The Chopper Compendium

I started this thing a really long time ago, like really long. Haven't touched it close to a decade except to steal the shifter for my 47 GMC. I lost momentum more than a long time ago and know I'll never finish it. (And I'd really like to get Hose-Dragger his plastic motor back.) It's become a mental burden and has been in the way in my limited size shop. I know it's not worth anywhere near what I have into it in blood and treasure. Besides fat rear tire bikes aren't exactly the style these days. I've got things like a new open primary and 45mm Mikuni carb still in the boxes. (Are open primaries still a thing?) Has brand new Wilwood brakes etc. I've gotten back into hot rods and that seems to be where my brain is heading these days.

I know you guys and gal are probably going to encourage me to finish it. Probably not going to happen. (A buddy of mine has a GTO sitting in his warehouse and I really want to bring it home..also probably not going to happen. LOL)

So...What do I do??



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I know how you feel. I've had both car and bike projects that became chores instead of fun. In todays scene due to tight money it's hard to sell a roller so you might try parting it out. If that fails it's best to disassemble it and store the individual parts until the trends and fads change again. It takes up less space broken down.
You'll take a hit on your investment for sure. When I sold off the shop, projects and tools in Texas I got about twenty-five cents on the dollar but I couldn't afford to move it all. The secret is in the timing as everything is cyclic and there will be another big bike boom but who knows when.

Great advice, I've been thinking along those same lines. Thanks. I've also been kicking around the idea of trading it for a car project or....

I can relate, I been helping a buddy and his dad restore a '32 Ford hot rod that they have had for more than 60 years. we started the project 14 years ago. when we started, we were gung Ho, but other things happened and life got in the way, and he has lost interest.

That springer looks like it was built using Gary's Plans?

sorry to see you let it go but i completely understand . my life has gotten in the way so much lately if it wasnt for the sunshine i wouldnt know which way is up

Jim, Yep it's a Gary springer. I'm a machinist and build about a dozen of 'em about a decade ago. Got rid of all my springer stash a while ago. Pretty sure I even got rid of all the fixtures I made up for doing them.

Funny about projects. I'd love a 32 Ford someday. Unfortunately they'll probably always be outside my reach.

Curt, Know exactly what you mean. Trying to clean up my shop and reduce the amount of stuff I have here. Hoping it'll improve my state of mind. Actually does seem to be helping.

I notice on the bike you have that the spring perch is mounted lower than it is in the the last picture. Is it done that way for a reason, like to make the forks appear shorter, or to mount the headlight a little lower, or just to be different?

Yep, because we cut the front legs to short. Doh, It was the first one I built. Was ganna make myself another one. Never got around to it.

I see,

I gotta admit, I do think that pic of the springer sitting on my surface plate is pretty cool.

yes it is

Yes, for sure

way late in seeing this, but you know what i'm gonna say anyway.

if i could actually license it over here, i'd make you an offer on it just because of the connection and the history i know of the project. unfortunately it would be VERY difficult for me to get it on the road over here (like, i"d have to jump through all the hoops to become a motorcycle manufacturer).

sad to see you reaching this point with it, but if it ain't fun anymore, it just ain't worth it.

-dan

Thanks Dan! I just finalized the deal to sell it to one of my best buddies. He's actually my Harley mechanic. Looking forward to seeing what he does with it. I sold it for about what I had in the new primary drive. Doh! It's been sitting in front of my EDM machine for years, so I'll have some much needed free space now. Planning on using the cash to put a 77R4 transmission in my 81 squarebody. I can give Hosedragger his plastic mock up motor back as well. Going to email him now. Haven't talked to him in years. I have however talked with Blaksmith (AKA Ken), he's doing quite well.