I may be dating myself when I say this but how many of you out there remember Easy Rider (1969)? OK, how many of you remember, but don’t want to admit it? That’s what I thought. That particular stars and stripes, customized Harley Davidson was many people’s first glance at a chopper.
They Don’t Make ‘em Like They Used To
In the 1940’s the chopper was “the bobber”. The term referred to fact that the bike had been “bobbed”, or relieved, of some of its parts. Typically the fenders were the removal of choice in an effort to lighten the bike, thereby making it faster (or at least look faster). Following World War ll returning servicemen had a brainstorm; why not remove all the parts deemed unnecessary? You know, crazy stuff like turn indicators and front brakes. Even the seats were subject to substitution. Lower, unsuspended seats replaced the spring mounted models. In the 1960’s the length of the front end was modified; the purpose being a smoother ride at faster speeds.
It’s Not Your Father’s Chopper
Orange County choppers brought today’s choppers into full view. People who weren’t even interested in motorcycles watched just for entertainment. Despite the name, a distinction should be drawn between the true “chopper style” motorcycle and the “custom cruisers.” In many people’s minds they are the same; this is not the case. Choppers also differ from bobbers in that choppers have a modified frame where a as bobbers kept the original factory frame.
Choppers are a merchandising dream come true in and of themselves. Stickers, clothing, accessories and more fly off the shelves and into the hands of the motorcycle’s large following. They’ve come a long way but still manage to maintain that radical, rebel image (whether you remember it from Easy Rider or not).