Minibike Chopper Frames, A Smaller Version of an Old Favorite

Some of today's most popular minibikes are the choppers; characterized by their unmistakable minibike chopper frames. Chopper minibikes have actually been around for some time, going by various other names. Chopper minibikes have a look that is easily recognizable - small front tires and fat rear ones, raised "apehanger" handle bars, and more. The choppers get their names from chopping off components from a regular bike that are deemed unnecessary.

Their larger cousin, the chopper, is growing in popularity in recent years, also. Choppers evolved after World War II, when Easy Rider's popularity was burgeoning. Many returning veterans found Harley Davidson's current line to be lackluster, they wanted bikes that were faster and looked better. They wanted choppers. The bikes grew in popularity and soon became as costly as regular motorcycles.

Today, the chopper's popularity is still growing exponentially. Custom, specially-themed choppers are all the rage. There's even a reality show on A&E that chronicles the Orange County Choppers team endeavors in chopper customization. These motorcycle enthusiasts have constructed an impressive fleet of choppers. Some of these have patriotic or racing themes, while they even created a police chopper with side-car and siren.

Minibike chopper frames are the only component that must be specifically manufactured for this type of bike. The frames have higher handlebars and a longer wheel base. This gives the desired look for the minibike enthusiast looking to share in the overwhelming popularity of choppers.

The concerns when manufacturing a frame are overall dimensions/desired look, durability, and usability (weight, mainly). The minibike chopper frames have relatively simple designs, just like the full-size choppers. Since choppers have a trademark wide rear tire and narrow front tire, the frames must adhere to these dimensions. This layout for a bike may be visually-pleasing, but it's not the most structurally sound framework. Today's sturdy non-motorized mountain bikes and non-chopper motorcycles have two wheels that are closely sized. This causes increased usability and rider comfort. Since these two must still be present in the minibike chopper frames, precision and craftsmanship are imperative. These minibikes and their frames are the work of high-tech engineers who have completed years of testing on the minibike chopper frames.

• Mini choppers - Related articles