Posted by Witch Doctor on October 27, 2000 at 05:39:28:
I'm going to keep this short and sweet. The original definition of a chopper or bobber is a bigtwin HD or Chief with anything not 100% essential removed, and the essentials lightened as far as possible. Real chops came from the factory with a rigid or plunger frame, and springer or girder forks. Telescopic forks and shocks have no place on a chop job that is true to the title, they are CUSTOMS, not choppers. Anyone who wishes to build a stripped down, welterweight bike should do so as they see fit, but please try to keep the definitions in mind. There is an older publication that can still be ordered called the Chopper Cookbook. Buy it, read it, follow it if you plan to build your own ride. It was written for the hardcore rigid big twin rider, but the engineering principles are equally applicable to the baby bikes we have now. If you can't do the work correctly, please hire someone who's been around this lifestyle for a long time to help you. I already have enough memorial numbers/names to sew on my vest.
-WD