The Best of Henry's St. Chopper Show, Part 4, Not a Bobber Panhead

If you've gone way back on this blog you probably know that I have a problem with the way the "B" word is thrown around these days.

Now, just because this bike has a fat 16 incher up front, that don't make it a "Bobber". For that matter, if it had a 21, tons of dudes would still be calling it one. Seems like folks think a bike needs to have at least 15" over forks to be a chopper ...No Sir!

This bike is an example of early '60's style chop that just also happens to have a fat tire in front and that's cool.


Now here's a custom that maintains a rough and tumble look.


In many ways it's a very practical street chopper.


You might have noticed the finned dishpans, carb cover, magneto, kick pedal, classic oil filter, and Bates foot pegs but, how about that foot shift linkage on the brake pedal and the pushrod keepers that are spun to the back?


Cocktails anyone? A simple sissy bar, bullet tail light and cloth wiring are all nice touches.


The early style of nearly vertical up sweeps has been absent from the custom bike scene until lately. I'm glad to see it's back. Nice vintage tuck and roll Bates seats. P-pad is being put to proper use, keeping the riders tail bone supported.


The custom handlebars (sans risers), connect to the top tree like the stock bars do. You tend see this done in Japan much more than the states. I'm a big fan of the internal throttle. Keeping the mirror off the bars helps keep them clean too. Chroming only the front of the springer was the right decision. Steering dampeners are usually missing on customs. The fat tire may be the reason to have retained it.


One last peak. The bike has a good tight stance. Frisco mounted tank, seat and pipe angle, handlebar height, and matching wheels, all contribute to the look.