After you get over the size, the difference in build-quality is apparent. No one will deny that the Big Dog is a big bike, but it’s noticeably shorter than the American Ironhorse. One of the first things you’ll notice comparing the two bikes is their size differential. The Ironhorse had the appearance of having off-the-shelf components, whereas it was obvious Big Dog went the extra step to make sure it built a cohesive bike. But boy, did they attract attention! So when the Big Dog Chopper was pushed out of the garage, it was the little things that got my attention. Stiff clutch, snappy throttle, no ground clearance and uncompromising suspension. After riding the Texas Chopper, I thought I knew all I needed to know about choppers. This time, I’m in Pomona, at V-Twin City. All the chrome and polished bits shook in unison to the waves of sound that emanated from the 2-into-l exhaust! Truly a wonderful thing, so far at least.įast-forward another week. The 111-inch S&S motor sprang to life and rumbled underneath me. So I took the next step and started it up. Okay, I was too critical I hadn’t even ridden the thing yet.

Then have your best friend come up to you and push you off the chair. Slouch your back and raise your arms out at shoulder width and eye level. Sit on a low chair, stretch your legs out in front of you, with your boots about three feet apart and toes to the sky. To the “regular” motorcyclist, choppers have a funny seating position. I hopped on the bike and assumed the position.

All the chrome, the vast expanse of fork, the front wheel way, way in front of the bike, the little ittybitty seat and that huge rear tire. I found myself at Lifestyle Custom Cycles in Anaheim, California, and there before me was an electric-blue American Ironhorse Texas Chopper. I mean, c’mon, these aren’t real bikes, are they?įast-forward one week. So when Chief Edwards offered this assignment to me, I reluctantly agreed. I was one of the detractors, a naysayer, if you will. Some good, some bad, but none ambivalent. No niche in motorcycling evokes more responses. THE JAPANESE HAVE TECHNOLOGICALLY ADVANCED HYPER-bikes, the Italians have functional rolling sculptures and us? Well, we have choppers.

American ironhorse drive belt