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 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

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

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The 1984 Harley-Davidson XR-1000 Sportster motorcycle was powerful buy too pricey. See pictures and learn about the Harley-Davidson XR-1000 Sportster.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

The 1904 Indian was one of the few motorcycles of its time to use a direct-drive chain. The direct-drive chain was far more reliable than the more common tensioned leather belt which turned the rear wheel. Get information and see pictures of the 1904 Indian.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

The 1988 Harley-Davidson FLSTC motorcycle blended retro styling and modern technology. See pictures and learn about the Harley-Davidson FLSTC.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

The 1988 Harley-Davidson FXSTS Softail Springer motorcycle blended classic and modern styling. See pictures and learn about the Softail Springer.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

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Of all the bikes American IronHorse builds, the Texas Chopper displays the most extreme geometry and appearance. Check out pictures and specifications for this extreme chopper.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

The 1982 Harley-Davidson FXB Sturgis motorcycle commemorated the annual Sturgis biker gathering. See pictures and learn about the Harley FXB Sturgis.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

The powerful 1977 Harley-Davidson XLCR motorcycle faced tough competition from Japanese rivals. See pictures and learn about the Harley-Davidson XLCR.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

The 1978 Harley-Davidson FXS Low Rider motorcycle had a muscular flow to its lines. See pictures and learn about the 1978 Harley-Davidson FXS.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

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The 1981 Harley-Davidson Heritage Edition motorcycle was a mixture of old and new. See pictures and learn about the Harley-Davidson Heritage Edition.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

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.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

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.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

For the Sportster, Klock Werks modified a 1998 Sportster smoothing the welds in the frame and molding curves into the tubing joints. See photos and specifications for this Klock Werks chopper.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

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LSC chopper from American IronHorse combines factory engineering with custom details. The basis for the LSC is a hardtail frame with 4-inch stretch 8-inch rise and 38-degree rake in the neck. See pictures and specifications of the AIH LSC chopper.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

For Pain Erickson not just any chopper would do. Betting that he wasn't alone he decided to build a series of bikes that met his own exacting standards. The Suicide Softail motorcycle has a 6-speed Baker transmission and a powerful engine.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

With even its frame built from scratch, the Spoon chopper is truly a custom motorcycle. It has a Harley-Davidson engine and a rear-view video screen. See specifications and pictures of this unusual chopper.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

Low Blow is a super-powered custom motorcycle made by Thee Darkside of Daytona. Learn more about this super-powered chopper and see pictures and specifications.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

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Deranged is a custom motorcycle built by Midwest Choppers with an S&S engine and distinctive Midwest sculpting. Its owner was a frequent customer who was ready for something different. Check out photos and specs to see just what he ended up with.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

The 1971 Harley-Davidson FX Super Glide motorcycle was Harley's first factory-custom bike. It failed to attract the audience Harley had hoped it would finding fewer than 5000 buyers. See pictures and learn more about the FX Super Glide.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

The 1975 Harley-Davidson SS-250 had a Yamaha engine. Learn more about the 1975 AMF Harley-Davidson SS-250 motorcycle and see pictures.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

The quick 1964 Harley-Davidson XLCH Sportster motorcycle was dubbed King of the Drags. Its impressive 883-cc V-twin engine out powered most competitors of the era. See pictures and learn about the 1964 Harley XLCH Sportster.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

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The 1965 Harley-Davidson FL Electra-Glide motorcycle combined a Panhead engine and electric starter. Though a curb weight of more than 700 pounds restricted performance, the Electra-Glide was a popular touring mount. See the profile of this classic bike.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

The 1958 Cushman Eagle and Cushman Pacemaker motorcycles were great starter bikes for new motorcyclists. Cushman was also one of the few manufacturers of motorized vehicles permitted to continue civilian production during World War II. Learn about these scooters.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide