| \The motorcycles military history dates back as early | | | | on the bike. The "sissy" bar or custom backrest |
| as 1913. In fact General John J. Pershing used a | | | | became standard equipment. The custom, and |
| Harley Davidson motorcycle to pursue the famous | | | | chopper type motorcycles, as well as, the biker |
| Mexican bandit, Pancho Villa, in 1916. By 1917 roughly | | | | lifestyle were born! |
| two thirds of Harley Davidson's production went to | | | | The end result of all of this modification of the |
| the military. World War 1 saw approximately 20,000 | | | | military motorcycle was an entire industry catering to |
| Harley's pressed into military service with that | | | | this phenomenon. Chop shops and custom bike |
| number rising to 90,000 in World War 2. These | | | | builders sprang up all over the country. A person |
| motorcycles played many parts in wartime, from | | | | could bring in a stock Harley Davidson motorcycle to |
| mostly being used for communications, | | | | one of these shops and, depending on how much |
| transportation, and limited combat to tactical assault | | | | money they wanted to spend getting the desired |
| missions in World War 2. This along with the regular | | | | look and style, ride out with a completely customized |
| wartime motor pool produced thousands of men | | | | or totally chopped bike. All removable parts are |
| trained as mechanics. | | | | removed, including the engine and transmission. The |
| At the end of World War 2 a large number of these | | | | original frame is then cut, or chopped up, and welded |
| returning GIs went into business using their newly | | | | back together resulting in a lower and longer frame. |
| learned mechanical skills. Most went into the | | | | This method of customizing led to the bikes being |
| automotive repair business, however, a large group | | | | called choppers. Chopper builders have in large part |
| focused on the motorcycle side of the business. A lot | | | | favored fat rear tires, a rigid looking frame, and an |
| of these returning soldiers turned to hot rods and | | | | original or replica air cooled v-twin engine. |
| motorcycles seeking the thrill they had experienced in | | | | Performance and custom, usually chromed parts, are |
| wartime. The huge surplus of military motorcycles | | | | then added. The chopper inevitably has a long, or |
| provided a readily available, and cheap, marketplace | | | | raked, extended front fork. Springer and Girder |
| for these thrills seekers. From the very beginning | | | | front-ends were the forks of choice to accomplish |
| these new bikers started modifying the big, heavy, | | | | this raked look. These front ends are still widely used. |
| utility oriented and styled military motorcycle, | | | | Although these bikes are somewhat less responsive |
| removing parts and accessories not absolutely | | | | to handling and have a heavier feel at slow speeds |
| necessary for starting, riding, and stopping the | | | | and on curves they actually handle better than their |
| motorcycle. | | | | stock front-end counter parts at higher, or cruising |
| Saddlebags, windshields, big bulky headlights, and | | | | speeds. |
| mirrors were removed. The mirrors and lights were | | | | Choppers have maintained a loyal following and |
| replaced with newer and sleeker styles. The old flat | | | | legends in the building of these motorcycles have |
| floorboards were replaced with forward foot pegs. | | | | evolved. One shining example is Jesse G. James' |
| Front fenders were removed and the rear fenders | | | | West Coast Choppers. Mr. James has been |
| were either removed or cut down, leaving just | | | | successful in producing, and branding, his own style of |
| enough to accommodate a passenger over the rear | | | | unique and very expensive chopper style |
| tire. The large, original front tires and gas tanks were | | | | motorcycles. Many chopper and biker related |
| removed and replaced with much smaller ones. | | | | businesses have also came into being. These include |
| Exhaust systems were replaced with straight pipes. | | | | everything from the merchandising of motorcycle |
| All of this was done mostly to make the bike lighter | | | | riding apparel and custom parts and accessories to |
| for street and dirt racing. The big leather and spring | | | | bars and clubs catering to the chopper and other |
| suspended saddle type seat was replaced with a | | | | biker enthusiasts. |
| smaller padded seat to allow the rider to ride lower | | | | |