Cheap Chopper/Bobber

What is a chopper or a bobber? A chopper generally refers to a motorcycle that has had parts or the frame chopped and or modified in some way. A bobber is a style of bike that originated in the 1940's after World War II. They were created by simply removing any unnecessary parts, such as fenders, windshields, saddle bags, etc. These style of bikes have evolved greatly over the years. The chopper was the child of the bobber and now the styles tend to be interwoven.

People young and old love choppers, but having one built by a pro can be expensive. Obviously the cheaper option is to do it yourself by modifying a cheap bike. It seems that now the cheapest bikes are older Japanese models with some wear and tear on them. You will often see these bikes for a few hundred dollars, sometimes more and sometimes free. It all depends on condition, rarity, title, and the owners ability to part with it.

I would look for a bike that is a non collectors item, in good running condition with a clear title if at all possible. This will save a headache and money in most cases. You want to get the bike in good mechanical condition before the chopping begins. If you get a bike for cheap that needs a lot of work, it may cost you just as much to fix it as it would have been to just buy a motorcycle in good condition to begin with. Getting a title for a bike without one in some states can be tricky and difficult. I'd avoid the mess and just buy a motorcycle that has a good title. Look for something with some minor cosmetic damage. You were going to change it anyways, so why not try getting one with some minor damage. This can save some coin. Look for non collectors bikes, they cost more and if in good original condition you'll feel bad for cutting it up.

Building your chopper is all up to your imagination and skill level. The great thing about starting with a cheap bike is if you don't like your finished product, you didn't loose very much money. You will also learn how to work on bikes and be proud of what you did, instead of what you paid someone to do for you. If your not confident, start with simple items and go slow. The more you do the more you'll learn. The key thing to do is research and ask questions of those that have gone before you. Good luck and happy choppin.

The Importance of Forums

What is the first thing you should do before buying a vehicle or adding modifications? Do research, one of the best places I find for research are forums. Look for forums that specify in the particular brand or model you are interested in and local forums that cover all makes.

What is a forum? A forum is an online community with a common interest. There are practically forums for anything and everything you could imagine. A great thing about motorcycle forums is its a great way for people to communicate about common issues, repairs, modifications, maintenance, etc. Due to people having the same bike it is a good possibility that someone else has had the same problem or done the same modifications your dealing with. On many occasions I've had a question with a bike and quickly found the answers I was looking for by simply reading or asking a question. You will also learn various things and possibilities you may have never thought of as well. In some instances you can make new Friends that you may have never met before. On local forums you may make a new riding buddy but can also occur on the international boards as well.

There are some down sides as well but not many. If you are on a brand or model specific site the owners can tend to be very bias and give misleading information about other makes. Some people may give ill advice, so let the user beware. The only other downside is you may become addicted to posting.

Here is a list of some forums that I find to be helpful:
http://www.intruderalert.com/ a suzuki intruder/boulevard site
http://www.kyriders.neta good example of a local motorcycle forum based in Kentucky
http://www.svrider.com/ a suzuki sv650 site
http://www.hdforums.com a harley davidson site
http://www.kawasakimotorcycle.org/forum/index.php a kawaski site
http://www.hondabikes.net/forum/ a honda site
http://www.yamahamotorcycleforum.com/forum/ a yamaha site

Best Time to Buy

The last thing on most motorcyclist minds right now is buying a new or used bike. Primarily due to the weather not being the greatest, the holidays and a slow economy. The thing is, this is when you'll get the best deals. The dealerships are slow this time of year and privateers selling their personal bikes are having a hard time selling theirs as well. Dealers are trying to get rid of the old models in order to make room for the new ones. So we currently have too many bikes and not enough buyers, perfect if your looking to purchase.

If you don't mind riding a one year old new motorcycle, why wouldn't you buy a leftover? the prices are substantially less than they were just a few months prior. Many times on top of the discounts dealers are willing to throw in accessories and other bonuses. Have the same new motorcycle as the other guys just for a lot less money.

If your looking to buy used I haven't seen a better time. Sellers are desperate at this point and are willing to take a bigger loss than they would have before. Most of these sellers have been trying to sell their bike for a few months, generally from the end of the riding season till now. Since many people are strapped for cash, they will take a hit where they normally would not. This a great way to make a profit since the prices go up in the spring time, especially if you can find a bike that needs a little bit of work. Fix it, turn around and sell in the spring for profit.

So whether your looking to make some spare cash, get your dream ride, or just a good deal. You better do it quick before the warm weather arises and your stuck waiting till next winter for the great deals.

U.S. 129 the tail of the dragon overrated?

We've all heard it before, the dragon is the best road to ride in the United States. I was a bit skeptical at first. I mean the best road in the whole country. But it had enough good things going for it to check it out.

For starters there are over 300 curves in 11 miles, for any twisty loving rider that's a good enough reason to take a road trip. Its near the Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge area of Tennessee, right by the Smokey Mountain National Forest and runs right into the Pisgah National Forest in North Carolina. So there is plenty to see and do if your willing to travel a few hours. The roads in the area are well kept, have beautiful scenery, and a little bit of everything from tight turns to long sweepers to some straights. But the dragon is the real reason for the trip and its all tight technical turns, my favorite kind.

So two of my friends and I borrowed a trailer and threw their KTM's in and my SV650. We decided to rent a cabin in Pigeon Forge Tennessee and would ride to our destination. This proved to be the perfect location, it allowed us to ride through the Smokey Mountain National Forest and be close to all the cheesy tourist destinations of the area. Its about a 1 to 2 hour ride to the dragon from Pigeon forge depending upon route, speed, and traffic. I recommend a good map or GPS unit if you plan on designing your own routes. We almost ended up on a off road trail until a local told us otherwise. On your ride to the dragon you think to your self, can this road actually be any better than what I have just ridden? You get plenty of turns in, see gorgeous mountains, wildlife, foliage, pass some of the most creative tourist attractions and get to eat great BBQ. to top it off.

The answer to that question, is yes. As you get closer you start seeing more and more motorcycles of all types and styles. Your palms start to sweat, heart beat increases, and an instant grin comes over your face as you see the us129 sign. There are no signs saying when the dragon begins or ends but you can tell. The pavement is smooth, with nice tight turns and elevation changes. There are around 4 to 5 companies taking photos of you as you ride. The slower riders will generally pull over and let you by as well as the cars. There is a sense of camaraderie that I have never seen before among so many riders that have never met. People warn you of cops up ahead and dangers in the road. After you go down it the first time you'll just want to keep going back and forth as many times as you can. It will make the roads near your hometown seem boring after your chicken strips are worn off and shoes scuffed from leaning in the corners. You will either leave a better rider or with a broken bike. With that waring be careful this is a public road and not a race track. I would not recommend that a new rider tries to take on this road or someone who hates tight turns. This is a road for those who love to lean, and is well worth the trip. The dragon is far from being overrated.

The Best Motorcycle

Many motorcyclist and would be riders have often asked what is the best motorcycle for me? Well the decision often varies from person to person. People often see an image or brand and think its right for them. Others consider reliability, practicality, price, mpg and performance.

The key factor in determining which style of motorcycle is right for you, is to ask what type of riding you do or want to do. I personally have taken every opportunity I can to ride different styles of motorcycles and roads. I've gotten to ride many great bikes, some including hardtail choppers, supermotards, standards, naked sport bikes, supersports, customs, touring, large, small and middleweight cruisers. I can honestly say I enjoyed riding all of them. But...............

I have found that I like too many styles of bikes, I currently own 3. A customized middleweight cruiser, a standard/naked sport bike, and a hardtail custom/chopper/rat I'm building and riding . What is the bike that gets the most mileage put on it? The naked sport bike/standard. What model is this you may be asking your self?

The Suzuki SV650. Quite possibly the best buy in all of motorcycling, its fast, handles great, comfortable, reliable, gets good gas mileage, and is dirt cheap. Hang with the supersports in twisty bits and relax with the cruisers on the straights or hammer the throttle and drag race your freinds on their much pricier Ducati monsters and Aprilla shivers, watch their jaws drop as you either beat them or keep up on a bike that cost thousands less. Throw on a luggage rack, some soft bags and go sport touring. Ride it to work everyday or customize it into your own masterpiece. Its easy to ride and is great for beginners or experienced riders alike. The sv650 truly is a do it all bike