# So I'm thinking about building a "chopper" this winter... **URL:** \ **Category:** NYSpeed Automotive\ **Created:** [June 22, 2012, 1:20pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/so-im-thinking-about-building-a-chopper-this-winter/224073 "2012-06-22T13:20:37Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![newman](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/newman/32/7569_2.png) [@newman](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/newman)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2012, 8:57am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/so-im-thinking-about-building-a-chopper-this-winter/224073/41 "2012-06-25T08:57:10Z")
> [@boardjnky4](#): > > I’m sure that whatever you come up with will end up being pretty cool. You seem to have a good eye. > > Building a bike has always seemed a lot less involved than a car, so it’d be a cool project to get into and have some faster results. And a lot cheaper to do well without cutting corners. I do feel a little pigeonholed using an S&S vtwin, but I really do like the sound of a big-inch Vtwin… and the amount of aftermarket parts is pretty stout. ---
**Author:** ![KuntryQuestTSi](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/kuntryquesttsi/32/5010_2.png) [@KuntryQuestTSi](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/KuntryQuestTSi)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2012, 9:35am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/so-im-thinking-about-building-a-chopper-this-winter/224073/42 "2012-06-25T09:35:43Z")
> [@newman](#): > > Yeah… that’s what I’m thinking… I’d rather not have too much outside influence… if I build something that’s been done before by accident, oh well… but trying to build to specific style is not my goal. So your going OCC style. Buy a frame, buy a motor, Buy a trans, have someone do all the paint. ---
**Author:** ![focusinprogress](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/focusinprogress/32/7227_2.png) [@focusinprogress](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/focusinprogress)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2012, 9:54am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/so-im-thinking-about-building-a-chopper-this-winter/224073/43 "2012-06-25T09:54:38Z")
> [@KuntryQuestTSi](#): > > So your going OCC style. Buy a frame, buy a motor, Buy a trans, have someone do all the paint. LOL, cake decorating. ---
**Author:** ![Spam16v](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/spam16v/32/5287_2.png) [@Spam16v](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Spam16v)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2012, 10:19am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/so-im-thinking-about-building-a-chopper-this-winter/224073/44 "2012-06-25T10:19:39Z")
> [@KuntryQuestTSi](#): > > SO, your building a sporty? I don’t find ANYTHING “Sporty” about a 600lb steel framed, antique designed EVERYTHING that produces more noise than anything. ---
**Author:** ![newman](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/newman/32/7569_2.png) [@newman](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/newman)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2012, 10:58am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/so-im-thinking-about-building-a-chopper-this-winter/224073/45 "2012-06-25T10:58:16Z")
> [@KuntryQuestTSi](#): > > So your going OCC style. Buy a frame, buy a motor, Buy a trans, have someone do all the paint. > [@focusinprogress](#): > > LOL, cake decorating. What difference would it make if I buy a motor/trans new or take one off a donor bike…? I guess not building a frame could be seen as “cheating”… but I don’t want a frame that’s so radical that I can’t just buy it… I figured starting with no donor bike would force me to make/improvise more stuff than if I had enough parts to build a complete bike right away… ---
**Author:** ![boardjnky4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/96bed5/32.png) [@boardjnky4](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/boardjnky4)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2012, 11:03am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/so-im-thinking-about-building-a-chopper-this-winter/224073/46 "2012-06-25T11:03:55Z")
> [@KuntryQuestTSi](#): > > So your going OCC style. Buy a frame, buy a motor, Buy a trans, have someone do all the paint. Isn’t that more or less what all custom bikes are? ---
**Author:** ![focusinprogress](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/focusinprogress/32/7227_2.png) [@focusinprogress](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/focusinprogress)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2012, 11:17am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/so-im-thinking-about-building-a-chopper-this-winter/224073/47 "2012-06-25T11:17:20Z")
I’m not saying your idea is silly, I rather like the idea…but I think the cool part of sourcing a donor bike is in how you make all those parts work on a different frame…If you buy a frame meant for an S&S motor/trans and that’s what you put in it, there won’t be much fabrication to do if you’re looking to do this as a creative outlet…all you’ll really be able to do to personalize the bike is tank, fenders, wheels, and paint. I think it would be cool to buy a frame with no mounting tabs, and decide on a radical powerplant and make it work/make it cool/different. ---
**Author:** ![newman](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/newman/32/7569_2.png) [@newman](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/newman)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2012, 11:24am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/so-im-thinking-about-building-a-chopper-this-winter/224073/48 "2012-06-25T11:24:16Z")
I guess I’m having a hard time stepping outside of using pan/shovel simply because I like the way that they sound/look… maybe I need to be a bit more open-minded about it… ---
**Author:** ![focusinprogress](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/focusinprogress/32/7227_2.png) [@focusinprogress](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/focusinprogress)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2012, 11:32am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/so-im-thinking-about-building-a-chopper-this-winter/224073/49 "2012-06-25T11:32:08Z")
if those are the powerplants that appeal to you , use what you like…just do something radical with the frame to make it different…like a crazy awesome aluminum spaceframe or something lol. you could design it in Inventor and send the file out to have the frame built for you… ---
**Author:** ![newman](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/newman/32/7569_2.png) [@newman](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/newman)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2012, 11:41am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/so-im-thinking-about-building-a-chopper-this-winter/224073/50 "2012-06-25T11:41:18Z")
> [@focusinprogress](#): > > if those are the powerplants that appeal to you , use what you like…just do something radical with the frame to make it different…like a crazy awesome aluminum spaceframe or something lol. > > you could design it in Inventor and send the file out to have the frame built for you… I guess when I think of bikes, the ones with “radical” frames or engines usually look ridiculous… or really hard to ride. There is a reason why a motorcycle frame is shaped the way it is. However… you’ve got me thinking… ---
**Author:** ![Spam16v](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/spam16v/32/5287_2.png) [@Spam16v](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Spam16v)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2012, 11:48am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/so-im-thinking-about-building-a-chopper-this-winter/224073/51 "2012-06-25T11:48:45Z")
> [@newman](#): > > However… you’ve got me thinking… Now I like where this is going. ---
**Author:** ![boardjnky4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/96bed5/32.png) [@boardjnky4](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/boardjnky4)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2012, 11:53am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/so-im-thinking-about-building-a-chopper-this-winter/224073/52 "2012-06-25T11:53:08Z")
I could see you doing something like the following bikes: [http://www.indianlarry.com/motorcycles/index.php](http://www.indianlarry.com/motorcycles/index.php) Looks like they are using pretty standard powertrains, but there is a lot of custom and differentiation on them. No idea where they get their frames. ---
**Author:** ![KuntryQuestTSi](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/kuntryquesttsi/32/5010_2.png) [@KuntryQuestTSi](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/KuntryQuestTSi)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2012, 12:05pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/so-im-thinking-about-building-a-chopper-this-winter/224073/53 "2012-06-25T12:05:48Z")
> [@boardjnky4](#): > > Isn’t that more or less what all custom bikes are? To people that watch TV yes. IN newman fasion I would think he would find some oddball, kick ass power plant and make it a chopper. Depending on what motor he goes would leave more / less room for custom fab up ideas. Most V twins have and external trans and oil bag , then he can choose his primary set up open/close. Or he can find a power plant with an internal trans and keep all the weight more center of gravity. No oil bag is needed leaving room for a more radicial seat. He can also set up his own rake in the steering next, extend the rear of the frame also. With the hardtail you want to make sure everything is PERFECT you feel every shake and vibration. ---
**Author:** ![focusinprogress](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/focusinprogress/32/7227_2.png) [@focusinprogress](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/focusinprogress)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2012, 12:16pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/so-im-thinking-about-building-a-chopper-this-winter/224073/54 "2012-06-25T12:16:55Z")
> [@newman](#): > > I guess when I think of bikes, the ones with “radical” frames or engines usually look ridiculous… or really hard to ride. There is a reason why a motorcycle frame is shaped the way it is. > > However… you’ve got me thinking… Yeah, 90% of the “choppers” I see these days especially on TV look totally retarded from a comfort/riding standpoint. fuck 1 gallon gas tanks and huge rake angles… whip up a frame design thats a little different looking based around the drivetrain you want to use as well as your personal body dimensions…make it comfortable, otherwise its only going to look cool parked, like OCC bikes. ---
**Author:** ![newman](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/newman/32/7569_2.png) [@newman](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/newman)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2012, 12:46pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/so-im-thinking-about-building-a-chopper-this-winter/224073/55 "2012-06-25T12:46:51Z")
I would like to use a modular trans/clutch engine with an open primary and oiltank. I like the look and making the oil tank is something I have a loose plan for already… ---
**Author:** ![Carnut](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/carnut/32/7590_2.png) [@Carnut](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Carnut)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2012, 3:21pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/so-im-thinking-about-building-a-chopper-this-winter/224073/56 "2012-06-25T15:21:31Z")
> [@newman](#): > > And a lot cheaper to do well without cutting corners. I do feel a little pigeonholed using an S&S vtwin, but I really do like the sound of a big-inch Vtwin… and the amount of aftermarket parts is pretty stout. Keep this in mind. Domestic muscle parts cost \< Import performance parts cost \< motorcycle performance parts cost \< Anything Harley V-twin aftermarket or otherwise cost. The less cylinders the more expensive. > [@newman](#): > > What difference would it make if I buy a motor/trans new or take one off a donor bike…? > > I guess not building a frame could be seen as “cheating”… but I don’t want a frame that’s so radical that I can’t just buy it… > > I figured starting with no donor bike would force me to make/improvise more stuff than if I had enough parts to build a complete bike right away… Buying a frame from a reputable builder is a plus in that it has been built from Chromoly and normalized which will help reduce cracking. No one likes a cracked frame, many accidents were caused in the 70s due to shit frames. > [@newman](#): > > I guess I’m having a hard time stepping outside of using pan/shovel simply because I like the way that they sound/look… maybe I need to be a bit more open-minded about it… Nothing has the sound of a Harley V-Twin simply based on how it’s firing order was setup. Panheads are going to be big money as will a shovel head that won’t break down (you already stated you don’t want to fix things and just look at Walkers bike,every other facebook status for a while there was a break down status. Granted he has a sporty but it is what it is. If you really want reliability (I know I do when it comes to enjoying a bike) I would look at EVO (post 1984) and newer. A Buell engine wouldn’t be bad either but it’s essentially a sportster which isn’t the end of the world. Buells can be had cheap and you could use many of the parts for donor parts. Wheels, brakes, forks, etc. > [@newman](#): > > I would like to use a modular trans/clutch engine with an open primary and oiltank. I like the look and making the oil tank is something I have a loose plan for already… This would be easiest and cheapest way to go. When setting up a Big twin there is a specific order to bolting the engine and trans up as to not cause undo stress on motor mounts, primary covers, trans mounts etc. Shimming can come into play here. It’s not the worst thing in the world but when you consider the amount of torque and vibration these things produce, it becomes a consideration. Especially with the quality of case castings from those eras. ---
**Author:** ![Carnut](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/carnut/32/7590_2.png) [@Carnut](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Carnut)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2012, 6:19pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/so-im-thinking-about-building-a-chopper-this-winter/224073/57 "2012-06-25T18:19:04Z")
I like this. [http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/26-inch-harley-2011-sportster-48-/110902141564?pt=US\_motorcycles&hash=item19d248627c#v4-40](http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/26-inch-harley-2011-sportster-48-/110902141564?pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item19d248627c#v4-40) ---
**Author:** ![BDR5oh](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/bdr5oh/32/7315_2.png) [@BDR5oh](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/BDR5oh)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2012, 6:33pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/so-im-thinking-about-building-a-chopper-this-winter/224073/58 "2012-06-25T18:33:04Z")
you REALLY need to come see,hear and maybe ride my bike … then i know you will be deadset on my jap,air cooled v-twin motor … that can be sourced in a wrecked bike cheap ---------- Post added at 09:33 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:32 PM ---------- oh shit … it’s a donk ---
**Author:** ![XwalkerX](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/xwalkerx/32/7598_2.png) [@XwalkerX](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/XwalkerX)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2012, 9:55am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/so-im-thinking-about-building-a-chopper-this-winter/224073/59 "2012-06-26T09:55:01Z")
> [@Carnut](#): > > I like this. > > [http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/26-inch-harley-2011-sportster-48-/110902141564?pt=US\_motorcycles&hash=item19d248627c#v4-40](http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/26-inch-harley-2011-sportster-48-/110902141564?pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item19d248627c#v4-40) > [@Ebay listing](#): > > THIS AUCTION, IS FOR A 2011 CUSTOM HARLEY SPORTSTER 48, 1200. THIS BIKE WAS PERCHASED BRAND NEW FROM THE DEALER. ONLY HAS ABOUT 300 MILES ON IT. ITS GOT CUSTOM FREEDOM PIPES, SPRINGER, AND OF COARSE… 2 BAD A$$ SMT 26’S. THIS IS DEFANITELY A ONE OF A KIND BIKE!!! TURNS HEADS EVERYWHERE YOU GO. ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE CALL MARTIN @ 623 326 4892 nailed it. ---
**Author:** ![newman](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/newman/32/7569_2.png) [@newman](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/newman)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2012, 10:25am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/so-im-thinking-about-building-a-chopper-this-winter/224073/60 "2012-06-26T10:25:54Z")
Those wheels remind me of that hummer with wooden wheels. ---------- Post added at 01:25 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:25 PM ---------- ![http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qiNmaHQIcXo/TvxL5UZdwWI/AAAAAAAAANk/zSnL5QxfeR0/s1600/hummer-h3-wooden-wheels1.jpg](http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qiNmaHQIcXo/TvxL5UZdwWI/AAAAAAAAANk/zSnL5QxfeR0/s1600/hummer-h3-wooden-wheels1.jpg) [Previous page](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/so-im-thinking-about-building-a-chopper-this-winter/224073.md?page=2) [Next page](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/so-im-thinking-about-building-a-chopper-this-winter/224073.md?page=4)