Choppers - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

bon8017 · 01-16-2007, 05:39 PM

Please excuse my ignorance but I was wondering why I do not see many Choppers these days, either on the street or on this forum? Is it because they are more expensive? I know there is West Cost and Orange County Choppers but are they the only ones?

robertc729 · 01-16-2007, 06:05 PM

They are not the only ones that build them, but yeah they do get expensive.

DrBob · 01-16-2007, 08:12 PM

Choppers are more popular than ever. There are dozens of major brands (100-3000 bikes a year) and hundreds of small brands (less than 100 bikes a year), plus thousands of shops making 1-10 a year each, and several companies that make kits to turn a regular production bike into a chopper. The larger brands include Big Dog, Iron Horse, American Eagle, American Hawg, Bourget, TNT Choppers...the list goes on and on.

For about $1500 you could turn your stock S50 into a chopper. Or you could spend over $100,000 on one from a famous builder like Billy Lane or Jesse James. Or you could spend any dollar figure in between- my last two cost $17,000 and $25,000 respectively. Used ones can usually be had for a fraction of what a new one costs, and I took a beating when I sold my first one and wrecked the second.

One of the issues with choppers is insurance. Most major companies will not cover a bike with that much rake, so you have to get specialty insurance that costs a bundle and sometimes limits the number of miles you can put on it each year.

4dtvman · 01-16-2007, 08:23 PM

My buddy joe has one but he's got tons of money but the deal is after an hour of riding he's ready to go home and sit on coach for days. He's looks nice even has NOS system.

Dave Nadeau · 01-16-2007, 10:03 PM

I built one from a 1970 Triumph Tr-6c back in 1972. Sank a ton of money into it with coffin tank ,extended front end, molded frame and a hard tail. Even had a King an Queen seat for those of you who remember. Was getting married and sold it for a huge loss. If I had it today and kept it stock and clean it would be worth quite a bit. Still kicking myself for the waste of money but I had a ball building it.

MagnumForce · 01-16-2007, 11:14 PM

Thread starter, you already answered your question on your initial post. It's simply economics. They're too expensive to buy, too expensive to insure, too expensive to maintain and upkeep, etc. What can a $30,000-$150,000 bike do that a $3,000-$15,000 bike can't, besides drain you of your life's savings?

Dave Nadeau · 01-17-2007, 06:05 AM

God...you keep making sense like that and the Tuttle's will starve to death. Cruel, cruel world we live in!!

**Louis** · 01-17-2007, 07:11 AM

Expensive, and in my opinion they don't look comfortable and practical.

Apertureguy · 01-17-2007, 08:57 AM

While some are very nice looking...they really don't seem to be too practical...then add a 25k or more price tag...and you can just forget it.

md2lgyk · 01-17-2007, 10:07 AM

I'd guess it's the comfort factor. You can buy a "production" chopper lots of places for under $25K. That's still a bunch of bucks but not far off from some Harleys and Gold Wings. My next door neighbor has a chopper he built himself. He's getting rid of it because it's so uncomfortable to ride anywhere.

Ext1jdh · 01-17-2007, 12:30 PM

Teutel, and I wouldnt want to buy from someone who has that little respect for their customers. Look at some of the antics during the Dream Bike contest - they're walking off jobs! The only way some bikes get completed at all is because the show is contractually obligated to finish them on time.

bon8017 · 01-17-2007, 01:07 PM

Thanks everyone for the input. I guess I asked the right question. I wasn't expecting such a response. You know, they do look uncomfertable as hell! Why would anyone spend so much money on a Chopper? Looks?

The reason I started this thread is because I love riding my S50 but 1200 miles later, I'm just wondering what would be the next step up? Where can I go from here?

Is there anyone out there that rides a Chopper regularly and has no problem with it?

Thanks again guys (and that one Chick from Hawai'i) for such a great response.

**drgibson** · 01-17-2007, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bon8017

TThanks again guys (and that one Chick from Hawai'i) for such a great response.

snicker, snicker

4dtvman · 01-17-2007, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bon8017

The reason I started this thread is because I love riding my S50 but 1200 miles later, I'm just wondering what would be the next step up? Where can I go from here?

M109

bon8017 · 01-17-2007, 01:22 PM

That is a sweet looking bike!

DrBob · 01-17-2007, 02:02 PM

There were two periods in my life where I rode a chopper as my only transportation. Back in the mid-80s I had a rigid tail chopper with the drivetrain from a 1969 Harley Sportster. It was not exactly comfortable, but that didn't stop me from riding it from New Hampshire to California to Florida and back to New Hampshire. It was a home-built, low-budget job, but I enjoyed it. The only drawback was that it had the little Sportster gas tank, so I needed to stop for gas every 50-60 miles. It became mechanically unreliable due to the aged drivetrain, so I sold it.

In the mid to latte '90s I bought a nice chopper built by Ultra Cycles. I paid $20-something thousand for it new in 1997, and I rode it to work and back ever day for two years until some woman rear ended me and wrecked it. Put about 40,000 trouble-free miles on it. It was actually more comfortable than it looked, as a properly set up chopper will have the controls right where you want then.
I am seriously considering turning turning my CMC custom into a chopper, with 14-inch over forks and a 21-ich front wheel. I like choppers, especially one I build myself, because they are the ultimate expression of a personalized motorcycle.

Ext1jdh · 01-17-2007, 02:24 PM

Definitely M109 territory. Lust for it.

MagnumForce · 01-17-2007, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drgibson

snicker, snicker

Quote:

Originally Posted by bon8017

Thanks again guys (and that one Chick from Hawai'i) for such a great response.

Nonononononono! I'm REALLY a guy (looks inside pants to check if all parts remain intact).

The chick you see in my avatar is a personification of the kind of women I'm attracted to.

Now that I got that out of the way, here is my list of bikes that look as good as customs but without the price tag and lower back pain:

1. Suzuki M109R
2. Honda VTX1800 (I like the 'sport' version)
3. Victory Jackpot or Hammer
4. Yamaha Roadliner

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrBob

In the mid to latte '90s...

How odd, I haven't had latte since the late '90s myself.

**drgibson** · 01-17-2007, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MagnumForce

The chick you see in my avatar is a personification of the kind of women I'm attracted to.

Translation:

I can only dream about her cause she won't let me near her.

bon8017 · 01-17-2007, 02:45 PM

Dude looks like lady! j/k

01-16-2007, 05:39 PM	#1 (permalink)
bon8017 Where Am I ? Joined: Dec 2006 Bike: Suzuki 2006 Boulevard S50 Location: Torrance, CA Posts: 46	Choppers Please excuse my ignorance but I was wondering why I do not see many Choppers these days, either on the street or on this forum? Is it because they are more expensive? I know there is West Cost and Orange County Choppers but are they the only ones?

01-16-2007, 08:12 PM	#3 (permalink)
DrBob In The Zone Joined: May 2004 Bike: several Location: Decatur, GA Posts: 2,765	Choppers are more popular than ever. There are dozens of major brands (100-3000 bikes a year) and hundreds of small brands (less than 100 bikes a year), plus thousands of shops making 1-10 a year each, and several companies that make kits to turn a regular production bike into a chopper. The larger brands include Big Dog, Iron Horse, American Eagle, American Hawg, Bourget, TNT Choppers...the list goes on and on. For about $1500 you could turn your stock S50 into a chopper. Or you could spend over $100,000 on one from a famous builder like Billy Lane or Jesse James. Or you could spend any dollar figure in between- my last two cost $17,000 and $25,000 respectively. Used ones can usually be had for a fraction of what a new one costs, and I took a beating when I sold my first one and wrecked the second. One of the issues with choppers is insurance. Most major companies will not cover a bike with that much rake, so you have to get specialty insurance that costs a bundle and sometimes limits the number of miles you can put on it each year. __________________ Dream like you'll live forever, live like you'll die tomorrow. You MUST obey the pug dog!

01-16-2007, 08:23 PM	#4 (permalink)
4dtvman Sprocket Pilot Joined: Sep 2006 Bike: Suzuki LC 1500 and 2005 Honda VTX1300 Location: Tiverton RI Posts: 841	My buddy joe has one but he's got tons of money but the deal is after an hour of riding he's ready to go home and sit on coach for days. He's looks nice even has NOS system. __________________ Back in the saddle again

01-16-2007, 10:03 PM	#5 (permalink)
Dave Nadeau TurtleWax Taster Joined: Mar 2006 Bike: 08 ElectraGlide ( IN Vivid Black)!!!!!!!!!! Location: Bridgewater, Ma Posts: 591	I built one from a 1970 Triumph Tr-6c back in 1972. Sank a ton of money into it with coffin tank ,extended front end, molded frame and a hard tail. Even had a King an Queen seat for those of you who remember. Was getting married and sold it for a huge loss. If I had it today and kept it stock and clean it would be worth quite a bit. Still kicking myself for the waste of money but I had a ball building it. __________________ The faster I go the behinder I get..... US Navy 68-72 Amphibs, Little Creek, Va. "The Old Man"

01-16-2007, 11:14 PM	#6 (permalink)
MagnumForce Throttle Jockey Joined: May 2005 Bike: 05 M50, 06 CBR600F4i Location: Sitting on the can... duh! Posts: 3,160	Thread starter, you already answered your question on your initial post. It's simply economics. They're too expensive to buy, too expensive to insure, too expensive to maintain and upkeep, etc. What can a $30,000-$150,000 bike do that a $3,000-$15,000 bike can't, besides drain you of your life's savings? __________________ "I love the smell of toner in the morning… it's the smell of victory!" MAJ M, Staff Officer

01-16-2007, 06:05 PM	#2 (permalink)
robertc729 Forensic Bug Splatter Analyst Joined: Mar 2006 Bike: 05 Boulevard C50 LE, 06 S40 (wife's bike) Location: Lexington, KY Posts: 4,090	They are not the only ones that build them, but yeah they do get expensive.

01-17-2007, 06:05 AM	#7 (permalink)
Dave Nadeau TurtleWax Taster Joined: Mar 2006 Bike: 08 ElectraGlide ( IN Vivid Black)!!!!!!!!!! Location: Bridgewater, Ma Posts: 591	God...you keep making sense like that and the Tuttle's will starve to death. Cruel, cruel world we live in!! __________________ The faster I go the behinder I get..... US Navy 68-72 Amphibs, Little Creek, Va. "The Old Man"

01-17-2007, 07:11 AM	#8 (permalink)
Louis Administrator Joined: Sep 2003 Bike: SV650S '05 (Blue) Location: Gatineau, QC, Canada Posts: 10,657	Expensive, and in my opinion they don't look comfortable and practical. __________________ Louis

01-17-2007, 08:57 AM	#9 (permalink)
Apertureguy Throttle Jockey Joined: Jun 2006 Bike: 2006 Blue M50 Location: New York Posts: 3,267	While some are very nice looking...they really don't seem to be too practical...then add a 25k or more price tag...and you can just forget it.

01-17-2007, 10:07 AM	#10 (permalink)
md2lgyk Wants Better Weather Joined: May 2004 Bike: '03 Marauder 800 Location: Harpers Ferry, WV Posts: 665	I'd guess it's the comfort factor. You can buy a "production" chopper lots of places for under $25K. That's still a bunch of bucks but not far off from some Harleys and Gold Wings. My next door neighbor has a chopper he built himself. He's getting rid of it because it's so uncomfortable to ride anywhere. __________________ "The great object is, that every man be armed. Everyone who is able may have a gun." - Thomas Jefferson

01-17-2007, 12:30 PM	#11 (permalink)
Ext1jdh Top Gear ! Full Throttle! Joined: Apr 2005 Bike: Sold Location: Elgin, IL, US Posts: 5,257	Teutel, and I wouldnt want to buy from someone who has that little respect for their customers. Look at some of the antics during the Dream Bike contest - they're walking off jobs! The only way some bikes get completed at all is because the show is contractually obligated to finish them on time. __________________ I am lurking. I am likely to be eaten by a grue.

01-17-2007, 01:07 PM	#12 (permalink)
bon8017 Where Am I ? Joined: Dec 2006 Bike: Suzuki 2006 Boulevard S50 Location: Torrance, CA Posts: 46	Thanks everyone for the input. I guess I asked the right question. I wasn't expecting such a response. You know, they do look uncomfertable as hell! Why would anyone spend so much money on a Chopper? Looks? The reason I started this thread is because I love riding my S50 but 1200 miles later, I'm just wondering what would be the next step up? Where can I go from here? Is there anyone out there that rides a Chopper regularly and has no problem with it? Thanks again guys (and that one Chick from Hawai'i) for such a great response.

01-17-2007, 01:22 PM	#15 (permalink)
bon8017 Where Am I ? Joined: Dec 2006 Bike: Suzuki 2006 Boulevard S50 Location: Torrance, CA Posts: 46	That is a sweet looking bike!

01-17-2007, 02:02 PM	#16 (permalink)
DrBob In The Zone Joined: May 2004 Bike: several Location: Decatur, GA Posts: 2,765	There were two periods in my life where I rode a chopper as my only transportation. Back in the mid-80s I had a rigid tail chopper with the drivetrain from a 1969 Harley Sportster. It was not exactly comfortable, but that didn't stop me from riding it from New Hampshire to California to Florida and back to New Hampshire. It was a home-built, low-budget job, but I enjoyed it. The only drawback was that it had the little Sportster gas tank, so I needed to stop for gas every 50-60 miles. It became mechanically unreliable due to the aged drivetrain, so I sold it. In the mid to latte '90s I bought a nice chopper built by Ultra Cycles. I paid $20-something thousand for it new in 1997, and I rode it to work and back ever day for two years until some woman rear ended me and wrecked it. Put about 40,000 trouble-free miles on it. It was actually more comfortable than it looked, as a properly set up chopper will have the controls right where you want then. I am seriously considering turning turning my CMC custom into a chopper, with 14-inch over forks and a 21-ich front wheel. I like choppers, especially one I build myself, because they are the ultimate expression of a personalized motorcycle. __________________ Dream like you'll live forever, live like you'll die tomorrow. You MUST obey the pug dog!

01-17-2007, 02:24 PM	#17 (permalink)
Ext1jdh Top Gear ! Full Throttle! Joined: Apr 2005 Bike: Sold Location: Elgin, IL, US Posts: 5,257	Definitely M109 territory. Lust for it. __________________ I am lurking. I am likely to be eaten by a grue.

01-17-2007, 02:45 PM	#20 (permalink)
bon8017 Where Am I ? Joined: Dec 2006 Bike: Suzuki 2006 Boulevard S50 Location: Torrance, CA Posts: 46	Dude looks like lady! j/k

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