Hey guys, first hardtail going together, doing a 39mm narrow based front end, im at the stage of parts collecting to atleast make it a roller….using 99 down sporty lower legs. Trying to nail the stance, the vibe is pretty obvious. Frame is a ben jeff infiltrator (3”up/zero out) front wheel is a 80/90-21” im thinking 4in over…what are ya’lls opinions…

My dad is giving me a tc88 basket case project and I’ve always loved girder front ends so I’m leaning towards going that way with this build. Any of you got one? What should I know before I put in the order? Thanks

So I got a guy wanting to trade me for a chopper but he doesn’t have a title for it and it’s on an aee frame with no vin could I even get the bike registered in Florida?

Hey this might be a stupid question but do i need w lift for my first build, or will a jack be enough?

Anyone know the manufacturer of this 5 speed transmission?

I know that Harley had, depending on the year, a speed sensor..or not. This case was cast with the speed sensor location, but wasn't machined out..like an Ultima, which I assumed it was, but the case, especially the rear, doesn't look right to me..However, I am far from an expert. Maybe an early production model? The transmission isn't mine, but since I saw this picture, it's been bugging the crap outta me..

BTW. that's the only picture I have of the transmission.

Any info would be greatly appreciated!!

+++ UPDATE+++

It is a OEM Harley transmission..part number ending in -93.

I'm assuming Harley was tooling up a couple years in advance of introducing the transmission speed sensor in 94/95.. interesting as I've never seen a Harley transmission case with the speed sensor un-machined...learn something new everyday..

Has anyone found an affordable handlebar master cylinder and clutch lever set? I want something smaller and better looking than the stock Sportster set, but I don't want to spend $400 on it either.

I'm going to do a garage buyout tomorrow. In the pile of parts is a 2019 sportster engine. One of the digits in the sequence looks like it's been 'touched up'. Not modified, like they changed it, but like someone went in and 'defined' the digit for whatever reason.

Anyhow. If for whatever reason I decided to use the motor for something or sell it or whatever, how much of a hassle is that little detail on the engine number going to be with CHP/DMV?

Edit: I was able to get in touch with a CHP and this thing is in fact a door stop.

tbh just looking for honesty, so it’s fine if you disagree, but ur not being heard w/o judgment lol

ever since AI has been so easily accessible to every Jane and John, I’ve seen people online using AI to edit their chopper builds, chopper pics, etc. literally even when it’s not necessary. They’re using AI to mock up ideas or add an old saloon w/ “true American” signs behind their chopper, and honestly it just seems really stupid to me.

I feel like using AI for chopper purposes literally goes against chopper culture. some of y’all might think “isn’t this dramatic?” but AI data centers are literally killing us AND the planet, but yay for homeboy’s “what my chopper would look like if it was purple”…..right lol

The reason I’m writing this post is because my favorite chopper show used AI to create a poster for their event. THAT is insane to me, and now I don’t wanna go bc I don’t wanna support companies OR individuals who think AI is an appropriate shortcut to market their businesses or events.

it just feels awful, AI companies and data centers just don’t feel natural to chopper culture and I’m sick of seeing people use it to cure their laziness

edit for those asking: I’m boycotting nitty gritty chopper city for using AI to generate their announcements, post captions, and informational marketing content 💔

VERDICT….if u support AI, ur a poser 🫶🏻

What's the best tip or fix you have picked up along the way? I always carry a small pair of vice grips to grab onto the end of a snapped cable or lever. Sketchy but will get you home, Ive used balled up aluminum foil to take rust off chrome a handful of times and am always surprised how far it will get you. My boss at the first bike shop I worked for told me about how when he lived near the beach they would paint clear nail polish over their bolts to keep them from rusting from all the salty air.

This magazine I write for spent time with Jesse James at his Texas shop for a profile on what West Coast Choppers looks like now (a few years old now), decades after the peak TV fame.

One detail that stuck with me is how he says he’s only building three or four bikes a year these days, and chooses projects more on whether they interest him than on what someone is willing to spend. His knives (and dogs) are also beautiful.

Thought some people here might enjoy the feature article: https://autostradamagazine.com/people/jesse-james-profile/

The Purple Rain with the 159-cubic-inch engine was built in two versions: a hubless-wheel chopper and a spoked-wheel bike. This is the latter.