Peter Fonda's Motorcycle In Easy Rider
Peter Fonda's motorcycle in Easy Rider is an iconic piece of American pop culture. The movie was released in 1969 and stars Fonda as Wyatt and Dennis Hopper as Billy. The two bikers travel from Los Angeles to New Orleans on their motorcycles, encountering various people and situations along the way. The film was a huge success and is considered a classic of the counterculture era.
The Captain America Bike
The motorcycle that Fonda rode in the movie is known as the Captain America bike. It was a customized Harley-Davidson chopper that was built specifically for the film by Dan Haggerty, who was a well-known motorcycle builder at the time. The bike was named after Captain America, the Marvel Comics superhero, because of its patriotic red, white, and blue paint job.
The Design of the Bike
The Captain America bike was based on a Harley-Davidson FLH motorcycle, but it was extensively modified for the film. The front wheel was replaced with a smaller one, and the fork was extended to give the bike a longer, more stretched-out look. The gas tank was also modified to be more angular, and a tall sissy bar was added to the back of the bike.
The Significance of the Bike
The Captain America bike has become a symbol of the counterculture movement of the 1960s and 70s. It represents freedom, rebellion, and individualism. The bike and the movie it appeared in were both groundbreaking in their depiction of bikers and their lifestyle. They helped to popularize the idea of the "outlaw biker" and inspired a whole generation of young people to take to the road on motorcycles.
The Legacy of the Bike
Today, the Captain America bike is a highly prized collector's item. Only two bikes were built for the film, and one of them was destroyed in the final scene. The surviving bike was sold at auction in 2014 for $1.35 million. It is now on display at the National Motorcycle Museum in Anamosa, Iowa, where it is a popular attraction for visitors from all over the world.
Conclusion
Peter Fonda's motorcycle in Easy Rider is an enduring symbol of American pop culture. The Captain America bike represents the spirit of freedom and rebellion that was so important to the counterculture movement of the 1960s and 70s. It is a reminder of a time when anything seemed possible, and young people were willing to take risks and challenge the status quo. Today, the bike is a valuable piece of history, and it continues to inspire new generations of riders and enthusiasts.