Chopper Kits - A Look at What Should Be Included

Building your own custom motorcycle can be a wonderful thing. However, starting from scratch can often prove difficult especially if you don't know what parts you need. Therefore if you are just thinking about building your own motorcycle it is worth considering buying one of the many complete motorcycle kits that are now available.

choppers for sale

When you are thinking of building a custom motorcycle using a kit you will be amazed at what some kits contain and what some do not. Certainly complete motorcycle kits tend to cost a lot more than those which contain just the essential parts. In this article we take a look at some of the parts that will be included within complete motorcycle kits so that you can build a machine that says who you are.

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1. Chassis - This is what you will be building your custom motorcycle around and is one of the most expensive items to be included in the kits. There is a wide array of designs to select from and which one you choose will depend on what riding position you are after.

2. Engine - Another crucial component in the kit as this is what makes the motorcycle travel along the road. Again there is a wide array of styles and sizes to select from and what you get will depend on how you want the bike to look. You can either go for a Panhead, Shovelhead or Knucklehead style engine which come in sizes starting at around 80 inches and going up to as much as 145 inches.

3. Carburetors - This is another crucial part of making sure that you have the right one for the cables you are using are vital. But with a complete motorcycle kit this is something that you need not worry about as the supplier will have ensured that it is.

4. Drag Pipes - It is important to ensure that yours match the style of bike you are wishing to build and come with heat shields. Although the pipes may look much nicer without the shields on them they do actually protect you.

5. Seat - Again when you are selecting your complete motorcycle kits you will have a wide selection of seats to choose from. Not only will there be different styles to consider but also they come in different materials and colors. Ideally you need one that not only goes with the design of the motorcycle you are building but which will be comfortable to sit on when riding the machine.

6. Gas Tank - This is something that will reflect the style of bike that you are intending to build and again there are many different styles to select from. Some people prefer the coffin shaped ones whilst others prefer ones that have a more teardrop design to them. But it should be one that fits well on to the chassis of the motorcycle you are

Chopper Kits - A Look at What Should Be Included

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Chopper Orange County - How it Started

Orange County was one of the first counties established by the Province of New York way back in 1683. It is best known for West Point, an American Military Academy, and the Orange County Choppers. It is the most popular custom motorcycle shop in the nation and has it's own program on Television called American Chopper.

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Orange County Choppers also known as the OCC is a custom motorcycle shop and manufacture that was founded in 1999 by Paul Teutul Sr. and his son, Paul Teutul Jr. The Orange County Choppers has allowed their business to turn into a reality TV show that is one the discovery channel. The show is called the American Chopper and made it's big debut in September 2002. The show helped rise shop to fame and now has become one of the biggest bike shops known in the United States.

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Orange County Choppers are mistakenly believed as a California based company than a New York based company. Orange County California has been famous from it's own TV publicity with various movies and shows being based on the area. However, many forget of Orange County, NY.
Orange County Choppers has also started a side job as to having a family steel manufacturing company. This would make sense, since OCC is all about custom built bikes. However, the Orange County Ironworks was founded in 1970, way before Teutul began to build the bikes. It wasn't until the late 1990's that they moved from the steel business to the motorcycle business. The first bike ever made by the company was called True blue. It made its first appearance at the Daytona Bike Oktoberfest in 1999.

Since then, the company's popularity has grown. The company was even asked by the United States Air Force to make a 0,000 bike called the Raptor. The Raptor bike made its public debut in March of 2005. Raptor is around ten feet long and is modeled after the F/A-22 Raptor and was completed with the United States Air Force Symbols and a riveted gas tank.

The bike also has its exhaust system and rear view mirrors in the shape of jets. The reason why the United States Air Force hired the Orange County Choppers to make a bike was in hopes to reach the public. It was a promotional tool for the Air Force, but it was also great for the OCC because they got Nation Wide Publicity and has become a name around the world.

Orange County Choppers now has it's name on everything from t-shirts to key rings to the United States Air force. Even though this company has only been around for a little under decade, Orange County Choppers are still increasing their business and sales and have developed a gold-mine business. The Orange County Choppers are so famous, that even after the business dissolves, people will still be talking about the OCC.
http://www.chopperlive.com

Chopper Orange County - How it Started

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Build You Own Chopper - Things to Consider Before You Start

When it comes to people wanting to learn more about how to build a custom chopper they will find that the internet is a great source of information. Today not only will you be directed towards sites where you can arrange for one to be built for you but places where you have the opportunity to build your own from scratch.

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However when it comes to how to build a chopper for yourself there are certain things that need to be taken into consideration beforehand. In this article we look at what some of these are.

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1. Space - If you are going to be building your own custom chopper whether using a kit or through buying the parts yourself you need ample room to do the project in. Therefore you should use either a garage or large workshop for this project. It is important that the space you use is one that provides you with plenty of room to move freely around the bike as it is being built.

2. Using The Right Parts - If you intend to build your chopper from scratch then only use the parts recommended by the company who provide you with your building plans. If you don't then the parts you use may well not be of a quality that you would expect and could end up endangering not just your life but the lives of those around you. It is important that you purchase only brand new parts rather than used ones for constructing such a machine.

In fact the best advice we can give you if you are going to be building your own custom chopper is to use a bike kit. Not only do these come with all the necessary parts to construct such a machine they will be brand new and of the highest quality possible.

Build You Own Chopper - Things to Consider Before You Start

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Ten Reasons You Should Own a Custom Chopper

Custom choppers are the Mercedes of motorcycles, and they are as much fun to own as any super-luxury vehicle. I'm certain that when you see a custom chopper, you wish you had one for youself. Here's ten reasons to buy a custom chopper...

choppers for sale

1. FUN! Yes, this is the first and foremost reason. You will have more fun with a custom chopper than just about any other investment you make. Cars are fun, sure, but they simply don't provide the "in the wind" feeling that can only be obtained with a motorcycle and a custom chopper will make people stop and notice - and that's always fun.

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2. Resale value. Just like a car, motorcycles depreciate with time. At least stock motorcycles do. But custom rides and antiques don't - in fact they can appreciate if you continue adding value to your ride. 3. Breaking out of the status quo. Just anyone can own a stock motorcycle. Harley dealers have great stock bikes that anyone who has the money can buy. Newspapers abound with ads for stock motorcycles that are being sold by an owner - often because they want to upgrade and get their first custom chopper. That's the status quo in motorcycles. If you want to break away and stand out in the crowd, a custom chopper will do that for you!

4. Custom choppers are accepted by all motorcycle riders. Have you ever noticed that the Harley riders will accept custom choppers that aren't Harley builds much more easily than they will any other type of motorcycle? It's true, if your bike is a custom chop, even if the drive train is not Harley, the Harley rides will not shun you or make nasty.

5. Your custom chopper can reflect your personality. If you purchase a stock bike, there will be hundreds of thousands of people who have exactly the same scoot as yours. With a custom chopper, you can provide input and customization that reflects who you are.

6. Riding comfort is another reason to customize. By choosing the frame, engine, risers, handle bars, saddle and parts that create your custom chopper, you can create the chop that is most comfortable for YOU, the rider.

7. Pizzazz. You can add as much shiny, eye-blinding chrome as you choose; or you can have as little as you choose. If you want lots of fringe, accessories the custom chop to include fringe all over. If you want a very stark, minimalistic ride, you can have that too! How much pizzazz you add is your choice and only your choice!

8. Head turn factor. You can guarantee, no matter what custom chopper design you settle on, you will turn heads. You can add all the "head turn" factor to you chopper you desire. If you want, you can create something that is drop-dead unique and turn every head you encounter. But if you aren't a glutton for attention, you may choose a more simplistic design.

9. Make it solo. If you get sick and tired of the "can I ride with you?" questions and simply don't want anyone to ride behind you, choose a solo saddle design that provides you an excuse, "my bike only rides one - ME!"

10. Ego. Yes, we all have ego, don't we? That's what makes us what to be different to begin with. And a great ego stroke is riding out of your truly unique, one-of-a-kind custom chopper. Just don't let it go to your head! After all, you still want your friends to love you and ride with you!

Copyright 2006 Tyler Powers

Ten Reasons You Should Own a Custom Chopper

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Chopper Sunglasses - Useful Information About Chopper Sunglasses

Television is notorious for spawning the development of mass marketed licensed products to the public. Every day a new television series leads to the development of all kinds of products from tee shirts to hats to sunglasses for the adoring public. A similar even happened with the popular reality television series, American Chopper.

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A series on the TLC channel, this show follows the day to day lives and work of Paul Teutul Sr. and his son, Paul Teutul Jr. also known as Junior or Paulie. They own and run a custom motorcycle workshop in Montgomery, New York known as Orange County Choppers.

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The show is immensely popular and has led to the creation of their very own brand name sunglasses, among other products including a video game. These sunglasses are made by Exclusive OCC Sunglasses and sold all over through licensed dealers.

Sunglasses for the American Chopper fan are long lasting and high quality. The frames are all made of 99% aluminum and 1% magnesium to create a strong metal frame that is also lightweight. Allergies are also not a problem with this hypoallergenic combination of metals.

Since these glasses are made for big hog fans, the frames are curved to fit the face shielding it from harsh winds. Plus, double action spring hinges allow more flexibility in the temples so they fit closely to the sides of the head without being uncomfortable.

All Chopper sunglasses lens are made of shatter proof polycarbonate and provide 100% UV protection. So, even as you get older, you can still ride the road with clear and sharp vision.

Every pair of authentic Orange County Chopper Sunglasses comes with it's own leather bound case. The temples are also embossed with the fluid Orange County Choppers logo, that OCC monogram twisted and pulled into the shape of a rocking sweet chopper.

Look for that stylized logo on the sides of model 504 Silver Frame Sunglasses (4.95). These shades with their barely there frames and half sized burnt orange mirror lens are perfect for a day on the road. These chopper sunglasses favor Paul Jr.'s sense of style. They're cool, fashionable and clearly California inspired.

Paul Sr.'s style is more practical and pragmatic and so is his eyewear. Check out model 765108 OCC Sunglasses (.95) and you'll see the sunglasses inspired by Paul Sr. These plastic framed glasses are more affordable, yet still effective. Polycarbonate lenses with bright blue dielectric mirrors help reduce glare while on the road. They don't cost an arm and a leg, but they still get the job done.

Chopper sunglasses are made for the American Chopper fan. They are actively worn by the main stars of the show, Paul Sr. and Paul Jr. and every pair has been approved by one or the other before being released to the public. If you are an American Chopper fan and also looking for a sweet pair of shades to wear while riding that hog, then you may find a match in a set of Chopper Sunglasses.

Chopper Sunglasses - Useful Information About Chopper Sunglasses

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Chopper Tattoo Review

Most people who decide to get a tattoo do so because they wish to represent something about themselves,it is a symbol of who you are. They are designed to attract peoples attention,this can be in a good way or a bad way depending on what design you decide on.

choppers for sale

Anyone can get a tattoo but you will defiantly want to make the right decision because you will be stuck with it for the rest of your life.Since getting a tattoo is a big issue then it is important that you choose the right design. Chopper Tattoo offers over 4000 designs for just about every part of your body. They offer award winning designs that are different and eye catching, so don't limit yourself to just one or two designs, make sure you check their entire range.

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The search option on Chopper Tattoo is great tool which will help you find your design much quicker.You can find tattoos according to size, color and keywords. This means that you don't have to search through thousands and thousands of designs first before you find the one that you desire.

They offer just about every style of tattoo out there such as tribal, dragon, cross, star, butterfly, celtic, fish, egyptian, gothic, armband, lower back tattoo designs and much more.

If you are an aspiring tattoo artist yourself,then you can increase your exposure because there is a section of the site that allows you to submit your designs. The section on lettering will give you a lot of ideas on different styles and lets you customize what ever ideas that you have right on to your computer.

Chopper Tattoo Review

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Essentials of a Custom Built Chopper

Inspiration, modification, and fabrication are the 3 steps that make up the heart of true custom built choppers and motorcycles. The biking world is ever emerging to match the ever changing sectors and the needs of the people around the globe. However geographically separated be the chopper builders, but their eventual motive will cross lines only at the result of the built. The built as ever is destined to suit the tastes of the very individual who build it. Let's read on to reveal the excitement it spills on.

chopper frames

Inspiration:

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Many of the passionate, not-practical-in-any-sense customs are built with the solitary purpose of rousing, infuriating thought, and sprouting novel ideas. Only worrywarts suppose that the whole thing has previously been thought of-somebody had to be the 1st person to vision up the wheel. We showcase bikes that endeavor to revolutionize the professed impression of what a motorbike is and can be. We try to develop the recognized boundaries and demonstrate the community with the cutting edge. Sometimes that frontier is extended by a name from remote to the motorcycle business, such as Gary Hetrick who functions out of his garage, or even the familiar Chip Foose.

Modification:

Modification is the cause why a periodical such as many familiar ones exists-it's the groundwork of our content. Xtreme Texas Chopper's technological articles spotlight on the complete spectrum of alteration, from undemanding bolt-on articles to pieces that cover deep within motor customization and universal fabrication, but all are intended to encourage all level of wrench slinger, from the guy who scarcely has maintenance hand tools to the garage. Ernie's exhaust pipe design is a good picture of heavy modification: They buy some stock shovelhead pipes and flanges at a swap meet for economical prices and modify them to labor with his precise bike build. Ernie couldn't order the pipe he required, but people like him will always figure out a way to vary an existing part. Parts producers think up innovative modifications all the time, and the chopper builder in you should try to showcase these novel parts as soon as soon as you produce them.

Fabrication:

At times a new-fangled part is crafted from either an old one or a custom part that's been modified might not generate the desired look or purpose. Or maybe the essential custom built motorcycle part to absolute a confident bike hasn't been shaped yet, so it is must that custom choppers are to be built from scratch. Many builders learned to fabricate their hunks and monsters this very way, beginning with additional skill than cash; they produce their own parts for the reason that they couldn't manage to pay for to buy anything.

Essentials of a Custom Built Chopper

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Chopper Tattoos

With so many tattoos, how do you know which one to choose? There is an infinite amount of choices that you can go with. How do you find the right one that says exactly what you want it to say? You could just go check out people on the street; you may get a few strange looks though. This is where Chopper Tattoos comes in very handy. You can sit on your couch and browse new ideas.

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What I like to do when I am browsing for a new tattoo is check out what Chopper Tattoos has to say. It is amazing the amount of designs they have. Every time I check it, they have added even more designs. Of course you could always resort to a good ole Google Images search, but the search system at Chopper Tattoos is absolutely amazing. Whatever idea I happen to be thinking about, you can filter for that category: Say I want to look at a Tribal Tattoo; just click the option, set what size I want to search and whether I want color or black and white, hit "Find Tattoos" and you are on your way to finding the perfect one.

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How many tattoos does Chopper Tattoos have to choose from?

Well, honestly I have no idea. My closest guess is just to say thousands upon thousands. I do know for a fact that they are the largest library of tattoo designs on the entire internet though. They are adding more every single day too, so I don't see anyone catching them anytime soon.

Are they good, unique designs, or just junk?

They do not allow crappy tattoos in their database. Some may say there is no such thing as a bad tattoo since it is art; but let's face it, some tattoos just are not good. Chopper Tattoo actually features tons of award winning tattoos in categories ranging from Dragon Tattoo, to Butterfly Tattoos, to Lower Back Tattoos, and even Cross Tattoos.

What do I do once I found the tattoo design I want?

At Chopper Tattoo, you get to print out the design you want. This assures that there are no mistakes in your translation and you can get the exact tattoo that you like the most. They even have a tattoo parlor locator. How much easier can they make this? They help you decide what to get and even show you where to get it.

Next time you have a tattoo party, be sure to have all your friends pick their favorite designs over at Chopper Tattoos. You will thank me when everyone is checking out your killer new tattoo and asking you where you got it at!

Chopper Tattoos

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Custom Chopper Motorcycles - Riding the Dream

There comes a time in everyone's life when motorcycles become not only interesting but accessible, for me this was aged 15, and at 16 I had my first motorbike.

chopper bicycle for sale

The bike in question was a Suzuki ZR50 which was built like an old school chopper, with the seat, and handlebars to match, despite its blistering 28mph top speed! But unlike my friends who took an interest in the sports style motorcycles, I was hooked on the custom chopper and Harley Davidson scene.

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My ZR50 spent quite a lot of time in bits, I painted it up by myself, tricked up the engine to a new top speed if 48mph and I even painted a design of Eddy from Iron Maiden on one of the plastic farings.

That was 1987 and since then the custom motorcycle bug is an itch that I still enjoy scratching.

But the custom chopper & motorcycle scene is bigger today than it has ever been with the popularity of TV programmes such as American Chopper highlighting Orange County Choppers, and buying and selling custom built motorcycles is big business.

Finding the right market value for a motorcycle with a specific specification is difficult enough, but determining the value of a custom built motorcycle is a bit of an art, and you need to know what you are doing, so you're buying or selling a custom made motorcycle, then you need to see what other custom motorcycles are selling for, and get a heads up on the true market value.

Purchasing a custom motorcycle at the right price is an excellent investment IF you know what you are looking for, and you will be the envy of your friends.

If you are in the market for a custom chopper or Harley Davidson then you need to know your numbers and market value. Use our unique software algorithm to search for the best deals on the internet including eBay.

In these economic times people are selling their custom motorcycles at unheard of prices which means you can pick up a real quality custom motorcycle bargain.

Custom Chopper Motorcycles - Riding the Dream

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Preparing Your Chopper Motorcycle For Painting

After buying you custom painting manual guide, tools, paint and equipments, the next job is to dismantle the motorcycle. Start dismantling your chopper motorcycle with utmost accuracy. While dismantling the chopper motorcycle, you should be very careful with wires attached to the motorcycle.

chopper rolling chassis

Dismantling chopper motorcycle is not very difficult, if you do it according to the custom painting manual guide. Remove only those parts from motorcycle, which you want to re-paint, as most of the people remove each and every part from the motorcycle and find it difficult to assemble it later. You should remember while dismantling your chopper motorcycle, that you have to assemble it. By using the basic tools kit, you can easily dismantle or assemble your chopper motorcycle. You should collect all the big or small parts of your chopper motorcycle very carefully at the time of dismantling your motorcycle.

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Sanding

Sanding is done to remove the old paint from the dismantled parts of chopper motorcycle and to give smooth and silky surface to paint. The process of sanding is done by using sand papers. Generally, there are two types of sand paper used in sanding process of motorcycles, first is rough sandpaper and second is fine sandpaper. Rough sandpaper is used to remove the old paint from the motorcycle and fine sandpaper is used to give smooth surface for the new paint. If the old paint is remain on the motorcycle then it might cause problem with the new paint. Therefore, sanding is very important before you start painting your chopper motorcycle. Never try to avoid sanding because it is very important for the long lasting shine and grace of new paint.

Sanding Your Chopper Motorcycle

Sanding a motorcycle doesn't need any specialized knowledge or skill. You must be careful while choosing the correct thickness of the sand paper (rough sandpaper and fine sandpaper). Sand papers with grit form 600 to 1000 can be used, depending upon the roughness of your chopper motorcycle. 600 grit sand papers are used for the rough surface i.e. to remove the old paint. 1000 grit sand papers are used for fine finishing of the motorcycle.

Although sanding is not a specialized job, but you have to be expert in judging the smoothness of the surface on which you are going to paint. When you are going for motorcycle sanding, you should be well prepared, as the people who perform such jobs are regularly exposed to dust (powder of old paint). Chances of getting dust in the eye and throat are very common. Therefore, your must wear the safety equipments. Swallowing these powders sometimes might leads to lung cancer.

For the final finishing of your chopper motorcycle, it is recommended to use 200 grit sanding paper. Smooth and sparkling surface of the motorcycle is the reward of proper sanding. Use 1200 grit wet and dry sand paper if you want to paint a metallic color on your chopper motorcycle.

Chemical Stripper for Sanding

If you find it difficult to remove the old paint of your motorcycle with a sand paper, then you can also use chemical stripper. Apply the paint stripper very carefully all over the motorcycle with a paint brush.

Chemical stripper can affect your skin badly. Therefore, you must wear safety equipments while applying chemical stripper on your chopper motorcycle.

How to Apply Chemical Stripper

You should cover all the parts of your motorcycle, which you want to paint, with clear plastic sheet (available from any hardware shop), so the vapors will be trapped inside and will work more rapidly on the motorcycle. After covering the motorcycle parts with the plastic sheet, than wait for the 2 to 3 hours and remove the plastic sheet.

Now you can start to scrape off the old paint from the motorcycle with a putty knife or a paint scraper. After applying stripping chemical on the motorcycle parts and keep the water away from these parts. If necessary, use the stripping chemical again. Never use the chemical stripper to remove the old paint from the motorcycle part, as it can affect the body (metal) of your chopper motorcycle. Therefore, sanding by sand paper is the best and simple way to remove old paint from motorcycle.

Wash the Parts before You Start Painting

After the sanding process, wash each and every part. Washing is necessary and important to remove the sanding powder which is left after the sanding process. There are some people who jump from sanding directly on to the base coat and might suffer later, as if you start with base coating without washing it, then after completing the first base coat, you will find small particles on it. Therefore, wash gently all the parts before you start painting.

For washing purpose, you can use any common soap or dishwashing detergents which are commonly available in the market. You can also use a scrub or a hard brush with these soap or detergent. A scrub or a hard brush will also remove the old paint left during the sanding process. You can also use cleaner to wash motorcycle, but never use any strong and chemically reacting cleaner which can damage the body (metal) of your chopper motorcycle by starting the rusting process. These types of chemical cleaners contain a chemical irritant which is known as Ethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether. Therefore, it is recommended to use common soap or dishwashing detergent to wash your chopper motorcycle before painting.

Preparing Your Chopper Motorcycle For Painting

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Chopper Tattoos - The Good, The Bad and The Ugly About Chopper Tattoos

Since I was a kid I was always interested in the bad ass look. The look that every hot chick dreams of. The man that they cannot tame but again they cannot get rid of you because you have something that no one can offer, the image of excitement, fear, terror and confidence.

chopper bicycle frames

I usually look at bikers as the bad guys that gets away with a lot of things. I don't know about you but watching Wild Hogs was pretty funny. I knew that there are people out there that just dress like, smell like and look like a biker but not really one.

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What really gets me and gets my attention is the tattoos. The tattoos are really the symbol if they are just a posers or the real deal. If you think about it, anyone can get a tattoo but knowing that it will stick on you for life is pretty drastic thing to do. It's a more than a symbol but its a commitment that you're stuck with that image for life (unless you get another tattoo over it like happy feet or bugs bunny), but you know what I mean. Also, getting a chopper tattoo does not mean you're a criminal or looking for trouble everywhere you go. It just means that it's the image you like and the image you want to play.

Since the tattoo is a big issue for the image then it is important to get a good tattoo design. Getting a tattoo design is not a pretty easy tasks. First, chopper tattoos are unique and eye catching. Second, choosing a tattoo design at the tattoo shop is a limited source to pick out, and please do not limit your self on their tattoo designs. Third, make sure you get the tattoo design that connects to the public that you're a bad ass mother that they should respect and not mess with.

What I would do is search online of what tattoo designs you like that would match or integrate with your new chopper tattoo. If you're going to commit to this new lifestyle might as well invest in it because you already spend the money for you bike so might as well spend on a good chopper tattoo design.

There's is one I would recommend that I found online. They offer unlimited access for life and they are experts on only chopper tattoo designs. If you're are interested in checking them out the link will be in the resource section so check them out. Also I like the price for a lifetime access. Because you know you will end up not only getting one but more than one, or two or three.

I hope you'll find the right chopper tattoo design for you that will fit your style. Remember, it's not the bike , or the outfit. Its the symbol on your skin that counts. So make sure you pick the right one, because if you do not. Then you will be back for some more needle time or your tattoo will tell everyone that you ride a moped.

Chopper Tattoos - The Good, The Bad and The Ugly About Chopper Tattoos

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Motorcycle And Chopper Painting Tutorial

PAINT AND PREP SUPPLIES

chopper rolling chassis

Reducer

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Plastic Filler

Finishing Putty

Primer and hardeners

Epoxy Sealer

Paint for Base Color

Clear Coat/Hardener

80,120,400,600,1500,2000 grit wet/dry sandpaper

EASY SPRAY BOOTH

If you're like me, you don't have the luxury of a down-draft spray booth in your garage. Here's what I did. I cleaned out a storage area that's attached to the rear of my garage. I covered the walls with white poly, and installed a multi speed fan in the window. I then went around with a roll of insulation tape and sealed the edge of the fan to the surrounding poly on the walls. Now onto lighting. After the first time you attempt to paint anything, you'll quickly realize just how important a well lit paint area is. In fact when it comes to lighting, the brighter your booth the better. A friend of mine gave me two four-tube florescent light fixtures, which I hung on opposite sides of my new spray booth. It's good to have reflective walls. Lining the walls with white poly not only saves your walls, but it's also quite reflective.

SAFETY

Before I go any further, I want to stress safety. It's a very bad I idea to paint in a room that's attached to your home. In fact, it may not be legal in some municipalities. Also, paint fumes are not only super toxic, they're highly flammable. Make sure your lights are wired properly, and that your fixtures are fully encased with lens covers attached. Last but not least, make sure you have a good quality respirator with the correct filters for the type of paint you're using.

PAINT EQUIPMENT

For tools you'll need at least two spray guns, an air regulator with a water filter, a compressor, and of course some air hose. As fore mentioned, you'll need 2 paint guns... one for painting primer, and another for painting base and clear coats.

PREP FOR PAINT

Make certain your fuel and oil tanks are pressure tested and leak free before you start. Ideally, it's good to sandblast your metal parts, especially if they have old paint on them. If you decide not to sandblast, make sure to sand them really thoroughly and wipe them down with a non oil-based degreaser prior to starting the job.

The next step is to add filler to the low spots and any trouble areas. It's a matter of personal preference, but I like to apply a coat of epoxy primer prior to spraying on the base coat. This provides a nice base for the filler to adhere to. prepare your filler in small amounts (it hardens fast) and apply it smoothly and evenly onto your work piece.

After the filler has stiffened, sand it smooth with 80 grit and look it over for any low spots or nicks, then fill and sand again. After the necessary rounds of filler and sanding are finished, it's time to spray on the primer.

Lay down a couple of coats of epoxy primer. After the primer has dried, get a spray can of black paint and very lightly spray it over your work piece. This is the guide coat. The thin black spray will show any waves, low spots or defects in your prep work. To fix the trouble areas that the guide coat exposed, you'll want to use flowable putty instead of filler. Apply the putty in thin even coats, then smooth it down with 80 grit sandpaper (wrapped around a rubber sanding pad). Once you get the high spots sanded down, smooth it down even further with 120 grit, then finishing it with 400 grit. You are now ready for a final round of primer. Once the primer is dry, sand it thoroughly with 400 grit to provide a toothy surface for the base coat to adhere to. I like to spray on a coat of epoxy sealer just prior to applying the base colour coat. In addition to providing a really nice surface for applying the base color, it also prevents any solvents from popping through and forming bubbles in your clear coat. Make sure to follow the paint manufacturers specification sheets with regards to mixing times, mixing ratios and painting temperature. Not following the instructions will cause you much grief...trust me.

BASE COAT/CLEAR COAT

Time for the color coat. Spray on the color coats as per your paint manufacturer's spec sheet. Now comes the clear. After the first round of clear is dry, wet sand it down with 600 grit. You'll notice rows of ridges appear in the clear as you sand. Continue until the clear is even and the ridges are gone. If you are painting graphics on, now is the time to do it. After applying your graphics, cover them with another round of clear. It may take two or more rounds of clear to completely bury the graphics. Be sure to wet sand flat with 600 grit between rounds of clear. After the last round of clear has been sprayed, sand it down flat with 600 grit as before. When it's nice and smooth, finish it off with 1500 grit. If you want to get it crazy smooth, go for a final session of 2000 grit.

POLISHING

Now for the gratifying part. The final step is to polish it to a mirror finish. You'll need a multi speed polisher, a buffing pad, and some buffing compound. There are lots of different brands of buffing compound on the market. Your local auto body supply store will be able to recommend something.

Motorcycle And Chopper Painting Tutorial

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Build Your Own Chopper - A Glossary of Harley Terms

For many years now there are certain words and terms which are very clearly associated with Harley Davidson motorcycles. Yet although these Harley Davidson terms have been around for many years now they are now commonly used by others when they are building their own custom choppers.

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In this article we look at a few of the more common terms being used today by builders of custom choppers that were first introduced by the Harley Davidson Motorcycle Company.

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Term 1 - Ape Hangers are the types of handlebars to be found on many custom motorbikes which have been elevated to a height that then places the hands of the motorcyclist above their shoulders.

Term 2 - When it comes to the term Big Twin this relates to the size of the engine that has been installed into the motorcycle. Today in most Harley Davidson's the engines range from a size of 883 cc (cubic centimetres) up to a size of 1584cc.

Term 3 - Another term you often here custom chopper builders talking about is the "Fat Head" when it comes to engines. This is a new sort of twin cam engine that the Harley Davidson company introduced to the market back in 1999 and which is now found on not just their own machines but on those being built by custom chopper enthusiasts.

As you will soon discover there are many other Harley Davidson terms that those who build their own custom choppers will use. Other terms that are favoured by such people are the blockhead, the fat boy and the shovelhead.

Build Your Own Chopper - A Glossary of Harley Terms

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American Chopper Games for the Aspiring Young Rider

One of the best things about the American Choppers is that it gives fathers and sons of America something to bond over. The interactions that come within watching the show and talking about the manly motor stuff truly goes beyond the actual conversation. It is true that any help men can get in terms of ways they can better bond with their sons truly make an impact. Here is a great universal game you can use to get the dads involved in a father-son celebration moment: the American Choppers Treasure Hunt.

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Okay, so what do you need to do? It is quite simple really; you will make a list of manly-toys (otherwise known as tools) to hide and create a treasure hunt. When preparing your list of tolls for this game, definitely enroll the father-type figure to assist in figuring out what what-cha-ma-hooz and gimo-de-gadgets to include in your list. A simple stroll through the garage should be sufficient.

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Once the list is done, gather the items on the list and hide them prior to the big hunt. A helpful hint is to record where each item is hidden so as not to have to deal with a crabby daddy with missing tools later on. Now once they are hidden, get creative and make a list of fun riddles to help find the items.

When the party games start, get ready for a great time. Prepared with a list of riddles in hand, one adult and one child pair up before they head out on this adventure. Search within the pre-designated area for the items on the list. Herein you can have a lot of fun by including prizes for those that gather the most items, the least items, and specific items on the list. Last but not least, remember to have fun and remain in good spirits.

American Chopper Games for the Aspiring Young Rider

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American Chopper Party Games For the Kids

The American Chopper television show has become so popular that even the kids have become regular fans and want their own American Chopper party games at their parties and celebrations. Here are a couple great games themed after the American Chopper show.

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Zoom, Motorcycle:

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This American Chopper party game is fun for the kids and is meant to be played while sitting down so the adults at the party can relax a bit too. Get everyone at the party in a circle and tell them that the group is going to start up one of the great motorcycles that have been tricked out on American Chopper. You'll start the motorcycle by saying zoom and the person next to you will repeat zoom and this will continue from person to person around the circle. Then you'll try and get the motorcycle going a bit faster by trying to get everyone to repeat 'zoom' faster and faster. Any person can stick out their arms and yell 'Eek!' when the zoom reaches them to stop the motorcycle. Though the motorcycle has to go into reverse when this happens. Whoever just said 'zoom' will say it again and the person before that and so on until someone stops the motorcycle again.

Chopper's Slogans:

Make up a bunch of slips of paper with the names of each of the guys and gals from the American Chopper party on them. You can list one person two or three times to make enough slips so everyone at the party can choose a name. Have each person draw one slip from a hat and give them each a pencil and paper. Have each person create a fitting American Chopper slogan for the American Chopper employee that's been drawn.

For the hardest part of the American Chopper party games each person has to begin each word of the American Chopper slogan with a letter from the character's name. Then everyone will read their slogans out loud and you'll pick the best.

The kids will really enjoy these two American Chopper party games. If you play some episodes of the show and have lots of good food at the party you'll have an even better time.

American Chopper Party Games For the Kids

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Chopper Kits - Build Your Own Dream Chopper

If you want to have a dream chopper, then you should consider to build your own chopper kit. Chopper kits are called a bike in a box. Kits make it possible to build a dream bike by yourself without having all inside technical knowledge and machine park. It is easier to build your own kit bike rather than build a chopper from scratch. It saves you money and all parts will fit perfectly together, most of the time.

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There is just little difference between custom choppers and chopper kits. Because the variety of kits, the kit you will select is already unique by itself. There are people telling you that a chopper kit is not a real custom chopper. It's already pre-designed. But the fact is that on a custom chopper most of the time parts from other manufacturers are used. Does this mean that custom choppers don't exist? A kit is just a great base to start and develop your own chopper from. There are big and small chopper builders, but even the ones you see regularly on television use parts from other companies.

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All you need is a basic understanding of the mechanics behind choppers and it's good when you are handy with tools. There are very useful dvds and books on the market which could help you with building your kit. Most of the times extensive manuals and dvds are provided when you will buy a kit. The most experienced builders sometimes despair at the mid-way point of building such a complicated machine. It's useful when you have a guide, even when it's in paper format, which could help you.

Chopper kits come with an inventory list that enables you to make sure that all of the chopper parts are in the package. Putting all the parts together will be time consuming. Depending on your building and mechanic skills, it will take you at least 80 hours to put a kit together. Also think about the paint. This will also take a couple of weeks to have a perfect paint finish on your chopper.

You could start with the engine to assembling it on your bike or start with the steering unit of the chopper. But be aware to follow the provided directions to avoid trouble later on in the project. Take your time with the assembly and ask help from an expert when needed. Assemble everything at a normal pace and patience. You will get in depth knowledge of your kit. When something happens with your bike on the road, you will know your way around the chopper.

It's a great experience to create your own chopper with a kit. Your friends will admire you about your new unique chopper and you will have fun with it for years. Do you want more information, just look at the Chopper Kits Blog.

Chopper Kits - Build Your Own Dream Chopper

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Custom Chopper Oil Leaks

Motorcycle owners who ride the older style Evo models may gone through the experience of oil blowing out through the air cleaner when they start the bike up after letting it sit for a long period of time. And once the bike is ridden and brought up to running temperature, or if it's ridden on a daily basis, the problem seems to go away.

chopper bicycle frames

This is not an unusual occurrence with the older style Evo engines. But even though it may be a common thing, it's not normal for this to happen despite what you may have been told. The first thing to understand is that the oiling system on these motors is what is known as a dry sump. What that means is the oil supply is located in a different place away from the motor as in an oil tank. Because of this setup, only a small amount of oil should ever collect in the crankcase (sump) of the motor at anytime. When oil starts squirting out through the air cleaner, the motor is experiencing what is known as "wet sumping" meaning too much oil is gathering down in the crankcase when the bike sits for long periods of time.

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The reason this happens is because the check valve (a small ball) in the oil pump isn't seating properly. When the engine isn't running, oil will seep past the unseated check valve and drain into the crankcase (the sump). When you start the bike up and pressure starts building along with slinging the excess oil around, it's gotta travel somewhere. So out the breather it goes, into the air cleaner and onto the floor before it gets a chance to get pumped back into the oil tank.

There are a couple of reasons that the check valve may not be seating correctly in the oil pump. Some dirt, metal filings or other debris might be on the seat of the valve or on the ball. In some circumstances, metal may have passed through the oil pump and maybe caused some nicks on the ball giving the oil an opportunity to leak through.

To fix this situation, the oil pump needs to be removed, the ball valve and spring taken out of the oil pump housing and all the components given a good cleaning. After cleaning the components, carefully inspect the check valve parts for any damage. In fact, you may want to use a magnifying glass so you can get a real close look at it. Once you've got everything all cleaned up and you see no damage, put it all back together, reinstall the pump and see if that takes care of the problem. If this problem continues after you've cleaned and inspected everything, chances are you'll need to replace the oil pump.

One more thing: When you do leave your motorcycle sitting for long periods of time, check the oil level before you start it up. If the level is low, don't add any oil until you run the motor for a little bit. The reason is because the motor may have "wet-sumped" while its been sitting and a good amount of oil may have leaked into the crankcase. And even though your dipstick may indicate that the engine oil supply is about a quart low, that missing oil may be sitting in the crankcase. If you add a quart of new oil before you start the bike up, you'll overflow the oil tank. So it's a good idea to let the motorcycle run for a few minutes to circulate the existing oil and then check the level.

Custom Chopper Oil Leaks

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Chopper Tattoo - Tattoos for All Tastes

Chopper Tattoo is the widest and biggest database of tattoo designs which is perfect for those who are making major decisions as to what choice is best for them. Before inking your body with this permanent body art, it is best to know what image to use. There are tons of remarkable and colorful choices you could certainly find with this gallery. Best of all, these are not just ordinary body arts but with the highest quality at that.

chopper bicycle frames

Why do you need it? Tattoos are basically major and permanent components to deal with. Thus, you have to avoid getting yours on a whim. The misfortune that most people are grappling with however includes having lame designs inked on their bodies and regretting it in the end. Thus, you have no other choice but to settle with it and accept the image you have etched on your body in a spur of a moment decision.

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With the right gallery and website where you could find high quality and comprehensively designed images, you are helped to avoid this type of dilemma. You are facilitated to find the perfect picture or symbol that has the richest and most meaningful significance for you. You could even have a wide selection of customizable lettering to ensure that your choice also has personal touch and conveys the message you want to express.

Why Chopper Tattoo above other online databases? First, it has award-winning designs to choose from. You are not just settling with lame and sub-standard images for your permanent body art. You get only the best and stylish icons that would awe and inspire you at the same time. Moreover, the selections you could access are not just plain emblems with colorful styles. They also have the corresponding meanings for the symbol so that you could relate its essence to your life.

This website with the widest database of tattoo designs and symbols is not only perfect and necessary for prospective customers. If you are a body artist, you would certainly need this online catalogue in your hands. You could help your prospective customer go through the gallery and finally zero in on what representation is exactly what your customer is looking for.

You could basically register in the website to be able to print off some of the copies of the customized options in the database. Customers could instantly print it and bring it with them to their artist for their next body inking session. Chopper Tattoo has everything you need for the best icon to permanently ink on your skin. You could even access the lists of recommended and available tattoo parlors in your particular area to have your desired image done.

Chopper Tattoo - Tattoos for All Tastes

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Chopper Lowrider Bikes

Have you seen the lowrider bikes that have become so popular? They instantly catch your eye because they are uniquely designed and look so cool, don't they? They are a big statement that people make and some people connect them with the hip urbanites, but they really appeal to almost anyone-no matter what your age. They not only give you the opportunity to express your personality, but they are also a very comfortable, fun ride, too. Their popularity has become so big, that you can easily find clubs that concentrate on the lifestyle of having a chopper bike.

chopper bike

Where did lowrider bikes come from? They were first seen in the 1960's in California. They were not a mass-produced bike that was being made by the large companies, but they were made by teenagers who were trying to copy the customized motorcycle of the time by combining components from several different bikes. This was to show their individuality. One bicycle manufacturer noticed this new style, however, and began to make their own version of the chopper lowrider bike. This company was Schwinn and in 1963, they introduced the Stingray model, which began the love affair that many people have with this bike.

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Now lowrider bikes are even more popularity, due to the increased interest in all things retro. Many people love them simply because they bring back memories of happier and simpler times for them. One of the companies who first made lowrider bikes, Raleigh, has updated the chopper lowrider bike for today and they are very popular. Some chopper enthusiasts are choosing to build their own lowriders and customize them to make them into the bike of their dreams. You can find lowrider bikes with all types of customization, including intricate paint jobs, ornaments, and even upholstery, which has made some of these choppers into an art statement.

If you are new to the chopper lowrider world, you will find that there is a great variety of different bikes available for you to purchase in all different price ranges and styles. You can choose an "off the rack" style that you can customize yourself or you can choose to have one built for you from the ground up to your specifications. A custom built chopper bike may be more expensive, but it will fit your body and will express your personality perfectly, which may be worth the extra money for you. Have fun riding!

Chopper Lowrider Bikes

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Chopper Tattoo Review - The Many Ways to Enjoy Having Chopper Tattoos

The Chopper Tattoo review found that many people have had the dilemma of getting the right image that would be good on them. In choosing the design to get as a tattoo, you might find it difficult to get what you truly want. You might have been fully aware of what kind of tattoo to get, but the designs that you have come across so far have not fit your taste. This is where Chopper Tattoo comes in by providing a wide array of designs to choose from, giving you full control of your tattoo needs. Here are some of the great features that you can get:

chopper rolling chassis

• Chopper Tattoo is a gallery in which you can get all the possible designs of your choice. Since virtually anything you need is in this gallery, the uniqueness of the tattoo that you may get is ensured. You are also assured that all these designs are made by award-winning artists, so there is no need to worry of being accused to have ripped off something that is someone else's design.

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• It is quite pleasing to know that a Chopper Tattoo review has pointed out the many ways that the tattoos define its wearer. If you are a fan of this art for self-expression, then the designs in the gallery would surely be pleasing for you. All the elements in each design are used to signify certain ideals and beliefs, depending on the artist's view of the matter. Some artists inculcate in to their works their extreme fondness of music, performing arts, sports, mythical creatures, and even their nationality.

• Definitely, the use of tattoos is a collective expression of varied cultures and traditions, as well as the ideals that a person holds. He does not need to be Tahitian just to get such designs; but if he believes in the practices of the said culture, he can very well express it using such kind of tattoos. The Chopper Tattoo review relinquishes those old or somewhat forgotten realms that are true insignia of idealism and tradition.

• Knowing that you could get what you want with this collection of tattoo designs, the next thing to be of concern is the skills of the artist that would put the images on your skin. Even a beautiful design can have a rather disappointing outcome if not done perfectly. The artist's capability can very much affect the end result of any tattoo project, so make sure that you get the artist who can interpret your ideas very well.

Tattoos as a means of expressing oneself should be regarded with utmost respect because it is one of the few art forms that are rather unappreciated. In Chopper Tattoo, you can be able to bask in the beauty of this artistic endeavor. When you finally get yourself inked, you would be able to feel a mixture of excitement and pleasure since you will know what it is like to have the things you believe in visible to anyone who can be able to appreciate it.

Chopper Tattoo Review - The Many Ways to Enjoy Having Chopper Tattoos

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