Gallery: 12 Motorcycles That Trace the Evolution of the All-American Chopper
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The tale of the Chopper starts with the earliest custom motorcycles. This is Harold “Oily” Karslake’s 1904 Dreadnought, possibly the first “truly” custom bike ever.
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Before long, bikes customized for various uses were commonplace. This 1934 magazine shows American rider Windsy Lindstrom in a California hill climb, riding a bike with an extended frame and chains on the rear wheel, and a specially braced front fork.
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As motorcycle clubs were formed around the US in the 1940s, the image of the biker became increasingly associated with that of the outlaw. This photograph was taken by Danny Lyons, a member of the Chicago Outlaws whose 1968 book *The Bikeriders* was an early insider’s perspective on bike gang culture.
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A few crucial styling cues that would make up the Chopper appeared in the 1950s, including the extended forks shown off here on Cliff “Soney” Vaughs’ 1971 Chopper.
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By the 1960s, the motorcycle had become a symbol of personal freedom and rebellion. This is “Wino” Jerry, a NYC biker whose jacket is decorated with patches from other clubs, ripped from the jackets of their members “in a challenge to their masculinity.”
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Choppers were never known for their handling. Mike Vils, who spent a while working on trikes after meeting up with Ed Roth (who built this “Mail Box”) helped change that with innovative designs.
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As Choppers gained in popularity, different styles emerged. This is a classic example of one built around a Harley-Davidson Panhead engine.
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Harley’s Shovelhead engines were also a popular choice, and their loud rumbling reinforced the public’s image of the motorcycle as a potentially dangerous nuisance.
Corbis09On the set of Easy Rider
The golden age of the Chopper was best symbolized by 1969’s *Easy Rider*, the poster for which featured Dennis Hopper, Peter Fonda, and Jack Nicholson riding across the country on their modified rides.
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As with so many American cultural products, the Chopper went international. The style spread to England and Germany, where riders usually customized cheaper, local bikes instead of Harleys.
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Choppers have retained their popularity over time among Japanese riders.
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They’ve continued to thrive in the US as well: This is Matt Elper and Kimberly Hayes popping a wheelie in Milwaukee in 2013. Elper is the president of the Detroit-based Venturos, MC club, whose motto is “Ride the fuck out of your motorcycles till they break; fix it, and do it again.”
