Easy Rider Replica Bike
Not the fictional character who appears in comic books, but I’m talking about the classic motorcycle movie Easy Rider which marks the 40 year anniversary this week.
About two bikers (Fonda and Hopper) who travel the America landscape to experience freedom of the open road from the seat of their motorcycles. Fonda played “Captain America” and his bike is one of the most recognizable motorcycles in history. Stories vary, but according to the H-D Museum there were two choppers used in the film. There is some irony in that both were created from H-D FLH police motorcycles. One was destroyed in the making of the film and the other mysteriously disappeared from the movie set. By some accounts there were a total of 4 motorcycles used which 3 were stolen.
Jack Nicholson played an alcoholic ACLU lawyer, George Hanson. One of his more memorable comments after observing that Americans talk a lot about the value of freedom, but are actually afraid of anyone who truly exhibit it was:
“This used to be a hell of a good country. I can’t understand what’s gone wrong with it.”
Ten years ago for the 30th anniversary celebration Fonda and H-D collaborated to build an exact replica of the California chopper which is now featured in the H-D Museum. In 1998, the movie was added to the U.S. National Film Registry have been deemed culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.
I posted previously about producer William Hayward, his role in the movie and his unfortunate death.
Photo taken at H-D Museum during 105th Anniversary Celebration.
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