How Choppers Work

Movies like "Easy Rider" brought the chopper to the public's attention, and chopper culture is still going strong. Even Paris Hilton has one, which reportedly costs $250,000. Go into the guts of these chopped-up motorcycles and see how they're customized.

300 VM Appaloosa: A Chopper Profile

With nearly 20 years of chopper-building experience behind them the creators of the 300 VM Appaloosa gave it a classic design with big power. It can also be built from a Surgical-Steeds kit. See photos and specifications for the 300 VM Appaloosa chopper.

Aggression: A Chopper Profile

When a customer order fell through, Chip Miyler at Midwest Customs completed the project on his own. With its sleek lines and unique design the Aggression deserves its title of Best Radical Custom. Learn more about this chopper.

Assassin: A Chopper Profile

After showing its wares at a custom cycle show, Scooter Shooterz was selected to participate in the hugely successful Biker Build-Off on The Discovery Channel. Assassin is outfitted with a black steel frame and Executioner wheels. See photos and specifications for this killer chopper.

Astrozombie: A Chopper Profile

A frame from RC Components was the starting point for Astrozombie but it was tweaked a bit for this application. So were the Harley-Davidson Deuce forks. View pictures and specifications of this 2005 chopper.

Bad Moon: A Chopper Profile

Not only is the owner of this bizarre machine responsible for its design, he's also responsible for its creation. The Bad Moon is a custom motorcycle with a Rev Tech V-twin engine. See photos and specifications for this vintage-look chopper.

Board Track Replica: A Chopper Profile

The Board Track Replica is a custom motorcycle with a foot-operated clutch. Constructed and painted to resemble early 20th-century motorcycles, this bike recalls the excitement of board track-racing.

Buell Street Fighter: A Chopper Profile

Buell Street Fighter is a custom chopper with a modified version of a Harley-Davidson Sportster engine. Creator Eric Buell forgoes long-legged designs in favor of a more traditional custom style. See photos and specifications for this chopper.

Captain America: A Chopper Profile

The Captain America is a custom motorcycle best known for its role in Easy Rider. After the filming the wrecked bike was procured by actor Dan Haggerty who began rebuilding it but never finished. Find out what happened next.

Catalog Bike: A Chopper Profile

The Catalog Bike is a factory-modified chopper by Scooter Shooterz that features parts from various catalogs. See photos and specifications for this factory-modified chopper.

Checkers: A Chopper Profile

Checkers is a custom chopper with a monster V-twin engine fed by twin S&S carburetors. In this machine, Harley-Davidson meets street machine. See photos and specifications for this unrivaled chopper.

Cherry: A Chopper Profile

Whether new or old, what often sets one chopper apart from another is the paint scheme, and the Cherry Chopper is no exception. Its deep Cherry Red basecoat was treated to swirling gold graphics that dressed the tank rear fender and frame.

Chopper Baby: A Chopper Profile

Chopper Baby has a 93-cubic-inch engine that's designed to look like a 1950s Harley-Davidson. It features 18-inch-over Redneck springer forks set at an incredible 52-degree rake. See photos and specifications for this radical ride.

Chopper Profiles

Choppers are custom motorcycles with elaborate details and style that make them a breed all their own. Learn about unique choppers that carry names such as Johnny Walker Lethal Injection and Deranged.

Creep Show: A Chopper Profile

Crown Custom Cycle Fabrication is known for high performance, but can also build bikes with as much "show" as "go." Creep Show is a case in point. Check out specifications and pictures for the Creep Show chopper.