A chopper has a cut-and-welded frame, extended forks and raked steering. See how it differs from a stretched cruiser, and how it changed from the 1960s to today.
Read guideHardtail = no rear suspension; softail = hidden shock behind a rigid look. See ride feel, build route, paperwork and who each suits, from a builder's view.
Read guideA bagger is a big American V-twin tourer with bags and a large windscreen. See the US terms, how baggers went custom and racing, and a builder's checklist.
Read guideSources disagree on what a rolling chassis includes. See both views, plus plain-English builder terms: rake, trail, hardtail, springer and girder.
Read guideSpringer, girder or telescopic? How each front end works, where it is used, brake dive, and what to settle with your builder before you order a fork.
Read guideHow to find a custom motorcycle builder near you: search by style and town, read reviews with care, meet builders at shows, check complaints, visit the shop.
Read guideHow to choose a motorcycle frame builder: pick the right route, agree rake and trail in writing, check welds and materials, and get frame paperwork.
Read guideMotorcycle custom bikes by style: chopper, bobber, cafe racer, streetfighter, rat-look and factory custom, with the design decisions behind each.
Read guideCustom motorcycle building step by step: routes, the eight build stages, DIY vs hiring a builder, and how a bike built from parts gets registered.
Read guideHow to choose a custom motorcycle builder: write a brief, pick the right builder type, judge finished bikes, and get the estimate and warranty in writing.
Read guideHow to choose a motorcycle engine builder: the right type of builder, questions to ask, written estimates and warranty, and keeping performance work legal.
Read guideWhat makes a bike custom, the main styles, how a build comes together, how to choose builders, and the basics of registering a bike built from parts.
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