How to Build a Cheap Chopper [Paperback]

Timothy Remus (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 21, 2004

Choppers don't have to cost thirty thousand dollars. In fact, a chopper built at home can be had for as little as five thousand dollars. The key is the use of a donor bike for most of the components. How to Build a Cheap Chopper documents the construction of four inexpensive choppers with complete start-to-finish photo sequences. Least expensive is the metric chopper, based on a 1970s vintage Japanese four-cylinder engine and transmission installed in a hardtail frame. Don't look for billet accessories or a fancy candy paint job on this one. Next up, price wise, are two bikes built using Buell/Sportster drivetrains. The fact is, a complete used Buell or Sportster can be had for five thou or less. Now you've got more than an engine you have wheels and tires, brakes, hardware, lights, harness, and some sheet metal. Bolt all that stuff to a simple hardtail frame to create an almost-instant chopper. Most lavish, but still cheap by comparison with many of the bikes built today, is a big twin chopper built from carefully chosen aftermarket parts. A RevTech engine and five-speed tranny set in a Rolling Thunder frame. Accessorize from the swap meet and add a simple one-color paint job to create a bike no one needs to be ashamed of.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Timothy Remus is author of more than 30 how to books. His titles range from How to Build a Cheap Chopper, to Advanced Airbrush Art. During his 20 years as an author, Tim has worked with everyone from bike designer Arlen Ness to kustom painter Jon Kosmoski, and metal fabricators like Ron Covell, Steve Davis, Rob Roehl and Craig Naff. Tim is owner of Wolfgang Publications, based in Stillwater, Minnesota.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Wolfgang Publications, Inc.; 1ST edition (June 21, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1929133170
• ISBN-13: 978-1929133178
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.5 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #275,258 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #99 in Books > Professional & Technical > Automotive > Motorcycles > Repair & Performance

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

48 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars American Chopper might be entertainment, but doesnt teach you shit, August 27, 2005

By 

Leon P. Deutsch (Australia) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: How to Build a Cheap Chopper (Paperback)

This book describes the technicalities of a chopper bike in laymen's terms such as angles, engines, etc. The difference between buying frames and making up your own frames, and what is good and bad as a rule of thumb. Book is great if you just want to know about choppers or actually thinking of building your own from parts or from scratch. I now understand what questions to ask about kit parts and handling/power considerations.

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Nice Starter Book, October 27, 2005

By 

D. Judy "arracer" (WV) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: How to Build a Cheap Chopper (Paperback)

This book is great it has lots for full color photos on 5 builds. One thing that I didnt like is the fact that it is more of a basic how to do a basic chop. Dont think that you will get this book and have a $5000.00 chopper in a week. The guys in the book are all pros and get hooked up alot easier than I could ever do. I cant go in the shop and bang out a tank for the cost of the sheet metal. But it gives you a general idea of where to start. IF you have never done a project like this and just want to know where to get started, its is worth the money.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars good ideas but limited space., November 4, 2006

By 

james bronaugh (fresno, ca United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: How to Build a Cheap Chopper (Paperback)

This book is filled with some good ideas, but rather limited on the space allowed (the flaw with all books). I would have liked to see a little more depth on the metrics with a little less of the kit bike ads, but section on the 'Redneck' choppers was worth the price. I was disappointed with the photos of the finished products (especially the metrics) but overall a good book for ideas.