Anyone seen one of these or know someone who has one?

http://www.chopper-kit-usa.com/sportster_photos.htm

Looks pretty cool, but expensive...

to me it defeats what a sportster is suppose to be..................but they are beautiful!

If you want to turn your sportster into a chopper, you have to actually chop something. A stock sportster with a "chopper kit" is NOT a chopper. :frownthre

I saw one on eBay a while back that looked pretty cool. I'm not sure if it was the same kit or not check it out:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4547984304

Here's a higher res pic of it:

I agree with you MailmanJohn, they do look cool. I can't see me ever doing that, I want the bike to be a lean as possible, but I was doing a Google image search on sportsters and that page came up. Thought I would bring it here for the folks who want that look.

Maybe as a second bike, a bar cruiser? :smoke

If you want to turn your sportster into a chopper, you have to actually chop something. A stock sportster with a "chopper kit" is NOT a chopper. :frownthre
I have to agree with toniism here. I would stretch the backbone out and bring it up a few inches to get the angle of the forks to match what the bars ought to be. I like it when the lines from the forks (or I should say angle) flows right into the handle bars so you could use some mini apes or even a full on set of 16" ot 18" apes if you wanted.

Weren't the original old skool choppers built off of Sportsters way back in the day? I think they were but I could be mistaken.

Anyone seen one of these or know someone who has one?

http://www.chopper-kit-usa.com/sportster_photos.htm

Looks pretty cool, but expensive...
I do belive these folks used to be supporting vendors on our beloved XLF. It appears they no longer are, but they seemed to have some decent stuff. Personally I think it's a cost effective way to get the "look" if you don't have the cash or expertise to actually chop your frame.

Weren't the original old skool choppers built off of Sportsters way back in the day? I think they were but I could be mistaken.
You're not mistaken, many were Sportys.

According to the phone number, this place should be close to me. I might check them out this weekend. I really like the look and the ease of install just might be what I'm looking for.

This is my buddy's sportster that he sent to Redneck Engineering
and they cut the back bone 0 up and stretched the frame out 3.5 inches
over stock. The triple trees are raked 40 degrees and he has put on 3-4" over
sliders to level the bike out. This is the way to go, no crappy chopper
kit here. Nice clean look. ONE BAD XL

http://nucite.net/isWext.php/5102/98121.jpg

http://nucite.net/isWext.php/5102/98122.jpg

This is my buddy's sportster that he sent to Redneck Engineering
and they cut the back bone 0 up and stretched the frame out 3.5 inches
over stock. The triple trees are raked 40 degrees and he has put on 3-4" over
sliders to level the bike out. This is the way to go, no crappy chopper
kit here. Nice clean look. ONE BAD XL





http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a84/xllent01/rakedsporty-2.jpg


http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a84/xllent01/rakedsporty-1.jpg
No question it looks great, but how much did all that cost?

I'm not sure of the total cost, but i do know what parts he

used and i can say it's about the same or less than the chopper kits.

There is no such thing as a "chopper kit". If you haven't cut anything, you have not chopped anything. The funny thing is when you see a bike with that front end set up on it, and the rst of the bike is stock down to the freakin turn signals, its just stupid. Not cool, stupid. Yet you got somebody telling everyone about their "chopper", which is entirely inaccurate. They claim they are safe and handle as good as stock, but I can't believe that. As I have said before, it looks like a bad photoshop attempt, and any bike running one to have the "look" is not a true chopper, but a cheap ( well not moneywise cheap ) imposter of the real deal.

i agree with pilot unless you chop somethinhg it's not a chopper or a bobber it's just a bike with a kit if i'm not mistaken that sportser w/the nitrous tanks is from jacksonville,nc ??? i actually know the guy that owns it he 's cool and very knowledgeable about bikes.

This is a picture of a Sportster I built 32 Years ago! 6 inch neck stretch and raked to level with a 18 inch over springer.
The frame was cut !!! and re-welded

http://xlforum.net/photopost/data/500/thumbs/Picture_364.jpg

if thats what you want go for it. i personally dont like the look, to long and streched out. i dont know how good it handles either. as for the not a real chopper thing, is it any worse than a raked tripple tree? there not real choppers either, but they can give you that look. its all what you want and what you like. i personally would love to get the neck of my bike raked about 5 degrees over stock, but there is not any bike shops around me that would do that, and i wouldnt trust doing it myself or letting someone without experiance do it for me. not to mention it would be a little nerve racking to see my 05 cut up. i went with a 3 degree neck cup and 4 over tubes. gave me a little rake and what i think is a better look. to each his own.

All I can say about the "Chopper Kit" is unsafe! Raked trees are designed to correct the geometry of raked bikes, not rake a bike with good geometry. Remember history! Raked trees were all the rage in the 70's, then dissapeared. They resurfaced for a good cause, but are now reverteing back to a bad one if you ask me. If you want a chopper, then you have to honestly be willing to chop. At least you can control the rake and trail issues that will result.

If you want to turn your sportster into a chopper, you have to actually chop something. A stock sportster with a "chopper kit" is NOT a chopper. :frownthre

Well said.

All I can say about the "Chopper Kit" is unsafe! Raked trees are designed to correct the geometry of raked bikes, not rake a bike with good geometry. Remember history! Raked trees were all the rage in the 70's, then dissapeared. They resurfaced for a good cause, but are now reverteing back to a bad one if you ask me. If you want a chopper, then you have to honestly be willing to chop. At least you can control the rake and trail issues that will result.

Actually if you folks would take time to research these kits they are not raked trees. And to back up what coonass stated...They offer an offset through the neck as to maintain your stock trail...anyone here (besides coonass) know what trail is????? Trail is what makes the bike handle well or not at different speeds. a stock sporty has a trail of ~3.4inches. This is important unless you want to end up as pavement. I'm not saying these are the way to go, but before everone starts bashing....maybe you should have a clue? :smoke

Actually if you folks would take time to research these kits they are not raked trees. And to back up what coonass stated...They offer an offset through the neck as to maintain your stock trail...anyone here (besides coonass) know what trail is????? Trail is what makes the bike handle well or not at different speeds. a stock sporty has a trail of ~3.4inches. This is important unless you want to end up as pavement. I'm not saying these are the way to go, but before everone starts bashing....maybe you should have a clue? :smoke




The close-up view of the 13 deg bolt-on chopper kit shows the upper and lower triple tree along with the bottom adapter. As you can see the adapter moves the pivot point of the lower triple tree approx 1.5" forward from the bottom of the neck. The top bearing is similar to a ball joint and allows the top tree to sit at the new angle and rotate at the same time. The bottom bearing is a standard bearing. This combination is what changes the center-line of the steering head (the red line shows the approx. location of the new steering head angle). A bike which simply relies on a raked or adjustable tree cannot achieve more then 5 or 6 deg of additional rake before the trial becomes so small that the bikes handling will become dangerous.


http://www.seegercycle.com/product-images/13deg_xl_kit.jpg

While I can appreciate the engineering behind the chopperkit, it just looks strange to me.

IMO, it's the motorcycle equivalent to a temporary tattoo.

For $1699...you could have it done right by a professional, or buy two frames from Paughco

Yeah, thats exactly where I want all the stress on my front end, right there on that offset adapter. Sorry, not with my life at stake.

I do belive these folks used to be supporting vendors on our beloved XLF. It appears they no longer are, but they seemed to have some decent stuff. Personally I think it's a cost effective way to get the "look" if you don't have the cash or expertise to actually chop your frame.

Just for the record, we were a supporting vendor on this fine forum, however our budget did not stretch to the new costs, so we parted company with best intentions.

As for this chopper-kit-usa outfit, beware. They have nothing to do with us. They were using photos from our site to sell a competitors product until I threatened them. They have even tried to rip off our web site name.

They are still using photos on their site to sell a product that is a different manufacturer.

My opinion is that this outfit have no integrity.

I trust Bert will not have a problem with me posting this in the interests of members having accurate info., but I will leave it to him if this needs edited.

Dug
www.chopperkit.com

Just for the record, we were a supporting vendor on this fine forum, however our budget did not stretch to the new costs, so we parted company with best intentions.

As for this chopper-kit-usa outfit, beware. They have nothing to do with us. They were using photos from our site to sell a competitors product until I threatened them. They have even tried to rip off our web site name.

They are still using photos on their site to sell a product that is a different manufacturer.

My opinion is that this outfit have no integrity.

I trust Bert will not have a problem with me posting this in the interests of members having accurate info., but I will leave it to him if this needs edited.

Dug
www.chopperkit.comThanks for the clarification Dug. I know there were a couple members who bought your product and were happy with it. Imposters suck. Good luck.

there is more to "chop" then putting a torch to the neck. the reason i went with the kit is that i didn't want any stretch on the frame just rake. as for the stress, it can take it. mine has done wheelies been through canyons and has about 2500 miles since the installl with no problems. to each their own if you like the look buy the kit if not don't. as for what constitutes a "chopper"
who the f cares. i didn't change my bike so it would have a "cool title" i made it look and handle how i wanted it to.

there is more to "chop" then putting a torch to the neck. the reason i went with the kit is that i didn't want any stretch on the frame just rake. as for the stress, it can take it. mine has done wheelies been through canyons and has about 2500 miles since the installl with no problems. to each their own if you like the look buy the kit if not don't. as for what constitutes a "chopper"
who the f cares. i didn't change my bike so it would have a "cool title" i made it look and handle how i wanted it to.
Well said Jay21.

I also have the chopper kit installed. I like it alot!! I think it looks good, I also have the custom chrome 2 inch stretch tank(sport bob)and bobtail fender. I am next going to be installing a 250 wide tire kit.( I know i will need to can the old fender) I think after that I will have achieved the look i want. As far as the chopper kit not being safe, Mine installed with no hitches and it seems as good or better then stock for handling(may be a little better because of the "wide Glide" trees) I have forward controls installed and can easyly grind them in corners(and bike feels stable, no diving or wobble). All in all in am very pleased with the kit and i will be able to achieve the look that I want with it. I didn't want to raise the neck, I wanted more of a prostreet look.

Have a good one...Tom

????? i don't see how a change to a WIDE front end would change handling. as long as the spring rate is the same and the tire is the same........handling would be the same.

there is more to "chop" then putting a torch to the neck. the reason i went with the kit is that i didn't want any stretch on the frame just rake. as for the stress, it can take it. mine has done wheelies been through canyons and has about 2500 miles since the installl with no problems. to each their own if you like the look buy the kit if not don't. as for what constitutes a "chopper"
who the f cares. i didn't change my bike so it would have a "cool title" i made it look and handle how i wanted it to.


no, actually, there is nothing more to a chopper than chopping your bike. You have to chop your bike to make it a chopper. I don't care why you put your chopper kit on your bike, it is absolutely not a chopper. End of story.

I didn't want to raise the neck, I wanted more of a prostreet look.


The chopper kit is just a bandaid for those looking for the look.

The bike pic below is a perfect example of a prostreet look, lowered
and stretched out. Drag bikes are prostreet, long and low to go fast
is the best way to describe it.




http://www.clubchopper.com/photopost/data/500/532000_sportster.jpg

????? i don't see how a change to a WIDE front end would change handling. as long as the spring rate is the same and the tire is the same........handling would be the same.

Sorry mate, its not just the spacing of the fork tubes, its the rake of the whole front end. Re-read the whole post.

Aside from an adapter that to me looks very unsafe, before you buy learn about rake and trail. Your bike will not handle better with this kit. Peg scraping...most likely do to the larger turning radius, not performance in the handling department. Not trying to bust any chops here, just think about it before you spend that kind of coin.

http://www.rbracing-rsr.com/rakeandtrail.html

You can't have 3-4" over sliders and still have a

prostreet look on a chopper kit.

I also have the chopper kit installed. I like it alot!! I think it looks good, I also have the custom chrome 2 inch stretch tank(sport bob)and bobtail fender. I am next going to be installing a 250 wide tire kit.( I know i will need to can the old fender) I think after that I will have achieved the look i want. As far as the chopper kit not being safe, Mine installed with no hitches and it seems as good or better then stock for handling(may be a little better because of the "wide Glide" trees) I have forward controls installed and can easyly grind them in corners(and bike feels stable, no diving or wobble). All in all in am very pleased with the kit and i will be able to achieve the look that I want with it. I didn't want to raise the neck, I wanted more of a prostreet look.

Have a good one...Tom
i did read.................not tryin to argue at all.............you wrote (may be a little better because of the because of the "wide glide trees)

I love the kit I have on my bike, but I do not call it a chopper. Chopper is the most overused word there is right now. I have had my kit on for 3000 miles now and there is nothing unsafe about it. 80 mph down the highway no hands needed.

It is amazing how people like to make negative comments about something they have no experience with. And I don't rip on other peoples bikes just because I don't like it.

The chopper kit is still a cosmetic bandaid, you either like

it or you don't no 2 ways about it. As long as they engineer
a kit that gives people a cosmetic look that imitates the real
essence or feel of having a chopper people will buy it all day long.

Would i buy the chopper kit? No, most likely not. After seeing
what the guys at Redneck Engineering can do with the stock
sporty frame by cutting the backbone and adding 0 up and 3.5"
inches out tells me that this is the look that best suits my needs.

They will cut and add any rake up to 40 degrees to a stock sporty
frame. For me this is a better option, and a whole lot cheaper than
the KIT.

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a84/xllent01/rakedsporty-1.jpg

What about the fact that these kits are completely reversible? They can be removed down the road and the bike can very simply be returned to stock, if you should choose to do so. That is something you cannot do once you saw off the factory neck of your sportster. My ducks are almost in a row and I should be back on a bike shortly. I am really considering one of these kits fo just that reason.
Neil

Why spend $1700 dollars to later reverse it back to stock
and hang it up in the garage and never use it again.
Seems kinda wasteful, but hey it's just money :laugh

The reason you would spend $1700 for a kit to reverse it later is so you don't chop a perfectly good Sportster only to find out you hate it and just wasted a $7,000 bike. Have you seen how many guys are trying to off their choppers lately? :tour

Isn't this fun? :smoke Chopper kit is an oxymoron, there is no chopping (cutting) involved. I can see why people like this kit. I think it looks good, and people can install it themselves, half the fun of owning a HD.

To cut and chop a frame, you would have to completely tear down the bike, a task a lot of people couldn't handle themselves, and would be pretty expensive for a shop to do for you (I have no facts on the actual cost, but at a typical shop rate per hour, I can imagine it would be costly to tear down/reassemble a complete bike)

"To each there own said the old lady as she kissed the cow" (A quote from my Grandmother R.I.P.)

Its like drag pipes and drag bars, most bikes never see a drag strip :bump

Welcome to the forum CactusJack!!!!

The reason you would spend $1700 for a kit to reverse it later is so you don't chop a perfectly good Sportster only to find out you hate it and just wasted a $7,000 bike. Have you seen how many guys are trying to off their choppers lately? :tour

No kidding!!!!!!

The chopper kit is still a cosmetic bandaid, you either like

it or you don't no 2 ways about it. As long as they engineer
a kit that gives people a cosmetic look that imitates the real
essence or feel of having a chopper people will buy it all day long.

The chopper kit still don't make it a chopper.

Hey CJ wait till winter when they start the oil thread, stick around.

So whether you like it or not, why would someone put this on and leave the rest of the bike stock?? That is how I have seen most of them including the turn signals. I dunno, its just so not my cup of tea, and inappropriately named as well.

Hey, if I make a front end that is 2" under stock with no front fender will you guys buy it? I'll call it a "bobber kit". :)

Hey, if I make a front end that is 2" under stock with no front fender will you guys buy it? I'll call it a "bobber kit". :)
ME!! ME!!!

Oh, wait.... no. :smoke

most of you isisting that a "chopper kit" on a bike does not make a chopper are missing 2 major points
1. a raked front end does not make a chopper no matter how it is acheived. were all the post WW2 era bikes that created the term choppers or only those after "easy rider"?
2. what i said was there is more to "chopping" a bike then putting a torch to the neck.

i agree that the product is poorly named but so what, so is the H2, it's no freakin huwvee. would i drive one sure.

technically no "ground up" bikes are "choppers" as they are constructed not chopped. better call Jesse James and have him change the shop to " West Coast Constructors" at least the WCC will still work on the business cards.

back to the original point of this post: if you like the kit and want one go for it. i have spoken to others who have it and ALL have been more than happy with their purchase. the rake and trail are correct and within the stock range for the above posted calc to work you need to have the neck angle at 36* with 6* rake in the trees and 7-8" over tubes. the trail comes out correct.

i absolutly love my seeger kit and would not do it any other way even in hind sight, for me.
the "red neck eng." opt is a great one depending on your location and ability to strip and ship the bike. they are good guys at least the ones i spoke to a year or so ago.

good luck with whatever any of you choose to do to your bikes.

This is really funny reading guys.....everyone is soooo opinionated. So how much wood can a wood chuck chuck if a wood chuck could chuck wood?

FWIW the boys after WW2 era chopped there bikes but called them
BOBBERS back in those days.

Choppers did not come around till the late 50's early 60's in southern Cali when they took bicycles and chopped them and put banana seats on them
including ape hangers and crude springer front ends.
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/catfoodrob/choppers/images/history/stingray64.jpg


The big brothers just took this concept to the motorcycle and created there own version of the chopper.

by the mid 1950s the California custom scene was in full swing: A certain style of motorcycle was firmly established when this picture of Ralph "Sonny" Barger was taken in May 1959. The picture shows exactly the way the Custom motorcycle was developing. The engine was highly tuned, the frame was stripped to bare necessities, the front end was lightened and stretched. But most important from our historical viewpoint, two factors stand out, first the fitment of high "ape hanger" handlebars... purely a style statement, and secondly the fact that the rear mudguard had been cut in half to save weight (and look cool).
This process was known as "Chopping" and the style of bike had taken its name from this, the style was the Harley-Davidson CHOPPER .And the guys who built them, had younger brothers..........


http://homepage.ntlworld.com/catfoodrob/choppers/images/history/bargerriding.jpg

Once Easy Rider came out in 69 the chop went mainstream and
everyone had to build one. The chop and Digger were both in
the spotlight in the late 60's.

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/catfoodrob/choppers/images/history/easyrider.jpg


People like WCC have left the Chopper true to form, small gas tank, sleek
rigid frames, nothing but motor. Stripped to the bare essentials is what you will call a chopper.

I recently had my AME Chopper kit put on at a custom bike shop. They build bikes and weren't to keen on what I was doing. The put it on and didn't thinbk it would ever be stable with a 14 deg rake. They were shocked when they rode it and found out it was great. I love it. My bike has never looked better or been more fun to ride. There is a bit of extra weight due to going to a wide glide front end and you can feel it slightly at very low speeds. At anything norma to high it is fantastic. It's more stable and now more fun to ride than any of the other 3 bikes I've had. I would recomend the copper kit to anyone! I had to have it shipped to Canada and have it put on at a pro shop so the whole thing came in around $2,100 US and am happy about EVER dollar spent.

Phil

i always assumed that if you took a stock frame and cut it then you had a chopper guess i was wrong

i always assumed that if you took a stock frame and cut it then you had a chopper guess i was wrong

Reckon I'm wrong, too then!

You guys are all wrong. It doesn't matter what you do to your bike. The corect term is "girl's bike." Sheesh don't ya read? ;) :D

goto [url]www.chopperkit.com

i always assumed that if you took a stock frame and cut it then you had a chopper guess i was wrong

Ditto's!!!

Is this considered a chopper?


http://www.clubchopper.com/photopost/data/500/8324ASIMVC-019S.jpg

Is this considered a chopper?


http://www.clubchopper.com/photopost/data/500/8324ASIMVC-019S.jpg

I would lean towards bobber/digger on that one. Aftermarket frame, 3-5 degrees in the tree's? Nice bike none the less. I even like the pipes!

Thanks !! It was just some little something I put together this past winter.

Iam probably wrong (wont be the last time today), but in the Pic of Capt Americas bike- isnt the frame a wishbone pan with raked wide glide triple trees?

If you want to turn your sportster into a chopper, you have to actually chop something. A stock sportster with a "chopper kit" is NOT a chopper. :frownthre:doh I have to agree 100% w/ ya!

Isn't this fun? :smoke Chopper kit is an oxymoron, there is no chopping (cutting) involved. I can see why people like this kit. I think it looks good, and people can install it themselves, half the fun of owning a HD.

To cut and chop a frame, you would have to completely tear down the bike, a task a lot of people couldn't handle themselves, and would be pretty expensive for a shop to do for you (I have no facts on the actual cost, but at a typical shop rate per hour, I can imagine it would be costly to tear down/reassemble a complete bike)

"To each there own said the old lady as she kissed the cow" (A quote from my Grandmother R.I.P.)

Its like drag pipes and drag bars, most bikes never see a drag strip :bump:doh Why would you have to tear down the complete bike? All I removed was the front end and tank!:D :banana

most of you isisting that a "chopper kit" on a bike does not make a chopper are missing 2 major points
1. a raked front end does not make a chopper no matter how it is acheived. were all the post WW2 era bikes that created the term choppers or only those after "easy rider"?
2. what i said was there is more to "chopping" a bike then putting a torch to the neck.

i agree that the product is poorly named but so what, so is the H2, it's no freakin huwvee. would i drive one sure.

technically no "ground up" bikes are "choppers" as they are constructed not chopped. better call Jesse James and have him change the shop to " West Coast Constructors" at least the WCC will still work on the business cards.

back to the original point of this post: if you like the kit and want one go for it. i have spoken to others who have it and ALL have been more than happy with their purchase. the rake and trail are correct and within the stock range for the above posted calc to work you need to have the neck angle at 36* with 6* rake in the trees and 7-8" over tubes. the trail comes out correct.

i absolutly love my seeger kit and would not do it any other way even in hind sight, for me.
the "red neck eng." opt is a great one depending on your location and ability to strip and ship the bike. they are good guys at least the ones i spoke to a year or so ago.

good luck with whatever any of you choose to do to your bikes.:frownthre Who said the neck needs to be at 36*? I'll beg to differ.Racked mine to 46* w/ stock trees:D Handles great at all speeds, including triple diggits.:clap

The reason you would spend $1700 for a kit to reverse it later is so you don't chop a perfectly good Sportster only to find out you hate it and just wasted a $7,000 bike. Have you seen how many guys are trying to off their choppers lately? :tour

I completely dissagree, Number one, if it was a Perfectly Good Sportster, you wouldn't be changeing it, number two, most of the people offloading their choppers are trying to offload their rigid choppers, and finally, your frame is steel, steel can always be fixed, if you don't like it, change it again. But first and formost, education, ask, think, read, and ride first if possible. Personally, I don't like the look of the bolt on front ends, And when people ask you who done it, all you can say is, I baught it, and bolted it on. Besides, $1700 is heaps of money if you ask me, I raked my bike out to 43 degrees, with 6" over forks, for less than $500.00 including oxywelding unit, sawsall, angle grinder, and fork tubes and seals. And I did it in one weekend. Yes I been welding since I was 12, but even if you had to pay a guy to come by on saturday to weld it up, you could still do it for less than $500, and you would be able to say, "I did it". And it would also be a real chopper. But like I said, thats just my opinion, it's your bike to do with as you see fit:)

Also it is a bunch of crap that the bike is hard to handle at 43 degrees, it took me 2 miles to get used to it, so don't listen to that scare mongering, it's pure crap spewed forth by thoes that have never ridden anything with more than 32 degrees in the neck.

Charley

Just look at all these people getting hung up on symantics. It can only be a "chopper" if _________! Chopper is nothing more than a generic term. Did you start with a nice bike and "chop" off all the unnecessary parts like they did in the 50's to wind up with what we call today a bobber, or did you "chop" the neck to accomidate the extended easyriders forks? These kits are as valid a modification as ANY other mod you can to your bike. And just because you don't need a hacksaw to install it does not mean that the guy with a mig welder has a cooler bike. And I'm lost on your comment rameses32 that if it was a perfectly good bike, you wouldn't be changing it. Most of the guys I know will only change it IF its a perfectly good bike to start with. They don't mess with garbage. So I guess you can debate this till your dead, but as far as I am concerned and certianly most or the general public, if it has 8 or 10 over forks on it, its a "chopper", and the means in which they were installed doesn't negate the bikes end result.
Neil

Who gives a shiznit!!!!!!!!I agree the more you cut them up the better. I cut everthing up and put back to my likings including my 67 chevy truck. That's just me. KEEP ON CHOPPIN' CHOPPER DUDE'S!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:smoke :clap :banana :D :D :D

Well holy S@#$ I thought that seeing as we all ride gurlz bikes that the whole lot of you might be a little more open minded. How cares if I put a "chopper kit" on my bike. After all it's my gurly bike and I call it a chopper. If I put a fiberglass fender made in Taiwan is it now a metric bike? Please grow up and keep your childish negative remarks to yourselves. Like my grandma always said if you ain't got nutting nice to say... Bottom line is if you like cool if you don't just as cool but don't slag someone for it. It's all our individual bike and we do to them and call them what pleases us.

I like my chopper and it's made from a chopperkit. I ride it with my head held high and people love the look of it.

As for price and why buy to convert it back? If I want to it won't cost nutting but my time to revert back.

Sure chopping and welding is cool but not everyone can do that and you need to trust the one doing it to be sure you will like. This is calculated and tested and works. Margin of error is pretty slim.

Any ways I call it my bike most of the time.

Just my opinion

BTW if I offended anyone well maybe you deserved it
:)
Chuck

POSERS :roflblack :roflblack :banana http://www.planetsmilies.com/smilies/mad/mad0248.gif

Ha Ha!!!!!! ducking and running:danccow

What ever you like it's up to you, Get over it. Hey My wife wants to know if any of you know were I get my tube extended about 10 over, and she thinks i need a adjustment to my rake and trail too....

What ever you like it's up to you, Get over it. Hey My wife wants to know if any of you know were I get my tube extended about 10 over, and she thinks i need a adjustment to my rake and trail too....

Ok, OK, Ok, thats one thing I wouldn't chop, might change the handling, and it could be impossible to put back to stock. Just mention something about throwing a hotdog down a hallway and prepare to duck, and possible run if she's a redhead.:banana

But you are correct, it's whatever you like, if you like the chopperkit, go for it, like I said, I don't like the looks, so one will never find it's way onto one of my bikes. What gets me is people forget this is the internet, and when you ask questions and for comments, people will be more truthful than if they were looking you in the eye, get used to it. Don't tell me to keep my opinion to myself while you are giving me yours. I'm not talking about you Jamman, I am just saying in general.
:tour

Ok, OK, Ok, thats one thing I wouldn't chop, might change the handling, and it could be impossible to put back to stock. Just mention something about throwing a hotdog down a hallway and prepare to duck, and possible run if she's a redhead.:banana
you would be reading my memorial today dude. lol

Somewhere early in this thread, I made my comments on Bolting on, and it in turn was the reason for creating the thread Tripple trees, We don't need no stinkin tripple trees... And stated my opinions there.. I agree, once again, Chopping is just that. Bolting on is just that.. Hey I understand that, While some of you were busy down at the local Burger joint working the grill, And I spent my time honing my trade skills, It's okay. And now that you are the manager of said establishment. You don't mind spending 1700.00 to have your parts bolted on. And I really don't mind you paying me, or a person like me to do it for you.. I'm just to cheap to pay anybody to do anything that I can do myself. If it was created from steel ,what is done can always be undone.. So, if anybody wants me to bolt one those on for them for 1700.00, and call it a chopper . I will gratefully oblige. And By the way "Do you want fries with that?"..

Well,
Being an owner of a "Bolter" rather than a "Chopper", I guess that OCC, WCC, Choppers Inc, and all those other guys better change their names. After all they are just custom bikes by your definitions. They dont "chop" existing bikes and add stretch and rake, etc. They build them from scratch. If you decide to come back at me and say they "chop" the parts as they build them, then that makes ALL bikes "choppers" because ALL manufacturers have to "chop" (or cut) the pieces before they go together.
So who is gonna call these these custom bike builders and break the news to them that they cant call 'em "choppers" because they didnt "chop" their bikes?
Granted I can see your point about choppers having to be chopped, but I believe that the word is used a little more loosely today. Maybe "chopper style" is a better analogy. Whatever the case might be, I like my "Bolter", and am not done with the other "chopper style" inspired modifications. By the time I am done, the only thing that may actually get chopped is a fender.
As far as removing my signal lights for the sake of "chopping", I think only a fool looking to get ran over by another fool in a car would do such a thing. In case you havent noticed there are alot of non-biker 4 wheel drivers out there that have zero respect for bikers, much less pay any attention to them while on the road, especially with cellphones buried in the side of their heads. Anything I can do to make my ride safer (like having signal lights), I am doing. I bet that half the drivers on the road today wouldnt recognize a hand signal if you slapped them with it. But then again, how many of the anti-signal light "chopper" guys actually use hand signals?

..."how many of the anti-signal light "chopper" guys actually use hand signals?"


I replaced my horn with a hand signal...lol

You're not mistaken, many were Sportys.


I think the actual original "choppers" were surplus WL's from the war. For a few years after the war those were the only Harley's available for vets returning from the war looking for something to break the pedestrian pace of civilian life.

i just like them all, that kit looks safe to me. i would rather bolt on then cut. handling is not on my radar if the pro street look is what i want. i love my 05 1200c but that front end needs to be out their more.

Iam probably wrong (wont be the last time today), but in the Pic of Capt Americas bike- isnt the frame a wishbone pan with raked wide glide triple trees?
Yes, your wrong. The wish bone frame has been raked.
As far as the "Chopper Kit", when all the kits that have been installed have safely, without a single failure, logged 100,000 miles each I be a beliver in these kits.

My Bike? Prostreet?

Weren't the original old skool choppers built off of Sportsters way back in the day? I think they were but I could be mistaken.

i think you are right

I don't have a chopper....i have a "snapper". The more and more miles I put on my old '82 the more old parts keep snapping or falling off. :roflblack :roflblack If i need them then i fix or replace....if not...screw it...let the road keep the useless junk!!!

No kit
no cut
no mirrors
no signals
no belt
no front fender
no problems

optical illusion
http://xlforum.net/photopost/data/500/thumbs/100_2505.JPG

Mine is actually one of the bikes on the home page of the chopper kit. Those are my words about it handling better than ever. It seemed like a lot to pay, but it was worth ever cent. I LOVE my bike now and get tons of great comments and looks. I've even got a 1st and 2nd in class at a few show n shines.
Phil LeGree
North Vancouver, BC
Canada

like I was told my lady ridin' buddies . . . . . "obviously penis envy"

I have yet to see a negative post about the product by someone who has actually installed the product. The "is it a true "chopper" debate is just stupid. It's a true chopper if I cut somethng but not if I buy a frame already fabricated with the chopper rake? Sounds too much like "only big twins are real Harleys" argument.... Next......

Everyone I know that has the chopper kit installed, loves it!

Everyone that sees them in person, loves them!

The debates over "what's a real chopper" and "what makes a person a 'biker' or not" ... let's leave that bullshit to the big twin forums and the "chopper" forums.

If you were to do some real research, you'd find that the AME kit really is a German kit, produced since 1973! So as for who are the imposters, well I don't know...

I like the look. It's not a chopper by the original meaning of the word, but it sure is by modern usage. From my point of view, sitting in Norway, Europe, the kit is the easiest and by far cheapest way to achieve that look. Here you can't just put the ol' hacksaw to the frame and reweld in the garage. You need certified welds, by certified weldors. And even if you have the certified welds, once you've altered the frame you're not guaranteed legal. The "chopper kit" is TUV certified, which means that even the Norwegian authorities accepts them. AND rake and trail are within original specs.

The TUV certificate is a guarantee that the kit actually has been tested by one of the more stringent testers in the world, not just some home mechanic who's "got feel". Since it's my life I'd rather go with TUV.:tour

happy motoring

I find it funny that we have forgotten the most important part of this whole thing. Freedom of expression, right or wrong. Choppers were made by guys who wanted to express themselves and didn't have any other options available to change there stock bikes to fit their style. I say if it fits you ride the hell out of it.

The real term chopper had NOTHING to do with cutting and raking a bike. We all use the term loosely as it sounds good. A "Chopper" was a bike that was simply cut down and had everything taken off it to make it lighter and faster.

You can all have yer chopper kits and chopper this and that. I went the easy way to get the look I wanted. 6" over tubes. period. Changed out the trees to billet, "normal" headlight etc.. No, I don't call it a chopper, I call it "MY bike!"

No changes to rake or trail, granted it makes for some extra fun when changin oil or tranny fluid, small price to pay!

As far as handling, I'm a cruizer, don't need to zip thru the twistys like a crotch rocket, but I've never had a problem with any twistys. There's no wobble in the front end, I've had it up over a hunnerd, done wheelies with it. Its been on (with several mods.) for over 12 years now and never a problem with stresses.

Anyone that don't like it, I don't really care! it ain't yer bike and it ain't fer sale! If ya like it, cool!

This is really funny reading guys.....everyone is soooo opinionated. So how much wood can a wood chuck chuck if a wood chuck could chuck wood?

I believe that would be a bundle sized at 3.5" x 3.8125".

hey maddog, where in Ronk are you ? I'm off Portion Rd.

Personally I think they look like crap. I also can't stand the bolt on dealer supplied chrome or"Factory customs" that seem to be to choice of the new Discovery Channel breed of "biker".

But I'm also not so arrogant that I think anyone but me should give a damn what my opinion is.

hey maddog, where in Ronk are you ? I'm off Portion Rd.

he's by LIE ex.59

and Im in Selden by bald hill (tues. car/bike night)

where on Portion???????

Personally I think they look like crap. I also can't stand the bolt on dealer supplied chrome or"Factory customs" that seem to be to choice of the new Discovery Channel breed of "biker".

But I'm also not so arrogant that I think anyone but me should give a damn what my opinion is.

I LOVE MY EXTENDED FORK KIT AND I THINK CHUCK P SAID IT ALL

he's by LIE ex.59

and Im in Selden by bald hill (tues. car/bike night)

where on Portion???????


just east of holbrook rd. can't believe I've never been to bald hill for a bike nite

hey maddog, where in Ronk are you ? I'm off Portion Rd.

North west corner Ocean Ave & ontario St.

just east of holbrook rd. can't believe I've never been to bald hill for a bike nite


Now you know!!!:D

You know, it's funny - it's never ever the people who have this done who think it rides poorly, handles poorly, or looks bad.

Getting into definitions is silly. To say something isnt a chopper because nothing is "chopped", and then recommend someone swap a frame instead is hypocritical.

I can say from experience that it handles well - very well - and better than most full out customs with that kind of rake to the front. I was fortunate enough to ride a customer's bike about 5 years ago when I commented about it not looking stable or safe. That shut me up. And I've ridden many customs that really feel strained, even though they are done the "proper" way.

And it isnt expensive. You absolutely cannot achieve the same result safely and keep your stock frame intact for the same money - and that includes swapping the frame and putting your stock ones away. I challenge someone to show me the same look (same degree rake) for the same price, safely, using a replacement frame and parts. Dont forget, simply replacing the frame wont work - you're gonna need a frame, new TT (wide glide conversion, no less), new forks, new lines - dont forget about paint and prep for the frame, and all the additional parts needed to make the engine work on the frame.
And what is down time worth? - swapping a frame isnt child's play. Assuming you can do it yourself it generally isnt a weekend job.

Here in Ohio, swapping the frame can be a hassle at the BMV as well. The frame contains the VIN. Insurance companies often ask if your bike frame has been altered as well (I know we aren't honest).

I like the look. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, I know, but custom bikes have gone from achieveable on a budget to downright astronomical. People now "accept" a low end chopper you build yourself (no chopping, I might add) to cost $15000 just for parts. A good chopper - where is that now - close to 50K? 60K?

IMHO, a good custom is one someone does themselves, using a hodgepodge of parts, being creative, and achieving a result that both has form and function. Anyone can buy a box of parts in an all-inclusive kit. Not many can assemble something truly unique - an expression of themselves.

Is the bolt on kit a cosmetic bandaid? If so, what is chrome? We certainly dont need it. Putting on the front end and keeping stock turn signals? - come on - only the "bike in a box" people have a completely finished bike as soon as they start it. Most of the pics of this front end you see are pics taken immediately after the part was put on for the dealer's sake. Parts change on a bike over time, as budget allows. No one said "No pictures allowed until you never plan to add another part!"

Bottom line - Someone can make a really good looking custom - save their original parts - then return it to stock when they sell it. On top of that, stay within a budget, maintain safety, legality, and lower insurance premiums.

Sounds like the way to go if you like the look! If you don't, that's cool too! I mean people still somehow think ape hangers look good.....

B

I also have the chopper kit installed. I like it alot!! I think it looks good, I also have the custom chrome 2 inch stretch tank(sport bob)and bobtail fender. I am next going to be installing a 250 wide tire kit.( I know i will need to can the old fender) I think after that I will have achieved the look i want. As far as the chopper kit not being safe, Mine installed with no hitches and it seems as good or better then stock for handling(may be a little better because of the "wide Glide" trees) I have forward controls installed and can easyly grind them in corners(and bike feels stable, no diving or wobble). All in all in am very pleased with the kit and i will be able to achieve the look that I want with it. I didn't want to raise the neck, I wanted more of a prostreet look.

Have a good one...Tom
How 'bout some pics!?

Heres mine, handles fine. If ya like it buy one. If you hate it ,dont.

Heres mine, handles fine. If ya like it buy one. If you hate it ,dont.
Looks great. This is what I want to do with my bike in the future....great job!

Some rides look ok with this fork extension/rake mod kit (no offense to anyone that has installed one-just stating my opinion here). Others remind me of taking a Yugo and applying a corvette emblem to it with superglue. There is no such thing as a chopper 'kit', unless it comes in a sawzall box. I have no idea about how raked cups work, but I hear they are the way to go if you want to kick out the front end a bit without wrecking frame geometry.

The funny thing about sporty based choppers in the 70's is that they were all about expressing individuality, rather than buying a kit to look like some $100,000 2 wheeled Hummer we just saw on the so and so channel.:frownthre

Where's that Dead horse gif? lol

http://download.usenet-replayer.com/L/H/1/2/4/6/1102966421.62.gif

I take it that the kit you mentioned is the AME kit. I have not read all the replies but this is not a raked tree and it is the best kit on the market as far as I can find. Raked trees are no good and dangerous, raked bearing cups or OK however only give you 3degree of rake. For the cost both options are too expensive for what you get.

The best option is to get out your grinder, hacksaw or sawzall (if you are game at cutting straight across the neck), and just cut the gusset from the bottom up. I chopped my bike and pulled the rake out to 38degress and welded it and had it painted and back together in two days. It cost me about $2aud in steel, although I already had it laying around. It rides great.

I have quite a few photo's (as I do not know how to insert) and can explain further if you wish.

As already stated in this forum if you want a chopper then you have to chop!

LOL ....... I haven't been here for awhile. Can't believe this thread is still active. You either like it or you don't, and it doesn't really matter what you call it.

There are a few pics in my gallery.

I have the chopper kit on my 2005 custom and love it. Others love it too.

First of all, the newer choppers you now see are not really raked and chopped in the classic sense. It is all mass built frame kits with extended fronts. I know someone with the AME kit and I have ridden it. After about an hour to get used to it feels and handles like original equipment. The trail does not change. The one I rode was a 14 degree and was fun and the bike looks great. There are two on the market, chopper kit AME which is steel and the Seeger which is exactly the same except it is aluminum. Both are 1700 bucks. They use the existing frame with no frame modifications. To have the frame cut and raked will cost you about 1500 bucks before your new trees and forks. So for 1700 this is a bargain, and you can take it off and go back to stock.

I joined the XL Forum to see if I could get information regarding one of these bolt on kits before I make the decision to order one. And you know what? I got just the information I needed.
I have learned that no matter what a person does to his and/or her bike, there is always some "magpie" in the tree chirping "cheap-cheap-cheap". The only thing that these "magpies" do is leave deposits that are utterly useless and annoying.
The most intelligent replies were from forum members who stated that everyone they had talked to loved the kits and have had no problem with them. Bingo. I have my answer.

I'm 52 years old and have been riding Harley's since 1980. I have learned that if you ignore "magpies", they eventually fly away to never be seen again.

Ride what you like and ignore the masses.

:p :D :clap

LOL ....... I haven't been here for awhile. Can't believe this thread is still active. You either like it or you don't, and it doesn't really matter what you call it.

There are a few pics in my gallery.
Love Love Love the looks of your bike. I so want to do that to mine in the future...

If anyone wants any constructive info on the kits email me and that will eliminate the BULLSHIT.