Some random emails I've gotten in the past

I thought I would write up an article with some of the emails I've gotten so you don't have to ask the same questions and maybe so you can learn more about the guy on this side of the monitor. It seems when they came out with this Internet thing, they let just about anybody on and those people want to email me with questions. So I hope this answers some of the emails. If you have a different question, by all means email me and I'll get back to you as quick as I can.

With all that said, let the show begin.

Q: I'm building an old Triumph Tiger too and I want to run a wide back tire, Whats the widest tire I can get to fit the frame?
Tom

A: Well Tom, that's a pretty hard mathematical formula you'll need to factor out. First take the cubic centimeter (cc) of the engine, divide it by 2.8 for a four speed tranny (2.2 for a 5 speed), multiply that by 2 (you have two tires), divide that by the weight of your motor oil (lets say 50 weight), subtract the weight of the heaviest rider, and finally add blue.

Tom, I hope that helps. No? I didn't think so. Ya see Tom I'll need to know more info. Is this going to be a rigid frame? If so measure the width between the frame and shave off an inch for good measure and there ya go. You can have (or make your own) someone build you a rigid tail section (there are tons on eBay) and then let them know what tire you want to run and they can (within reason) build one according to that. But remember two things. First, if you go slightly wider than stock you will need to install a jack shaft to offset the secondary drive chain. And secondly, your Triumph is only a 650. That's a lot to ask of such a small engine to turn over a fat tire. Stick with the stock width, trust me you'll be happier and with all those fat tire bikes out there, you will be unique.

Q: What the hell do you have against rich bikers. It seems like your site is dedicated to bashing our bikes.
Paul Lysco

A: I've never had a "rich biker" tell me he was a "rich biker" before. That was different. Anyway, Paul I don't have a thing against Rich Bikers. Hell I hope to be one some day. I have a problem with people who have never ridden a bike before going down to their local bike shop because it's in fashion this week and spending $45k for a bike. In that same thought I also have the same problem with those shops for charging $45k and up for a chopper. Get over yourself Paul. Go call your therapist and wipe your gas tank with a diaper. I've got a chopper to build.

Q: I'm thinking about putting a Legends Air Ride system on my 04 Heritage. Do you know if it will help the handling?
Dirty Dan

A: Dirty Dan? Did your mom give you that name or did you think of it yourself? Dan, look at my site. I'm building a chopped bastardized Triumph with a rigid frame, 45 degrees of rake, and a 12 over springer front end. There are two things my bike don't have, shocks and good handling.

...I pointed ole Dirty Dan to some bulletin boards that may be able to help.

Q: Why don't you just use a side car or a 3 wheeled motorcycle? My friends dad has one and I think they are cool.
Msk0909@**snip**

A: Dear MSK0909. Always give the person you're emailing your name. Make one up if you need to. But on to your question. I may at some point put a side car onto the Yamaha, but the Triumph is a chopper. The frame has been "chopped up" beyond recognition and rebuilt with a rigid tail section (hard tail), the neck has been lopped off and then welded back on at a 45 degree angle (to kick out the front end), and the forks are an old set of 12 over (12 inches longer than stock) springers. Now, with all that beautiful work done, why would I want to hide it behind a hack? You sound a bit young (or maybe I just read your email on a bad day) so I'm real glad you're getting into learning about choppers, if our lifestyle is going to survive we'll need you to keep it going. But one thing you need to know about choppers is that they don't have side cars.

As far as a trike goes, I've been there and done that. I took the front of an old BSA and the back of a VW bug and married them. It sounded great but handled very, very bad. I love the feel of laying over in a curve and watching the chrome grind away on my pipes. You just cant get that with 3 wheels.

Q: I've got a bunch of old Triumphs and parts in my shed, do you want them?

A: OK, so I made up that last question, but if anyone does have that questions, of course the answer would be Yes. Just tell me where you live and what time you'll be home tomorrow and I'll be right over in the truck.

I hope that takes care of some of your questions. I had quite a bit saved up but due to a hard drive crash I lost them all to the computer gods. If you have a question let me know and I'll answer it. Who knows, it might even be good enough to add to this page.

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