Couple questions from a new person to choppers

[Twenty36_1]

I am trying to figure out exactly what I want before buying anything, so I have been searching online for pics of bikes that I like. I came across this night train and I really like the way it looks (other than the pipes and chrome).

I am still learning about harleys, choppers and bobbers. So I have some questions that may be dumb.

I know it is a night train, but if I wanted to build a similar bike would there be any need to start with a night train? or would any softail work?

Any idea on type of forks that are on there, and a place to get them?
Wheel sizes and type/brand?
Looks like it has the rear fender and seat kit heartland?
How tall are the bar risers?
Where to get a similar headlight?
Are the forward controls stock?
Is there anything else that stands out as being aftermarket?

[SanteeHardcore]

Welcome. Good Luck. That bike is hot and I think you'll be doing alot of swapping and fabricating to get one to look like it. Fact is unless you start with a frame and build ground up youre going to be swapping parts to get the look you want. Those risers are at least 8 inch if not more. Custom Chrome Drag Specialties many vendors with too many parts. Enjoy the hunt.

[Razorback]

Get you a softtail frame and start throwing parts at it. If you like the night train except for the pipes and chrome just buy a night train and do the mods. Myself ground up build is the way to go but why copy a stock bike? Make it your own.

[mle]

People don't keep things forever and the night train is going to hold resale value.

The custom market is sickening and probably will stay that way for a long time.
Exile is even advertising their mods to a stock Harley and probably a smart way to keep the doors open.

I would suggest starting with the Harley.....

[Twenty36_1]

Thank you all for the input. I definitely agree with the idea of starting with a softail frame or kit since it would probably save me some money over buying a harley and modifying it (although the Harley would definitely retain its value).

The problem is that when I look at roller kits it is hard to visualize if it is the bike as a finished piece. I like the amount of rake on the bike I posted (but I have no idea what degree it is). I also like the overall length of the bike (doesn't see too long). I know that I would prefer a 180-200 rear wheel softail, but other than that I am not sure which roller kit or frame would be a good starting point quality wise, or have a similar geometry and size. Any recommendations?

[Boogeyman]

I've got a '98 (first year) Night Train in the drive train is solid black. They only made 2 years with the EVO and switched to Twin Cam in 2000. That looks like a stock frontend with the lowers PC'ed black and a stock headlight. My headlight was chrome as well as the bars and risers, but i pc'ed them black. The stock Night Train risers are straight 6" risers and the bars are short dragbars. It's a great bike and a lot of fun to ride

[Razorback]

Lot of bikes on here to look at. Find one you like and ask questions. Lot of good help on here. I started with a Ultima frame 34* rake for a 200 tire and went from there.

[pushrod243]

Starting with a stock bike is a great idea. I have done several builds that way. The advantages are you get a HD title. Cheaper insurance usually. The Nighttrain is a good start if you like the blacked out look most of the work is done there.

This bike is a stocker with a custom front fender and black spoke wheels. Its an older model so only a 150 rear tyre. The newer bikes come with a 200.

On the pic you posted the forwards might be stockers just powdercoated black with aftermarket pegs. The fender kit is definitely Heartland. They offer a fender kit to put a 200 on the older models.


This was built from a 2004 Softail Springer. Its hard to build in the reliability of a stock HD in a custom. Even a with a pumped up engine the stocker is typically much more reliable than most scratch built bikes.


This was a stock Softail before we got a hold of it


This was built from scratch but most of the parts came from a Nighttrain that a customer had us chrome out. The frame was a Kraftech 38 degree rake 0 and 0. It was a small tyre bike but still one of my favorute bikes I built. My brother rode it to Mrytle Beach SC before we sold it and it was a nice scooter.

[pushrod243]

5 3/4 Black Bottom Mount Headlight with Hi-beam indocator [2001-0553] - $48.99 : Zen Cart!, The Art of E-commerce

This headlight is very similar