Biker Slang Numbers. Chopper: A motorcycle that has been modified with extended forks and has the steering head angle flattened to push the front wheel out far ahead of the rest of the bike. Well, the motorcycle is called a chopper because during customization you take things off (chop it) until it doesn't work any more. Why is a motorcycle called a chopper? As the owner of the famous motorcycle manufacturer West Coast Choppers, Jesse found a way to share his talents with the world when he received a hosting position on the reality show Monster Garage. But really, the only place you actually see legit choppers often are few and far between. Mid-Evil Motorcycle By Sick Bastard Choppers. Chop, chop, chop. The Samurai Choppers of Zero Engineering have found a home in the garages of celebrities like Brad Pitt and David Beckham. These vintage-style bikes aren't known for their green credentials, which is what made the Chesapeake Energy a particularly bewildering choice for Orange County Choppers. Only some motorcycles are called choppers. Choppers have a unique and distinctive American history. This family cast, with its drama, funny moments, intense engineering, and awesome rides became a hit for Discovery Channel, helping to launch many of Discovery and TLC's own reality shows through spinoffs. These are usually built more for looks than for comfort or economy. SPOILER ALERT: It has nothing to do with liquid cooling or small displacement size. Choppers are works of art, highly customized bikes. Why are Harleys called choppers? Late 1950s to 1960s - early choppers A set of modifications became common: the fat tires and 16″ wheels of the stock motorcycles were replaced with narrower tires often on a larger . Choppers are works of art, highly customized bikes. A motorcyle club 1%er patch. In the motorcycle world there are many different types of motorcycles, and also many different types of people that ride those bikes. But why it would have to be? Chopper is a device that cuts something with a sudden blow. What reads today like a list of ingredients from the motorcycle horror cabinet, were the chopper props used at the time, which transformed the venerable XS 650 into the first . Feb 7, 2009. The company was featured on American Chopper, a reality TV show that debuted in September 2002 on the Discovery Channel.The series moved to Discovery Channel's sister channel TLC in 2007. Choppers are "a type of customized motorcycle usually defined by a stretched out wheel-base, and pulled back handlebars, and a sissy bar, and a wild paint job," says Paul d'Orleans, the author of . A motorcyle club 1%er patch. A chopper is a type of custom motorcycle which emerged in California in the late 1950s. These are usually built more for looks than for comfort or economy. The chopper has a single rotor, and its size and weight are relatively less than a helicopter. Make Custom Built Motorcycles. Advertised through a patch or tattoo, usually on a diamond shaped back field. A chopper is a type of custom motorcycle which emerged in California in the late 1950s. 61 Responses to "Swift Motorcycles. Many of these motorcycle kits are actually designed in the chopper style, with an aesthetic that matches the customization culture of bikes today. Building a Chopper. Building a Chopper. Building a chopper should be a great experience, not a mistake. They're built to last, and when a part or two needs replacement, they're built to be worked on. Each builder builds what he likes and since it's the 1st creation by a new shop called "Sick Bastard Choppers" out of North Miami . Usage . Late 1950s to 1960s - early choppers A set of modifications became common: the fat tires and 16″ wheels of the stock motorcycles were replaced with narrower tires often on a larger 19″ or 21″ wheel. The term " chopper " simply means to chop parts off of or modify a motorcycle, however over the years it has come to represent a particular style of modified motorcycle, usually with a raked and extended front end, lowered rear suspension or no rear suspension, tall handlebars and possibly a high sissy bar on the back. A motorcycle handlebar is a tubular component of a motorcycle's steering mechanism. Published by Cyril Huze September 2nd, 2008 in Builders, Customs and Events. Mini motorcycles are called by a variety of names including mini choppers, super pocket rockets, or scooters. 86 views Answer requested by Mahogany Davis Argument For An Evolution The denim cut off served multiple purposes. 14 Best: The Jet. Because choppers are more popular in the collective conscience today, it is a common mistake to think that bobbers are derived from choppers, when the truth is actually the other way around. Their simple construction has made them the popular choice of chopper builders. The red frame adds just the perfect amount of flair and doesn't take away from this bike's prized piece, its glistening engine. Chopper as a noun (informal): A helicopter. Find a reputable shop, some friends in-the-know, or a local dealer and ask questions. Hence the term chopper. The Tommy Gun or Thompson submachine gun can also be referred to as a chopper. The motorcycle is no longer original. 1%er (One-Percenter): If 99% of motorcycle riders are law-abiding members of society, the rest is the 1%. Choppers were a fad in the. Find a reputable shop, some friends in-the-know, or a local dealer and ask questions. Simply called the Big Dog Chopper and available in May, 2010, this new model is marketed as a high-style, high-quality Big Dog motorcycle experience with an MSRP in the $21,000 range that will appeal to a wide range of riders. I've never heard of bikes being called choppers because of altered forks. If building a chopper is something worth considering, start with the right information. A chopper motorcycle is a modified motorcycle. Most people just get a chopper* and get done with it. My opinion is that it's because of the sound made. These air vehicles produced a large "cutting" sound like a knife on a cardboard. Only show this user. It originates in the Korean War, During the war, American troops were often in close contact with the helicopters. But Big Bear has something the other two didn't: Simon Scott, an investor who doubles as a professional procurer and believes the brand still has merit. Chopper: A motorcycle that has been modified with extended forks and has the steering head angle flattened to push the front wheel out far ahead of the rest of the bike. Part of the pocket rocket family, mini motorcycles are mix between a regular chopper-style motorcycle and a 70's-style Yamaha racing bike. Slideshow. $75,000. Advertised through a patch or tattoo, usually on a diamond shaped back field. In 1969 the movie "Easy Rider" was released which brought the Chopper into the public eye. The question you already asked over and over is about the components used on this model. A question came to me via e-mail: "Why do some Harley owners hate the Street 500 and Street 750 motorcycles?" Well, hate is a bit of a strong word, but as a Harley owner who dislikes the Street 500 and Street 750, I felt I could give a qualified answer. Helicopters got the name "chopper" mainly from the "chop-chop-chop" sound the main rotor makes. Seekonk, Massachusetts. Leather jackets. Motorcycles aren't a normal mode of transport here like they are abroad. Since I've been involved with bikes all my life what I heard from many guys who were older than me is that they were called choppers because the bike was generally whacked up to some extent in converting from stock to custom. A chopper employs radically modified steering angles and lengthened forks for a stretched-out appearance. This means that the frame has been adjusted and that the wheels are further apart. In 1969 the movie "Easy Rider" was released which brought the Chopper into the public eye. Handlebars provide a mounting place for controls such as brake, throttle, clutch, horn, light switches and rear view mirrors; and they help to support part of the rider's weight.Even when a handlebar is a single piece it is usually referred to in the plural as handlebars. Not a Harley Davidson. He was a chief designer and fabricator at Orange County Choppers, the shop he co-founded with his father, Paul Sr.. Specifically, ones that look like this: These bikes were originally created by cutting (chopping) the frame of a factory bike and welding it back together in a different shape. The origin of the name "chopper" could be attributed to one of two factors. They originally called the new chopped bikes "Bobbers". They can be built from an original motorcycle which is modified ("chopped") or built from scratch. Swift Motorcycle Company is still listing 10 dealers in the US for the sale of their motorcycles. I believe the name came from being a "chopped" or a stripped-down bike. An Elk Grove motorcycle rider called Kurtis when she didn't receive all the parts to her $26,000 custom chopper kit. Is a motorcycle also called a bike? Groups, charters, gangs, loose affiliations; all names that apply to a portion of this big biker club that we all belong to. Only show this user. They've also gained an honest reputation as cross-country travelers. Why is a Chopper bike called a Chopper? The long forks actually make a chopper harder to ride. Even the exhaust shoots straight up and back, shying away from stealing attention from the engine. A motorcycle, often called a motorbike, bike, or cycle, is a two- or three-wheeled motor vehicle. *Edit: Harley not chopper But the official name is still helicopter. 65, No. Why are choppers called choppers? A well-tuned motorcycle. A well-tuned motorcycle. Old 97 Choppers prefers to use Victory-based motorcycles for the many themed-customs built by the shop named after one of the most infamous train crashes in American history. But that is not surprising, considering the planes, motorcycles, and cars sitting in Brad Pitt's garage. Unfortunately, Big Bear Choppers joined the list of comparable companies that went under during the recession, including Big Dog Motorcycles and American Ironhorse. 1%er (One-Percenter): If 99% of motorcycle riders are law-abiding members of society, the rest is the 1%. The Jet bike is not only one of the coolest motorcycles ever created on American Chopper; it is also the bike which started off the whole show. Only some motorcycles are called choppers. That movie set into motion the wave of cool Choppers and Chopper builders that we see today. "I started riding little . Chopper motorcycles have little brothers called chopper bicycles. More Harley than at Harley-Davidson for less, that fit right away. You only have to consider ' Captain America,' the most recognized motorcycle on the planet. WCC bikes have been called more stripped down when contrasted with decades-long established chopper builders like Arlen Ness, that is, a bike with, "not much there but engine, what the law requires, and something to hold onto." Paul Teutul Jr. is the famous motorcycle master who has been bending metals since he was 12. Then you put things back on till it does again. So, a chopper is a chopped bike. NEXT: 9 Of The Most Beautiful Custom Choppers We've Ever Seen (1 That's Hideous) They're a "fun" good so people go all out and make show bikes that are more for aesthetic than performance. Helicopters got the name "chopper" mainly from the "chop-chop-chop" sound the main rotor makes. Orange County Choppers (OCC) is an American motorcycle manufacturer and lifestyle brand company based in the town of Newburgh, located in Orange County, New York, that was founded in 1999 by Paul Teutul Sr. This is one of the reasons the bobber motorcycle is making a I know, I know. Harley Davidson motorcycles are also built well. A motorcycle, often called a motorbike, bike, or cycle, is a two- or three-wheeled motor vehicle. Hopefully this little quiz and brief explanation will be helpful in getting started. 26T. The Widowmakers: Top Ten Most Frightening Motorcycles To Ride. Custom choppers emerged and became popular in the '50s, starting in California. The typical construction includes stripping excess bodywork from a motorcycle; removing the front fender, and shortening the rear fender, which is "bobbed" (as in bob-tail ), and all superfluous parts removed to reduce weight. West Coast Choppers motorcycles are described as old school and minimalist. It is in this era that what we would today consider a chopper came into existence and began to be called the chopper. Tuxedos. Via ImageEvent. Via asphaltandrubber.com. Choppers were a fad in the . Helicopter rotor chops or cuts the air to produce required the lift and hence the name chopper is used for a helicopter. Roger Purgason, the shop's honcho, chose the name because he wanted to turn that bit of history into a major victory for his hometown. As a result, the name "chopper" was coined. American Chopper was one of the first of its kind - a reality TV show about a family business making chopper motorcycles. Bike: An acceptable term for almost any motorcycle, which is also often called a ride, sled, beast, the old lady, sweetheart, my precious, That Broken Down Old Piece of … and so on. I believe the name came from being a "chopped" or a stripped-down bike. A helicopter is called a chopper because of the unique sound the blades make. Donald 865.312.1648. The "1%" diamond patch is only worn by dominant clubs, or by clubs that were awarded the patch from a dominant club by proving themselves as an outlaw and support club. And the little brothers are a lot of fun for both for adults and teenagers. Even after the father-son fight, they continued to appear in the Discovery show . The first was to cut down on wind hitting the chest, keeping a rider warmer. There is also a type of motorcycle called a "chopper." Today the world helicopter is mostly replaced by chopper. This beast is not to the taste of most. The book American Speech Vol. Fixed wing, prop aircraft also have blades that produce thrust although not lift directly. The vests have 3-piece patches on the back, which is why an MC is also called a three piece patch MC. So, a chopper is a chopped bike. Because the frame of a chopper bicycle and a chopper motorcycle can be strikingly similar, and of a high enough quality/durability, it is relatively common to have an empty space, or 'engine bay', in the frame, in which a motor can be inserted into the frame at a later date, among other tweaks and conversions. Laypeople use the term chopper. The bikes kept evolving through the 60's and in the 70's and they started to call them "Choppers". They sit in the shops and private garages of the most famous motorcycle builders and you can even see some of us riding them during bike events (I love to see the face of our fans when they see us pedaling down the street). . Why is helicopter called a chopper? On the down side, it also mutated into the creation of hideous, unrideable caricatures with laughable price tags. Choppers typically are stripped down and have had many parts found on stock bikes "chopped" - that is cut down or modified to be smaller, or removed altogether. In a postmodernist culture, most things are rejected with irony and sarcasm, dismissed as 'fake'. The long forks actually make a chopper harder to ride. Both are very practical uses that motivate riders to wear cuts today. This is the reason why vintage engineering holds so much power. Feb 7, 2009. Though he had great success for nearly a decade, both on and off the camera, West Coast Choppers shut down shop in October of 2010. Now choppers from Japan, which can now also be called that, are being converted on a larger scale. Bobber (motorcycle) A bobber, originally called a 'bob-job' from the 1930s through 1990s, is a style of custom motorcycle.