"98 percent of all creation is accident, and 1 percent is intellect." Dennis Hopper’s quote, while perhaps laced with some counter-culture humor, touches upon the mystique of iconic creations. When it comes to motorcycles, few are as instantly recognizable and culturally significant as the Bike Easy Rider made famous – the Captain America chopper. This machine isn’t just metal and engine; it’s a symbol of freedom, rebellion, and the open road, deeply embedded in the American psyche.
Like many, I’ve been captivated by custom bikes. From the spectacle of shows to the craftsmanship on display, the dedication to transforming metal into rideable art is undeniable. The desire to create something unique, something cool, resonates deeply. Perhaps an old-school bobber, echoing the post-WWII era when returning GIs stripped down bikes for speed and style, marking the birth of the custom motorcycle. But when considering the most famous custom bike ever, one image immediately springs to mind: the star-spangled machine from Easy Rider.
Captain America Bike from Easy Rider
Captain America motorcycle, the iconic chopper from the movie Easy Rider, featuring its extended rake and star-spangled fuel tank.
Challenge anyone to name a more recognizable motorcycle. Evel Knievel’s bike? Steve McQueen’s Triumph from The Great Escape? While legendary, they lack the immediate, almost visceral recognition of the Captain America Easy Rider bike. Even those unfamiliar with the film instantly recognize this symbol of American counter-culture. Born from a repurposed 1950s Panhead police motorcycle, Peter Fonda transformed it into something wildly imaginative. The radical rake, absent fenders, and lack of rear suspension scream rebellion. Even for someone not drawn to choppers, the teardrop gas tank and king-and-queen seat command respect. While the rear shocks are practically invisible, the bike’s impact on motorcycle culture is anything but. It’s arguable that no other bike Easy Rider made famous has inspired more people to ride and customize their own machines.
The Unsung Hero Behind the Legend: Ben Hardy
The journey of the Easy Rider bike from concept to reality is as intriguing as the film itself. Peter Fonda, envisioning the Easy Rider concept, sought out bikes for the movie. While stories swirl about who actually built these iconic machines – some mention Dan Haggerty (who appeared in the film), others point to the painter’s son claiming his father’s role, and some even suggest Fonda himself – the true builder was Ben Hardy.
Ben Hardy, an African American motorcycle craftsman, was a Harley Davidson expert deeply respected within Los Angeles’ Black motorcycle community. When Cliff Vaughs, tasked by Fonda to oversee bike construction, needed a builder, he turned to Hardy. Vaughs recognized Hardy’s skill and reputation for building exceptional bikes, and doing it right.
Ben Hardy Easy Rider BikeBen Hardy, the master motorcycle builder behind the iconic Easy Rider bikes, pictured with his creation.
Ben Hardy, in 1968, was the man who brought the Easy Rider bikes to life, a figure largely lost to mainstream history, yet instrumental in creating arguably the most famous motorcycle in the world. Peter Fonda’s primary request was the American flag on the gas tank of the Captain America bike. Beyond that, the design was entrusted to Vaughs, who then relied on Hardy’s expertise. Interestingly, considering Fonda’s riding experience and Hopper’s relative novice status, the “Billy Bike,” the second bike Easy Rider featured, was noticeably easier to handle. Its configuration was closer to bikes like the Fat Boy, known for their rideability. The Captain America bike, with its extreme rake and lack of front brake, was a different beast altogether – certainly not a beginner’s machine.
Cliff Vaughs is also credited with suggesting the film’s title, “Easy Rider.” The term “Easy Rider” itself has an evolving meaning. In the early 20th century, it referred to a freeloader. Dennis Hopper interpreted it as a man living off a prostitute’s earnings, drawing from a Mae West film. Regardless of Vaughs’ original intent, the film and the bike Easy Rider showcased redefined the term. Today, “Easy Rider” is almost synonymous with Harley riders and the spirit of motorcycle freedom, largely due to the movie’s impact.
Vaughs quickly brought the project to Ben Hardy. Fonda procured four 1950s Panhead police bikes at auction, delivering them to Hardy and Vaughs. Jim Buchanan fabricated the frames, while Dean Lanza handled the paintwork (Lanza’s son also claims his father built the bikes, adding to the ongoing debate). Two bikes were designated for filming, and two for the film’s dramatic final scene. Hardy commenced work, and motorcycle history was made.
Ben Hardy
Ben Hardy’s motorcycle workshop, a hub of custom bike creation in its prime.
Ben Hardy Shop Today
Ben Hardy’s motorcycle shop as it appears today, a testament to his enduring legacy in custom bike building.
Ben Hardy passed away in 1994, while Cliff Vaughs remains with us. Both men, in my opinion, deserve far greater recognition for creating what are undeniably the most famous motorcycles ever built. Ben’s original shop still stands in Los Angeles, a quiet monument to his incredible contribution.
Captain America Teardrop Gas Tank
Close-up of the Captain America bike’s iconic teardrop gas tank, a defining feature of this legendary motorcycle.
So, the next time you’re at a gas station, fueling up your own ride, take a moment to remember Ben Hardy and Cliff Vaughs. They were as integral to the Easy Rider phenomenon as anyone involved, and they gifted the world with, arguably, the most iconic motorcycles ever conceived.
