In the biker community, 1 er refers to having one extended rear wheel on a motorcycle. Bikes with a 1 er setup are also known as swingarm choppers or stretch bikes. This type of custom motorcycle gained popularity in the 1970s chopper scene and continues to have a strong following today. For many bikers, owning and riding a 1 er bike is the ultimate expression of custom motorcycle culture.
What is a 1 er?
A 1 er motorcycle has a significantly extended or stretched rear swingarm that allows for the mounting of an oversized rear wheel. While stock swingarms allow for a rear wheel in the range of 15 to 18 inches, a 1 er stretch can accommodate a massive rear wheel up to and beyond 30 inches in diameter. This gives the bike an exaggerated staggered look with the small front wheel and giant rear wheel.
The 1 refers to having only one wheel greatly enlarged. Some other slang terms for 1 er within the biker community include:
- One wheel wonder
- Backyard bobber
- Swingarm chop
- Modified
- Extended
Having a single stretched rear wheel differentiates the 1 er from other custom styles like:
- 2 Wheels (both wheels enlarged)
- 3 Wheels (with sidecar)
History and Origins
The 1 er style has its roots in the post-WWII chopper and bobber trends. As motorcycle enthusiasts began stripping down and customizing stock bikes by “chopping” parts off, they experimented with longer front ends and rear ends. This created more radical silhouettes and stances.
The 1 er swung into prominence in the 1970s as chopper builders pulled from styles like the Easy Rider bikes. With the 70s custom chopper boom, 1 ers became icons of the outlaw biker image. Building a 1 er required time, skill, and money to fabricate a stretched swingarm and mount the oversize wheel.
Originally 1 ers utilized drum brakes. As technology progressed, builders switched the giant rear wheels to accommodate disc brakes for improved stopping power.
What’s Involved in Building a 1 er?
Constructing a 1 er bike from scratch involves some serious metal fabrication. Here are the main steps:
- Designing and welding a long swingarm that bolts to the rear frame
- Sourcing or fabricating a rear wheel hub that fits the swingarm width
- Lacing the hub to a large diameter rim and spokes
- Bolting on the rear wheel assembly
- Setting up the drivetrain, brakes, and fender to work with the new rear end
Many builders start with donor bikes, often older Harley-Davidsons, and then fully customize the rear end. Controls, suspension, engine, and transmission must be sorted to work properly with the new exaggerated proportions.
Building a 1 er is simplified greatly by ordering a pre-made extended swingarm kit. This provides the backbone of the rear end with axle and brake mounts. The rest is choosing a wheel, tire, and dialing in the look and ride.
What Size Wheels Are Used?
The rear wheel diameter on a 1 er motorcycle can range anywhere from around 16 inches up to a staggering 40 inches or more. Some common 1 er rear wheel sizes include:
- 16-21 inches – For a mild 1 er style
- 24-26 inches – Still very drivable and streetable
- 30-34 inches – Getting into true 1 er territory
- 36-40 inches – The most extreme stretched choppers
Many builders choose wheel dimensions based on intended use. Smaller diameters like 16-24 inches work better for street riding, while wheels 30 inches and up are more for show bikes.
Larger rear wheels allow for dramatic paintwork on the rims and give a more exaggerated staggered look. But they come with handling tradeoffs. The ultra-long swingarms required for 36-40 inch wheels make for tricky slow speed maneuvering.
Drivetrain Considerations
That giant rear wheel hanging way out back presents some drivetrain challenges on a 1 er. Solutions include:
- Using wider rear pulleys or sprockets to compensate for wheel diameter
- Installing longer drive chains or belts
- Setting the rear wheel farther forward on the swingarm
- Lower gearing in transmission and final drive
Especially on 1 ers with rear wheels above 30 inches, most builders convert the rear end to a right-side drive. This simplifies the chain or belt line when bringing drive from the left side transmission and engine.
Suspension and Handling
The exaggerated proportions of a 1 er motorcycle present unique suspension design factors. Rigid struts or basic coil-over shocks are common on 1 er rear ends. Travel is limited, so ride comfort comes down to proper rear tire size and tuning suspension preload.
Up front, the shortened front end necessitates a narrower front tire. This can make steering extra sensitive. The front suspension must be tuned for precise handling and enough trail on front wheel alignment.
Slow speed maneuvering takes practice on a long 1 er chopper. The slammed steering geometry and far rear wheel placement shift the handling dynamics significantly. Many 1 ers are built for style over rideability.
Why Bikers Love 1 ers
For motorcycle enthusiasts who live for custom chops and hot rods, building and owning a 1 er bike is a point of pride. Some key reasons bikers dig the 1 er style:
- Head turning looks – 1 ers grab attention with the sheer size of that rear tire and rim.
- Nostalgia – Rearranged retro proportions inspired by classic Easy Rider era chops.
- Non-conformity – Over the top customization bucking normal motorcycle aesthetics.
- Creative builds – For builders, 1 ers represent fabrication challenges and custom potential.
- Performance – Large rear contact patch puts power down for strong launches.
- Comfort – The long wheelbase allows for comfortable cruising stretches.
The outlaw biker image and rebellious style of 1 ers also appeal to riders wanting to project a radical chopper attitude.
Conclusion
In the world of radical custom motorcycles, the 1 er stands out for its roots in chopper counterculture and extreme proportions. While not the most practical streetbike, 1 ers represent creative expression for builders and unmatched street presence for riders. For dedicated bikers, hitting the highway on a stretched 1 er chopper is a supremely satisfying experience. With knowledge of the unique handling dynamics and styling cues, the 1 er motorcycle makes a bold rolling statement.