How to Choose the Right Type of Motorcycle
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jay_Gaulard]Jay Gaulard

So you want to buy a motorcycle? Believe it or not, you have a lot of decisions to make before you are ready to make a purchase. There are dozens of types of motorcycles on the market today, and you will need to make sure you get one that is the right fit for you.

Main Types of Road Bikes

Road bikes are the bikes you will use on paved roads. Most people who are in the market for a motorcycle will choose this type of bike. These bikes are very fuel-efficient and typically have top speeds between 100 and 125 mph. There are multiple types of road bikes you can choose from.

Cruisers include bikes made by Harley-Davidson and Excelsior-Henderson among other manufacturers. When you sit on this bike, your feet will be facing forward. Most cruisers require you to keep your hands up and your spine straight. Choppers are a common type of cruiser. These are designed for comfort on long rides, not necessarily great speed. Many cruisers are custom made for their owners.

A sport bike is a bike that is designed for speed and handles well. It can stop and accelerate quickly and is incredibly maneuverable. These are sometimes called "crotch rockets." They have a lightweight frame and a high performance engine. The foot pegs are typically quite high, requiring the rider to hold his legs close to the body. The rider generally has to lean forward in order to reach the hand controls.

Those who travel long distances on a regular basis or use their bikes for a long commute may wish to look for a touring model. These bikes have large screens, hold more fuel, and have more comfortable seats than other models. They are less sporty than the first two types, but are far more practical.

Naked bikes are bikes that have few extras. These street bikes are not covered with shiny body panels and do not have screens. They are simply an engine and a seat with the necessary controls. Functionality and performance are the main goals of these bikes.

If you are unsure about the bike you want, head to a dealership and test-drive a few different types. You will find one that is comfortable for you. This is the type of bike you should look for once you are ready to buy.

Scooters

While you may not think of a scooter as a motorcycle, it is does fall in this category. Scooters or motor scooters typically have small wheels and engines. They do not have foot bars, but the rider's feet sit in front of him on a platform that is part of a step-through frame. These are not designed for speed, but they are designed to be a convenient, portable means of transportation. These are becoming more and more sporty in design as they gain popularity, especially among city dwellers.

Off-Road Motorcycles

Off-road bikes, which are sometimes called dirt bikes, have small, lightweight engines. They have simple construction and have little to no bodywork, because they are not designed for show. The tires are designed for rugged trail riding, and are large and knobby to aid the bike in maintaining traction. These bikes are used for off-road sports, not as a means of transportation. They are usually not street-legal.

Dual-Sport Motorcycles

For those who want to enjoy off-roading with their bikes but also want their motorcycle to be a means of transportation, dual-sport bikes are probably the best option. These bikes can be legally driven on the street, but they are also built durably enough to handle riding off road. There are several types of dual-sport bikes available.

A hypermotard has a powerful engine and is equipped with road tires and rims. The rest of the bike resembles an off road bike. Supermotards are similar bikes. They are known for their good handling on concrete and fast acceleration.

Adventure-touring bikes are road bikes that can go off road on gravel and dirt paths. They are not intended for use in motorbike sports, but those who enjoy touring the outdoors and do not want to be confined to paved roads will find these a good fit.

Get Your License

Before you can ride your bike, you need to have a motorcycle license. Check with your local DMV to find out the rules and regulations in your state regarding motorcycle riders on the road. You may need to take a motorcycle riding safety course. Remember, very little stands between you and the pavement when you are on a motorcycle, so you need to make sure you know how to handle the bike safely. Be sure to practice riding in a variety of conditions, especially wet conditions, before you head out on the open road. If you are not fully prepared for varying road conditions, you could be putting your life and the lives of those around you at risk when you take your bike on the road.

Getting the Right Gear

One of the most important pieces of gear you will need is a helmet. Some states do not require a helmet, but it is a very necessary piece of safety equipment. You will want to get a leather coat and gloves to protect your skin when you ride. Eye gear is required in all states, even those that do not require helmet use. Make sure you purchase eyewear that is designed to be used by motorcycle riders.

Finding the Right Bike

Once you have determined the general style of motorcycle you want, the search begins to find the one that best fits your tastes and needs. There are many places you can go to find the perfect bike. The most obvious option is a motorcycle dealership. If you want a brand new bike, this is the only option. However, if you are shopping for a used bike, you may find that an individual owner will offer you a better price.

Jay Gaulard writes for a wide selection of websites on various topics. He is a veteran of the internet and has come to be respected in his many areas of expertise. This article was written on behalf of CycleLeeg, a popular motorcycles for sale website.

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How to Buy a Motorcycle Helmet

How to Buy a Motorcycle Helmet
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Michael_Padway]Michael Padway

One thing almost all motorcyclists do is buy a helmet. Interestingly, there is very little information available on what specific features to look for in a motorcycle helmet.

Here are six features you should look for to ensure your helmet offer the highest protection and performance:

1) Safety and Impact Protection

The most important feature for any motorcycle helmet is safety and protection from impacts. There are many testing groups that test and certify helmets as being safe. The most widely-known testing groups are "Dot" (Department of Transportation) and "Snell."

DOT: The DOT tests which are preformed by the helmet manufacturers, analyze straight-on impacts, or radial impacts. In reality the most likely type of impact a motorcyclist will have is a slanted impact which occurs during a fall from a motorcycle to the road surface or when hitting the windshield of a car.

SNELL: The Snell tests also test only radial impacts. However their tests are more severe than DOTs. Whether this additional severity adds safety to the helmet is questionable according to many experts. None the less, the Snell Foundation sticker is found on most high-end helmets. smf.org/

SHARP: This slanted impact test, also called oblique impact test, is used in the newer British SHARP Program. This more comprehensive study of helmet performance measures how much impact is absorbed, not just the damage to the helmet. The SHARP program rates helmets on a scale of one to five stars. Interestingly there is little correlation between price and SHARP performance.

2) Hard Outer Shell

Helmet outer shells need to be hard to distribute the force of a impact blow. The harder the shell of your helmet, the better protection it will provide you. Polycarbonate shells are the least expensive and offer the least protection. Fiberglass shells offer good protection, but not the best. The material that offers the hardest shell and best protection is carbon fiber. Carbon fiber helmets are made of tightly interwoven layers of carbon fiber sheets and Kevlar sheets bonded together with high-strength epoxy. This "space age" material is expensive but its ultra strong and super-light weight properties make it the hardest and most protective material. Plus, it looks good.

3) Dual-Density Foam Core

The liner should be dual density foam, because the foam should be a soft as possible, but not so soft it compresses all the way to the liner. If too dense, it won't compress enough. Therefore, the best way to balance the density seems to be different density foams.

4) Chin Protection

Another important feature is that there be protection on the inside of the chin bar. Almost 40% of impacts to the helmet are in the area of the chin bar, so it needs to be padded. Further, this area is opposite the neck, so you don't want unnecessary transmission of force to the neck. Remember, there is no bone connecting the head to the spine, so this is a structural weak spot in the body.

5) Proper Fit

Look for a snug fit with a chin strap that fits tightly enough to keep the helmet from coming off. The helmet can't do its job if it flies off or is too loose to provide impact protection. Of course, the more comfortable the helmet is, the easier it is to wear, and the more attention you can pay to riding. Try to find a helmet that fits the shape of your head. Most motorcyclists should look for a full face helmet that fits well, from a model with a good SHARP rating, preferably a 5 star rating.

6) Colors and Options

Last, choose the color and graphics you like and other options. Other options may include visors, flip-down face shields, air-flow venting, provision for sound equipment, and others. Pick whatever else floats your boat. Personally, I like to have a tinted strip inside the face shield and above my eyes. Otherwise, be sure that you can comfortably fit sunglasses while wearing the helmet.

In summary, most modern day helmets produced by major manufactures perform well. Remember price does not mean safety, so don't assume that by buying the most expensive helmet you have just purchased the safest helmet. The new SHARP test is probably the best source of safety information you can get. Try on a new helmet after you've been out for a ride - make sure the fit is snug but is still comfortable. Have fun on your next ride wearing your new classy helmet.

About Michael Padway

Michael Padway, http://www.michaelpadway.com/ is an experienced motorcycle lawyer specializing in motorcycle accident cases. He has represented hundreds of motorcycle accident victims and works to bring his clients the best settlements possible in a timely and efficient manner. Because Michael is a motorcycle rider himself, he understands the ins and the outs of motorcycle accidents and what is needed to win his cases. Injured motorcycle riders can call Michael Padway & Associates, California motorcycle injury accident attorneys at 415-777-1511, or visit MichaelPadway.com.

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http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Buy-a-Motorcycle-Helmet&id=1623444

Advantages of riding a motorcycle

The Advantages of Riding a Motorcycle!
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Irida_Sangemino]Irida Sangemino

When my husband first planted the seed that he would love to own a motorcycle I tried to ignore it. For all the obvious reasons like initial cost, traffic safety issues, less structural protection, and defiant biker myths, I felt intimidated and scared. Now, two years later and a few rides under my belt, I wished I had opened up sooner.

The idea of riding on a motorcycle was overwhelmingly enticing, but also quite frightening, as every time I came near a motorized two-wheeler I kept recalling the motorcycle accident I had witnessed as a child, and the young man desperately calling out for his mother. Nine at the time, I was horrified of the victim lying on the cobblestone road, his leg weirdly twisted and blood running all over his face. If you ask me, I honestly do not recall anything about his bike, nor if he was wearing a helmet, and this being the mid-sixties I doubt he was. All I could focus on at the time was his pain and the horror in his eyes.

Today I recognize that accidents happen and that it does not matter where you are, what you do or are using to get around. Heck, you can get hit by a bus just crossing the road. All I know is that riding a motorcycle has many advantages which I, as a thrifty budgeter and rational adult can greatly appreciate.

Here are several advantages that come with owing and riding a motorcycle.

- It is cost effective, dodging record fuel bills.

- It reduces your dependence on foreign oil and helps the country's economy.

- It reduces carbon emissions tremendously compared to driving a car.

- It allows you to be more flexible in traffic.

- It permits you to use car pool lanes.

- It makes parking easier. A bike parks in a third of the space of a car and angle parking is permitted. A bike can also be park on sidewalks in front of stores and restaurants.

- It saves you on maintenance and repair bills compared to cars. Motorcycle engines are easier to access and you can do more of the upkeep yourself, something bikers pride themselves on.

- It gives you the ability to pull over anytime. This advantage comes in handy when you got lost and need directions, or when you are traveling in formation and need to regroup.

- It is less boring and falling at the wheel is less of a possibility. If not the noise, the wind in your face will keep you awake.

- It lets you connect better with the environment. On a bike, you tend to enjoy your surroundings more, keeping you more alert and making the trip more enjoyable and stress relieving.

- Last but not least: riding a bike looks cool and appealing for both men and women and gets you off the couch!

By: Irida Sangemino was born in Belgium and is currently living in Chandler, AZ. She is a multi-lingual copywriter/journalist/editor with various interests (including finding ways to live life to the fullest).
[mailto:irida@wydebeam.com]irida@wydebeam.com

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http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Advantages-of-Riding-a-Motorcycle!&id=1620886

DOT Approval For Motorcycle Helmets

DOT Approval For Motorcycle Helmets
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Candace_A_Crown]Candace A Crown

When obtaining a motorcycle helmet it is very important that your helmet is safe for use on the roads. You want to know that you are safe from harm when you are investing in something that could save your life you want to be sure it is something worth the money you spend.

It is not necessary to pay a lot of money when you are buying your helmet, there are just a few things you want to look for. The most important thing you want to make sure of is that the helmet has been DOT tested and approved.

The Department of Transportation has certain regulations that helmets have to meet in order to be street safe. If a helmet is not DOT approved it is not legal to wear on the street when riding your motorcycle.

The DOT performs a straight forward impact test. Using a simulated head placed inside a helmet, testers drop the helmet from a height of ten feet. The head cannot receive more than 400 G-force units on impact. A G-force unit measures the force of gravity exerted against an object in motion.
There are other safety tests out there. One of the best is the Snell approval test. This is a very thorough test on the helmets. When a helmet is both DOT and Snell approved it is safe for use.

Snell cites the following areas as critical in helmet safety:

• Impact management: how well the helmet protects against collisions with large objects

• Helmet positional stability: whether the helmet will be in place, on the head, when it's needed

• Retention system strength: whether the chin straps are sufficiently strong enough to hold the helmet throughout a head impact; and

• Extent of protection: the area of the head protected by the helmet.
Snell Memorial Foundation, Inc. ( 2005). 2005 Standard for Protective Headgear, 4.

Helmets don't always have to be both DOT and Snell approved. One or the other is great. To be legal on the roads you have to be DOT approved, but you don't have to be Snell approved. The Snell approval is just an added bonus when looking for a helmet.

It is important to know that you are safe when you are out there riding your motorcycle.

Candace Crown http://www.skullskidder.com

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http://EzineArticles.com/?DOT-Approval-For-Motorcycle-Helmets&id=1602253

Orange County Choppers-OCC Guys

Heated Motorcycle Gear

Heated Motorcycle Gear
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Nick_Carr]Nick Carr

Winter is here folks, but that doesn't mean we can't keep riding. How can we stave off
the bone chilling wind and cold? Heated gear, of course!

Heated gear keeps various parts of your body warm while riding in winter temperatures, so just say no to Hypothermia! I'm a year round rider, and though I've since moved to Austin, Texas where winter riding is pretty tolerable, I used to live in Baltimore, Maryland where winter riding involved below freezing temps for extended periods of time and a good bit of that white stuff. Heated gear is a wonderful thing - trust me on this. I used to own a heated vest and gloves.

Heated gear is just that; motorcycle clothing and accessories that use a heating element to create warmth.

A few Heated Gear Manufacturers:

Widder
Warm & Safe
WarmGear
Gerbing

Many Motorcycle companies also offer their own versions (Harley Davidson and BMW immediately come to mind), which are usually produced by premium manufacturers. Of course that usually means all the quality at twice the price, but that sort of thing is up the individual customer.

How Does Heated Motorcycle Gear Work?

Most Heated gear uses anywhere from 15 to 100 watts depending on the brand and the amount of gear you use while riding.

You have two types of power output really. You can power it from your motorcycle battery, or you can run it on self contained, rechargeable batteries placed or sewn directly into the article of clothing. That's not to say they are interchangeable so see what kind of power supply it requires before you buy it!

I owned the plug in type that ran on my motorcycle's 12 volt battery. It provided unlimited riding hours. The drawback is that this means it ONLY works when riding. Walk away from the bike and you walk away from the heat.

The self contained style has a lithium battery (usually 7.4 volt) supply and lasts an average of 4 to 10 hours depending on the heat setting. When the battery is dead you have to plug in to the battery charger and 4 hours later; presto! The self contained provides a little more flexibility and warmth when you are away from the motorcycle.

All of the clothes work with a temp. controller that you can manually set to the desired temp. If you use several pieces of heated gear, they usually connect together so that one control works them all, thus preventing you from looking like a science fiction robot reject.

Heated Gear Clothing Choices:

jacket liners
jackets
vest liners
arm chaps
glove liners
gloves
pants liners
socks.

Prices run from $70 to $300 depending on what heated gear you purchase.

Tips for Wear

Heated gear is worn as close to your body as you can without actually touching your skin. For this reason, I preferred the vest liner and glove liner to the actual jacket and glove option. Also, I always wore leathers as my outer layer for both wind and crash protection.

Always remember that wind chill is as much your enemy as actual temperature. The thermometer doesn't tell the whole story, so dress warm. Also, avoid riding for extended lengths of time in the cold as you run the risk of lowering your core temp too much or getting dehydrated - a thing you might not expect to happen in the cold.

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http://EzineArticles.com/?Heated-Motorcycle-Gear&id=1596727

Textile Motorcycle Jackets for safety & more

Textile Motorcycle Jackets
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Dona_Rosa]Dona Rosa

Every year thousands of people lose their lives in motorcycle accidents while hundreds are severely injured. The good news is that research has shown that wearing textile motorcycle jackets can considerably reduce the severity of injuries. That is why these jackets are considered by many to be a necessity for all motorbike riders.

Types of Textile Jackets

Textile motorcycle jackets are available in market according to the type of motorbike riding like racing, cruiser, and others. Today hundreds of companies manufacture, different styles and sizes of motorcycle jackets, as the jackets are very popular among the motorcyclists as they are of excellent quality.

Companies making these textile motorcycle jackets explicitly focus on comfort and safety. Some companies also offer customized jackets.

Textile motorcycle jackets currently available are comfortable, as they are lightweight. You can breathe well wearing these jackets. Although this apparel may not protect drivers as much as leather jackets, nevertheless they considerably reduce the stress or impact. Today many professional racers also use textile material under the arms and groin. So in short, if you are a regular street rider then you should own a textile motorcycle jacket.

Benefits of Using Motorcycle Jackets

If you go to the market, you will definitely find a textile motorcycle jacket that suits you. These jackets provide a number of benefits. They are as follows:

- These jackets are very easy to wash and clean
- They offer more breath ability as compared to leather
- They are waterproof and help you in keeping dry
- These jackets have reflective material at strategic spots so that you are more visible to others
- They are durable and made of abrasion resistant fabric
- Most of these jackets have resin coating for water and oil repellency
- Repellency renewed easily by washing the jacket
- Reflective inserts for more visibility
- Removable composite protectors that are at elbows and shoulders
- Adjustable sides and neck to provide a great fit.
- Washable and no ironing required, hence you can enjoy wearing the jacket everyday

As these jackets are waterproof, you remain comfortable and dry while driving. As off road riding gets hotter than on road riding, a jacket lets you breathe comfortably would be a welcome treat. This advantage also applies when you riding your bike in heavy showers. Therefore, to make your ride more enjoyable you can own a comfortable textile motorcycle jacket.

Jackets - as a Protective Wear

As a motorcycle crash is unpredictable, it is essential that you wear protective gear such as specially made textile motorcycle jacket every time you are on your bike. As these textile wears makes your breathing easy, you would be extremely comfortable wearing them. Some of these jackets also have steel shoulder protection; of course, it is just a matter of extra protection.

Textile motorcycle jackets are not costly and are readily available online. You can save your hard-earned money by purchasing it through internet. There are different motorcycle textiles available in the market and each piece has its own benefit. Some of these textiles are thoroughly tested and have protective values. So besides giving relief during summer, they also provide maximum protection, hence form a very important part of protective gear.

For more info, visit: Rocky Top Leather and see what fine goods they have there like textile motorcycle jackets.

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How to Get a Good Motorcycle Insurance Quote

How to Get a Good Motorcycle Insurance Quote

How to Get a Good Motorcycle Insurance Quote
By Frank Strider

When you buy a motorcycle you know you are also going to need insurance. To get the right insurance coverage at the right price you need a motorcycle insurance quote from multiple companies. There are different ways to do this and we are going to explain them in this article.

Internet motorcycle insurance quote

You can go online on the internet to get an motorcycle insurance quote quickly from multiple companies on a so called comparison website. this is a quick way but the quotes are often not very accurate. Also, you should not only go for the cheapest company because the coverage is at least as important. There are many different insurance companies out there and it is your job to choose the right one, so be careful.

If you get a motorcycle insurance quote via the internet you know you have it much quicker than if you do it the regular way. This is a convenient way to get quotes if you are in a hurry. At least it seems to be the quickest way, the down side of an internet motorcycle insurance quote is that you have to call the company because you need a more accurate quote then the ones you can get online. Sometimes it can be quicker to ask your normal insurance agent where you have other insurances, for example for some other vehicle like a car. Often you can get a better price if you already have an insurance with them. On the other hand you stand much stronger if you know what other companies quote so you can negotiate a better price.

To get a proper motorcycle insurance quote you need to answer a couple of questions, these are most of the time basic questions but it is advisable to gather the information needed before you go looking for the right insurance to prevent any delays.

What are the advantages of quick and instant motorcycle insurance quotes?

The greatest advantage is of course that you do not need to wait, you can get an instant quote often in just a few minutes. You do not have to worry the companies asking you difficult questions and often you can also give them no personal information so they can not bother you for months with quotes you are not waiting for. the only thing you need is a valid e-mail address where the quotes can be send to and where you can read them at your own time. You have non of the frustrations of waiting in line or spending time money and gas just to have your motorcycle quoted.

Always ask for a more accurate quote

There are different types of motorcycle insurance quotes, for example liability coverage is the most basic policy in most motorcycle owners. This insurance includes the coverage of body injury to the person and also any damage to the property per occurring accident. You can also choose collision coverage but this is the most expensive motorcycle insurance quote. Collision covers the repair until a certain percentage. after that is considered a total loss.

You can also choose a policy that covers the medical expenses and medical payments from yourself a passenger and pedestrians that might be injured in an accident. As you can see reading the fine lines in a motorcycle insurance quote is necessary so always ask for a accurate quote.

Frank Strider loves to talk about motorcycles and all the things related to it. Visit his website if you want to find out more about a razor scooter or maybe cushman scooter.

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http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Get-a-Good-Motorcycle-Insurance-Quote&id=1468473

Dark Custom™ Motorcycles

Harley Davidson, Big Dog, Big Bear, Martin Bros.bikes

Custom Chopper Build It, Or Buy It?

Complete Motorcycle Kits - Building a Chopper the Easy Way

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Steve_Murray]Steve Murray

If you are looking to create your own, unique chopper, complete motorcycle kits can be extremely beneficial to your project. Motorcycle kits can end up saving you quite a bit of money and time because they provide the convenience of having all necessary parts in one place. Building custom motorcycles has become increasingly popular and so, there is a greater demand for complete motorcycle kits.

Most kits are dedicated to providing you with all necessary components to build your dream custom bike on your own. If you chose to get parts separately or used, you will not have the satisfaction of knowing that all the parts are new and will work well together. Many times, ordering parts online or from a mechanic will force you to wait and you may not even get what you want. With kits all parts will be available as and when you need them.

Motorcycle kits generally include all technical parts so you can build your custom bike. Parts such as the chassis, the engine and the wheels are all included, although, paint, decals and other parts related to the design will have to be purchased separately to add a touch of your personality to your custom bike. Mirrors and speedometers are also not included, but these items can usually be purchased for relatively low prices.

Many people who build their own custom bikes will advise you to buy parts used, however, although it may save you some money, you may not be making the best decision. Parts that you get from junkyards or sales may not work as well as new parts because they are too old. It is also impossible to know how old the part is, so you will not know how long it will last, or if it will even work with the rest of your bike.

You will want to make sure all of the parts are working correctly because it can affect your safety when building the bike as well as riding it. Using a kit is the best way to stay safe because you know where the parts are coming from and that they are brand new. If a part has been over used, it can actually endanger you. Many times, when building a custom from scratch, cutting corners to save money is not the best idea.

For those of us just getting into the hobby of building our own custom motorcycles or even experienced builders, a complete motorcycle kit can make the process go much smoother. Many of the complete kits come with detailed instructions so if this is your first time, you can still create the bike of your dreams. After you finish will all the technical parts, you can begin customising your bike and really make it your own.

Want to learn more about building your own motorcycle? Visit Custom Chops Free tips and advice on how to build your own chopper. http://customchops.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Murray http://EzineArticles.com/?Complete-Motorcycle-Kits---Building-a-Chopper-the-Easy-Way&id=1497498

Want a Chopper? Build Your Own!

Want a Chopper? Build Your Own!
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Michael_Holmes]Michael Holmes
Motorcycle chopper kits are a growth industry. But what does that mean to you and me? Well one thing that we know is that we will have more choppers to ogle at. There is not a single day that goes by without more and more pictures of chopper bikes that have just been finished showing up in all the motorcycle magazines. Then at the weekends, when we are on our “hot” rides, we will see four or five show finish level bikes. There are more choppers around now than there have been in the last twenty five years.
Most of these choppers have been built from motorcycle chopper kits, the “bike in a box” approach. But hey, don’t knock it! Building your own chopper has never been easier. There are rolling chassis kits, complete bike kits, and frame manufacturers give you a multitude of choice when it comes to take the plunge and buy a motorcycle chopper kit.
Thirty years ago, the old school chopper builders had to start with a stock bike off-the-shelf and literally chop it to pieces. With the modern chopper kits, there is a viable alternative to taking the cutting torch to your favorite soft tail!
Nowadays, you have a cheap and easier way to build the bike from the ground up. When you take the cost of buying a new bike and the expense of chopping it, it works out much cheaper to start from step one, and your chopper kit. Instead of tossing away the parts that you'll never use again, you can start building your own bike with the parts that you really need. All the parts are included in the motorcycle chopper kit, along with comprehensive instructions.
One of the first questions that people ask when considering buying a kit is how will my bike stand outs from all the other chopper kits? Well think of it this way, you are going to buy a chopper kit. A pile of unassembled raw metal. No paint, no real finish, just a blank canvas. Is your taste in paint jobs likely to be the same as the next guy, who buys the very same kit? I don't think so. What about your taste in bolt-ons, seats, exhausts? Just because you buy the kit doesn’t mean every little thing has to be just so. That is the whole point isn’t it? It's very easy in this way to build your own custom chopper from a chopper kit.
Another big question is, “How long”? The answer to that is as long as it takes. Even on the kit bikes, which are supposed to be designed to fit together like a glove, you are going to run into some snags. It can’t be avoided!
If you want a more concrete guide, try this. An experienced kit builder (though not a professional) I spoke to reckons it took 10 full days to build his last chopper from a kit. For someone less experienced it could take a couple of days longer. Twelve 9 hour days works out at 108 hours. Over evenings and weekends, this could drag out to three or four weeks of living in a pile of motorcycle parts! So be prepared to literally live the experience if you are going to take the plunge.
What about the practical side? Well, there is no substitute for experience. The place to start building up your experience with the mechanical side of building to kit bike is with your current ride. Make sure all you can do the basic maintenance on your motorcycle, and then start to do some simple disassembling. Take off the tires, take off the exhaust, real basic stuff; all of this will help to build a new confidence in the shop side of things. You can also get some great videos on maintenance, and even on building the custom bike of your dreams. Read the books, watch the videos, and buy the t-shirt! Believe me, all the preparation you make will stand you in good stead.
If you really are hopeless at the mechanical side of things, why not pay someone else to help you build it, or even get them to build the whole thing for you? The cost of the kit plus labor could well work out cheaper than buying a chopper “off the shelf”.
And of course, when that beautiful chopper is standing on your driveway, and your friends are asking you “Was it worth it?” you can turn to the chopper, drag your hand across the flames on the tank and the polished chrome, turn back to them and say, “What do you think?”
Michael Holmes is a enthusiast for all thing motorcycle. His website, [http://www.motorcycleparts-accessories-andmore.com]http://www.motorcycleparts-accessories-andmore.com, is a great resource of articles aimed at motorcyclists of all levels, and includes a page specifically about the [http://www.motorcycleparts-accessories-andmore.com/motorcycle-kits-resources.html]motorcycle kits resources available online.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Holmes[http://ezinearticles.com/?Want-a-Chopper?-Build-Your-Own!&id=7429 ]http://EzineArticles.com/?Want-a-Chopper?-Build-Your-Own!&id=7429

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ChoppersBobbers.com- Choppers for sale and a large assortment of accessories

Choppers & Bobbers Classifieds- Custom Bikes for sale- Buy New & Used Custom Built Motorcycles- Chopper, Bobber Kits & more - Hot Prices!

The ChopperBobbers.com staff has compiled information such as custom built choppers,bobbers and motorcycles for sale-(classifieds), chopper bobber kits, softails, hardtails, articles on building a bobber chopper, bike videos, pics and more. We also have a very large selection of custom chopper accessories- chassis, exhaust, fenders, jackets, vests, saddlebags, helmets, seats, wheels and more at hot prices!

History of Choppers

Upon returning from World War II, soldiers seemed dissatisfied with the motorcycles that were being built by Harley-Davidson and Indian. The bikes they had rode in
Europe were lighter, sleeker, and were much more fun to ride. These vets started to hang out with other ex-soldiers to relive some of the camaraderie they had felt in the service. These groups of buddies realized that their custom motorcycles needed changes that Harley was not providing. These new "bikers" (another new term at the time) started their "chopping" by removing or shortening (bobbing) the fenders on their motorcycles. This made the motorcycles look cool and uncluttered. They originally called the new custom chopped bikes "Bobbers". The bikes kept evolving through the 60's and in the 70's and they started to call them "Choppers". In 1969 the movie "Easy Rider" was released which brought the Chopper into the public eye. That movie set into motion the wave of cool Custom Choppers and Custom Chopper builders that we see today. People wanted a Custom Chopper and nobody was building them so they had to go build them themselves.

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