Few movies have had as profound an impact on motorcycle culture as 1969’s Easy Rider. Starring Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper, the film became a symbol of freedom, rebellion, and counterculture, with motorcycles playing a central role in its storytelling.

While Easy Rider isn’t an official Harley-Davidson production, the two main motorcycles in the film—Captain America and Billy’s Bike—were both custom Harley-Davidson choppers, built from ex-police Harley-Davidson Hydra-Glide models. These bikes became some of the most famous motorcycles in cinematic history.

The Motorcycles of Easy Rider

1. Captain America – Peter Fonda’s Iconic Chopper

• Base Model: 1951 Harley-Davidson Hydra-Glide

• Customization:

  • Rigid frame conversion

  • Extended raked-out Springer front end

  • Tall sissy bar

  • 16-inch rear wheel, 21-inch front wheel

  • High-rise ape hangers

  • Signature red, white, and blue fuel tank with stars

• Engine: 74 cubic inch (1200cc) Panhead V-twin

• Exhaust: Straight pipes

This bike, designed by Cliff Vaughs and Ben Hardy, became one of the most recognizable choppers of all time. It symbolized the spirit of the open road, but also served as a stark contrast between the free-wheeling bikers and the rigid, judgmental society they encountered.

2. Billy’s Bike – Dennis Hopper’s Bobber-Style Chopper

• Base Model: 1950 Harley-Davidson Hydra-Glide

• Customization:

  • Extended forks but with less rake than Captain America

  • Frisco-mounted peanut gas tank

  • Lower, more compact riding position

  • Mildly raked front end with ape hangers

  • Flame-painted fuel tank

• Engine: 74 cubic inch (1200cc) Panhead V-twin

Billy’s Bike had a tough, road-worn look compared to the flashier Captain America. It reflected Hopper’s character’s more laid-back, rough-around-the-edges personality.

How the Easy Rider Bikes Were Built

The motorcycles were not factory Harley-Davidsons but custom-built choppers, created by Cliff Vaughs and Ben Hardy, two legendary Black custom builders in Los Angeles.

• Harley-Davidson didn’t provide the bikes—the film crew bought four used 1950s ex-police Hydra-Glides at an auction.

• They were fully stripped down and rebuilt into choppers.

• Since choppers weren’t mass-produced at the time, these bikes were completely hand-fabricated.

Unfortunately, due to the film’s low budget, three of the four bikes were stolen before production wrapped. Only one Captain America bike remained, which was later destroyed in the film’s final scene.

The Cultural Impact of the Easy Rider Bikes

• Chopper Culture Explosion: Easy Rider launched the custom chopper scene into mainstream pop culture.

• Freedom & Rebellion: The film—and its bikes—became symbols of the counterculture movement of the 1960s and ‘70s.

• Harley-Davidson Popularity: While Harley had no direct involvement in Easy Rider, the movie cemented Harley’s status as the bike of American rebels.

• Enduring Influence: Many modern choppers and custom builds still take inspiration from the Easy Rider motorcycles.

Where Are the Easy Rider Bikes Now?

• The original Captain America bike used in the final crash scene was reportedly rebuilt and later auctioned for over $1 million.

• Some claim a second surviving Captain America bike exists, but its authenticity is debated.

• Billy’s Bike and the other Captain America replicas were stolen and never recovered.

Final Thoughts: The Legacy of Easy Rider

More than just a movie, Easy Rider defined a generation of motorcyclists. The Captain America and Billy’s Bike choppers remain some of the most legendary motorcycles in history, symbolizing freedom, rebellion, and the open road.

For Harley-Davidson, Easy Rider was a defining moment in motorcycle culture, reinforcing the idea that riding isn’t just about transportation—it’s about a way of life.