Choppers, bobbers and other observations

Around 1978 I bought a very cheap 1967 Atlas that was running for $250. When I pulled the tank off I was presented with a frame that had the outer rails cut out and replaced with a single tube on the center line. This may have been to mount a peanut or Sportster tank as was popular back in the day. It subsequently had the outer rails welded back in and the single tube was cut out. The thing is, neither job was done with any knowledge of welding whatsoever. It's up in my attic to this day, complete with a legal ownership. It would take a very talented craftsman to salvage it properly. For what it's worth, I rode the bike and it handled just fine so the geometry seems to have survived within reason. One day when I ever pull it down from the attic I should probably post some pictures, but there's every possibility some folks will get physically ill if they see it.
I saw a featherbed frame as you describe on eBay a while back
It really was atrocious
 
Still going on today, here's a current brat bobber build, with a now raked commando frame, including a detailed vid how to.

Neck work starts ~ 05:09


Choppers, bobbers and other observations
 
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Still going on today, here's a current brat bobber build, with a now raked commando frame, including a detailed vid how to.

Neck work starts ~ 05:09


Choppers, bobbers and other observations

Jesus Christ this is what gives chop builders a bad name?
 
Before I would ever chop a frame, I would manufacture a new one from scratch. Choppers usually demonstrate the limitations of the people who make them. Steering geometry is a critical component of motorcycle handling. If you get it wrong, some very nasty things can happen. You can be riding your motorcycle blissfully unaware of what is about to happen, then you suddenly get it in the neck. Even standard production motorcycles can mishandle when pushed.
 
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Before I would ever chop a frame, I would manufacture a new one from scratch. Choppers usually demonstrate the limitations of the people who make them. Steering geometry is a critical component of motorcycle handling. If you get it wrong, some very nasty things can happen. You can be riding your motorcycle blissfully unaware of what is about to happen, then you suddenly get it in the neck. Even standard production motorcycles can mishandle when pushed.
By far the worst handling bike I have ever ridden was a stock Harley rubber mount
It was worse than any chop I have ridden even worse than my plunger A10
 
Choppers, bobbers and cafe racers are usually all customised bikes. If you are building a bike to go fast you need three things - a decent frame, the right gearbox and a decent front brake. I have ridden only one modern Harley. It did not go. It did not handle. It did not stop. But it made a lovely noise. If that sets what is normal for you, you need fixing.
 
Most production motorcycles are designed so they do not kill their owners immediately. I would go as far as to say that most guys have never ridden a motorcycle which really handled well under duress.
If you know anyone who has a genuine early 1960s 500cc Manx Norton, pay them money for a ride on it around a race track. The experience is worth it. When I was a kid, anyone who bought a Manx was almost immediately put up into A grade races - I never knew why until I rode one.
 
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Choppers, bobbers and cafe racers are usually all customised bikes. If you are building a bike to go fast you need three things - a decent frame, the right gearbox and a decent front brake. I have ridden only one modern Harley. It did not go. It did not handle. It did not stop. But it made a lovely noise. If that sets what is normal for you, you need fixing.
Choppers aren't typically about going fast.
 


Jan 28, 2022
"It was the funeral of my neighbour today and vice-president of the chopper club wales Harry Harrison. Its was emotional and beautiful send off for him by his friends and family of the club. My thoughts go out to his family and friends who knew him. He will be deeply missed."




 
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Choppers aren't typically about going fast.
To me, any speed above 30 MPH is fast. Any speed beyond that is irrelevant. There have been at least two racing riders who have fallen-off while riding through the pits and died. - Bob Brown and Bill Ivy.
If you bike mishandles, the event can come from nowhere and grab you by the throat. You don't need to be stupid to have it happen. Even some production bikes will do it e.g. the GT750 Suzuki two-stroke can step-out when you are riding it in a straight line. on a smooth road,
 
How low can you go!! Is this the best chassis for performance mods?? I suppose it's in the eye of the beholder at the end of the day....
 
Most production motorcycles are designed so they do not kill their owners immediately. I would go as far as to say that most guys have never ridden a motorcycle which really handled well under duress.
If you know anyone who has a genuine early 1960s 500cc Manx Norton, pay them money for a ride on it around a race track. The experience is worth it. When I was a kid, anyone who bought a Manx was almost immediately put up into A grade races - I never knew why until I rode one.
I must not be in the "most guys" crowd, because I have ridden several. Odd collection, too: Yamaha Seca 650, Moto Guzzi Eldorado 850, Triumph T140D & TSS... (there have been others, but they don't spring to mind like those few)

Never had the pleasure of riding a Manx...
 
How low can you go!! Is this the best chassis for performance mods?? I suppose it's in the eye of the beholder at the end of the day....
Ugly bike in my opinion
Ridiculous rear brake rod setup
I wouldn't mind betting that the brake plate is anchored to the frame without being converted to fully floating
 
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