Easy rider motorcycle movie#

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. Similar Captain America replica's, are valued between $25,000 and $35,000 USD, depending on their condition.The Captain America Chopper – Easy Rider’s American Icon There were plans to have 750 replicas created and endorsed by Peter Fonda himself, however, only 110 of the 750 were created, making the replicas even more valuable. A replica of this exact nature is very rare. Using an original Harley-Davidson Panhead 1200 cc engine, this motorcycle is built as close to the original Captain America featured in the movie. Unfortunately, the motorcycle was never found and it is believed to be destroyed, or pieces have been used across various different bikes that cannot be accounted for.Īs a tribute to the original bike, this beautiful replica was built by Calles Chopperparts in Moheda, Sweden.

The original bike from the film, designed by Cliff “Soney” Vaughs and built by Benny Hardy in California, had actually been stolen from the set after filming ended. A Brief History of Captain America The 1969 film Easy Rider with Dennis Hopper and Peter Fonda featured the world's most famous chopper known as Captain America. How awesome is this bike?! This Captain America Harley Davidson replica bike is so one-of-a-kind, we can hardly believe it. Check out some really cool facts and pictures. If you're into classic Americana motorcycles, we've got a treat for you. We proudly insure one of the coolest motorcycles ever made.the Captain America Harley Davidson (a replica from the 1969 movie Easy Rider).