Easy Rider Turns 40, Harley-Davidson Museum Showcases ‘Captain America’ Bike
MILWAUKEE--Easy Rider, the classic American road movie, turns 40 today (July 14). The movie, starring Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper, tells the story of two bikers who travel the country to experience the freedom of the open road from the saddles of their motorcycles.
Fonda played “Captain America” in the movie, and his bike is one of the most recognizable motorcycles in history. There were originally two “Captain America” choppers used in the film, created from Harley-Davidson® FLH police bikes. One of the original choppers was destroyed in the filming of the movie, and the other mysteriously disappeared from the movie set. A decade ago, to celebrate the film’s 30th, and with the help of Fonda and those who created the original bikes, an exact replica was created and is featured at the Harley-Davidson Museum®. It’s part of a hotbed of pop culture goodies with ties to Harley-Davidson. The Museum also features a bike Elvis once owned, a replica of Evel Knievel’s bike from his attempt at jumping 13 buses at London’s Wembley Stadium, and owns bikes used in Lucasfilm’s Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.
“Harley-Davidson motorcycles have inspired filmmakers since the beginnings of modern film,” said Curatorial Director, Jim Fricke. “Our bikes have been featured in countless movies to portray the spirit of individualism, freedom and rebellion, and we have many examples of this at the Museum.”
The Harley-Davidson Museum is a celebration of America’s historic love affair with independence and the open road, and the company that has fueled the flame. Riders and non-riders alike will appreciate the Harley-Davidson success story of four young entrepreneurs who created a true American icon that has journeyed through 106 years.
About the Museum
The Museum was opened last July in downtown Milwaukee, and it attracts riders and non-riders alike – especially families. On 20 acres in the Menomonee River Valley, the 130,000 square-foot complex shares 106 years of history and also features a café (Cafe Racer®), bar/restaurant (Motor®), and a retail store. The Museum has more than 450 vehicles in its Archives collection, dating back to the company’s very first years, and thousands of unique items telling the company’s story such as photos, posters, advertisements, clothes and rare video footage. The Museum also has unique interactive exhibits that give visitors a hands-on demonstration. www.h-dmuseum.com
EDITORS NOTE: Fricke and other Harley-Davidson representatives are available to discuss Harley-Davidson’s history in the movie business.
Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6006592&lang=en