No vehicle is as iconically American as the Harley-Davidson motorcycle. The Harley-Davidson company has a storied history--including an often-forgotten Harley-Davidson snowmobile division and even Harley-Davidson golf carts--but its most recognizable product is its classic Panhead motorcycle. These timeless bikes have been modified to perfection by every generation of motor-head. The chopper that won the recent Born Free Motorcycle Show is a retro 1980s-style custom complete with a rectangular headlight and glistening psychedelic paint job.
Some say that what's old is new again, and this motorcycle is one of the coolest choppers around. Others argue that this stylized ride looks ridiculous on modern streets. Read on for a detailed description of the award-winning chopper and decide for yourself.
Origins Of The Iconic Chopper
Custom chopper motorcycles are an American tradition. According to Hells Angels founder Sonny Barger, he and his friends bought disassembled police cruisers at auction, chopped down the components to cut weight, and reassembled them as custom motorcycles. The Oakland-based bikers were caught up in the aesthetics of the 1950s space race and wanted to give their bikes the look of a rocket: they extended the front forks and removed the front fenders and brakes to build longer, leaner machines. They mounted narrower gas tanks and seats. Many of the builders painted their motorcycle frames with "International Orange" paint stolen from San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge. Finally, Barger cut the curved backrest off a barstool and fashioned the first ape-hanger handlebars. The Hells Angels' choppers were lean, mean, speed-machines. The lightweight racers were capable of outrunning even the most expensive sports cars of the era. Thundering convoys of the iconic bikes signaled the arrival of the feared motorcycle gang.
Today, chopper Harley-Davidsons are part of the Hells Angels' heritage. But many other fans of Harley-Davidson modifications build choppers too. The Born Free Motorcycle Show, based in Southern California, is rapidly becoming the biggest custom bike meet in the country. Hundreds of Harley-Davidson fans flock to the weekend event each year. In addition, Born Free invites a handful of the most talented custom chopper builders in the country to display their handiwork.
Winner Of The Born Free Motorcycle Show
Thom Jones is a multi-talented builder and artist. His work as an artist began with graffiti and street art. He is the founder of the Seattle-based Block Plane Studio carpentry business, designing and hand-building high-end furniture. After over a decade in the furniture business, he decided to branch out and design custom motorcycles. Many of his bikes are defined by bespoke wooden components such as pegs and air-cleaner covers. He also incorporates hand-fabrication and welding into his masterpieces. Watch Thom Jones evolve as an artist in this Vimeo film.
Many of Jones' builds are classic vintage or rat-rod bobbers. But in 2015, Jones was starting out his custom motorcycle business and needed to make a splash to launch his company. He had long avoided building a bright, shiny, chrome-covered "show" quality bike. But when he decided to build a chopper for the 7th Born Free Motorcycle Show, he committed to trying his hand at a show bike.
Jones began his first show bike as a 1963 Harley FS with a "panhead" style motor--one of the most badass Harley-Davidsons ever. He had first seen the project on Instagram, the seller having rescued it from a barn in Kentucky. Three months before the show, he began the build in earnest. Every component--from the frame, the controls, front fork, and wheels--required a complete overhaul. Jones opted for long custom front forks and a dramatically raked front end angle. He created a single body panel to connect the Wassell gas tank, rear fender, and cover the lower frame. He went with low handlebars, a low backrest, a fat rear tire, and a vintage rectangular headlight. Once he had finished his bodywork, he sent the sheet-metal away to Denis Babin in Dana Point, California. With half the bike 1200 miles away, Jones finished the frame, installing the custom exhaust, Aris headlight, and Survivor seat. He tuned the rear drum brake and the engine. The resulting motorcycle starts on the first kick, even when cold.
Jones shared his vision with Babin and requested a trippy, vintage paint job made up of overlapping geometric shapes in shiny metallic colors. They settled on several contrasting earth tones. Babin finished up the Bondo work to smooth the body panels. Then he set in with the complex, show-quality paint. The paint job was everything Jones had dreamed of, but when all the motorcycle's components arrived, the show was less than a week away.
1,200-Mile Roadtrip Machine
Jones quickly installed the tank, fender, and body panels on his retro chopper. Many show-quality choppers are rarely ridden. Jones' custom had a single (rear) brake and no windshield, saddlebags, or suspension components. But with only three days until the show, he threw a leg over the newly built Harley and rode 1,200 miles to Southern California. The rough trip took Jones three days, but he arrived in time for the show. See Jones start his 1963 chopper on Youtube.
Among hundreds of beautiful Harley-Davidson choppers, Jones' unique bike stood out. The 1980s-style he had chosen was unexpected in a show bike at the time. The square front forks echoed the unique square headlight. Details such as the beautifully-stitched seat and hand-done paint held up to a close inspection by the judges. The motorcycle was odd--some might even call it ridiculous--but it was eye-catching nonetheless, and obviously assembled by a craftsman with the eye of an artist.
Thom Jones was triumphant, winning the coveted best chopper award at the 7th Born Free Show. When he took the podium the judges handed him a massive, metal plaque. Jones stared at the unexpectedly huge trophy in disbelief: he had no saddlebags to carry it home. Always the resourceful builder, Jones strapped the award to the motorcycle's front forks, turned around, and rode his winning bike all the way home to Seattle. Choppers are ridiculous by definition, but we can't imagine a more American story than Thom Jones' Born Free win.
Sources: Hot Bike Magazine, Block Plane Studio, Bike-urious, Chop Cult, and Sonny Barger