Nice video. Just had a retro Honda full raked chopper dumped in my lap…complete with a sweet California girder font end and no brake front wheel. Thats the next project to go in the shop as soon as my bobber’s done. Nice seeing real choppers still in the midst of the new storebought crap the yuppies ride
At 1:50 what style of chopper is it?
I love your vid and the choppers of the day when people were still inventing. Showed that a chopper was not just a Harley. I just finished my 77 FLH but I love all old iron.
GREAT video pics and all I am an artist and believe that choppers are an absolute artform! I love the pros and cons on here that all of you post VERY interesting …I’m 54 and remember the old 70’s chops I finally own a chop (had to mortgage loan the house and what was left over after siding and metal roof payed off my bike (bought new in 05 ) and added my parts I’ll try and post you all a clip (if your settings will allow it) or you can see here on utube by searching:MikeChambers1001 (no spaces
damned hot bikes
I’ll disagree with you, as my information comes from the oldest lived and longest tenured Harley mechanic in the USA. He just gave up riding at age 83 and started wrenching at 14 in the family business just 2 years prior to his dad getting a Harley dealership. “Spitzies” if you wanna do a search. Peace and safe riding! BTW, he’s my dad!
I have seen pics from the 50’s of guys just before or after rides from the boston area where my grandfather raised his family, people he knew were making apes back then, but they weren’t called that. You can see some pics also in a book called choppers, by mike seat.
What is defined as a Chopper today differs then what was chopped in the 40’s and 50’s. Compair my prior comment about prior to the 60’s and you will see we basically agree. I talked to my Dad, he’s 83 and has wenched Harleys and Indians since 1939. He can’t recall any raked bikes prior to the 60’s Do a Google on Spitzies motorcycle. You’ll see where my family comes from.
A little research coupled with an open mind will correct your “timeline” error. Choppers WERE around even before Doo Wop. Thank you for the post, glad you enjoyed the vid.
Thank you for the post, glad you enjoyed the vid.
ELDUDENY,
Upon returning from World War II (1945), soldiers seemed dissatisfied with the motorcycles that were being built by Harley-Davidson and Indian. The bikes they rode in Europe were lighter, sleeker, and were much more fun to ride.
Choppers started because riders were dissatisfied with what Harley-Davidson was producing. Rather than abandon H-D, riders streamlined the H-D bikes by removing excess equipment and then modifying the engines, rake, and suspension.
I’ve been associated with Harleys since 1952 and don’t recall seeing ape hangers or what we consider a Chopper until the 60’s when men tryed to copy the Schwinn Crate Craze. Prior to the 60’s craze it was cut down bikes, but mainly for speed and non conformity. What is your source of information and research. Also note* I’m on the east coast.
Actually, if you delve into the history of choppers, you will find that apehangers go back as far as the early 50’s. Just fyi.
As much as I enjoy the art work of a custom bike. Choppers are not Doo Wop, they are pure ROCK. The raked out front end, high bars are mid 60’s Doo Wop music was for the most part over at that point in time. Regardless..GREAT vid and Thanks (Sorry,I’m a history snob)
Some **** lookin **** on a real chopper! 
Who’s that pretty girl in the white tee shirt, she looks familiar.
Great choppers and nice song.Thanks.
Bikini?
what model is the bike at 1:40 its sweet.