Are Buell Choppers The New Trend In Custom Choppers?
Buell Choppers are a favorite of chopper enthusiasts who claim that a Buell motorcycle can be easily transformed into the ultimate "street motorcycle."
There are a several major reasons why the Buell motorcycle makes a great chopper but the main three are it's skeletal styling, it's intimidating throaty sound and ease of maneuverability. Buell prides itself on being one of the first companies to manufacture stripped down looking sports bikes.
The company calls the Buell the "naked sports bike" but they are often just simply nicknamed Buell choppers. In essence, Buell's entire style philosophy is based on the idea that it is a shame to cover up raw metal with glossy plastic fairings. The company's raw aesthetic that appreciates the look of exposed Twin V engines is one that Buell shares with chopper enthusiasts. The other thing that also really draws chopper fanatics to the Buell choppers is the exploding, sputtering sound that they make on the road.
Buell's are known for their loud, throaty engines that create the kind of loud putting and rumbling sound (called torque) that is famous for waking the whole neighborhood up -- Check out the Cyclone Chopper to the left there.
Even the most banal of Buell motorcycles at least sounds like a very glamorous chopper! Buell's are also very sensitive bikes that are known for their intuitive handling on the road. You can back these bikes into a corner and turn them on a dime. This is because, on a Buell, the engine, exhaust and suspension components that create weight are distributed in the center of the bike. This reduces stress on the bike frame, resulting in better handling for the rider.
The frames of Buell choppers are also very desirable objects because they are lightweight and very rigid at the same time. This results in better handling of the machine and better control even if you do outfit it with high handlebars or a fat back wheel.
Buell motorcycles are also designed to minimize the weight of all components not supported by springs or shock absorbers. Lower unsprung weight allows tires to maintain road contact and traction on irregular surfaces.
The single-disc front brake system on all Buell models also reduces the weight of the vehicle and as we all know, the lighter the vehicle, the better the chopper! Although any Buell motorcycle already has the appearance of being very stripped down, the latest trend among chopper enthusiasts is to strip the machine down even more. This gives it a very cool, stark look that pays homage to American Iron.
Another popular trend is to strip the Buell right down and then "marry" it with Harley Davidson fixtures and accessories. The effect of this bike is mean, lean and slightly futuristic and of course, because it is a Buell chopper, it makes that satisfying rumbling sound.
The Buell Bobber Chopper to the left is pretty nice. We like the springer front end.
A Buell is an inexpensive, sharp-handling machines that gives the American rider something to show off, something to tool with and something to race.
Although this bike can't compete with glossy 200 mph Japanese sports bikes, it still handles like one, brakes like one and makes a noise that sounds like you are beating the other competitors into the ground.
