An urban legend among old bikers tells us that green choppers are bad luck (or bad taste, depending on who you ask). I’ve never really believed that, and looking at this rigid chopper from John Doran, I don’t think he does either. If he did, I doubt he’d have poured all that blood and sweat into making it.

Originally a 2002 Harley-Davidson Sportster weighing in at 1,200cc, you could say it’s had a little work done. And you’d be wrong on that count, technically.

It’s had a lot of work done.

Not so much to the engine; other than the air cleaner and pipes, it’s still a Harley-Davidson mill throughout. That frame, though, is where stock takes a sharp turn into custom. John went after long and lean for this chopper, with copious amounts of classic tossed into the mix. Not only did he kick the neck out to a 45-degree rake, he also tossed the shocks and transformed the back end into a rigid like you’d expect to see on an old chop in the 1970s. Doran gave it even more chopper cred when he mated one of Bill Holland’s awesome long girder front ends to said frame neck. At 9 inches over stock length, it’s one of the star attractions to this bike and sets the tone for the rest of the project. Like any big star, it has a supporting cast that makes the whole work of art shine too. Check it out!