modern machines and philosophical moments..

And so I enter the world of the modern motorcycle. Some of you may be shocked to be confronted with such a machine on our blog, which has been so endearingly devoted to chopper building and riding vintage bikes since its inception. But what is it which aligns us all into this fanatical and maniacal sport? Is it the drag bars or the home-made suicide shifter behind your left leg, or the custom fender you so painstakingly fashioned, or the blood, sweat and tears we pour over our bikes in the garage or on the side of the road? Maybe so, but more likely it's something much bigger than all of these things. Motorcycles are associated in our minds with escape; from daily routine, from opression and law, and irksome obligations; and with absolute freedom. Or maybe it's simply the intuitive recognition of quality in the human experience. The purity and amazement in the experience of believing that we're breaking some kind of scientific law; defying gravity and the logical intuition of how the world functions. We intentionally position ourselves into an experience that constantly reminds us that in that particular moment, with no gaurantees, we're alive. In every motorcyclists mind there's something that assures us that there's nothing that more accurately and completely defines the experience of being alive.

So maybe it's time for a slight shift in the philosophy that supports AC Choppers. Sure we love choppers and, of course, the mechanical process of creating or modifying our motorcycles, but in the end it's not the choppers that command or retain our attention; its the ride.










And with the welcome of El Bandito, we also need to wave goodbye to a good friend. A bike that was dearly beloved.

But it went to good hands.. a guy named Matt from Knoxville. He definately had an appreciation for the bike and the work that went into it. Maybe the best part is that, continuing in the trend of constant improvement, he was eager to make it run even better and his girlfriend will be taking it to Phoenix with her while she attends MMI.. Surely this supersport will reach a level of mechanical excellence that even I couldn't give it. Ride on Matt & Supersport, hope to see you at Vintage!