1957 Harley-Davidson Panhead 'Custom' Motorcycle

For most of us, a Harley-Davidson is the ultimate thing on two wheels but there will always be those who insist on being different, modifying their bikes to suit their personal tastes and requirements. Starting with a rigid frame, stripped of all superfluous parts to keep the weight down, the chopper was about creating a more comfortable, laid-back ride for cruising the blacktop, usually with hopped-up v-twin engines for more speed. First seen in the 1960s, the chopper really came to prominence with the cult movie Easy Rider in 1969 and their long, heavily raked forks, high-mounted bars and low down riding position have been interpreted by countless customisers around the world. The best work, like the Low Riders built by Californian Arlen Ness, has become both influential and highly sought after, with customising rapidly turning into a new art form. Even Harley-Davidson had a go at making a factory chopper, with the Super Glides, Wide Glides and Fat Boys growing more popular by the year.