Easy Rider ‘Captain America’ Replica Is Raw and Rebellious
Harley uses a ’48 wishbone frame and ’64 model motor and has a pretty interesting history in its own right.
The 1969 Peter Fonda/Dennis Hopper flick Easy Rider was a huge hit and perhaps the most famous motorcycle film of all time. But it also symbolized a huge cultural shift in America. It expertly captured both the rise and fall of the hippie movement and the drug fueled landscape of its day. But for us, the real stars of Easy Rider were the Harley choppers Fonda and Hopper rode.
The most iconic of the duo was dubbed “Captain America,” a patriotic ride that remains one of the most widely recognizable movie motorcycles in history. So much so that it has spawned countless replicas over the years. Like this example, which we spotted recently on eBay. The Harley, which uses a 1948 wishbone frame and 1964 model motor, has a pretty interesting history in its own right.
According to the current owner, the bike was originally built in the early 70’s. It was stolen in the late 80’s or early 90’s, at which time the VIN numbers on the motor case were altered. Someone tipped off the police and the Easy Rider replica was confiscated. It remained in police custody until 2004, until it was auctioned off with a new state issued VIN.
Amazingly, the Harley has retained most of its originality over the years. A rear disc brake appeared at some point in time. But other than that, the bike still retains a single point ignition and most of its original rawness. But that’s exactly the appeal of a chopper like this. It hearkens back to a time when Harleys were Harleys and America was in transition. It helps keep that rebellious spirit alive, which also happens to be the spirit that turned many of us into Harley enthusiasts in the first place.
