The guy who came up with the "Just Do It" advertising slogan was really on to something. These three little words have impact and meaning that go far beyond putting on a pair of athletic shoes.
I recently took a weekend and rode a few hundred miles up the California coast. As I rode, I began to think about how many motorcyclists there are on the road, and more importantly, how many people check you out while riding. This got me thinking, are these people looking at the rider, the bike, or do they want to experience riding for themselves? I believe it's all three, but the style of bike you're riding certainly has a lot to do with peoples reactions.
Without a doubt, cruising down the road on a chopper is about the coolest thing you can do with your clothes on. And I don't mean cool as in it's the thing to do -- I mean cool as in how great you feel as you're putting down the road on a chopper. There's just nothing else like it, and once you've done it you're hooked. Those of you who have been there know what I mean, those of you who haven't, it's just a matter of time.
After that first chopper ride you're hopelessly addicted, so what do you do now? How about a chopper of your own? It doesn't matter if you ride a bagger and want something else to add a bit more fun to the miles, or if you have been out of cycling for a bit and it's time to get back in. Just do it!By far the hardest part of the equation is making the commitment. This is not something to be taken lightly, but if you are serious about it, taking this first step will have you well on your way.
After deciding that a chopper will definitely be a part of your life, some planning needs to be undertaken. Ask yourself a few questions. How much money am I willing to spend? How long do I expect the project to take? Do I have the space, equipment, and skills needed to complete the job myself? Would I be better off having someone else build the bike for me? Should I buy a production model chopper? Should I customize my existing bike? After taking the time to ponder questions you have begun the process. From here it's just a matter of putting your plan into motion.
Your next step will be based on how you answered the previous questions. Assuming you decide to buy a production model, things are pretty simple -- go out and find something that tickles your fancy and buy it. Considering how many models there are to choose from, the hardest part is making a decision on exactly which one to buy. Numerous companies are building high-quality choppers today, and based on the large selection you are sure to find one that works for you.
If you decide you want to have a custom chopper built for you, check out some builders in your area to see if they can build the style of bike you have in mind. When you find the shop you like, talk to some of the folks they built bikes for and find out how the building process went for them. Did the project come in on budget? Was the original time frame accurate?
If your plan is to build the bike yourself, you have some homework to do. Just as with production and custom bikes built by a shop, you need to make decisions about different aspects of the bike: frame geometry; rigid or suspended rear; fork tubes or springer; motor type and size; transmission; left or right drive; fat-tired or not; sheetmetal; controls; bars; paint; the list goes on. Educate yourself by reading every magazine especially STREET CHOPPER and catalog you can get your hands on, check out Web sites from parts and motorcycle manufacturers, and go to swap meets and bike nights. Speak with people that have bikes and/or components you are leaning toward, and pick their brains to see if you can avoid some of the problems or pitfalls they may have run into.After all of this investigating, come up with a time-line and start ordering parts. Do this in the order you will need them, but keep in mind, parts from some manufacturer's are in such demand, you may have to order them far before you plan on using them. Be sure to check availability before you begin.With the project moving along, try to stay as close to your budget as you can. Obviously there will be times when things pop up that will need a little more attention than you originally thought, just take them in stride and keep plugging along.
Before you know it you will be riding your new chopper. It doesn't matter which route you took to get to this point, the bottom line is you're here. So hop on your new chopper and get a feel for what it's all about. Then, when some guys are checking out you and your new chopper, tell them to "Just Do It."Be Well.