Fat Tire In Time For Spring

[graucho]

I combined my 2 sports of passion. My love of chopper bicycles with my many past builds of mini choppers. Put them in a jar and shake them up you get my latest Fat Tire Chopper Bicycle. To make it easier I loaded the building photos and the finished photos in a slideshow.

Building http://s284.photobucket.com/albums/ll13/grauchosbikes/grauchos_build/grauchos_build/?albumview=slideshow

Finished http://s284.photobucket.com/albums/ll13/grauchosbikes/grauchos%20finished%20bike/?albumview=slideshow

Added Info 4/22/09
When I see other peoples builds I always ask myself...."self" where did he get that item? Well, i'm not going to leave anybody out there hang'in with that question. I hope this helps someone if they need a similar part that I have used on my bike. I used to have better tools but I got rid of them when I thought I was getting out of building. (wrong) since, I bought a lot of stuff "on the cheap" and they have worked out just fine. Take care and thanks for your kind words everyone. graucho

Tubing 1/8 steel. 2", 1.5", 1.25", 1" http://www.sspss.com/products.html

Tube bender 3 years old http://search.harborfreight.com/cpisearch/web/search.do?keyword=bender&Submit=Go
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWT3N3m4bE4&NR=1

Welder 2 years old http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=98871

Front frame Design (copied) http://www.choppersus.com/store/product/807/Frame-24%22-Chopper-Super-Fat/

Handle bars http://www.choppersus.com/store/product/470/Handlebar-Cruiser-Moon-CP/

Brake lever http://www.choppersus.com/store/product/427/Skull-Brake-Lever---Pair/

Fork http://www.choppersus.com/store/product/221/Fork-Kit---Chopper-Chrome/

Front wheel / rim http://www.choppersus.com/store/category/3/10/Wheels---Steel/

Peddles sprocket http://www.choppersus.com/store/product/1019/Pedals-Stingray-Silver-9-16/

Seat http://www.choppersus.com/store/product/734/Seat---Hot-Rod-Flames/

Braided lines http://www.choppersus.com/store/product/458/Cable-Casing-Stainless-Per-Ft./

Mirror http://www.choppersus.com/store/product/183/Mirror---Teardrop-Right-CP/

Throttle http://www.westcoastminichoppers.com/Page4.html

Aluminum Bullet Axle Nut 1" http://www.bmikarts.com/shop/?keywords=axle+nut&match_criteria=all&search=Search&cart=1734639

Front Light Old model of a Kids Razor 12v kids motorcycle.

License frame Walmart

Tail light Walmart

Licence Plate Self designed

Pillow block bearings http://www.pacificnorthwestbearing.net/PILLOW-BLOCK-BEARING/c2/index.html?osCsid=3bb95ea1297efbeb82c7ae9b4e63efdd

Rear wheel and rim https://www.3rsalesandservice.com/catalog/3RSalesandService/GATG12714Y.htm
https://www.3rsalesandservice.com/catalog/3RSalesandService/GAT12D114C.htm

Axle and hub http://www.westcoastminichoppers.com/Page5.html

Disk Brake http://www.westcoastminichoppers.com/Page5.html

14 tooth freewheel http://www.cyclone-usa.com/store.php?action=show_detail&crn=203&rn=301

Jackshaft http://www.bmikarts.com/shop/index.php

Jackshaft sprockets http://stores.ebay.com/Fremont-Industrial-Supply

Chains Tractor supply

Idle tensioner Tractor supply

Rear fender Tractor supply (aluminum car ramp end)

Plastic gas tank Ebay

Saddle bag for tank Walmart

SLA Sealed Lead Acid Battery Radio shack or Batteries Plus

Battery charger 1amp (for Lead Acid Battery Batteries Plus

Centrif- clutch http://www.mfgsupply.com/GoMiniClutchExt.html

Airbrush pen (6 years old) http://www.dickblick.com/products/paasche-model-h-airbrush-set/

Primer (sandable, scratch filling) Napa Auto

Red oxide Spot filler/Putty Local Auto paint dealer

Rust-oleum Paint Walmart

Acetone, to thin paint. 2.5 acetone to 1 part paint. Home Depot

[Odd Man Out]

Righteous -- freakin outstanding -- you sir are a mastercraftsman.

[GregLWB]

That bike is sick!:jester: Really nice build.

Greg

[jimFPU]

Not really into the chopper thing myself...but man that thing is awe-inspiring.

I may have to try one just to clean up all my old parts!

[Radical Brad]

I agree!

When Kat showed my the photo (she is still working on gallery updates), we had originally thought the chop was too damn clean to be home built! Of course, it was way to rad to be factory. Now we have proof!

Brad

[graucho]

Sorry for bumping the thread but I added a lot of important info to the 1st orig post, thanks.

[John Lewis]

Man, you sure set the bar high. What can I say. A magnificent work of art.

I love it.

John Lewis

[greenevegiebeast]

graucho, im speachless, and thats saying somthing.

i do have one question, what size motor are you running on that monster.

[savarin]

Damn.
Another level to aspire to. The bar keeps on rising.
Awesome build graucho, any more in there waiting to be sprung on us?

[graucho]

graucho, im speachless, and thats saying something. I do have one question, what size motor are you running on that monster.

It's funny you mention it. The fat tire is going electric pedal assist this weekend. Im swopping out the engine area with batteries. I want to run around town like a silent ninja. Ya rite, even the critters stop and wonder what the heck is that? when I go past. LOL More to come.


Damn.
Another level to aspire to. The bar keeps on rising.Awesome build graucho, any more in there waiting to be sprung on us?

Thank you, every bike here is a masterpiece in my eye. When I look at every bike, I see as art, design and structural architecture. I absorb it, mold it in my mind and savor the creators vision. Then steal the knowledge. Amen

[Mountainman]

man oh man graucho

after looking at your MB for a while

it's truly hard to explain how my imagination is running wild now !!!

you turn out some killer motor bikes !!!

thanks for all of your sharing buddy -- keeps the dream alive for many !!!

have a good day as we ride those MB things

[moteurhead]

I'm a little anti-petrol but that is a sweet ride! Glad to hear you're going electric. As for the bar being raised...Joey must be livid by now.:jester:
I am certainly inspired by this build.

[graucho]

I'm a little anti-petrol but that is a sweet ride! Glad to hear you're going electric. As for the bar being raised...Joey must be livid by now.:jester:
I am certainly inspired by this build.

Thanks moteurhead, yes i'm excited about going electric. I've always liked engines, so this electric thing is a new experience to me.
I'm to new here to understand your "Joey must be livid by now.:jester:" comment/joke. If it's SirJoey, his chopper on his web site is kick butt looking. I'm lovin his bike. Take care guys/gals.

[Odd Man Out]

I'm to new here to understand your "Joey must be livid by now.:jester:" comment/joke. If it's SirJoey, his chopper on his web site is kick butt looking. I'm lovin his bike. Take care guys/gals.

SJ has been a mainstay to this forum for years but has taken a break due to "life". We all hope that his travails will soon cease and he will return. One excellent dude and a helluva builder.

[moteurhead]

Sir Joey's chop was a big inspiration to my own build, I was making reference to some posts made in the "belt drive and springer fork" thread. We all raise the bar every time we build, that's how we know this forum is effective.:rockon:

I didn't know Joey was out for a while...hope he's okay.

[graucho]

:sunny:Sir Joey's chop was a big inspiration to my own build, I was making reference to some posts made in the "belt drive and springer fork" thread. We all raise the bar every time we build, that's how we know this forum is effective.:rockon:

It all makes sence. :sunny: A big thumbs up. Going through the threads here i'm in awe most of the time. AZ has the most raw talent i've ever seen in the biking world. Now I cant wait to finish up this project to start another. Thanks!

[graucho]

I swopped out the engine area with batteries and went electric. It sneaks around like a silent ninja. Only 18 mph but what a blast! Not pedaling very much, I got 16 very quiet miles before the low battery light popped on. I ran it 2 more miles home so I know I can get at least 18 miles per ride.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyfGf_Y5ocw

[TheKid]

Looks great. Looks like it has a smooth ride too. What kind of motor is that? It's much smaller than mine. I like the fact that it can be hidden more easily than the one I have, because they ain't legal here yet.

[graucho]

My youngest daughter came back home from college to find the latest bike. She was always a big mini chopper fan of mine so needless to say she was pulling the bike out of the garage within the first 10 minutes home. After a long bike ride she was smiling and laughing for an hour after. This goofy bike seems to have that effect on everyone who has hopped on it for a ride. We have been riding it on the sidewalk for 3 weeks with the police just waving at us. Also a few thumbs up. Maybe they don't know its electric?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPGkndMuvuo

[GregLWB]

My youngest daughter came back home from college to find the latest bike. She was always a big mini chopper fan of mine so needless to say she was pulling the bike out of the garage within the first 10 minutes home. After a long bike ride she was smiling and laughing for an hour after. This goofy bike seems to have that effect on everyone who has hopped on it for a ride. We have been riding it on the sidewalk for 3 weeks with the police just waving at us. Also a few thumbs up. Maybe they don't know its electric?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPGkndMuvuo

Looks like she was having lots of fun.:jester: Riding on the sidewalk? They are probably so busy looking at how cool the bike is that they just haven't noticed the electric motor.:)

What kind of battery setup do you have? Is it easy to swap (carry 2nd battery for more distance)? Or could you add an extra bank of batteries to increase the amps? Although I did forget to ask if you even need more distance than that.:jester:

Greg

[graucho]

Looks like she was having lots of fun.:jester: Riding on the sidewalk? They are probably so busy looking at how cool the bike is that they just haven't noticed the electric motor.:)

What kind of battery setup do you have? Is it easy to swap (carry 2nd battery for more distance)? Or could you add an extra bank of batteries to increase the amps? Although I did forget to ask if you even need more distance than that.:jester:

Greg

Hey Greg thanks. 36V with 600watt motor. Yes the batteries are in a removable pouch so I can swop them out if needed. 80% of the time I ride in the street. There are a few areas that are so busy I feel unsafe riding in the street. Sometimes within my biking routes, sidewalks are a must. If I know i'm out for a serious ride (furthest was 110 mi in a day 12hr) I use one of our RS35cc motoredbikes. I know i'm cheating with the power assists. What can I say :jester: I love motors...I love bikes. There both in my blood.

[GregLWB]

Hey Greg thanks. 36V with 600watt motor. Yes the batteries are in a removable pouch so I can swop them out if needed. 80% of the time I ride in the street. There are a few areas that are so busy I feel unsafe riding in the street. Sometimes within my biking routes, sidewalks are a must. If I know i'm out for a serious ride (furthest was 110 mi in a day 12hr) I use one of our RS35cc motoredbikes. I know i'm cheating with the power assists. What can I say :jester: I love motors...I love bikes. There both in my blood.

graucho - Looks like the same set-up I have on the R/S.:) I know what you mean about certain routes. 110 mi in a day is a lot of seat time.:jester:

I got it! Your next project could be a custom chopped Cycle Bully Trailer but just carrying batteries connected in banks to increase amps instead of volts!:1eye::jester:

Greg

[graucho]

I got it! Your next project could be a custom chopped Cycle Bully Trailer but just carrying batteries connected in banks to increase amps instead of volts!:1eye::jester: Greg

When I in-visioned your trailer idea I pictured pulling a cooler and a tent. Where ever I ran out of battery power is where I crack a cold one. :jester: Sorry its been a long winter. Great idea about a battery trailer!

[bat1]

Sweet Chopper!

I am knew to the site and have never built a bike but am interested in doing so one day. I do however have 6 years of Rc Helicopter experience.
Do you know anything about a123 batteries. at 36v dewalt makes batterypacks that are 2ah. The benefit of these type of batteries is light weight and and fast charge rate some guys zip charge a pack in 15 minutes. It definitely is not cheap but this would definitely take the power component to a whole new level.

here is some reading on the technology
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithium_iron_phosphate_battery