The Harley in Easy Rider
You knew this was coming, right? In Easy Rider (1969), Peter Fonda’s character, Wyatt (also known as Captain America), rides a custom-built Harley-Davidson chopper. The motorcycle is an iconic symbol of the counterculture movement of the 1960s and is closely associated with the film’s themes of freedom and rebellion.
The bike was built by Cliff Vaughs and Ben Hardy, who transformed a Harley-Davidson FLH Hydra-Glide into a one-of-a-kind ride. The bike features a long and low-slung frame, a distinctive “peanut” fuel tank, extended front forks, high-mounted handlebars, and a customized exhaust system.
The motorcycle’s American flag design was inspired by the aesthetic popularized by motorcycle customizer Arlen Ness. It embodied the spirit of individualism and nonconformity celebrated in the counterculture movement Easy Rider brought to the screen.
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