If it were the 80's, they'd be selling computers. These guys really just want to make money, not change society. They're quintessentially American - Fonda calls himself Captain America, and wears an American flag on his leather jacket, and has red, white and blue painted on his chopper's gas tank. In fact, Hopper and Fonda are really just businessmen, out to make the big score. For one thing, it doesn't glorify hippies. The customised chopper not only looks amazing, but captures a true sense of freedom that few other vehicles have ever managed.There is so much going on in the multi-layered Easy Rider. Whether you’re a film fan, or mad about motorbikes, it’s hard to go past the Captain America when it comes to cultural icons. What little remained of the bike was given to actor Dan Haggerty, who gradually restored it to something resembling the original. So what happened to its brother, the one that wasn’t stolen? Fans of the film will recall that (spoiler alert) the surviving Captain America perished in Easy Rider’s stunning finale – crashing and disappearing in a blaze of glory. Of the three stolen bikes, one was the Captain America that Fonda rode the most during the film. What little remained of the bike was given to actor Dan Haggerty While their exact whereabouts remains a mystery, rumour has it that they were taken by Hells Angels members and that the bikes remain in a clubhouse. Unfortunately, three of the four bikes were stolen before they had finished filming. Drug use, hippie culture, and the exploration of American freedom are all major themes, captured in a way few other films have managed before or since.Īs such, Fonda’s chopper has also become synonymous with these themes, especially with what it is to truly be free.įour motorbikes were built during production of Easy Rider – two Captain Americas, and two “ Billy Bikes” – the bike that Dennis Hopper’s character rode. Beyond these fine achievements, the film was vital in launching the New Hollywood era of the late ‘60s and ‘70s.įurthermore, Easy Rider stands as a shining example of counterculture cinema, perfectly capturing the political climate and societal tensions present in 1960s United States.
Finishing as the third highest-grossing film of the year, it also garnered Academy Award nominations for Best Original Screenplay and Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Jack Nicholson. Written by Terry Southern and stars Peter Fonda, and Dennis Hopper, Easy Rider was released in 1969 to critical acclaim and box office success.
Following much reshaping, a dip of chrome, and a fresh coat of paint resembling the American flag and Captain America was born. Seat springs, front fender, and horn? You guessed it – gone. The Hydra-Glide’s panhead engine was retained, but little else of its original structure remained. Together, they set about building the now famous chopper. With a solid platform to start with, Fonda was joined by bike builders Cliff Vaughs and Ben Hardy. Protagonist Peter Fonda took the lead on the bike’s design, and even provided the original 1952 Harley-Davidson Hydra-Glide – purchased from a police auction. Such it was, that when 1969 film Easy Rider commenced production, wheels were set in motion to build something to really get the audience’s hearts racing.
#EASY RIDER MOTORCYCLE MOVIE#
If you’re making a movie about a couple of free spirits riding motorcycles across America, you better believe the bike needs to be something that stands out. Read on to discover what made it so special, and how it secured its place in motoring history! First appearing in the cult 1960s film, Easy Rider, this bike came to be recognised as so much more than just another bike. But when it comes to truly iconic, era-defining motorcycles, it’s hard to go past the legendary “ Captain America” Harley-Davidson chopper. If you’re a fan of something more classic, the Harley-Davidson Fat Boy may be the first bike you consider. Nowadays, when you think of world-famous motorcycles your mind will probably think of brands like Honda, Suzuki, Ducati, or Yamaha. The Captain America Chopper – Easy Rider’s American Icon
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