Choppers are among the most recognizable and awe-inspiring road-worthy machines out there. This is the ultimate creative expression among biking circles, one that brings to mind the exploits of Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper (RIP) in...what was that movie again? A chopper, in layman's terms, would be a big bike with a few parts "chopped off" or removed, usually a Hog (Harley Davidson, for the uninitiated) or an Indian. This makes the bike even lighter, improves its handling, and of course, makes it more striking to look at.
We have to go back to World War II to trace the birth of choppers, as soldiers back home in the USA wanted something lighter than the bikes they rode in European shores. Of course, the bikes they rode in between battles with Der Fuhrer and Il Duce's respective armies were heavy and cumbersome, so they removed unnecessary parts from American bikes, thus resulting in the first choppers. Over the years, the concept of choppers evolved and was not restricted to only chopping off parts from the vehicle.
Soon, bike aficionados would tailor-fit their machines in a more personalized way. Customized chopper parts soon became a craze and took the market by storm.
Generally speaking, motorcycle enthusiasts are concerned about the handlebars, wheels and tires when talking chopper parts. In most choppers, the handlebars are extended to give the rider greater comfort, especially during long road-trips. New wheels are installed and old ones jazzed up for added pizzazz and aesthetic value. While magnesium alloy wheels are growing in popularity, several still prefer the normal spoke wheels. The most exotic of these wheels are the classic 160 and 120 spoke wheels. Also, the tires are considered when shopping for parts for choppers. Usually, what would be done would be to narrow down the front wheel and widen the rear wheel for added grip and control on the roads.
Other popular chopper parts include fuel tanks, body frames, seats and front and rear brakes. When it comes to tailor-fitting these parts to a biker's needs, there are many choices for these parts and more. Before making the purchase, one must make sure the parts are from a genuine dealer and are compatible with the vehicle. While you may never be as cool as Fonda and Hopper in Easy Rider or afford the above parts with their price tag, you can certainly make your chopper parts do their work if you can afford them, and make your bike the pride of your neighborhood's biking community - not too shabby at all!
We have to go back to World War II to trace the birth of choppers, as soldiers back home in the USA wanted something lighter than the bikes they rode in European shores. Of course, the bikes they rode in between battles with Der Fuhrer and Il Duce's respective armies were heavy and cumbersome, so they removed unnecessary parts from American bikes, thus resulting in the first choppers. Over the years, the concept of choppers evolved and was not restricted to only chopping off parts from the vehicle.
Soon, bike aficionados would tailor-fit their machines in a more personalized way. Customized chopper parts soon became a craze and took the market by storm.
Generally speaking, motorcycle enthusiasts are concerned about the handlebars, wheels and tires when talking chopper parts. In most choppers, the handlebars are extended to give the rider greater comfort, especially during long road-trips. New wheels are installed and old ones jazzed up for added pizzazz and aesthetic value. While magnesium alloy wheels are growing in popularity, several still prefer the normal spoke wheels. The most exotic of these wheels are the classic 160 and 120 spoke wheels. Also, the tires are considered when shopping for parts for choppers. Usually, what would be done would be to narrow down the front wheel and widen the rear wheel for added grip and control on the roads.
Other popular chopper parts include fuel tanks, body frames, seats and front and rear brakes. When it comes to tailor-fitting these parts to a biker's needs, there are many choices for these parts and more. Before making the purchase, one must make sure the parts are from a genuine dealer and are compatible with the vehicle. While you may never be as cool as Fonda and Hopper in Easy Rider or afford the above parts with their price tag, you can certainly make your chopper parts do their work if you can afford them, and make your bike the pride of your neighborhood's biking community - not too shabby at all!
