Those who take the plunge into motorcycling for the first time will be inundated with options for various bikes. There are categories for every type of rider: the relaxed, the speed-freak, and everything in between. One section that (in our view) has been neglected as of late are those of the classic Choppers.
The flashy sportbikes and alluring top speed tests are tempting for a lot of us, but do not forget the Choppers. There are a lot of reasons to love them, especially after you ride one for the first time. In fact, we've come up with a list of fifteen interesting facts about choppers that'll make you want one right now!
15 An Iconic Appearance
The first thing to note about choppers is their long-standing appearance. Throughout the decades, the chopper (like the Porsche 911) has undergone minor changes, yet, the base still remains, basically, the same. The photo above, for instance, could be from the 1970s or today, if you were going off the bike's style alone. Thus, chopper owners can rest easy knowing that their bike will still be in fashion later on.
14 Predates Most Cars
Although motorcycles had been around for years before choppers rolled around, chopper bikes are still quite old. The first one was built in the 1940s; designated as 'Bob-job Era' (more on that below). With a history spanning over 74-years, that makes the choppers older than a majority of cars. Like we said before, never out of style...
13 Bobbers Vs. Choppers
As alluded to in the previous entry, the early form of choppers wasn't known as "choppers," rather, "bobbers." Now, bobbers aren't the exact same as your average chopper bike. Bobbers are made from a preexisting chassis, while choppers are (more often than not) an entirely new design. Because of this, bobbers are less expensive than the latter.
12 Useful In A Time Of Crisis
Since the chopper/bobber phenomenon was born out of warfare, it makes sense that they'd be useful in such uncertain scenarios. These Harley-Davidson bikes helped soldiers before and after the war, playing a crucial role in delivering supplies and troops, as well as reconstruction.
Using the aforementioned knowledge and experience from the war effort, H.D. ensured that the rest of their bikes would retain their dependability.
11 More Comfortable Than Anticipated
If you've never ridden a chopper bike before, it's easy to think that they're uncomfortable as heck! However, the truth isn't as bad. Choppers, in actuality, make for great touring bikes BECAUSE of their comfort (as well as their reliability). After all, why would so many motorcycle gangs ride them for long-distances if they weren't comfy?
10 Pop-Culture Presence
To name all of the films, TV shows, music videos, and other areas in which choppers have cameo'd, we'd be here for ages. That's because choppers are incredibly beloved and well-known. Since they're so prominent, you can bet your bottom dollar that Hollywood'll plaster them all over the place.
9 For All Income Levels
West Coast Customs, along with other television programs, may give the impression that choppers are for the uber-wealthy only. That is not the case. Choppers, although usually custom-built, can vary in price. Depending on the quality, you could pay as little as a couple thousand, or as much as several thousands. In short, even if you think you can't afford a chopper, you probably can!
8 It All Starts With Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson, due to the Second World War, became a huge supplier of motorcycles/engines for the allied forces back in the day. When the war was over, various Harley engines were sold by surplus stores; the same ones that would power the first choppers (or 'bobbers', rather). So, whether you get a Harley or not, the classic H.D. will still be your origin story.
7 Easier To Join A Motorcycle Crew
Joining an M.C. is possible with any motorcycle, but the really 'hardcore' ones love cruisers and choppers. Sorta like The Sons of Anarchy, there's a style which the crew follows. Obviously, it'd look kind of strange to be the one guy on a gixxer amongst a sea of choppers...
6 Extremely Reliable
Thank God for motorcycles, particularly those which can run till then end of days; age or condition be darned! As you've likely surmised by now, the chopper finds itself on the long list of well-built motorcycles. When a custom engine or Harley-Davidson power source meets a chopper frame, there's few that'll go wrong.
5 Simplicity Is Key
"How exactly is it reliable, though?" you may be asking. The answer is clear: simplicity. Naturally, the less stuff that there is get broken, the fewer things will go wrong, chiefly in regards to electronic. As far as that's concerned, choppers are bare-bones; nothing but the bare necessities, the simple bear necessities. Hard to mess up without a hundred sensors breaking per annum.
4 Everyone Knows About Choppers
A huge presence in pop-culture, reliability, a long-lasting history, and a link to Harley-Davidson. All of these things combined make the chopper as recognizable as the Coca-Cola logo. Seven decades and millions of sales will get people to notice you. Of course, it's hard not to notice choppers and their loud exhausts/unique aesthetic.
3 Going For Classic
A characteristic choppers have that others don't is the ability to revert back, so to speak. What we're saying is that choppers, regardless as to whether they were made in 1980 or 2020, can be made to look exactly like the originals.
Because almost all choppers are custom, the possibilities are infinite for modifications, designs, and much more.
2 Extremely Fast
Okay, okay, we hear you; "But what about its speed? Can it hold a candle to the likes of the average sportsbike?" Simply put, yes, but in different ways. While a chopper may reach eye-watering speeds on a straight-line, it'll fail to handle the ways that a Yamaha R1 or Ducati will. Nevertheless, it'll still make for an amazing ride!
1 If You Can Dream It, You Can Make It
Choppers are a blessing for everyone who loves motorcycles. They are in a unique position where, due to their production, choppers are basically an open 'sandbox' to play with. The options are endless: drag-racing choppers, show bikes, or classics are all available to those who would pursue them. Of course, you'll need to budget appropriately. Nothing worthwhile is free, after all...