Choppers. Like 'em?

1. Yes, and I ride one.
2. Yes, and I want one.
3. No, and I ride one.
4. No, and I don't want one.
5. Hardtail is the only way to go!

Number four. They're art work, not transportation. I own a bike to ride, not to look at. I ride a touring bike for its practicality on the open road and a sport bike for its performance. I include handling in my definition of performance. In fact, I prize handling over excessive horsepower. I'm not a chaser of horsepower, don't ride a liter class sport bike. Don't have any need for 180 mph on public roads.

A chopper can do neither of these things, turn a corner or tour in comfort for a week on the road. It's just not what I own a bike for.

My answer is number five. I own one and love it. Rode mine to Sturgis last year and will do so again this year. I put close to six thousand miles on it in less than five months last year.

Mine is an 88 inch RevTech motor with a five speed tranny. Rigid frame, and pretty much just the basics. Nothing that looks like a yacht or an easter. Just gloss black paint and chrome.

4. I would consider a bobber as a second bike to ride on day trips. They look cool as hell. I do not like the OCC, Jessie James, etc type excess bikes. Not my style. This would work for me:

Choppers

I pick 4. I know two people with custom choppers and have ridden both of them. They are plenty fun to rip up and down the street since they both have 100" Revtech engines and they look really nice. But neither one handles very well and both are uncomfortable after a while. Here in New England, the roads can be awful. Hard tails are pretty much out of the question for long trips here. I'll stick with my 1999 Fatboy. It's been tinkered with a little and has plenty of get up and go for me along with comfort for longer rides. After this picture was taken I installed leather bags, a Mikuni Carb, a sidewinder aircleaner and braided stainless crankcase breather hose.