View Full Version : Chopper Frame advise.


Slim Pickens
05-18-2008, 03:09 AM
This is probably posted somewhere already and i'll make myself look like a dumbarse but here it goes anyway. I plan to build a FLH Chopper pre 70s Knuckle or Pan and don't want an extreme chopper or rear tire (fat but not to fat a rear tire would be nice). any advice would be appreciated. BTW I don't understandexactly whatrake isthe or other terminology that has to do with a bikes stanceso tell me like i'm three and I'll get it.

Thanks.

Jumpman
05-18-2008, 09:56 AM
Rake is the degree of angle in the steering head. The higher the number the farther out your front wheel will be. The higher the rake...the longer your forks will need to be to compensate to keep your bike looking 'level'. You can buy triple-trees that have been machined to add more rake - and that is typically cheaper than having the frame modified.

One of the trends that has been seen lately (and thankfully IMO, since the OCC fad seems to be finally coming to an end) is de-raking. Making the wheelbase shorter - and creating a better handeling bike.

Rear tire width is all 'in the eye of the beholder'. A final chain drive will usually give you enough room/offset to go wide enough to make a visual difference. If you are looking for something like a 250/300/300 - then you are looking at a custom frame...or some SERIOUS modification to a stock frame/transmission/driveline. Handeling will decrease the wider you go...so keep that in mind.

Slim Pickens
05-18-2008, 02:24 PM
So what exactly does 250/300/300 (not that that is what I'm looking for but for knowledge) mean please? and what does it mean when folks talk about 6 over 4 over ect.??

RichLo
05-19-2008, 04:14 PM
250 or 300 rear tire means the tire size reference, 250/55/20, 300/55/20, etc

4 or 6 over front end is 4" or 6" longer then stock front end. 6" over is generally huge if you dont rake it at all, the bike looks like its leaning backwards.

Slim Pickens
05-19-2008, 05:04 PM
Hey thanks alot, most hepful..