear and trimmed for chain clearance.

Everything else was stock tin primary (non electric start) with most parts being carried over from the ridged frame era. With a 14mm belt primary drive that utilized aluminum pulleys and clutch basket the bike weighed 475# wet. The Big Twin engine had modified flathead 80 flywheels that yielded a 4.120" stroke combined with a ..040" overbore it displaced 86 cubic inches. With Andrews 1st and 3rd close ratio gears it was a strong performer and handled quite well. It was also very reliable with all stock 6V electrical system.
 
Danno said:
See lots of choppers and bobbers in custom bike shows and on Fleabay and Craigslist, but I never see anyone riding one. Never having desired one, I assume they're not very comfortable, rideable or reliable. Something keeps them hidden, for the most part. If that's what you like, go for it. Personally, I think they are a waste of metal.
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I don't do custom bike shows so I don't really see them there
Quite a few of my mates ride chops they go all over Europe
And once a year they ride down to Macedonia or did pre covid
I don't think they are used much for commuting
 
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