DISQUS

Bryan Townsend · 3 years ago

Do any of those custom chopper's handle worth a damn? I ride pretty much every day to work in Portland, and in the summers a 1/2 dozen others do as well. One of our salespeople bought a custom chopper, and brought it in once and let me take it for a ride (while he rode my Tuono).
Almost killed myself on the first turn, the damn thing just wouldn't negotiate a 90 degree turn near my work at more than 15 mph (5 less than the posted corner speed). Seemed to be a problem with the overly long wheel base, limited lean angle, bars so high that leverage was difficult to apply, and ridiculously fat tires, even in front.
My question to riders is do any of you who get in at least 20K miles a year and ride a custom chopper find they handle OK (not well, just OK)?

Kickstart · 2 years ago

Bryan,

For what it's worth I may be able to answer your question. Do the custom choppers handle?

Yes. Depending on what you are trying to do. I've ridden bikes from sport bikes to chops with front ends at 16 inches over stock, and everything in between. A chopper will handle fine...it just won't hadnle like a shorter wheelbase bike. Ya can't take those quicku-turns with a front end that long, but it's a style of riding that is easily learned and has come positive benefits.

They mostly track like they are on rails, so highway riding is usually a pleasure. Unless you choose a rifid frame, the comfort level is high, but it's not like riding a bagger. The lean-back riding position is also way different from a hunched-over sportbike, but again, that can be learned.

I ride well over the 20K per year mark, and did so on choppers, too. It's just about what feels comfortable to you.

Ride safe!

Kickstart