Attention would-be bike builders: In today’s world it’s nice to be reminded that choppers don’t have to cost $30,000. In fact, a chopper built from the right parts can be assembled for as little as $5,000. The second edition of Timothy Remus How to Build a Cheap Chopper is currently at the press. This valuable book documents the construction of four inexpensive choppers with complete start-to-finish sequences photographed in the shops of Donnie Smith, Brian Klock and Dave Perewitz. More than 400 full color photographs explain in detail each step of each assembly. Tim also takes you through such basics as the difference between a chopper and a bobber, title and insurance, Nuts ‘n Bolts 101, frames and geometry for look and handling, brakes, upholstery, and more.

Least expensive of the builds is the metric chopper, based on a 1970’s vintage Japanese 4-cylinder engine and transmission installed in a hardtail frame. Don’t expect any billet accessories or a fancy candy paintjob on this one.

Next up, price wise, are two bikes built using Buell/Sportster drivetrains. Often a complete used Buell or Sportster can be had for less than $5,000. Now you’ve got more than an engine you have wheels and tires, brakes, hardware, lights, harness, and some sheet metal. Bolt all that stuff to a simple hardtail frame to create an almost-instant chopper. Most lavish, but still cheap by comparison with many of the bikes built today, is a big twin chopper built from carefully chosen aftermarket parts. A RevTech engine and 5-speed tranny set in a Rolling Thunder frame. Accessorize from the swap meet and add a simple one-color paintjob to create a bike no one needs to be ashamed of.

Tim is author and photographer of more than 30 how-to books. His titles range from How to Build a Cheap Chopper, to How To Build An Old Skool Bobber (due out next month). During his 20 years as an author, Tim has worked with everyone from bike designer Arlen Ness to custom painter Jon Kosmoski, and metal fabricators like Ron Covell, Steve Davis, Rob Roehl and Craig Naff. Tim is owner of Wolfgang Publications, based in Stillwater, Minnesota.

Cheap Chopper is available from Amazon or from Wolfgang Publications: wolfpub.com, or call the 24-hour order line: 651-275-0194.