Everything about Choppers and Cruisers
Choppers and cruisers are motorcycles that generally provide a more relaxed feeling while riding the bike. This means; arms raised and feet extended. The difference between them does not seem obvious to everyone. And at first glance, they seem rather similar. But once you know the difference, you can spot a chopper from a mile away.
So we will tell you all about choppers and cruisers. Where does a chopper begin and a cruiser end? Let’s dig into both types of bikes.
EVERYTHING ABOUT
CHOPPERS AND CRUISERS
When one thinks of choppers and cruisers, two big names often directly pop into one’s head. Harley Davidson and Indian Motorcycles. Of course, they are not the only two brands who build these kind of motorcycles. But first; what is the difference between them?
WHAT IS A CHOPPER
LET'S CHOP
When simply put, one could say choppers are motorcycles that are stripped of all unnecessary bits. Does that sound familiar? If you have been following us for a while, you will recognize that approach. Cafe racers undergo a similar one. But choppers are a different breed. They have a wider wheel base and often a modified frame. The wheels are placed further apart from each other by using a longer fork. Does one add parts to a chopper? Then those parts are often custom made.
That said, choppers are custom made. Of modified by or for the owner. They are mostly one-of-a-kind, unique motorcycles. One can either build a chopper by modifying a factory vehicle of build a chopper from scratch.
A chopper is one of the most extravagant types of custom motorcycles, if you will. This due to the radical changes in steering and fork length. The whole construction of the motorcycle gets lengthened.
An identifying characteristic that is often found on choppers is a sissy bar. Which is a sort of high backrest that is built on the basis of the frame and made of steel.
CHOPPERS AND CRUISERS
THE DIFFERENCE
Rather than saying choppers vs cruisers, one could better say ‘cruisers vs cafe racers’. Because a cruiser may or may not be a chopper. Let us explain.
A cruiser has a relaxed stance and long frame and wheelbase, whereas a cafe racer has a short wheelbase and a racy stance. Cruisers have wide handle bars and usually a bigger tank. It is heavily set and enables long, pretty comfortabel rides.
When a cruiser gets turned into a chopper, one ‘chops off’ all the unnecessary accessories. The front forks are often extended and the seat gets smaller.
So one could say, that a cruiser cannot be a chopper at the same time. Some factory designs are inspired by custom designs. But it can only ‘truly’ be a chopper when it gets modified into one, since bikes that roll out of the factory aren’t ‘real’ choppers.
A BIT OF HISTORY BEHIND THE CHOPPER
A 'THING'
Choppers were a true ‘thing’ in the 60s and 70s. And still remain true eye-catchers. The more radical, the better. One took a motorcycle – often but not always a beat-up and abandoned Harley-Davidson – and ‘chopped off’ all the unnecessary bits like fenders. Hence the name ‘chopper’.
After chopping it all off, one would then make changes to the steering angle and frame geometry. This included changes to wheels, forks, the gas tank etcetera. All to lengthen the bike and make it more narrow.
And yes, all these modifications often didn’t make the bike handle as well as the original. It often became considerably less comfortable and didn’t necessarily stop as well as the original did. But it would look better. And be a superior example of craftsmanship and creativity.
SEAT HEIGHT OF CHOPPERS AND CRUISERS
SAFELY LOW
Now this is where the tricky part comes in. Since choppers are unique, one-of-a-kind and custom made bikes, we can’t actually give you an overview of seat heights for these motorcycles.
But we can give you an overview of seat heights when it comes to cruisers, since they are factory made. Cruisers often remind one of choppers due to their looks and their relaxed riding position. But like we said, the difference is that cruises roll out of a factory and choppers don’t.
What we can say, is that choppers and cruisers generally have low seat heights. This due to their long and low chassis designs. They don’t need lots of road clearance like all road motorcycles need to go off road. And they weren’t made to flip from side to side like a naked or sport bike.
So they provide you with a low seat height. Which is very convenient for shorter motorcyclists. That doesn’t mean you can only ride a cruiser or chopper when you are vertically challenged. We’ve written about riding big bikes as a tiny motorcyclist before. But we won’t argue with you. It is very practical when you can reach the ground when seated on your bike.
COMPARE SEAT HEIGHT OF CRUISERS
WITH THE COMPARISON-TOOL
Do you want to know how high a certain cruiser is? In our overview below you will rind all specs related to seat height, weight and power. In search of a cruiser with the lowest seat height possible? Or are you a tall motorcyclist and looking for the biggest one? Find out which one suits you best below! Or compare two cruisers. It is up to you.
Step 1: FIND MOTORCYCLE NUMBER ONE
| Model | Seat height | Weight | Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW R18 | 69 cm | 345 kg | 91hp (67kW) |
| BMW R18 Classic | 71 cm | 365 kg | 91hp (67kW) |
| BMW R18 B | 72 cm | 398 kg | 91hp (67kW) |
| BMW R18 Transcontinental | 74 cm | 427 kg | 91hp (67kW) |
| Ducati Diavel 1290 | 78 cm | 230 kg | 159hp (117kW) |
| Ducati XDiavel | 75,5 cm | 238 kg | 160hp (118kW) |
| Harley-Davidson Softtail | 68 cm | 297 kg | 86hp (64kW) |
| Harley-Davidson Street Bob | 68 cm | 297 kg | 94hp (70kW) |
| Harley-Davidson Sport Glide | 68 cm | 317 kg | 82hp (61kW) |
| Harley-Davidson Fat Bob | 71 cm | 306 kg | 93hp (69kW) |
| Harley-Davidson Low Rider S | 71 cm | 308 kg | 105hp (78kW) |
| Harley-Davidson Low Rider ST | 72 cm | 327 kg | 105hp (78kW) |
| Harley-Davidson Breakout | 66,5 cm | 305 kilo | 94hp (70kW) |
| Harley-Davidson Fat Boy | 67,5 cm | 317 kg | 94hp (70kW) |
| Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic | 68 cm | 330 kg | 94hp (70kW) |
| Honda CMX1100 Rebel | 70 cm | 223 kg | 87hp (64kW) |
| Honda CMX500 Rebel | 69 cm | 190 kg | 46hp (34kW) |
| Indian Scout | 64,9 cm | 259 kg | 100hp (74,5kW) |
| Indian Scout Bobber | 64,9 cm | 252 kg | 100hp (74,5kW) |
| Indian Scout Rogue | 64,9 cm | 250 kg | 100hp (74,5kW) |
| Indian Chief Dark Horse | 66,2 cm | 304 kg | 75hp (55kW) |
| Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse | 66,2 cm | 315 kg | 79hp (58kW) |
| Indian Super Chief Limited | 66,5 cm | 335 kg | 79hp (58kW) |
| Indian Springfield | 66 cm | 376 kg | 92hp (67,5kW) |
| Indian Springfield Dark Horse | 65 cm | 355 kg | 92hp (67kW) |
| Indian Chieftain Dark Horse | 65 cm | 373 kg | 90hp (66kW) |
| Indian Chieftain Limited | 65 cm | 373 kg | 90hp (66kW) |
| Indian Challenger Dark Horse | 67,2 cm | 377 kg | 122hp (89,5kW) |
| Indian Challenger Limited | 67,2 cm | 381 kg | 122hp (89,5kW) |
| Kawasaki Vulcan S | 70,5 cm | 229 kg | 61hp (44,7kW) |
| Triumph Rocket 3 | 77,3 cm | 301 kg | 165hp (123kW) |
STEP 2: FIND MOTORCYCLE NUMBER 2
| Model | Seat height | Weight | Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW R18 | 69 cm | 345 kg | 91hp (67kW) |
| BMW R18 Classic | 71 cm | 365 kg | 91hp (67kW) |
| BMW R18 B | 72 cm | 398 kg | 91hp (67kW) |
| BMW R18 Transcontinental | 74 cm | 427 kg | 91hp (67kW) |
| Ducati Diavel 1290 | 78 cm | 230 kg | 159hp (117kW) |
| Ducati XDiavel | 75,5 cm | 238 kg | 160hp (118kW) |
| Harley-Davidson Softtail | 68 cm | 297 kg | 86hp (64kW) |
| Harley-Davidson Street Bob | 68 cm | 297 kg | 94hp (70kW) |
| Harley-Davidson Sport Glide | 68 cm | 317 kg | 82hp (61kW) |
| Harley-Davidson Fat Bob | 71 cm | 306 kg | 93hp (69kW) |
| Harley-Davidson Low Rider S | 71 cm | 308 kg | 105hp (78kW) |
| Harley-Davidson Low Rider ST | 72 cm | 327 kg | 105hp (78kW) |
| Harley-Davidson Breakout | 66,5 cm | 305 kilo | 94hp (70kW) |
| Harley-Davidson Fat Boy | 67,5 cm | 317 kg | 94hp (70kW) |
| Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic | 68 cm | 330 kg | 94hp (70kW) |
| Honda CMX1100 Rebel | 70 cm | 223 kg | 87hp (64kW) |
| Honda CMX500 Rebel | 69 cm | 190 kg | 46hp (34kW) |
| Indian Scout | 64,9 cm | 259 kg | 100hp (74,5kW) |
| Indian Scout Bobber | 64,9 cm | 252 kg | 100hp (74,5kW) |
| Indian Scout Rogue | 64,9 cm | 250 kg | 100hp (74,5kW) |
| Indian Chief Dark Horse | 66,2 cm | 304 kg | 75hp (55kW) |
| Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse | 66,2 cm | 315 kg | 79hp (58kW) |
| Indian Super Chief Limited | 66,5 cm | 335 kg | 79hp (58kW) |
| Indian Springfield | 66 cm | 376 kg | 92hp (67,5kW) |
| Indian Springfield Dark Horse | 65 cm | 355 kg | 92hp (67kW) |
| Indian Chieftain Dark Horse | 65 cm | 373 kg | 90hp (66kW) |
| Indian Chieftain Limited | 65 cm | 373 kg | 90hp (66kW) |
| Indian Challenger Dark Horse | 67,2 cm | 377 kg | 122hp (89,5kW) |
| Indian Challenger Limited | 67,2 cm | 381 kg | 122hp (89,5kW) |
| Kawasaki Vulcan S | 70,5 cm | 229 kg | 61hp (44,7kW) |
| Triumph Rocket 3 | 77,3 cm | 301 kg | 165hp (123kW) |
STEP 1: FIND MOTORCYCLE NUMBER ONE
| Model | Seat height | Weight | Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW R18 | 69 cm | 345 kg | 91hp (67kW) |
| BMW R18 Classic | 71 cm | 365 kg | 91hp (67kW) |
| BMW R18 B | 72 cm | 398 kg | 91hp (67kW) |
| BMW R18 Transcontinental | 74 cm | 427 kg | 91hp (67kW) |
| Ducati Diavel 1290 | 78 cm | 230 kg | 159hp (117kW) |
| Ducati XDiavel | 75,5 cm | 238 kg | 160hp (118kW) |
| Harley-Davidson Softtail | 68 cm | 297 kg | 86hp (64kW) |
| Harley-Davidson Street Bob | 68 cm | 297 kg | 94hp (70kW) |
| Harley-Davidson Sport Glide | 68 cm | 317 kg | 82hp (61kW) |
| Harley-Davidson Fat Bob | 71 cm | 306 kg | 93hp (69kW) |
| Harley-Davidson Low Rider S | 71 cm | 308 kg | 105hp (78kW) |
| Harley-Davidson Low Rider ST | 72 cm | 327 kg | 105hp (78kW) |
| Harley-Davidson Breakout | 66,5 cm | 305 kilo | 94hp (70kW) |
| Harley-Davidson Fat Boy | 67,5 cm | 317 kg | 94hp (70kW) |
| Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic | 68 cm | 330 kg | 94hp (70kW) |
| Honda CMX1100 Rebel | 70 cm | 223 kg | 87hp (64kW) |
| Honda CMX500 Rebel | 69 cm | 190 kg | 46hp (34kW) |
| Indian Scout | 64,9 cm | 259 kg | 100hp (74,5kW) |
| Indian Scout Bobber | 64,9 cm | 252 kg | 100hp (74,5kW) |
| Indian Scout Rogue | 64,9 cm | 250 kg | 100hp (74,5kW) |
| Indian Chief Dark Horse | 66,2 cm | 304 kg | 75hp (55kW) |
| Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse | 66,2 cm | 315 kg | 79hp (58kW) |
| Indian Super Chief Limited | 66,5 cm | 335 kg | 79hp (58kW) |
| Indian Springfield | 66 cm | 376 kg | 92hp (67,5kW) |
| Indian Springfield Dark Horse | 65 cm | 355 kg | 92hp (67kW) |
| Indian Chieftain Dark Horse | 65 cm | 373 kg | 90hp (66kW) |
| Indian Chieftain Limited | 65 cm | 373 kg | 90hp (66kW) |
| Indian Challenger Dark Horse | 67,2 cm | 377 kg | 122hp (89,5kW) |
| Indian Challenger Limited | 67,2 cm | 381 kg | 122hp (89,5kW) |
| Kawasaki Vulcan S | 70,5 cm | 229 kg | 61hp (44,7kW) |
| Triumph Rocket 3 | 77,3 cm | 301 kg | 165hp (123kW) |
STEP 2: FIND MOTORCYCLE NUMBER TWO
| Model | Seat height | Weight | Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW R18 | 69 cm | 345 kg | 91hp (67kW) |
| BMW R18 Classic | 71 cm | 365 kg | 91hp (67kW) |
| BMW R18 B | 72 cm | 398 kg | 91hp (67kW) |
| BMW R18 Transcontinental | 74 cm | 427 kg | 91hp (67kW) |
| Ducati Diavel 1290 | 78 cm | 230 kg | 159hp (117kW) |
| Ducati XDiavel | 75,5 cm | 238 kg | 160hp (118kW) |
| Harley-Davidson Softtail | 68 cm | 297 kg | 86hp (64kW) |
| Harley-Davidson Street Bob | 68 cm | 297 kg | 94hp (70kW) |
| Harley-Davidson Sport Glide | 68 cm | 317 kg | 82hp (61kW) |
| Harley-Davidson Fat Bob | 71 cm | 306 kg | 93hp (69kW) |
| Harley-Davidson Low Rider S | 71 cm | 308 kg | 105hp (78kW) |
| Harley-Davidson Low Rider ST | 72 cm | 327 kg | 105hp (78kW) |
| Harley-Davidson Breakout | 66,5 cm | 305 kilo | 94hp (70kW) |
| Harley-Davidson Fat Boy | 67,5 cm | 317 kg | 94hp (70kW) |
| Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic | 68 cm | 330 kg | 94hp (70kW) |
| Honda CMX1100 Rebel | 70 cm | 223 kg | 87hp (64kW) |
| Honda CMX500 Rebel | 69 cm | 190 kg | 46hp (34kW) |
| Indian Scout | 64,9 cm | 259 kg | 100hp (74,5kW) |
| Indian Scout Bobber | 64,9 cm | 252 kg | 100hp (74,5kW) |
| Indian Scout Rogue | 64,9 cm | 250 kg | 100hp (74,5kW) |
| Indian Chief Dark Horse | 66,2 cm | 304 kg | 75hp (55kW) |
| Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse | 66,2 cm | 315 kg | 79hp (58kW) |
| Indian Super Chief Limited | 66,5 cm | 335 kg | 79hp (58kW) |
| Indian Springfield | 66 cm | 376 kg | 92hp (67,5kW) |
| Indian Springfield Dark Horse | 65 cm | 355 kg | 92hp (67kW) |
| Indian Chieftain Dark Horse | 65 cm | 373 kg | 90hp (66kW) |
| Indian Chieftain Limited | 65 cm | 373 kg | 90hp (66kW) |
| Indian Challenger Dark Horse | 67,2 cm | 377 kg | 122hp (89,5kW) |
| Indian Challenger Limited | 67,2 cm | 381 kg | 122hp (89,5kW) |
| Kawasaki Vulcan S | 70,5 cm | 229 kg | 61hp (44,7kW) |
| Triumph Rocket 3 | 77,3 cm | 301 kg | 165hp (123kW) |
CONCLUSION
Choppers and cruisers might look similar at first glance, but you would notice the difference between a ‘true chopper’ and a cruiser. They’ve got the relaxed riding position and low seat height in common. But that is about it.
Cruisers roll straight out of the factory and are designed for long, relaxed rides. Choppers are heavily modified motorcycles where comfort and handling aren’t necessarily a priority. Better said; the last priority. It’s all about art, craftsmanship, and style. They were hot in the 60s and 70s, and recently started to make a come back.
Since choppers are custom made, we couldn’t provide you with an overview of seat heights. But we can for cruisers. Looking for a motorcycle with a relaxed riding position and a low seat height? That is ready to tackle long rides? Then a cruiser is a great choice. Or go for a custom made chopper. You surely will steal the show.
Looking for similar information about other types of motorcycles? Check out our overview.
