A project I intend to start

[dudders7]

Well its been a dream for a while but as I have no job at the moment and cant think of anything better to do im going to build a custom chopper.. Yeah right I hear you saying, well I have built all sorts of things before but never had the time for a full blown chopper build. I am giving myself 9 months for the build. Im thinking I may do softail as I do a lot of long distances. Right where I need some help.. Wheel size, I am thinking 17 inch rear and 19 front? But what I'm really stuck on is width, now I know people think having tractor sized tyres on the back are cool well yes I like them but not the most practical idea when it comes down to punctures and price of a new one and actually finding one.. So what width rim is reasonable? I have already got the exact Design drawings and will soon build a template for the frame. So the two questions are, hard or soft tail and rim width's. Oh and also if someone local to Christchurch (UK not NZ) has a MIG Welder which is not in use would someone be willing to lend it to me please? I am experienced with most if not all forms of welding. I am also in need of a pipe bender (a rather large one) I will obviously have to come to some arrangement money wise for the loan of said items if they are available. Thank you for reading and look forward to your replies

[HD]

Not a clue but would like to see your sketches?

scan them
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Rusty '02 Vito Camper + CBR600F3

[dudders7]

Im afraid I havent got one (scanner that is) I also found some very useful guidelines and drawings on the web which has helped me with the design of my chopper. If I remember I will take a picture of them at some stage and upload them

[HD]

[stinkwheel]

Hardtail = widest tyre you can reasonably fit
Softtail = Whatever looks good.

Alternative is a fucked back, the big, squashy tyre takes up the bumps in the road.

Most of the best chops I have seen take parts that they think look cool and make them fit.

Have you considered a plunger frame? Hardtail frame lines, softtail comfort.

One of my favourite chops is the one my mate made based on a plunger frame BSA A7. What, a 120 section rear and a 19" front wheel?
https://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f216/stinkwheel/Big_Chris_Chop.jpg

Very narrow wheels also work well (in terms of aesthetics) look at one of the most famous chops ever. Peter Fondas "Captain America".
https://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/captain-america-chopper-profile-1.jpg
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[dudders7]

Cheers for that, will investigate further

[dudders7]

Lump has been bought.. Honda V-Four engine 750cc... Perfect engine I think, will get panels chromed and spruce it up a bit and that will be perfect

[stinkwheel]

[dudders7]

Engine should be here friday I hope, as I think I've said it will be a long project spread over 9 months as it wont be cheap and it will be very labour intensive. Everything that can be made myself will be made, Mudguards will be hammered out of sheet steel then sent off to be chromed or may keep the dull grey? Hmm not sure there.. Found a nice set of chromed forks cheap so may buy them. Engine only cost me £75 including delivery! Ebay I will no longer call you fleabay.. So now to track down wiring loom, carbs are already sorted. Get the lump set up and running nicely then I can start on the frame. Found a supplier of the material I will need. Now its a matter of money and time and planning.. I once saw a nice design for handlebar grips and that was deactivated hand grenades... However im thinking of machining a longer lever/firing pin and making up a bracket so that will be used as a clutch lever and also one for brake. I intend to build this as a large bike not a stripped out chopper, its going to be chopper shape but with decent fuel tank, big comfy seat and not too stretched out. As it all progresses I will update with pictures, once I have put the final touches on drawings will take a picture and upload that so you can all get an idea of what I am going to be building

[neatbik]

Good luck mate, get yourself over to www.britchopper.com if you havent already, they are a good bunch.

[Beelzebob]

[dudders7]

Cheers cant wait to really get stuck into this