Chopper Frame advise.

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Chopper Frame advise.

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Harley Davidson Forums >> General Harley Davidson Tech Forums >> Frame/Suspension/Front End/Wheels/Tires/Brakes >> Chopper Frame advise.

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Chopper Frame advise. - 5/18/2008 1:09:47 AM

Slim Pickens

Posts: 10
Joined: 5/14/2008
Status: offline

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 understand exactly what rake is the or other terminology that has to do with a bikes stance so tell me like i'm three and I'll get it.

Thanks.

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John (Slim) Pickens

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RE: Chopper Frame advise. - 5/18/2008 7:56:02 AM

Jumpman

Posts: 820
Joined: 12/18/2006
Status: offline

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.

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Jumpman

"I'll bust a Travis Bickle if I feel that I'm being pushed, don't step to me, or you're gonna get smooshed..."

(in reply to Slim Pickens)

Post #: 2

RE: Chopper Frame advise. - 5/18/2008 12:24:00 PM

Slim Pickens

Posts: 10
Joined: 5/14/2008
Status: offline

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.??

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John (Slim) Pickens

(in reply to Slim Pickens)

Post #: 3

RE: Chopper Frame advise. - 5/19/2008 2:14:17 PM

RichLo

Posts: 14
Joined: 5/7/2008
Status: offline

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.

(in reply to Slim Pickens)

Post #: 4

RE: Chopper Frame advise. - 5/19/2008 3:04:39 PM

Slim Pickens

Posts: 10
Joined: 5/14/2008
Status: offline

Hey thanks alot, most hepful..

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John (Slim) Pickens

(in reply to RichLo)

Post #: 5