What is a custom built bike? What is a custom motorcycle called? Also, What makes a bike custom? How many types of custom motorcycles are there? This content reveals the meaning & characteristics of the custom bikes with advantages, specialties, types, and more info.
What is the Meaning of Custom Bike?
A custom motorbike is a motorcycle that appears to have stylistic or structural changes compared to a normally manufactured or regular bike. They are generally unique. Manufacturers build them in limited quantities as well. Motorcycle enthusiasts have often loved to customize their bikes and that’s not a new story at all. However, the term “Custom Motorcycle” originated or appeared during the late 1950s. In the following decade, the likes of Arlen Ness and Ben Hardy produced a new style of the genre. Those bikes are known as the Chopper. Brands like Harley-Davidson and Honda put the word “custom” in their different models of bikes. So, custom bikes mean when you take a regular bike and customize or modify it based on personal taste. Those can be readily built in from the factory as well.
What Makes a Custom Motorcycle?
Custom bikes have the following characteristics that make them unique from many other types.
It tends to get rid of all the less essential components. In other words, custom bikes were generally built by chopping out the accessories. It doesn’t only make them different from other types but also makes a light-weight motorcycle. And in that light & unique vehicle, the users or manufacturers put some aesthetic components to make those attractive. Moreover, there is usage of a lot of metal and little plastic. Other characteristics include high handlebars, low seats, and chrome.
What are Custom Bikes Called?
Different types of bikes can be categorized as custom motorcycles. Those are mentioned below:
Chopper: Emerged in the 1960s this type of bike is very popular. Features elongated fork, steep slope, and high handlebars. In fact, the Choppers’ high handlebars are often termed “hand hangers”. The front tires in these bikes are larger than its counterpart but at same time tend to be narrower as well.
Bobber: These long and low-shaped bikes appeared in the 1940s. The front and rear wheels have the same diameter and equal thickness. Moreover, the Bobbers have single-seat springs, matte paint as well as high & wide handlebars.
Bagger: Distinctive by its large cases and fenders. Well, the Bagger’s fenders are so large that sometimes they reach nearly to the ground. Mainly observed in the UK & USA. It’s also been there since the 1960s.
Street Fighters: Introduced in the 1980s. Can be labeled as Urban Warfare bikes.
Rat Bike: Comes up with an old and neglected outlook but the parts are kept in impeccable condition.
Cafe Racer: Semi handle-bars, single-seater seat with a small tail, and is of reduced weight.
Scrambler: Introduced during the post-World War I period with a view to enabling people to ride on both on & off-road conditions. Has greater suspension and tires can run smoothly on dirt & mountain roads.
Brat Style: Combines characteristics of Bobber and the Cafe Racer. This type was originated in Japan. Features only the highly essential parts including the tank, the engine, a very small seat, headlight, wheels, etc.
Street Tracker: With a clean front part and no fenders, you can see this type of custom bikes running on both Dirt Track and Flat Track races. It features wide handlebars along with a small and flat tail and an elongated tank.
Advantages of a Custom Bike
Perfectly Fit: The custom bikes are designed in a shape that perfectly suits the rider’s body. One can adjust the frame geometry, handlebar reach, seat position, and other components based on their requirement.
Sheer Comfort: The rider enjoys the privilege of optimal comfort in this type of bike.
Top-notch Performance: As the rider can set his required components based on his need and the types of terrain he wants to ride on, it is able to deliver optimal performance as well. Wheels, gearing, suspension, and brakes; everything can be adjusted the way he wants.
High-Standard Materials: With the selection of high-standard materials it can provide longevity as well as durability.
Aesthetic & Unique: it ensures that you ride a unique bike than most others on the field. Also, custom bikes appear with tremendous aesthetic complexion.
Disadvantages of a Custom Motorcycle
Custom motorcycles may have the following drawbacks:
Expensive: Unfortunately custom bikes have higher costs than regular bikes. The design and elements result in higher expenses for such bikes.
Less Value on Resale: Users will enjoy limited resale value when they tend to put it for resale. Unless you get a rider of your own test, you wouldn’t find a good value like the resale price of the normal bikes which have a broader customer base.
Lengthy Process: Building custom bikes is time-consuming. So, it requires a time commitment.
Technical Knowledge: A higher level of technical knowledge is required on the bikes. Otherwise, the design or outcome might be faulty.
Possible Error: Mistakes during the build process can cause much during the correction and also may highly affect the motorcycle’s performance.
What is the show about custom bikes?
“American Chopper: The Series” is a show about custom motorcycles. It has a total of 8 seasons and 179 episodes. Mike Rowe and Jim Pratt narrated the story successively. Meanwhile, Paul Teutul Sr., Paul Teutul Jr., Michael Teutul, Vincent DiMartino, Cody Connelly, Mike Ammirati, Rick Petko, Jason Pohl, etc starred in it.
