Custom chopper build help?

Message

TechTMW · #11 Unread post by **TechTMW** » Wed Oct 05, 2005 1:07 am

Oh so you want a hardtail AND long forks

http://www.thehogfarm.net/hardcore2.htm

SympleTruth316 · Wed Oct 05, 2005 5:00 am

um sure

SympleTruth316 · Thu Oct 06, 2005 4:46 am

Ok ive been doing a bit more thinking and I think ya'll are right. It might be better for me to continue working on the bike I have as I ride it more than once a week. I still would like to keep the comfort in riding but want to actually ride something I built. So I guess if anyone knows hondas decently, is there anything I can do with a 1983 nighthawk750. I dont know what is possible in modifying bikes. Id like a larger diameter front wheel and matching style rear wheel. Is it possible to just add something like that? What modification would I need to do?

flynrider · Thu Oct 06, 2005 11:11 am

I don't have any specific suggestions for you, but I do applaud your decision to make something cool out of your existing Nighthawk, rather than building a chopper. If you've never ridden something with a hardtail and stretched forks, you're a fortunate rider indeed. No one should have to experience such dismal engineering and ergonomics just to look cool.

Building a cafe bike or streetfighter (or ???) out of an old UJM will give you something that looks cool and is actually functional as a motorcycle.

If you want to check out some ideas for a UJM build, check out this page. It features old Kaw KZ bikes, but the idea is the same.

http://www.stud.fh-dortmund.de/~stefan. ... reffen.htm

jmillheiser · Thu Oct 06, 2005 3:24 pm

those are some sweet bikes in that page. lots of drag bikes and streetfighters. didn't see any cafe bikes

ThumperStevetheJanitor · Mon Oct 10, 2005 5:58 pm

Dude you have so many options in the chopper world. First I would like you to ask yourself "Why go Harley?". I have seen soooo many nice looking Honda and Japanese chops too. But they're right as far as comfort. I have a 63 Triumph Chopper in a rigid frame. Looks the cats "O Ring", but drives like crap. handles so-so, and your kidney's are like mash-potatos after you drive it 20 minutes.
Another option you have with your old bike is to save the frame, see if you can find another motor off of EBay or Walnecks magazine. Look around japanese bikes are Everywhere! And if you're looking for custom take a look at some other styles. I am a die-hard fan of Cafe-racers both japanese and british. Take my advice and keep up on the research. talk to people (as you have been doing). Because choppers can be a HUGE moneypit