Chopper Baby: A Chopper Profile

Steve Schaeffer has been building custom choppers for more than a decade, and Chopper, Baby shows off his considerable talents.

Chopper Image Gallery

A Chicago Chopper Works hardtail frame was chosen to support a set of 18-inch-over Redneck springer forks set at a whopping 52-degree rake, resulting in a striking profile. Black Bike wheels, each densely packed with 120 spokes, add to the radical look. A Performance Machine disc brake up front and a combination disc/sprocket from Exile at the rear provide the stopping power.

Adding a vintage touch is a 93-cubic-inch engine from Accurate Engineering. It's designed to look like a Harley-Davidson 'Panhead' V-twin from the 1950s, but offers modern reliability and considerably more power. To further distinguish his chopper, Steve bent up a set of custom-made pipes for the Panhead that snake out the left side rather than the right. Also unusual is the hand-shift/foot-clutch arrangement to stir the 6-speed transmission.

Though the fuel tank is a catalog item, it has been modified with a spine that runs front-to-back along the top. The seat is frenched into a custom-made rear fender. Other pieces made by Schaeffer include the handlebars, foot controls, and elaborately machined shift lever, all evidence of his undeniable skill.

Chopper, Baby has a striking profile. Go to the next page for more photos and details of what makes this custom motorcycle a radical ride.

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