Chopper

A chopper is a custom motorcycle built with a long, extended front fork and a steering head angled far out, giving a long, low look. The name comes from riders who "chopped" unnecessary parts such as fenders, lights and bodywork off stock bikes to make them lighter and more stylish.

Typical chopper features are tall ape-hanger or straight bars, a small peanut or sportster fuel tank, a rigid or very short rear suspension, a high sissy bar and a skinny front wheel. Choppers became iconic through the film Easy Rider (1969).

The long rake and trail make a chopper stable in a straight line but heavy and slow to steer at low speed. Modified bikes must still pass inspection and road registration rules, so check local requirements before major frame or fork changes.