Chopper

Buying a chopper in Portugal

American choppers emerged in the 1930s in the USA – back then, many motorcyclists wanted to stand out from the crowd and customized their bikes by shortening their fenders, thus increasing their sleekness. Many people confuse cruisers and choppers, but the latter have several distinctive features worth knowing before buying a chopper in Portugal.

Main features of motorcycles in this series

• Their engine, similar to cruisers, is a 2-cylinder V-shaped engine, but with air cooling. And the cylinder angle, similar to cruisers, is 45 degrees.
• Another difference is the frame with a raised steering column. The covering is almost completely absent. If it exists, it is mostly made of steel.
• Another characteristic feature is small side covers, and, of course, narrow shortened fenders – reflecting the name 'chopper,' meaning 'chopped.'
• A chopper motorcycle stands out primarily for its front fork, which is always made at a large angle to the road.
• The front and rear wheels are noticeably different in size. Front wheels are quite narrow and have a diameter of 19 to 21 inches. Rear wheels are significantly wider, with a diameter of 15 to 16 inches.
• There is a very small seat for the rider, and in most cases, no provision is made for a passenger. Even if it exists, it is very small. So you can buy a chopper motorcycle if you're an individualist who enjoys comfortable rides and long journeys alone.

Handlebar, suspension, and lighting features

• The handlebar has a very specific shape – quite high and strongly curved. If a bike of this class has a straight handlebar, it is always equipped with large risers.
• The fuel tank does not have a large capacity, so a Chinese chopper cannot boast long-distance riding.
• Most of these motorcycles have a Hardtail type rear suspension. There are numerous models that intentionally remove the rear shock absorber, opting for a rigid setup. Some riders use a different approach and a softail suspension type – here, there is a shock absorber, but there is also an attempt to mimic a rigid suspension.
• There is virtually no instrument panel. The functionality consists only of chrome speedometer and a few indicator lights.
• The lighting and reflective devices are always done in a 'minimalist' style – neat tail lights and a small-sized headlight and similarly sized chrome mirrors.

How to buy a chopper motorcycle

Before buying, it's worth understanding that bikes in this series are suitable for journeys on good roads and comfortable city riding. Ask yourself why you need this motorcycle. Consider your height and weight when choosing a model, evaluate the engine displacement.

Experienced bikers recommend choosing a bike with a powerful engine – it has a longer lifespan and provides a more enjoyable ride. However, keep in mind that choppers with large displacement engines are heavier, more difficult to handle, and more expensive to maintain.

It's best to sit on the motorcycle before making a choice, feel it with your feet, hands, and your whole body and trust your feelings. This way, you'll quickly understand which bike is 'yours'. Overall, the optimal displacement for comfortable and relatively fast riding is 750-1000 cc.

Novices can buy a Chinese chopper – it has a low cost, and you can learn to ride and maintain it correctly. In our catalog, there are many excellent chopper motorcycles, and you will surely find a model that suits you best.