The Raleigh Chopper SE. One of 750 made between April 1976-December 1977.
On a moody Sunday evening in June, I received an email from a chap in Derbyshire who had recently dug out his childhood bike. Straight away I could tell that this was going to be such an exciting project by the way that the subject was written: ‘Raleigh Chopper SE’. Fast forward a few days and a lot of talking, I received photos of a fantastic original SE that had been buried in a shed since 1982. Malcolm, the original one said: ‘Dad bought the bike for me in 1982, but a few months later I quickly moved up to a more modern race bike’.
After that, the Chopper never saw the light of day until the summer of 2025. Almost 40 years later. Malcolm was originally looking for advice on either how to get it roadworthy or to sell it, however I couldn’t miss this opportunity so I offered to purchase the bike. We met up half way around Banbury and seeing it in person in shed find condition was eye watering, especially how most of these are in mint restored condition. Listening to Malcolm’s stories about the bike were remarkable and as usual it got a large amount of attention from bystanders.
Once home, I began to strip the bike to a bare frame. The usual parts were seized like the sissy bar, cotter pins, handlebar stem and bottom bracket. Undefeated though, a couple days later and a fair amount of penetrating oil, the bike was stripped to a bare frame. I began by cleaning up the frame, taking off as much surface rust off as possible, cleaning the drainage points and making sure that all the notorious seizing points were as clean as possible.
Now the frame is in a sound condition, it was all about finding the time to build the bike up and slowly deep clean each part. Some bits were beyond economical repair and needed replacing: Gear console cover, handlebars, forks, various nuts and bolts, pedals and the routine servicing parts. Throughout the build, I would say the worst hidden surprise were the bent forks. They were bent so badly and where they had been bent pretty early on in its life, the bearings had worn a horrible groove in the tube. The most cost effective and effortless way was to replace them, but that is also not easy, as used original forks are ‘hens teeth’.
Enjoy the below photos which show various stages of the refurb. I am so happy that the bike remains in 99% original condition and presents extremely well. A lot of SEs have had either poor or over-shiny restorations, so to find an original example like mine is really rare. If you own one of these bikes in original condition, please get in touch. I would love to see some photos!
Here is the SE parked up in my drive after sitting for close to 40 years. Patiently waiting for some attention.
Fully stripped down and awaiting a mechanical overhaul. As you can see there are battle scars, but overall the frame is in really good condition and the decals are still prominent. Luckily there are no weld breaks too.
Now inside, the bike is being built up. The original chain guard that came with the bike has been carefully cleaned as it was previously covered in thick black paint. Replacement original forks were needed as the old ones were bent and a fierce groove worn into the tube.
Half way there, the SE is awaiting its top half to be sorted. Doesn't it look fantastic next to the yellow Mk1 even as a half assembled bike!
And here it is! The completed product. A fully rideable and presentable SE with new refurbished mechanicals, cleaned up chrome and every inch of the bike checked over to make sure it is in the best original condition possible.
Basking in the sun, with a brand new set of Redline tyres. What an awesome bike, one to stay in the collection for sure!