Choppers Never Die!
Old School Clubs, Carrying the Torch
I am constantly amazed at the long life of choppers. It was a fad in the sixties when I came around, but it has not gone away. Just the opposite, their appeal seems to get stronger and more popular. And not just in America but all over the world. Choppers and clubs are one thing: but not all clubs ride choppers. The ones that do, devote their art and individuality to the old school, one-of-a-kind bikes we ride.
Not all chopper riders are with clubs, they don’t need them. Their brotherhood is with people that ride other choppers, no club rules or politics. We see instant friendships and love of a certain kind of motorcycle is what brings people together, no matter where you meet in the world.
So, I decided to introduce you to some of my friends in other countries who are still carrying the torch and riding hard tail frames and often suicide clutches.
Beerepoot Ton of the Rogues MC in Holland on one of his creations
Beer is the author and publisher of the hugely successful ‘Ride, Chop and Party’ books. The hard cover books have around 200 glossy full color pages, with fantastic photographs. Like a professional version of Easy Rider Magazine. When it comes to the chopper culture, they are the most awesome publications in the world today.
The Facebook pages devoted to old school bikes and bikers are getting too numerous to count. You don’t have to be old to enjoy old school. The genre is timeless. You can still live the life, building your own bike, then throw on some camping gear and hit the open road. If you stay off the big highways and interstates, you can discover the past of your country. The small-town people and even small-town cops are more accepting of hooligans on hogs. It’s easier to connect. The restaurants and diners are smaller and more friendly. You might even want to stay a while.
Facebook is just the start; you can find social media and website all over the internet devoted to choppers. That means chopper people, likeminded people from all over the world, including Sweden.
Sweden may not have more choppers than the United States, but for the countries size, I’ll bet it has more choppers per capita.
Below is my friend Zlatko Budimir of Gotland, Sweden, living and breathing the old school life every day. Sweden is a chopper haven.
Zlatko and his beauty
And yes, both beauties are his.
You may not believe it but even China has a motorcycle club in Beijing.
This is my friend JoJo, the president and founder of the Expendables’ MC.
I wouldn’t have believed it, but it appears the only ingredients necessary for a club to exist is bikes, booze and babes, most countries have that. You just never know.
This bike is not exactly a chopper, but if you’re brave enough to ride in China, I’ll overlook it. At least it’s not a bagger.
Hard to say he’s Chinese.
Once upon a time….
There is still the good old United States where freedom is still king, at least as of this writing. The individualism of the chopper is still inspiring hearts and minds to build their own and head off down the road to parts unknown.
Some of the Hangmen are staying true to our heritage, not only riding choppers. but riding them long distances like we did in the old days.
Hangmen Fullspeed’s Shovel Head Chopper with a suicide clutch in Oklahoma, 2024
Yes, you don’t have a lot of room for Camping gear, but if you leave the Ol’Lady home, you have more room for gear and beer, and you get to spend more time with your Bro’s.
You may have read this recently: “An attitude of gratitude is a key to happiness.” So is living in the now, and so is living in the past… If you are riding the right motorcycle or flying the right old airplane.
The past can be a wonderful place, and the good part is you don’t have to stay there.
Modern times