Did Harley-Davidson Ever Release a Factory Chopper?

Harley-Davidson is known to perform experiments on its motorcycles. Though they specialize in producing cruisers and touring bikes, they keep trying to bring different variations to this class.

The American motorcycling brand wants to stick to its original designs and style. American riders have always loved Harley-Davidson because of its versatile approach to cruisers.

Similarly, Harley has always been credited with and associated with the “Chopper” revolution, which became a prominent motorcycling phenomenon in the late 1950s. The chopper motorcycle design originated in California, USA.

Choppers became a very desirable customized motorcycle type in the US. There was a time when everyone wanted a chopper motorcycle to look cool. Several motorcycle clubs and riding groups promoted the chopper culture.

Many motorcycle manufacturers got attracted to chopper-style bikes, but due to certain restrictions, they couldn’t produce factory-made chopper motorcycles. They could only mimic the chopper styling to a certain extent.

Among these manufacturers, Harley-Davidson was a prominent name. Most custom builders used Harley bikes as base motorcycles, as they were the most suited for this purpose.

Nonetheless, the question remains: Did Harley-Davidson ever release a factory chopper? Continued reading this article to learn whether Harley ever produced a factory-made chopper.

But before we get into this discussion, it is important to know what exactly a chopper motorcycle is. Also, what makes a motorcycle a chopper? What modifications are required to transform a motorcycle into a chopper?

Chopper motorcycles are usually not made in the factory. They are customized motorcycles. Choppers are a modified cruiser form with a stretched-out front fork and extended wheelbase.

Talking about the literal meaning, the term “Chopper” actually came from the word “Chop.” This bike involved chopping off extra and heavy parts to give it a unique and interesting look. The motorcycle parts that are usually chopped off in a chopper include:

• Front Fender

• Windscreen

Certain motorcycle parts, including the extended and raked-out front fender, are added to give it a chopper look.

The original chopper motorcycles usually have a hardtail rear end with no rear mono-shock.

Today, chopper motorcycles are not very common. The trend has settled down. There are several reasons why choppers are not considered very practical now.

Considering the safety concerns and performance parameters, chopper motorcycles are unsafe. They have certain limitations and are only good for linear performance on straight and open roads.

Chopper motorcycles don’t handle great when faced with twisty or curvy roads. They don’t like leaning or taking corners at all. Chopper motorcycles stay happy as long as you are riding on a straight road.

The straightforward answer to this question is “No.” Harley-Davidson did not specifically produce any factory-made chopper motorcycles. However, several Harley models look inspired by the chopper design.

Many riders still love the chopper concept. To cater to this market and riders, Harley ensures that its motorcycles pay homage to the chopper concept.

It must be clear that choppers are not factory-made. There are a few Harley-Davidson motorcycles that lightly resemble or give a hint of a chopper motorcycle but are not a true chopper motorcycle.

Let’s look at some of the very popular Harley-Davidson motorcycles, which resemble a chopper motorcycle design to a certain degree. They can be termed something closest to a chopper motorcycle.

The Harley-Davidson Breakout is considered one of the Harleys that looks closest to a chopper motorcycle in modern times. Thanks to the extended, raked-out front fork, it has one of the longest wheelbases in the Harley lineup. The Harley Breakout is quite low to the ground but has a very long stature.

The rear mono-shock is hidden under the seat as a Softail model, giving it a pure hardtail look. Harley Softail models are known to be inspired by the hopper trend, as they provide a clean hardtail look, which is the most prominent chopper characteristic.

If you want to know the differences between Hardtail vs. Softail motorcycles, and their pros and cons, read the attached article below:

The H-D Breakout is one of the low-slung Harleys with low seat heights. Being a notable Harley model, it is still being produced. The latest model also features several chrome parts for a classic chopper touch.

Being a chopper, the Harley Breakout is not easy and comfortable. Being an extended chopper motorcycle, the Harley Breakout is only good for taller riders. The ergonomics, legroom, and arm position only suit taller riders. Also, the H-D Breakout is only good for linear or straight-road performance.

The Harley Breakout ’s front wheel is larger than the rear wheel on a chopper. However, the front tire is quite narrow compared to the wide 240 mm rear tire, giving this bike a recognizable rear-end look.

Another classic Harley motorcycle discontinued in 2003, the Harley Softail Springer, perfectly imitates a chopper motorcycle. To most motorcycling fans, it is closest to being called a factory-made chopper by Harley-Davidson.

The Harley Softail Springer's front wheel is quite large, and its long-stroke front forks make the front end look quite taller. Thus, the bike looks like a chopper and feels like a classic chopper to ride.

As you sit on the Springer, you can see the front wheel clearly because it is too far. The classic chrome headlight is installed at a good height, as you usually find on a chopper motorcycle.

The most interesting feature of the Harley Softail Springer is the Springer front fork, providing an ultimate classic look. The very old 1948 model inspired the vintage-looking front fork on Harley Stringer. However, the rest of the bike was considerably modern at that time.

Unlike a chopper, the Harley Softail Springer was a comfortable cruiser for long rides.

Most motorcycle reviewers criticize this bike for its less practical Springer front fork. Also, being an iconic vintage Harley model, it is quite an expensive ultimate retro bike. It is one of those motorcycles to have in your collection as your garage queen.

The Harley-Davidson Wide Glide is another notable option in the Harley lineup. Its characteristics match those of a chopper motorcycle, and thanks to its extended motorcycle design and raked-out front end, it is also one of the ideal Harley platforms for building a chopper.

The Wide Glide looks like a factory chopper motorcycle in its stock form. The front wheel looks exceptionally forward from the rider's seat

Considering its longer wheelbase, the Dyna Wide Glide ’s legroom is also incredibly spacious, allowing riders to stretch their legs. However, such a longer wheelbase and roomy rider triangle make it suitable only for taller riders.

Despite the extended ergonomics geometry, riders have to stretch their arms to grab the flat-style handlebars mounted on riders. If you want a proper chopper vibe and ride feel, you can replace the stock bars with pulled-back handlebars for relaxed riding.

Harley-Davidson Sportster models are not considered choppers in their stock form. They have sportier designs and elements than other classic Harleys. The Sportster models' wheelbases are shorter, as these bikes are meant to be more agile and light around the corners.

However, Harley Sportsters are among the ideal platforms for building custom choppers. Aftermarket parts and accessories are widely available. Also, the construction and build of Sportsters models allow custom builders to modify the bike a great deal.

Harley Sportsters are among the most customizable Harleys. Their lightweight construction and parts allow them to be modified in multiple ways.

If you ever visit the custom chopper markets, you will see how popular the H-D Sportsters are.

Another good reason Sportsters make the best platform for building custom choppers is their unified engine and transmission. Harley Sportsters’ engines and transmissions have a single-unit construction, which makes customization very easy, particularly when modifying frames.

Harley-Davidson is most associated with the origin of chopper culture. These bikes' vintage vibes make a perfect platform for building chopper motorbikes.

Many Harley-Davidson models may be inspired by chopper bikes. However, they cannot be considered original choppers.

Chopper motorcycles are originally custom-made. They are a type of motorcycle with a highly extended wheelbase, widely raked-out front fork, and hardtail rear-end look.

There was a time when every motorcyclist wanted a chopper motorcycle. However, choppers are not considered practical today because they are unsuitable for city travel and daily use.

Therefore, instead of investing too much in building a custom chopper, buying a factory-made chopper-style Harley-Davidson cruiser motorcycle is better.

If you are interested in a modern-day factory-made chopper-style bike, the Harley Breakout is the best option. If you are looking for a vintage-looking bike that looks closest to a custom chopper bike, the Harley Softail Springer is an antique bike to own and have in your garage.

The Harley Dyna Wide Glide is another classic option for a factory-made chopper-style Harley motorcycle in the used market.

If you still want the custom-built option, the Harley Sporster is the ideal platform for building choppers. Their lightweight build and availability of a wide range of aftermarket parts make Sportsters a highly suitable motorcycle for this purpose.