The motorcycles military history dates back as early as 1913. In reality General John J. Pershing used a Harley Davidson motorcycle to chase the famous Mexican thief, Pancho Villa, in 1916. By 1917 roughly two thirds of Harley Davidson’s production went to the military. World War 1 saw approximately 20,000 Harley’s pushed into military service with that quantity rising to 90,000 in World War 2.
These motorcycles played multiple parts in wartime, from mostly being used for communications, transport, and restricted combat to tactical assault missions in World War
2. This along with the regular wartime motor pool produced thousands of men qualified as mechanics. At the finish of World War 2 a large quantity of these returning GI’s went into business using their newly Found mechanical skills. Generally went into the automotive restore business, however, a generous crowd focused on the motorcycle part of the business.
A portion of these returning soldiers turned to hot rods and motorcycles seeking the excitement they had experienced in wartime. The enormous surplus of military Harley Davidson motorcycles provided a readily accessible, and low-cost, marketplace for these excitement seekers. From the very start these new-found bikers started modifying the large, weighty, function oriented and styled military motorcycle, Discarding parts and accessories not definitely indispensable meant for starting, riding, and stopping the motorcycle. Saddlebags, windshields, large bulky headlights, and mirrors were detached.
The mirrors and lights were replaced with newer and sleeker styles. The old unexciting floorboards were replaced with forward foot pegs. Front fenders were detached and the rear fenders were either detached or Chopped down, leaving merely enough to accommodate a
passenger on top of the rear tire. The huge, primary front tires and gas tanks were detached and replaced with much smaller ones. Exhaust systems were replaced with straight
pipes. All of this was completed mostly to build the bike lighter for street and dirt racing. The large leather and spring suspended saddle type seat was replaced with a
smaller padded seat to allow the rider to ride Dropped down on the bike. The “sissy” bar or custom backrest became standard equipment.
The custom, and chopper type motorcycles, as well as, the biker lifestyle were born! The end result of all of this modification of the military motorcycle was an intact industry catering to this phenomenon. Chop shops and custom bike builders sprang up all over the country. A person could bring in a stock Harley Davidson motorcycles to one of these shops and, depending on how much cash they wanted to waste getting the desired look and style,
ride out with a completely customized or absolutely chopped bike.
All removable parts are detached, as well as the engine and transmission. The initial frame is then cut down, or chopped up, and welded back together resulting in a dropped down and longer frame. This method of customizing led to the bikes being called choppers. Chopper builders have in big part favored Wide rear tires, a rigid looking frame, and an unique or replica air cooled v-twin engine. Performance and custom, ordinarily chromed parts, are then added. The chopper inevitably has a long, or raked, extended front fork. Springer and Girder front-ends were the forks of preference to accomplish this raked look.
These front ends are still widely used.
Although these bikes are somewhat less responsive to handling and bear a heavier feel at sluggish speeds and on curves they in fact handle better than their stock front-end counter parts at top or cruising speeds. Choppers have maintained a loyal following and legends in the building of these motorcycles have evolved. One shining example is Jesse G. James’ West Coast Choppers. Mr. James has been profitable in producing, and branding, his own style of unique and very expensive chopper style motorcycles.Multiple chopper and biker related businesses have in addition came into being. These include everything from the merchandising of motorcycle riding apparel and custom parts and accessories to bars and clubs catering to the chopper and other biker enthusiasts.
Steve Colwell
“Biker Steve”
http://hog-crazy.Freehostia.Com
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