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’ …

Ever practically broken your neck doing a double take, just to get another glimpse of that cool chopper that just roared by? You can’t help but stare at some of the awesome creations. Witches and skulls, orange and red flaming infernos, crazy sparkling colors in geometric designs fly down the highway; seemingly without a care. But take care you should, before investing.

Fun’s fun, Until Somebody Gets Hurt

Driving a standard motorcycle takes talent and skill. Driving a chopper increases the need for that skill tenfold. With your arms above your head and your front tire extended at least several feet, maneuverability is not the chopper’s best attribute. If you’re picturing sitting back, gliding down the street, wind in your hair, remember; the seat on that chopper has been lowered to a point where it is literally sitting on the frame (which itself has been lowered). There is likely no suspension between your backside and the asphalt. Sacrificing safety and comfort for style is a decision that should not be taken lightly before spending your life savings on this particular mode of transportation.

What You Spend is What You Get

Buying and owning a chopper is a pricey endeavor. Whether you make it yourself or purchase it already assembled, a chopper is going to set you back considerably. If the price tag alone doesn’t intimidate you, keep in mind that upkeep and maintenance on custom parts isn’t cheap; particularly if you care about quality. And you better care, because shoddily made parts may be inexpensive but they don’t use the word cheap for nothing.

I would never discourage anyone from buying a motorcycle; I own two. But I’d encourage everyone to think carefully before making what can be a life changing decision.