Cross Roads Custom Rides

You almost never hear of a chopper without hearing that it has been customized. Personalization is intrinsic to this kind of bike and rider. The very term chopper comes from the chopped up nature of early chopper bikes. They were purchased whole and then stripped down to their bare essentials, sometimes even to their parts, before being rebuilt to the personal specifications of their owners. The results were so individual as to be iconic and bikers who rode custom choppers became an important part of the biking community. They and their bikes embodied the values of the larger biking communities.

Chopping Today

Today, you can customize every single part of your chopper. Whether you would like to pick out each individual bolt or simply arrange for a killer paint job—the option exists. Resources like internet retailers and a thriving chopper culture mean that it’s easier than ever to create a chopper that fits your personal specifications. It’s no surprise that so many dedicated riders take the opportunity to build the bike of their dreams. You can arrange for a custom chopper to fit every need after all—whether you privilege speed, comfort, touring, or even the ability to make an awe-inspiring machine.

The Personal Touch

Traditionally, a chopper is something that you take a personal interest in. Most people would design and carry out their own customization. These days, though, customization is an option that is open to everyone. If you want to be the only person to touch your chopper, you can be. If you want your chopper customized by the best craftsmen in the field, then you can arrange for that, too. Of course, there are many degrees available in between. In the end, the reason chopper customization is so popular is because it gives you a way to express yourself freely while creating an intensely personal vehicle to enjoy for years to come.

If you ride, or maybe even if you don’t, you know that one of the biggest names in motorcycles is Harley Davidson. I have to admit that I myself am a Harley owner; but I haven’t always been able to afford a Harley. I’ve had a Honda, a Suzuki savage, a Sportster (my first Harley), and currently tool around town on my 1989 Soft Tail Classic. As far as choppers go there are equally as many choices.

How Many Dealers Offer Kits?

I was actually surprised to see an advertisement for a Honda chopper kit. I don’t know, maybe it’s my devotion to Harley Davidson, but the words Honda and chopper look funny in the same sentence. The picture of the CB750 was definitely easy on the eyes, but lacked that radical chopper look. Yamaha had some nice looking bikes from kits that more closely resembled the chopper you think of when you hear the word. Suzuki, once again, fell a little short of my visual expectations. Sorry guys.

Harley Davidson-A Way of Life

I warned you, I’m a Harley buff, but after looking at the photo gallery of Harley Davidson choppers one cannot help being impressed. I found pictures of Sportsters transformed into choppers that absolutely blew my mind! Not all of Harley’s kits have that low, sleek look; but the more impressive models were those that kept to the uncompromising image of the American chopper.

No matter which model you decide to go with you’re sure to spend a little time and money on the paint. Flames, skulls, wild colors and crazy designs; that’s what many of us think of when we hear the word chopper. If the ride is what you’re all about keep in mind, choppers have no rear suspension. Oh, my achin’ …