my $3800 rebel chopper

[Blade]

here is 2 pics of my 86 honda 450 rebel that i built using a stock bike and parts i had laying around. let me see if i remember all the parts i changed on this build. front shocks,rim and brake system came off a 80s model kawasaki KLR250. handle bars and front blinkers came off a 94 harley wideglide, rear chrome shocks were off a 87 honda 250 rebel. the red ones in the lower pic were off a old dirtbike,rear fender was a universal flat fender, seat was a $40 ebay springer,sissy bar was cut down from a yamaha 1100 midnight special, foot pegs were off a 01 honda 750 shadow,rear blinkers were from a drag specialest catalog, universal K&N air and crank case filters,fish tail exhaust were picked up at a swap meet,axle mount licence plate and cateye light and chrome grips from a local shop. theres probly more im forgetting but this bike took first place in a local bike show under chopper and i was against a few harleys and a triumph 650 bonnie. no matter what anyone says i am verry proud of the bike i built. the blue paint job was how the bike looked when i sold it.

[Mongo]

cool! i like.!

[hppants]

That bike was done with some fabrication talent and some thought IMO - nice job.  Not anywhere near $3,800.00 nice IMO, but something is worth what someone else is willing to pay.  A few questions (all asked respectfully and without trying to be insulting):

1.  What is it with the chopper/bobber scene intentionally leaving out the side covers?  The exposed battery makes the bike look bad IMO.

2.  Just looking at the pictures, are your 2 rear shocks different?  The left one appears to have a red spring, while the right one is chromed.

3.  Again, why do choppers have to have an unpadded seat?  Perhaps the springs help a little, and I'm sure you are not going 300+ miles at a pop, but ..... why?  I get the soft-tail concept - ride quality of some suspension without the look of the shocks.  But I can't put my arms around riding on a seat pan.

Anyway, thanks for sharing your bike pics. 

[Soupskin]

I don't imagine the increased rake and ape hangers add to the comfort and handling.

Is that correct?

[Soupskin]

Did you rake it out at the tree or the neck or does it just have extended forks?

[NightHawked]

Congratulations on your first place finish and thanks for sharing. It is obvious you put some work into your build. Not necessarily my flavor but that is why they make chocolate and vanilla ice cream. Then again I'm a one bike man.

Do you think you would have more money into another build if you would have to buy all the parts you had laying around.

[mattrowe19]

Nice work on a well thought out and executed build. Not my style but very nice work!

[Blade]

i always liked the exposed battery look. thats just me. the red shocks was a rough draft. i later changed them to the chrome shocks.there is padding on the seat. its thin but it is there and on 1 ride me and a friend did we went over 350 miles comfertabley i might add. the bars look tall but thay were even with my sholders.i never raked the neck. just put in 3" taller shocks.i had $3000 in the chopper total. i saved around $400 by keeping and using old parts so it would have cost more having to buy everything but i still would have done it. i hope i answered all your questions.

[Soupskin]

 

[Doby Pilgrim]

Your fab skills were obviously good enough to win that trophy. However your salesmanship skills are even better to get that price for it. I'd hire you in my body shop, but I would RECRUIT you onto my sales force!

[hppants]

Well, the Corbin seat on my NH was has hard as a rock, and yet one of the most comfy seats I ever sat on.  If the seat pan fits right, I guess it wouldn't matter.

[Doby Pilgrim]

here is 2 pics of my 86 honda 450 rebel that i built using a stock bike and parts i had laying around. let me see if i remember all the parts i changed on this build. front shocks,rim and brake system came off a 80s model kawasaki KLR250. handle bars and front blinkers came off a 94 harley wideglide, rear chrome shocks were off a 87 honda 250 rebel. the red ones in the lower pic were off a old dirtbike,rear fender was a universal flat fender, seat was a $40 ebay springer,sissy bar was cut down from a yamaha 1100 midnight special, foot pegs were off a 01 honda 750 shadow,rear blinkers were from a drag specialest catalog, universal K&N air and crank case filters,fish tail exhaust were picked up at a swap meet,axle mount licence plate and cateye light and chrome grips from a local shop. theres probly more im forgetting but this bike took first place in a local bike show under chopper and i was against a few harleys and a triumph 650 bonnie. no matter what anyone says i am verry proud of the bike i built. the blue paint job was how the bike looked when i sold it.

Could you post a picture of your 1982 Nighthawk 450 bobber? Also, what part of the country are you in? Looks very green there, and being in the desert, I am a bit jealous of all that grass.

[cjbear11]

I think he left the forum...

[NightHawked]

He stopped in last night...

[Doby Pilgrim]

This has been a "funny" topic. But then again I like to suspend disbelief when I read a book or watch a movie. Rebel Chopper for $3800. Hmmm. I need to sell some bikes in his market.

[NightHawked]

Just remember you heard it here. The forum does accept donations, see below. Thanks

[Doby Pilgrim]

Ask and ye shall receive. This thread alone was worth it for its entertainment value. I'll donate more when I get paid. Great site. I so rarely get to see a $3800 Rebel...In fact this was a first.

[NightHawked]

We are glad you have enjoyed it, please enjoy many more. I am also on that list. Wasn't my first first and probably won't be my last first.