Who Is your Fav. Chopper builder

[The Bacardi God]

WCC is my Pick!

[frankvsmaximvs]

I'll say this, BG...as far as least outsourcing goes, JJ gets my nod too. But I really have to give it up for OCC creativity-wise. I haven't seen enough of Indian Larry's work to form an opinion yet, but I hear he's tops too.

[mikejme]

I'm going to go with Billy Lane and Choppers Inc.

[dgruff]

I can't pick a favorite. They all have unique styles that I like a lot. I like anything by
Billy Lane, Indian Larry, JJ, OCC, Bourget(sp).........

[Ken]

I like Billy Lane because he's what you expect a chooper rider to be, a wildcard.

I also loved his rear seat exhaust that burnt his ass :) I thought it was a really cool idea that should not be forgotten.

[00SOFTAIL]

Gotta be Roger Bourgett

[EvilDan]

I like old school, so it has to be Indian Larry.

[00SOFTAIL]

I like Bourgett and my kid likes Indian Larry, you would think the old man would be into old school. Go figure taste.

[MFFM=4LIFE]

Billy Lane is about an hour away from me and I see him and his buddies ride along A1A in Melbourne,Palm Bay when I'm in the area and I like his work along with Jesse James, but when I see Indian Larry help out Billy and others while in a competion and coupled with my love for the old school look/design,I gotta go with Indian Larry. Chica, out of so.Cal has some nice rides as well.

[fred]

Billy Westbrook.

[Ken]

Billy Lane is about an hour away from me and I see him and his buddies ride along A1A in Melbourne,Palm Bay when I'm in the area and I like his work along with Jesse James, but when I see Indian Larry help out Billy and others while in a competion and coupled with my love for the old school look/design,I gotta go with Indian Larry. Chica, out of so.Cal has some nice rides as well.
Yea, Indian Larry is really a class act. Like when he was given to opportunity to disqualify because Billy's bike was busted...but he helped him fix the bike instead and then when he beat Billy he split the trophy with him. Very cool thing to do.

[MFFM=4LIFE]

Yea, Indian Larry is really a class act. Like when he was given to opportunity to disqualify because Billy's bike was busted...but he helped him fix the bike instead and then when he beat Billy he split the trophy with him. Very cool thing to do.
Ken,
I couldn't agree more. I feel Indian Larry has that old school biker mentallity I like to see. He appears to be the type to help out a stranded biker.

[Ken]

Yea...he's just a guy who really seems to love motorcycles, loves the freeness a bike provides and has a relaxed way of living life...just enjoying what he does. Not many of us make our hobbies our living. He's a lucky SOB :)

[00SOFTAIL]

Check out the latest HOT ROD BIKES, Matt Hotch did a bike for them that is really clean.

[00SOFTAIL]

Sorry just went to www.hotrodbikes.com they don,t have the new issue up yet.

[bulgod]

My vote goes to WCC, then Choppers Inc, Indian Larry and quite a few others.

[Ken]

My vote goes to WCC, then Choppers Inc, Indian Larry and quite a few others.
That's a good 1 - 2 - 3

[MFFM=4LIFE]

Any opinions on exile/Russell Mitchell? Personally, I like the minimalistic look and the sui/shift that some carry with them. It reminds me of the old days when my dad would ride me around on his H-D 44' WLA 750cc w/tank shift comp ratio was 5.0:1, 23 hp @4600 rpm's:eek: But Exile likes to use the TP 113" in most of there scoots,a big difference.

[00SOFTAIL]

Just checked www.hotrodbikes.com they have the new issue up now with the bike that Matt Hotch built for them-check it out.

[Road Rash]

I like Chica's bikes.Cool old school.:cool:

[rollinlarge64]

I'd have to go with the Martin Bros. There bikes are Sic!!!

[Maico Shark]

I like the clean style and impeccable detail of Extreme Custom Cycles in State College, Pa.

[BabyBecky]

Since I have never really been able to think about owning and driving my own chopper, my opinion is based on the way bikes look – and nothing else. I know handling and reliability and power are all important, too, but I know nothing of those aspects in the custom choppers. And with that said, it would be a close contest with me between Indian Larry and Bourgett.

[Maico Shark]

a righteous choice...both are highly sought after builders. Extreme Custom besides building bikes is the largest Bourget dealer around...keeps about 40 or so on stock.

[laughlin81]

Lake Effect Cycles is the best

[Maico Shark]

Do you have a web address? With all this snow around here Lake effects is getting a bad rap:)

[Capt.]

I like Beast Customs out of upstate NY. Oh....wait a minute....I own that place......really, anybody that can glue a scoot together and make it perform and handle gets my vote just for the effort if nothin else.
Capt.

[bulldog]

I have to say Hardbikes builds the nicest most affordable choppers. I own one of their 330 Pro Street bikes. What makes them a bit different from other builders is how the bike is fitted to your stature. You sit on this device at one of their dealerships which enables you to adjust the exact placement of the handlebars, foot controls and seat position, right where they feel the best for your body type. Plus they give you a 2 year unlimited mileage warranty on each of their 10 bike models.


Summers coming!
Northeast rider.
bulldog :cool:

[kz1000g]

They seem to get lumped together. Choppers and Bobbers are both nice. I like the bobbers. OCC is about 100 miles from here and I like a lot of what they do.

I like bikes that are simple. Their fancy new machines crank out some great bikes that are nice to look at. But when it comes to my style, I like something like Cody's Old School bike. Simple...reliable.

Paul Sr.
kz1000g

[Capt.]

I have to say Hardbikes builds the nicest most affordable choppers. I own one of their 330 Pro Street bikes. What makes them a bit different from other builders is how the bike is fitted to your stature. You sit on this device at one of their dealerships which enables you to adjust the exact placement of the handlebars, foot controls and seat position, right where they feel the best for your body type. Plus they give you a 2 year unlimited mileage warranty on each of their 10 bike models.


Summers coming!
Northeast rider.
bulldog :cool:

I find it amazing that, during recent years, the onslaught of new (so called ) custom bike builders just build a generic sized bike (kinda like a moo-moo) one size fits all, just like the big manufacturers, and still have the nerve to call their bikes custom. It's refreshing to hear that, like us, there are still a few builders out there that know what the true meaning of a custom bike is. It should be taylored to fit the rider first and foremost! Then type, style, and bling factor the end product.
Just my two cents worth.....penny for yer thoughts.
Capt.

[Upincumer]

Im with you Capt. Why buy one of these bikes when there is nothing "custom" about it? K-otic customs built mine.

[USMC_74]

MIKE AND SPIKE OF DARKSIDE CHARIOTS. THESE GUYS ARE BUILDING ME AND TWO OF MY FRIENDS CUSTOM CHOPPERS AND A CUSTOM BOBBER. THESE GUYS AND THIER BIKES ARE PURE EVIL.

Darkside Chariots - 4750 Enterprise Ave Suite 101 - Naples, FL 34104
Phone: 239-272-7078 -- E-Mail: info@darksidechariots.com

SEMPER FI
USMC

[CB750F]

Ok that post I'll let stand.

[CycleInsuranceDude]

Matt Hotch has some pretty great ideas. Friction drive looks pretty clean!

[CycleInsuranceDude]

Matt Hotch has some pretty cool ideas, such as the friction drive bike!

[red1100cc]

I like Beast Customs out of upstate NY. Oh....wait a minute....I own that place......really, anybody that can glue a scoot together and make it perform and handle gets my vote just for the effort if nothin else.
Capt.

couldn't agree more. i like home made, chopped out rice. most of them look better than some of the cookie cutter, i barfed my 401k into this monstrosity of crome and plastic, just rolled the shopping cart through the "custom chopper store" and just bought what everybody else told me to buy, ugly as hell and looks like everyone else's custom chopper.

and thats my 2 cents anyway
red1100cc

p.s. didn't mean to offend anyone that had to sell thier 1st born to get thier bike. not everyone can be a builder.

[USMC_74]

couldn't agree more. i like home made, chopped out rice. most of them look better than some of the cookie cutter, i barfed my 401k into this monstrosity of crome and plastic, just rolled the shopping cart through the "custom chopper store" and just bought what everybody else told me to buy, ugly as hell and looks like everyone else's custom chopper.

and thats my 2 cents anyway
red1100cc

p.s. didn't mean to offend anyone that had to sell thier 1st born to get thier bike. not everyone can be a builder. I see you did the same thing in regards to the 401K. I didn't take money out, I just stopped my 400.00 a month contribution that I had set up. :D Man I am a dumb azz.

SEMPER FI
USMC

[Starz4life]

Definetly martin bros. for the win, their stuff is crazy, WCC is a close second though

[USMC_74]

Definetly martin bros. for the win, their stuff is crazy, WCC is a close second though I do love their Martin Bros style and their pipes are awesome

[CB750F]

CB750F's Custom Cycle in central PA is my pick for custom built bikes.:D

[USMC_74]

CB750F's Custom Cycle in central PA is my pick for custom built bikes.:Dsend me a web page

[CB750F]

LOL I would need to first build a bike instead of modifying what I already got then make a page. :D

[USMC_74]

LOL I would need to first build a bike instead of modifying what I already got then make a page. :D
Well, if you need a good PR guy, here I am man.

[CB750F]

I'll keep that in mind if I ever go into business.

[Vanilla Gorilla]

WCC for sure and Exile coming in second

[red1100cc]

i like exiles idea of "aahhh, just paint it black." its worked good for me:D

[USMC_74]

i like exiles idea of "aahhh, just paint it black." its worked good for me:D
I like black, but for some reason their style does not catch my eye. :rolleyes:

[bsporty]

CHICA!!!He builds some awesome bikes!
Jesse Rooke is really great also.

[Uesque]

I'd have to say Indian Larry(RIP), Exile, and Dave Perewitz.

[slicknick218]

RIP Indian Larry. I have to give credit to the Tuttles because they put out my favorite bike of all the customs I have ever seen and that would be the commanche theme bike. Although I would have liked it even more had they stuck to the original plan and not put the chrome transmission cover on that beautiful work of art!

[olds_cool63]

Russel Mitchell!

Chica!

Indian Larry Legacy!

[rocksolid]

Some of the best looking bikes I've seen were from American Iron Horse.
Here is my favorite. Too bad it's close to 30K
http://www.americanclassiccycles.com/selected-motorcycle.asp?id=305
It has a ghost flame job that is fantastic
Rocksolid

[olds_cool63]

Gonna build my own someday!

[Moe]

id have to say Jesse James, Jesse Rooke, and Arlen Ness. I love the speed / chopper blend that Rooke brings to the table though...

[Maico Shark]

I find it amazing that, during recent years, the onslaught of new (so called ) custom bike builders just build a generic sized bike (kinda like a moo-moo) one size fits all, just like the big manufacturers, and still have the nerve to call their bikes custom. It's refreshing to hear that, like us, there are still a few builders out there that know what the true meaning of a custom bike is. It should be taylored to fit the rider first and foremost! Then type, style, and bling factor the end product.
Just my two cents worth.....penny for yer thoughts.
Capt.

Gotta agree with you there Capt

[Capt.]

Gotta agree with you there Capt
Guess we're just old school huh? :cool:
Capt.

[Maico Shark]

Well Capt I'm sure as hell old anyway. I've built several custom bikes in my day and did mild customizing jobs on probably a dozen or so stock bikes. But I'm getting that old itch and think I might have just one more in me and I'm looking around for a suitable project. Something different. I have this urge to build the first hybrid motorcycle using one of those RV generators or something but I want it to be unique.

[Capt.]

Don't forget about our little project in here. I'm still getting organized now that I've relocated down here in FL. I've got a place now (shop) but still need to get all the legal corp. stuff finalized and still keep all of my vendor and supplier obligations met. All this while I'm committed five days a week to the big marina project that brought me down here to begin with. Meantime, what do you mean when you say RV generator? Are we talking electric? Or gas over electric like the Toyota hybrid? If the latter, I have a buddy who is the founder and owner of a hybrid marine propulsion company. I'm sure much of his cutting edge technology would be applicable. Let me know if you like me to pick his brain.

[Maico Shark]

Back when I was building mini-bikes and importing Fantic Choppers I had a concept bike called the Eagle (I actually registered the name Eagle Motors) It had a V-4 air-cooled, shaft drive, marine engine...This was in 1976. So the thought of adapting marine technology to motorcycles is not new to me but I didn't realize they had a hybrid, though it makes perfect sense.

Capt, I've always marched to a different drummer even though I admire conventional choppers and customs. My idea for a hybrid custom motorcycle is born out of a deep resentment of OPEC and the global oil industry. Not the best of motivations I suppose. I envision a basic plug-in electric with a small onboard gas/ethanol generator. If the bike could get more than a 100 miles on a charge the generator wouldn't be needed. The new lithium ion batteries are changing the numbers. Even so I see the market for a small emergency generator made out of a car alternator and a chainsaw engine. Would weigh about 20 pounds, fit in a saddlebag, and charge a dead battery in 10-15 minutes.

Chevy is giving out vendor contracts and their VOLT is going into production. It's a 4-door sedan, plug-in electric/hybrid that will have a 75-mile range on a charge. Since you've informed me about the marine hybrid I see the motorcycle industry as behind the times and in need of some innovation. There's a real chance here of being in the forefront and actually making some money and/or fame. If we can build the concept bike, make it both practical AND attractive we could set up production & at least sell as many as Bourget does. Then, of course, we buy the yacht and go fishing for sailfish in the southern seas.

[Capt.]

I spoke with my buddy this morning in regards to adapting the marine electric concept to a motorcycle. From an engineering standpoint we tossed a number of idea's and concepts back and forth. My first thought would be to make the rear wheel itself the stator for a mag (brushless) motor. Much like the mag lift trains. It requires about 750 watts per each HP. My buddy claims the motor would not survive the impact shock loads incurred by the rear wheel transiting bumps in the road. Apparently the mag and stator require very tight tolerances to each other for maximum performance (.001) so a final belt drive would have to be implemented. However, the concept is very do-able. As a matter of fact one company in PA. already did. Called E-Tech. They also do an outboard motor for boats. I'm sure the DOT shot them outta the saddle on the scooter concept.
The way I see it, motivation is motivation no matter what the reason. For me, it's the challenge. I'm one of those morons that ya shouldn't say "it can't be done" too. I will continue with my buddy (his interest is peaked) and see how far we can make this go.
Capt.

[Maico Shark]

Well Capt you've got me thinking marine...The shaft drive of a marine engine should easily lend itself to a motorcycle, just picture the rear wheel rather than a propeller. The idea of adapting a currently produced power plant is the best way to get the concept built. I need to find out what the HP range of currently produced electric marine engines is. All I've ever seen are those little clip-ons used in the local rivers, probably less than a horse. Do they make bigger ones?

[Capt.]

Yeah, the electric motor used would be an easy mount and belt drive right to the rear wheel. No tranny. HP in terms of electric motors is alot different than a reciprocating motor. For instance, torque is three times the rated horsepower at surge. So, a 12 hp electric motor could fry the rear tire off a bike with enough electron flow. The technology is such now that it could run off just capacitors without the worry of a sh*t load of batteries or a pony motor. We have been doing some calculations and so far....we're looking at around a 500 mi. range at constant speed and a couple days worth of riding around town before reboosting the capacitors which takes mere seconds. Theres a whole heap more but, he and I need more time to finish crunching the numbers. I'll keep ya posted.;)
Capt.

[Capt.]

All I've ever seen are those little clip-ons used in the local rivers, probably less than a horse. Do they make bigger ones?
check http://www.ecycle.com
Capt.

[Maico Shark]

Looks like someone else is working on the concept...wonder if they've built anything. To be honest though the double swingarm idea seems a bit farfetched. The styling doesn't inspire me either...guess I'm too used to the need for a gas tank. I say keep it simple, especially the first model...that way it actually has a chance of getting built. Forget suspension, go rigid or maybe softail with a big rear tire. I never heard of capacitor power storage for this sort of application. Why don't they use that for drills and saws instead of litium ion? Every electric trolling motor I've seen runs on a 12V battery. Do you have some idea about capacitors or know of an application? Be very interesting...I used to have one of those Hot Wheels quick charge car sets and they ran like crazy on capacitors but not very long. The main advantage there is the low weight.

[Capt.]

Agreed, you know where I stand on simplicity from my other posts here. The technology in this field is cutting edge and the type of capacitors we're talking about are really new and would have to be ramped so they wouldn't discharge to fast not just for longevity sake but, also to keep the wheel on the ground. The bike, I feel, should look and handle like a real motorcycle, not some weird futuristic concept bike.
Capt.

[Maico Shark]

Especially if this is a money making proposition. That's why there are hybrids...everyone knows electric is the future but power storage holds it back so we need an onboard generator. The only way I can see capacitors working is maybe to recharge a battery...if they could do that without blowing it up. A combination battery pack/capacitor bank might be a long range answer.

[olds_cool63]

Man! I forgot Eddie Trotta. He definitely builds class bikes.

And don't forget Gart Hollinger!

But, where would they all be without Sugar Bear?

[olds_cool63]

Man! I forgot Eddie Trotta. He definitely builds class bikes.

And don't forget Gart Hollinger!

But, where would they all be without Sugar Bear?


Did I mention Chica in an earlier post???

[L2 Motorcycle Rentals]

Paul Yaffe - Check out this burnout video with him from this May hahahaha We fried'm - Seized his engine we were at it so long! LOL

http://www.l2motorcyclerentals.com/L2.wmv

L2 Lumpy
President, L2 Motorcycle Rentals, Inc.
http://www.L2motorcyclerentals.com


:eek:

[L2 Motorcycle Rentals]

Dan Haggerty (Grizzly Adams) couldn't breath after! LOL

[chopperhead]

I like billy lane and jesse james.

[USMC_74]

MIKE AND SPIKE OF DARKSIDE CHARIOTS. THESE GUYS ARE BUILDING ME AND TWO OF MY FRIENDS CUSTOM CHOPPERS AND A CUSTOM BOBBER. THESE GUYS AND THIER BIKES ARE PURE EVIL.

Darkside Chariots - 4750 Enterprise Ave Suite 101 - Naples, FL 34104
Phone: 239-272-7078 -- E-Mail: info@darksidechariots.com

SEMPER FI
USMC
me and many others are having problems at Darkside Chariots. If you want to follow our story go to: http://www.clubchopper.com/forums/sh...kside+chariots

USMC

[bobbertreb22]

i don't know if you guys have ever seen these guys but if your a bobber fan like me you'll love brass balls bobbers .( i am not allowed to put in a url so just type in there name and it will come up)

these guys build some of the baddest rawest looking bobbers in the world but you check them out and let me know what you think.

cheers,
bert:cool:

[crasha51pan]

The guy in his back yard garage .....

[hharley3059]

I like many but have to mention Mike Brown with AMEN .I have seen a few of his choppers including the hubless one . I am empressed

[crasha51pan]

Indian Larry....R.I.P.

[hharley3059]

Went to Amen Cycles this week...Git a chance to set on his Hubless and other choppers he has in his factory....The frame less one was wild but nothing I,d like to ride but the new stile drop seat frame is out of this world. I ordered a new drop seat frame for my next chopper.

[dietrick]

I LIKE AMERICAN IRONHORSE

[USMC_74]

I LIKE AMERICAN IRONHORSE I agree, I will never buy from a custom builder again, 8 of us got burned really bad a custom bike builder "Mike Paletta of Darkside Chariots". Welds are breaking, bikes were not MOCK'd up, parts dont' fit, didn't get the motor I paid for, over a year late on getting the bikes or parts. Just a big mess. I will go with an established factory bike next time or get off my azz and learn to work on and build my own (now that would be the way to go for me, but I don't have anyone to help me along the way).

USMC

[Maico Shark]

The guy in his back yard garage .....

Gotta agree with ya Crash...Money can't buy a vision that exists only in the imagination. With pros it always a race with time and costs. But it's that rare guy in his back yard garage...the one that has not just the vision...but the skill in his hands to shape it, craft it, and breathe life into it.

[crasha51pan]

Its the "Mechanicalness".....We lost something when Larry left us !!

[olds_cool63]

Traveleen builds some killer bikes, too!

Thanks!

olds_cool63
Custom Sportbike
Custom Cruiser
BOTH metric!

DON'T be a SQUIDIOT!

[BikerVoodoo]

I like WCC but I like the Kikker 5150 too, it's just hilarious!