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Buell Motorcycle Forum » XBoard » Buell XBoard Archives » Archive through August 03, 2006 » How hard is it to turn an XB into a chopper? « Previous Next »

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Mike_bolts
Posted on Monday, July 31, 2006 - 04:37 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I'm going to get flamed...

I've been thinking long and hard about turning the XB9SX into a chopper. Redneck Engineering and Justin at 2 Bit Choppers have a nice kit and I've fallen in love with the bobber / board track racer.

Problem is the price is a little steep, BUT I've got tools! I've done engine swaps on cars and am a pretty accomplished nuts and bolts type mechanic but this would be the first bike I would tear down and build up.

So seriously, how hard is it? Have any of you done it? Any pointers? Any books I should get?

Give me a chance to explan why. I love the Buell the way it is but it doesn't suite my riding style and it's not really who I am. I could trade it in for a nice HD lower rider but then I would be losing way too much money. Here I have a chance to get something very unique.
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Fullpower
Posted on Monday, July 31, 2006 - 04:52 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Mike... step away from the motorcycle. Now, put Down the torch, that's good. ok lets go have a beer and talk about it......
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Xbeau12s
Posted on Monday, July 31, 2006 - 05:16 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I agree with Fullpower. Your XB is unique the way it is. If you were going to build a chopper it would be very unique to just start from the ground up. First - Buy a Frame, You can always pick up some kind of chopper motor, doesn't have to be HD but definitely my choice in a chopper, Tranny, Wheels, Accessories, Electrical, If you google something on a chopper build you can find loads of info.
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Kccyclone
Posted on Monday, July 31, 2006 - 05:28 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Mike check out www.mcworx.com they have some nice frames for the xb platform....It's your bike and your money do what makes you happy...I sold my M2 to Justin at 2Bit choppers and he made a really nice chopper out of it...I love my XB but wouldn't hesitate at buying another to turn into a chopper when the times right...
Larry
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Mike_bolts
Posted on Monday, July 31, 2006 - 05:38 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

good one Full Power! I'll take you up on that beer anytime!

I think my mass produced XB9SX, purchased with my hard earned dollars would make a wicked chopper with it's black wheels and engine parts.

In a perfect world I would go to Hank Young and drop about $100K on that one off custom made bike. But I don't have that kind of money and I never will. What I do have is a perfectly good mass produced bike of no historical importance which has poor resale value but choice parts to make into something truely unique.

That gives me an idea, I'll use Hezbollah tactics on you guys! Give me $7,500.00 and I'll give you the XB9SX in one piece! z;0
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Anonymouss
Posted on Monday, July 31, 2006 - 05:46 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

(Not flaming, just constructive crit.)If your going to chop your bike in the first place, do it with some class as well as originality. The only way to make a chopper out of a XB and keep your sole would be to utilize and modify the XB frame.
If your going to buy a frame from a catalog, just buy a crate motor as well and keep your XB as is. It would be a shame to only use the drive train and forks/wheels. Any Buell chopper must have a XB frame/swingarm and ZTL wheel/break. Cut it, grind it, burn it how ever you like, But use it. Otherwise its just a kit bike with some Buell parts.

.02
Seth
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Hattori_hanzo
Posted on Monday, July 31, 2006 - 05:54 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Look up Gonen60...he made a bobber out of his XB.

I also believe it's your bike, do want you want with it.
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Skyguy
Posted on Monday, July 31, 2006 - 06:01 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

It is your bike and you should do what you want with it. I think finding a way to use the XB frame and maybe swing arm would be cool though.


That being said I will NEVER ride or own a chopper. I want to live and firmly believe that anything other than a super agile sportbike is not safe to ride.
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Yeags30
Posted on Monday, July 31, 2006 - 06:03 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

i thought mcworx only used 02 and earlier buell parts...last time i checked they didn't have anything for the xb parts
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Kccyclone
Posted on Monday, July 31, 2006 - 06:18 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

MCWorks now has both rigid and softail frames available for the xb.....Shazam has the softail frame and has just started the project...



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No_rice
Posted on Monday, July 31, 2006 - 07:09 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

i guess i'll find out this winter. my friend that is buying my other xb is only buying it as a donor for the mutant project he wants to do this winter. we are taking some of the fun out of it by buying a frame, but i still want to do some chopping and fixing on the one he gets since i have a few tricks i want to do.

this will be a little different as we are used to building stuff from the ground up, frame and all.

i figure if we can build this



in 26 nights after work we should have no problems with a ready made frame and an xb setup
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Thansesxb9rs
Posted on Monday, July 31, 2006 - 08:52 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

In a perfect world buying another motor, frame , and other expensive parts would be great.

But for most people that own an XB or tuber which is paid off and just want a different styled bike the Buell is a great donor bike and keeps your costs low. I mean you have already purchased your rims, motor and trans, forks, and whatever else you scavange off of it.

When you do get it done post up some pics, I love seeing some of these. The mcworx frame is top notch and not a catalog frame. Just let them know what you want and they custom build it for you. Build your tank yourself and if it turns out crappy because your metal working skills (Like 95% of us) suck then go buy one you like or have a motorcycle shop custom build you one. Just because you buy some parts from an aftermarket company doesn't mean you will not do any custom fab work.

I think I am going to go buy an XB and chop it just because I can. There is no law to stop me. So if you don't want to see a beloved bike turned into something other then it was designed please send me a check for $8k. This $8k will be placed into a fund to help keep my interest in the current design of the XB. Please send any donations ASAP.

Thanks,

Tim
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Swordsman
Posted on Monday, July 31, 2006 - 09:04 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Can someone please tell me what the actual definition of a "streetfighter" is? MCWorks seems to think it's any chopper that used to be a sport bike...

~SM
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Thansesxb9rs
Posted on Monday, July 31, 2006 - 09:10 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Well I would say that a streetfighter is anyone that is not in a sanction brawl, so most bar fights and parking lot fights would fit into this catagory.

A streetfighter is what you think it is not what any company or magazine uses as branding.
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Thansesxb9rs
Posted on Monday, July 31, 2006 - 09:13 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Here is a link to Brad Pit's former Buell

http://www.mcworx.com/99thor_240_tire.html
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Adamcooney
Posted on Monday, July 31, 2006 - 09:22 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I used to have a redneck mutant. I f'n LOVED that thing. It had drivetrain/forks/wheels/brakes from a 2002 Cyclone. Was quick as hell and fit me perfect. I plan on building another one too someday as I honestly like that more than I like my 06' Ss to be truthful. It's just more me and fits me better. But here's a link to all their new frames at redneck.

http://www.redneckengineering.com/mutant.htm
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Pupu
Posted on Monday, July 31, 2006 - 09:34 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

i think they are cool, i mean, one bike cant do it all. i would love a chopper, a bobber, and sportbike, a motard, a dragbike. i have to settle for one, and i chose the XB. but i will eventually get another bike, which may be a next gen buell. but when i do, i would love to take my current buell and build a mutant.
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Lenb
Posted on Monday, July 31, 2006 - 09:35 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I was thinking... Just thinking mind you...
How hard do you think it would be to convert my Porsche 911 into a beach buggy?
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Pupu
Posted on Monday, July 31, 2006 - 09:44 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

well, it is basically a bug on roids, i am sure there is a kit in JC Whitney
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Rubdoggy
Posted on Monday, July 31, 2006 - 09:57 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

No_rice,

sweet bike. now, what the hell is that monster under the bike?
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Pupu
Posted on Monday, July 31, 2006 - 10:00 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

turbine, nothing like idleing at 30k rpms
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Sinatra
Posted on Monday, July 31, 2006 - 10:11 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

easy.sell the buell to someone who will utilize its design, and use the money to buy a "chopper"....
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Anonymous
Posted on Monday, July 31, 2006 - 10:47 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

First, get a lobotomy. Then the path to a chopper will become clear.
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Cereal
Posted on Tuesday, August 01, 2006 - 12:25 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I know a guy who buys and sells wrecked or repoed Buells in the Wash, DC area. PM me if you are interested in a donor or project and I'll see what he can come up with.
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Diablobrian
Posted on Tuesday, August 01, 2006 - 03:36 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I think Cereal is on the right track if you are intent on building a Mutant type chopper, but it's his bike to do with as he chooses.
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Adamcooney
Posted on Tuesday, August 01, 2006 - 06:29 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Yeah the one that I got was a repo. Clear title and everything, just stolen and low mileage, got it for cheap. Go that route depending on if you can find one or not. Otherwise look around on eBay for good deals a lot. You can build them for anywhere from 6,000 (basic everything, but still a chopper none-the-less) to up to 20 grand with 250 rear and all billet everything, etc. etc. They really are sick. My friend Jeff Blair's just got a 3 page article in Ironhorse Magazine and it's on the bottom left on the front cover. He built his for like 12 grand and sold it for 18,000 after driving it all year.
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