Australia

Whereas the original bobbers and choppers were mostly home built on a budget, the modern development of the chopper tends to be shop built and very expensive. It differs from what has gone before in the technology employed in frame construction and the use of billet aluminium parts... headlights, foot and hand controls etc. Almost all 'Longbikes' have 'Big Inch' after market or current Harley Davidson motors. Paint work styles tend to favour ghostly air brushing techniques and the Longbikes are almost exclusively solo.

However the home built Bobber, Old School and Classic choppers are enjoying a comeback around the world and in Australia.

In Australia, many choppers built in the seventies are being brought out of 'retirement' and appearing again on our streets. Older bikes from this period; Honda CB750/4's, Yamaha XS 650's and Triumphs 750's and 650's are being purchased and chopped like they were 'back then'. Because of their reliability, modern Japanese and British 'cruisers' are also getting chopped, though this is more difficult because of Australia's restrictive regulations on modern machines. This current crop of home builders is a fairly even mix of guys in their 40's and 50's who built a chopper in the 70's and 80's and young blokes who've been inspired to emulate a unique period of Australian motorcycle history.

In most Australian states, Australian Design Rules limit frame modifications (engineer's certificate required), and fork extension (6"). The most restrictive rule is one that allows a maximum distance of 550mm from the front axle horizontally back to the steering head. Noise restrictions and handlebar dimensions are also regulated. In some states ADR's do not apply to pre 1977 motorcycles, so some of the older more radical choppers are still seen on Australian roads.