Questionhi wayne, im looking to buy a motorcycle but i dont know which one. i know youre not necessarily a motorcycle finder as much as a repair expert, but i dont know who to go to for this. i want a classic looking chopper that came stock with ape hangers and a sissy bar preferably. thanks in advance for what you can give me
AnswerHi Joe,
Most any radical looking chopper style bikes
have been custom built. It is rare for any
stock bike to have what are considered accessory
items like ape hangars and sissy bars.
The new Harley Cross Bones and possibly
the Street Bob may have a bit of an "ape
hangar bar but most do not.
I think factories avoid anything too extreme
due to safety concerns.
If you want a more inexpensive alternative
you could start with something like
the Suzuki Intruder, Honda Shadow, Yamaha Virago's
and the Kawasaki Vulcans and work from there.
These are all "Cruiser" style bikes and
have a slightly custom look.
Also the "Victory" line of motorcycles
have some custom lines.
Alot depends on the size and price range
you are looking at.
Many places build custom bikes according
to the customers wishes.
As far as new bikes go there will be few to none
that come with ape hangars stock.
Also any sissy bars would be aftermarket add ons.
Find a bike you like in your price range and have it
modified is the only way to get what you want.
You can look up some of the cruiser style bikes
I mentioned above and see if they are close to what you want
and go from there.
Safety concerns have almost killed the chopper
as far as factory bikes go. The Cruisers and Bobber
styles are their answer to that.
I guess I won't be seeing my '58 Rigid Triumph Bonnieville
with the 18 inch over fork tubes being cloned
any time soon? Probably a good thing though. ;)
Good luck!
Wayne S.
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