CUSTOM MINI CHOPPERS
First off mini choppers are not toys, nor should they be confused with mini-bikes that have been around for years. Mini-bikes have pretty much the same basic components and are gas poweredas often as electric, but these little choppers carry a style and class all their own.
That's right, if you've been a fan of OCC and Motorcycle Mania, here's your chance to jump on board and build a customized motorcycle for less than you would ever dream! Build a replica of a classic scooter or focus on putting together a customized mini Harley! If you have some time on your hands, chances are you can cruise the online auctions or hobby shops and pick up some used mini chopper parts, a frame and build your own trophy mini Harley and have it ready to ride pretty quick. Or if you don't want to start from scratch, with a little research you may be able to find a good used mini chopper for sale.
Then again you may be able to find a ridgid pocket rocket for as little as $500.00 plus some change. These would be your factory built models but if you are lucky you may find one that has had some accessories tacked on. It's not uncommon for owners to customize a mass produced bike with a custom three phase House of Kolor paint job, loads of chrome and custom exhaust kits. The only drawback would be that for a really tall person, they are primarily for competition as show bikes. Many will support a person with a weight up to 250 pounds, but unless you enjoy riding with your knees around your ears, there are height limitations. However, for a young guy like Joel (in the picture above) they are a chance to get into biker gear and enjoy bike games and helping out at the rally until he's old enough to ride with the pack. For the bike builder a mini chopper can be a chance to test new and detailed designs on a smaller scale before going whole hawg on the full sized model. The miniature can be a prototype of sorts, a way to layout a plan and work out any bugs or glitches. A layout for custom motorcycle painting can be done on the fenders, tank and frame then enlarged for the big brother. If things go well, a father and son biker team is born. Remember those rainy Sunday afternoons putting together model airplanes and cars with your dad? Just think if you had put your heads together on building mini choppers instead? You would have a collection of working bikes instead of a display shelf full of plastic gathering dust. There are loads of reasons for mini choppers popularity such as
We've covered the fun stuff, now we should touch on the serious side. As was mentioned before, these are NOT toys. They may be smaller than an adult's motorcycle and go slower than a full size bike, but a child could still get hurt without proper safety precautions. Parents should use this opportunity to teach their kids respect for safety laws and proper use of equipment. It's also a very good idea to cover your mini choppers with motorcycle insurance. Even though it's not ridden on the highway, you should get with your agent to see what type of coverage he would recommend.
If you have the time you can buy an assortment of mini chopper parts and build your own custom mini choppers. Check out the forums online for mini chopper newsgroups, clubs and parts swaps. There are many resources for the builder. Do your homework to be certain that you are getting what you pay for and that the parts will be compatible with your project. Once you get your chopper built, buff it up with a custom paint job and see how it sparkles in the sun!
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