I don't "get" choppers.

[tridim]

They have no suspension or seat padding, the steering sucks, the seating, feet and arm positions are horribly out of proportion, they're dangerous, they're loud, the gas tank blocks the rider's field of view, and IMO they don't look cool at all.

I know the coolness factor is subjective, I'll grant that, but otherwise there doesn't seem to be any reason to own one. What's the point? What am I missing?

[democracyindanger]

1. no argument here nt

[KitchenWitch]

2. It is all about the cool factor

if you want comfort, get a road bike LOL

[tridim]

8. I just think they're gaudy

and getting more gaudy every day, thanks to reality TV. I can appreciate some of the first chopped Harleys. It was just some gear heads making a few mods, but today's choppers aren't even chopped, they're built new and priced as a luxury item.

If I want cool I'll get a bike from the 60's. Those were cool.

[MarianJack]

3. I MUST Be a Really Old Fudd!

I thought you were talking about false teeth!

A big :spank: to me!

[sffreeways]

4. The Fire Bike

built by the Tuttles at Orange County Choppers is beautiful. A work of art in my opinion. I even have the scale model. I couldn't resist.

[seriousstan]

7. When I started watching I really wondered if Paul Jr. could handle it

and stay inventive. That boy is a talent. I am impressed.

[tridim]

9. It may be art, but it's still not transportation.

I'm watching the "stealth bomber bike" episode right now. That thing is hideous.

[Hillary08]

14. Sorry,

but you just can't argue with COOL! Choppers are sexy!

[Kat45]

5. They're cool.

and can be a thing of beauty.

[seriousstan]

6. Otherwise? That is the reason. Personal pleasure. Why fence it in?

When it is fairly legal and rather harmless.(did I put the legally required number of qualifiers in there?)

[tridim]

10. Hehe.. I like your qualifiers

:)

I'm not fencing it in, but choppers certainly are a risk on the road due to their crappy performance. If someone built a car that was the analog of a chopper it'd never be licensed for road use. BTW, I don't feel the same way about the early hot rods or the early (real) choppers.

[DS1]

11. Eh, I see choppers are the bike equivalent to Firebirds or Camaros

good for going in a straight line, fast

[seriousstan]

13. Pinto, Yugo and 1963 Corvair.

[Chovexani]

12. I think it's all about coolness

I don't know anything about bikes, but my bf is obsessed, and I like watching American Chopper just because I'm a dork who likes to see how things are made. A lot of the bikes they make are works of art.

Would I get on one? Hell no. But they sure are pretty to look at. ;)