A modified, customized motorcycle, typically a Harley Davidson, although "back in the day" Indian, Triumph and BSA motorcycles were "chopped" and these days Japanese motorcycles are being transformed into choppers.
The term "chopper" comes from the origins of motorcycle customization. Unnecessary parts were (sometimes literally) "chopped" off to reduce the weight of the motorcycle and increase its performance for racing. Rear fenders were "bobbed" (where the term "bobber" comes from), front fenders, crash bars, saddlebags, windshields, head and tail lights, kickstands, mufflers, etc. were all discarded to improve the machine's power-to-weight ratio. Forks were extended to improve ground clearance and later raked to compensate for better stability.
Contrary to popular belief, a chopper is not simply a motorcycle built with long forks, a stretched frame, chrome and billet crap and a gazillion-color $10K paintjob. True choppers are generally built from another motorcycle or motorcycles, by the owner of the motorcycle and modifications are done to the builder/owner's desires and usually done on a budget.
The big-bucks "chopper" shops do not build choppers. OCC does not build true choppers. They build custom motorcycles. A custom can emulate the classic chopper styles (bobber, East Bay lowrider, digger, fat bob, etc.) but it is not a true chopper. Same as a fibreglass-bodied 350/350-powered 5-window coupe that looks like a hot rod, it is not a true hot rod.
The term "chopper" comes from the origins of motorcycle customization. Unnecessary parts were (sometimes literally) "chopped" off to reduce the weight of the motorcycle and increase its performance for racing. Rear fenders were "bobbed" (where the term "bobber" comes from), front fenders, crash bars, saddlebags, windshields, head and tail lights, kickstands, mufflers, etc. were all discarded to improve the machine's power-to-weight ratio. Forks were extended to improve ground clearance and later raked to compensate for better stability.
Contrary to popular belief, a chopper is not simply a motorcycle built with long forks, a stretched frame, chrome and billet crap and a gazillion-color $10K paintjob. True choppers are generally built from another motorcycle or motorcycles, by the owner of the motorcycle and modifications are done to the builder/owner's desires and usually done on a budget.
The big-bucks "chopper" shops do not build choppers. OCC does not build true choppers. They build custom motorcycles. A custom can emulate the classic chopper styles (bobber, East Bay lowrider, digger, fat bob, etc.) but it is not a true chopper. Same as a fibreglass-bodied 350/350-powered 5-window coupe that looks like a hot rod, it is not a true hot rod.
Whose motorcycle is this?
It's a chopper, baby.
Whose chopper is this?
It's Zed's.
Who's Zed?
Zed's dead, baby. Zed's dead.
It's a chopper, baby.
Whose chopper is this?
It's Zed's.
Who's Zed?
Zed's dead, baby. Zed's dead.
by Dr. Badwrench January 7, 2007
Get the chopper mug.by pow3rzz October 12, 2004
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The boogeyman checks his closet for Chuck Norris, but Chuck Norris checks his closet for Alice Cooper.
by Save_UsMMIV February 25, 2009
Get the Alice Cooper mug.chopper (commonly pronounced choppa) is the nickname for the Thompson sub-machine gun a.k.a. the Tommy Gun. The word is derived from the sound it makes when being fired in full automatic mode which makes a chopping sound. The word is now used in pop-culture particularly in rap music to describe any kind of fully automatic sub machine gun.
You wanna bring beef well I got choppers in the backseat.
I went to the gun show today and picked up a nice chopper.
I went to the gun show today and picked up a nice chopper.
by luv4jah98 February 15, 2009
Get the choppers mug.by bangbangletchyanutshang September 19, 2003
Get the choppers mug.yo man did you hear Tech N9ne - Worldwide Choppers feat. Yelawolf, Busta Rhymes, Twista, Ceza, D-Loc, Twisted Insane, Uso & JL B.Hood they go hard they be choppers
by JROC2009 November 25, 2011
Get the Choppers mug.a down to heart kind of guy, even if he is a little annoying at times, but he just wants the best. really cute, and funny personality. can be really sensitive and protective, but cooper's are just empathic
by dogre December 6, 2017
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