Any choppers are not motorcycles for everyone . This class of motorcycles seems to be out of time, and does not lose popularity, despite its inherent archaism. Modern technologies are practically not being introduced, except for the most necessary ones, and the appearance still resembles bikes from the 60s of the last century. Indeed, why change something that is already beautiful? What is a chopper anyway? Many fans of this style will confidently answer that this is not just a class of motorcycles. It is an ideology, a lifestyle and practically a religion.
Chopper history
For the first time, bikes that can be classified in this class appeared in the USA about 60 years ago. The word “chopper” itself comes from the English verb “chop,” which means “to chop.” Does it sound strange? Not at all! It’s just that after World War II, America found itself with a huge number of demobilized soldiers, some of whom, due to the sharply jumping unemployment rate, turned to crime. Heavy Harley-Davidson motorcycles were the most affordable transport at that time, which is why the first bikers formed gangs on two wheels, regularly terrorizing local residents. And to make it easier to escape from the police, they often removed everything from their bikes except what was needed for direct movement. Such a cruiser that had undergone the “ axe treatment ” became a chopper, losing a lot of weight and thereby increasing the maximum speed available to it . Here is a basic list of changes that were usually made to the design:
- Silencers were cut or replaced with shorter ones
- The passenger seat was removed and the rear fender was often cut off
- Even mirrors and turn signals , and sometimes taillights,
- A small teardrop-shaped gas tank instead of the standard one
- was thrown out .
A typical American chopper can be seen in the movie Easy Rider. This is the bike that Peter Fonda's character Captain America rides, and it has become an inspiration for tens of thousands of customizers around the world.
TOP Japanese cruiser motorcycles
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When talking about the best bikes, one cannot miss the representatives of the Land of the Rising Sun. Today they occupy leading positions in many respects and cover a significant part of Russian consumers.
When choosing a Japanese cruiser motorcycle, pay attention to these models:
Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 is an “iron horse” with a 1.5-liter heart. Produced from 1996 to 2008. Later it was replaced by a version with a 1.6-liter engine. If there is a Japanese classic, this is it. Vulcan has a unique style and recognizable design. The classic version offers 64 hp, in the Mean Streak variation this figure is increased to 72. The movement is carried out by a V2 engine, a 5-speed gearbox with a cardan drive. Braking is provided by a disc system. Vulcan weighs almost 300 kg and its length is 2.5 meters. Kawasaki also took care of the passenger, equipping the design with a comfortable seat with a backrest.
Honda DN-01 is a fairly compact model compared to its cruiser counterparts. The latest model was released in 2010, but even it looks like it came straight out of a science fiction movie. The driver has at his disposal: a steel duplex frame, a 2-cylinder 680 cc liquid-cooled engine, an automatic transmission with the ability to switch to manual mode, disc brakes with piston calipers, and a 15.3-liter gas tank. Possessing a 60-horsepower engine, the DN-01 accelerates to 182 km/h. There is also a sports mode for thrill-seekers. The uniqueness of the bike is that, being a representative of the cruise class, it is perfect for moving around the metropolis.
Suzuki Intruder 1500 LC has a powerful engine, steel frame and 5-speed gearbox. The model can be found on the US market under the name Boulevard C90. The first Intruders produced 67 hp, later the figure increased to 106 hp. While enjoying a ride on the Intruder, you need to be prepared for gasoline consumption of 4.-7.35 liters per 100 km. Despite the weight of the iron (328 kg with equipment), it can accelerate to hundreds in 4.6 seconds. The braking system is based on reliable discs.
The Yamaha XVS400 Drag Star is living proof that 400cc bikes can conquer the trails on par with larger machines. The 400th Drag Star was produced for the Japanese domestic market for over 20 years. Production ceased in 2021 due to changes in environmental regulations. But the happy owners of this Yamaha receive an unpretentious, reliable vehicle in a classic design, equipped with a 2-cylinder engine with 33 horsepower. The 220-kilogram design can accelerate to hundreds in 11.2 seconds, and quick stopping is ensured by front drum and rear disc brakes. A nice feature is that fuel consumption does not exceed 3 liters per hundred. With a fully filled 15-liter tank, you can travel half a thousand kilometers.
Difference between chopper and cruiser
There are enough differences between these classes. The models offered by dealers are mostly cruisers. And the chopper is a stripped cruiser from which a whole bunch of spare parts have been removed. Serial choppers are found on sale, and they come in a variety of varieties; there are even Chinese mopeds, but these are rare. So if these beautiful bikes do not leave you indifferent, and you want to ride a chopper, then go ahead - your happiness is in your hands. Buy a cruiser, drive it into the garage, invite your friends and turn an ordinary production motorcycle into a unique masterpiece of customization, the photos of which will be drooled over by thousands of other motorcyclists floating around the Internet.
Yamaha YBR 125
This motorcycle would be worth honoring and bowing to its tires: it is the legendary “ebrik” that is the main sufferer and sacrifice that many motorcyclists make on the path to mastery. The number of injuries that motorcycle school students and self-taught students inflict on this Yamaha is incalculable.
Strictly speaking, this is the ideal option for a teapot: light and low-power (weight - 108 kg, engine capacity - 125 cm3, power - 11 hp), the motorcycle is very friendly and obedient to control, easily forgives most mistakes of a novice driver and fits into any crack in traffic.
Also, importantly, the YBR 125 is unpretentious in maintenance and is very affordable - a new “ebrik” from different dealers costs from 78 to 82 thousand rubles). The disadvantages of this motorcycle are the inconvenient fit for bikers taller than 180 cm (with my 190 cm, I began to go crazy already by the tenth kilometer of the journey - my legs, which were pulled up almost to the chest, became terribly numb) and it is too unassuming in appearance - it feels organic on the “ribs” "Probably only couriers are capable of
Which motorcycle model is suitable for a beginner?
You need to consider how to choose a motorcycle for a beginner. Motorcycles for beginners are divided into separate groups according to design, purpose, appearance, technical characteristics and purpose. To choose the right first motorcycle, a novice biker needs to know the following:
Classic road models have the correct fit and easy control. Suitable for moving around the city and roads. Models are often called universal. This is a good choice of motorcycle for beginners. Among the advantages, it is worth noting the presence of an anti-lock braking system and a directional stability mechanism.
The Cruiser class is suitable for driving around the city every day. The main feature of such models is that you need to drive them slowly, choosing roads with good coverage. Sometimes cruisers are also called motorcycle limousines, although there are also powerful, sports bikes among them. A cruiser cannot be considered the best motorcycle for a beginner, since the models have a loose fit, a low level of maneuverability, and a lot of weight.
Scooters are the most suitable model of motorcycles, designed specifically for city riding. The machine differs from classic and familiar models of bikes in its small parameters and dimensions, a trunk located under the saddle, and low fuel consumption during the trip. Scooters have CVTs and no gearbox at all.
Suitable for beginners, attracting attention with its high level of off-road capability and good maneuverability among vehicles. Previously, scooters became popular because they did not require a license to drive them.
But the government in 2013 ordered all bikers to have a license, even to drive scooters with an engine capacity of 50 m³.
SUVs are suitable for more experienced motorcycle drivers. Cars of this class are able to give an unforgettable feeling of freedom, which bikers so often chase. SUVs have long-travel suspension, a small gasoline tank, and a high windage level.
Sports models are suitable for people who want to race on the track. It is better not to travel around the city on such a motorcycle, as it can end very sadly. Sports bikes have a lightweight design, a streamlined shape, and more power. A novice motorcyclist can choose a used model of such a sports bike to learn how to ride it. After that, you can aim for more expensive models.
Tourist, which are divided into three directions - sports tourism, off-road, luxury. The first type of such bikes is very expensive, although the rule applies here: price for quality. For decent money you can get a powerful car with a comfortable seating position, high speed and maneuverability on the highway. Luxury touring motorcycles are also expensive models, which combine comfort (for the passenger and driver), large luggage capacity, and the ability to ride quickly. Off-road touring motorcycles have large suspension and ground clearance, excellent wind protection, and heavy weight.
Thus, to choose the best motorcycles for beginners, you should pay attention to a whole range of factors.
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Indian Scout 0-100 km/h – 3.8 sec
Scout returned in 2015, but its history goes back many decades, dating back to 1920. Production of the original model ended in 1949 when it was discovered that the vehicle, which worked great for the military, was not necessarily good for civilian use. However, before that happened, the original Scout was a pretty fast bike that won some significant victories and records.
Indian Scout
Just over a decade before the modern version of Polaris, another Indian Scout was released in 2001–2003, the so-called Gilroy, with a 1437 cc engine. However, only the current version, which appeared only two years ago, turned out to be a hit.
This brand-new new cruiser is powered by a classic 1133cc V-Twin engine delivering 100 hp. at 8,100 rpm and torque of 98 Nm at 4,900 rpm. The dry weight of the motorcycle is “only” 253 kg. If anyone wants a small motorcycle, they can look at the new Scout Sixty model. The Scout was the third premiere under the banner of the resurrected Indian (Chief Vintage and Cheftain models appeared earlier).
Despite its old-school looks, the Scout is a modern motorcycle, and there's a lot going for it with its short-stroke, four-valve-per-cylinder, DOHC, roller-balancer engine. He is not as smart as his more serious rivals, but at the same time he has nothing to be ashamed of. 3.8 seconds to hundreds of km/h – that’s a great time!
Indian Scout
