Motorcycles and Choppers

The Motorcycles and Choppers Channel explores how these machines are built and customized. Learn all about motorcycles and choppers at HowStuffWorks.

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The 1985 Suzuki GSXR750 motorcycle brought hot street bikes ever-closer to racing machines. The GSXR had a 750-cc engine that was capable of producing up to 100 horsepower impressive at the time. See pictures and learn about the 1985 Suzuki GSZR750.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

The 1986 Suzuki RG 500 Gama motorcycle was too high-strung for everyday street use. Experienced riders saw the bike was capable of tremendous speeds but novices rarely tapped this potential. See pictures and learn about the 1986 Suzuki RG 500 Gama.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

The 1914 Thor motorcycle was from a company noted mostly for building motorcycle engines. The 1914 Thor is the perfect example of what early motorcycle design looked like. See pictures and learn more about the 1914 Thor motorcycle.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

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The Girder's builders like to go to extremes, and this custom chopper is no exception. Girder chopper's custom forks were stretched 22 inches and cloaked in black. See photos and specs for this highly modified motorcycle.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

The 1997 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy motorcycle kept alive one of Harley's most popular models. This bike kept almost the same exact design of the original 1990 Fat Boy which was a huge success. See pictures and learn about the FLSTF Fat Boy.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

The 1998 Harley-Davidson FLHRCI Road King Classic motorcycle looked great in Harley's anniversary trim. This motorcycle was powered by an 80-cubic-inch Evolution V-twin engine with fuel injection. See pictures and learn about this hot Harley.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

The 1998 Harley-Davidson XL-1200C Sportster motorcycle line included standard sport and custom models. The custom Sportster featured a simple chrome bucket headlight instead of the old eyebrow headlight cover. See pictures and learn more about them.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

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The 1994 Harley-Davidson FLHTC Electra-Glide motorcycle is a luxurious touring bike. See pictures and learn about the FLHTC Electra-Glide.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

The 1995 Harley-Davidson FXSTSB Bad Boy motorcycle featured retro styling and modern technology. See pictures and learn about the FXSTSB Bad Boy.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

The 1993 Harley-Davidson FXDWG Wide Glide motorcycle was a 90th anniversary Harley. See pictures and learn about the Harley-Davidson FXDWG Wide Glide.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

The Thugster chopper is a one-of-a-kind bike crafted by John Lewis. A reliable 80-cubic-inch Harley Davidson Evo V-twin powers this unique chopper. See great pictures of the Thugster and check out its specs.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

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The 1991 Harley-Davidson FXDB Sturgis motorcycle marked the 50th anniversary of the famous biker rally. See pictures and learn about the FXDB Sturgis.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

The 1997 Harley-Davidson FXSTS Heritage Springer motorcycle mixed old and new Harley styling. This particular motorcycle was designed to look like some of the other Harleys that were introduced in the 1940s. See pictures and learn about the Heritage Springer.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

The 1926 Indian Prince motorcycle was specifically designed for first-time buyers. It featured a 21-cubic-inch single cylinder engine and a spring-mounted seat that made up for the lack of suspension. Discover pictures and information about the 1926 Indian Prince.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

The 1935 Indian Chief motorcycle competed directly with Harley-Davidsons of its day. The 1935 Chief wasn't as maneuverable at slow speeds because of weight, but at higher speeds, the weight provided great stability. See pictures and learn more about the big 1935 Indian Chief.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

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The 1982 Kawasaki KZ1000R motorcycle honored a top bike racer and was known as the Eddie Lawson Replica. It was based on the standard KZ1000 and featured the same 1015-cc double-overhead-cam inline four engine. See pictures and learn about the KZ1000R.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

The 1904 Marsh motorcycle used parts made by the Marsh brothers themselves. It had a single cylinder engine that had an intake valve that opened on the cylinder's down stroke. See pictures and learn about the 1904 Marsh, a pioneering motorbike.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

The 1961 Matchless G-12 motorcycle was one of the last models offered bearing the Matchless name. The 1961 model performed poorly which caused low sales against other British competitors Triumph and BSA. See pictures and learn about the Matchless G-12.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

The 1976 Moto Guzzi V1000 Convert motorcycle performed as if it had an automatic transmission. It featured a torque converter that allowed the rider to come to a complete stop and accelerate without using the clutch. Learn about this big Moto Guzzi.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

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The 1977 MV Agusta 750S America motorcycle was one of the last street bikes produced by MV Agusta. The bike was very heavy but the weight paid off at higher speeds by adding a great deal of stability. See pictures and learn about the 750S America.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

The 1970 Norton Commando 750S motorcycle was sporty but dogged by Japanese competition. The most interesting design element of this motorcycle is the high-set exhaust pipes with heat shields. See pictures and learn about the Norton Commando 750S.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

The 1976 Norton Commando motorcycle was among the last bikes Norton produced. Outdated design elements caused Norton to slip in sales when compared to its Japanese competitors. See pictures and learn more about the classic Norton Commando.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

The 1913 Reading Standard motorcycle was a great example of an early American motorcycle. Reading Standards is best known as the first American motorcycle company to offer a flathead engine. See pictures and learn about the Reading Standard.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

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The 1914 Sears Deluxe motorcycle was offered for sale in the Sears and Roebuck catalog. The motorcycle featured a 35-cubic-inch Deluxe ''Big Five'' engine and sold for 197 dollars. See pictures and learn more about the Sears Deluxe.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

The 1956 Simplex Automatic motorcycle was a lightweight machine that could return 100 mpg. The main reasons for the high fuel economy were the overall light weight and efficient design of the bike. See pictures and learn about the Simplex Automatic.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide