1971 Ironhead Short Chop
Thank God There's Harleys . . .
Bill from Newmarket, Ontario, Canada, sent us these pictures of his 1971 Ironhead Short Chop.
Bill: "This is my first bike, a 1971 Ironhead short-chop. I spent three years pulling the bike apart and rebuilding it. I would like to know what you guys think... It would be cool to see it on your site. I originally bought the bike for my dad, but because of a broken back he couldn't ride so the bike sat for over ten years. So instead of selling it he wanted to keep it in the family so he gave it to me. Maybe some day I will give it to my son.......(maybe not !)......"
Bill: "The frame is 89 cut & stretched 45deg, 77 XL oiltank, Fat Boy tank, 89 front end, custom built pipes. I added an electric starter as well. Most things on this bike are custom. I am also going to add a suicide shift. "
Chopper or Short Chop?
Not all Choppers have been created equal...
In our perception, it's not the length of a front fork that tells us whether a bike is a Chopper or not. To us it is the rake that counts.
To us, as soon as a stock motorcycle or a Bobber has her rake increased significantly, she has thereby become a Chopper. Whether she has a long front fork or not.
For more information on Choppers and Short Chops, check out the Bobber Republic Info Pages!
1971 Harley Ironhead Short Chop Specifications
Bill gave us the following specs for his Short Chop:
• Engine - 1971 Ironhead 900cc
• Frame - 1971 Sportster
• Front end - 1989 Sportster
• Gas tank - 1971 Super Glide
• Head light - 1971 Super Glide
• Front fender - 1989 Sportster
• Oil tank - 1977 XLH
• Pipes - Custom (fishtail)
• Colour - Calypso with purple flames
1971 Ironhead Engine
Thanks, Bill! - Nice project!
April 2011
