Peter Fonda on his custom Captain America motorbike

Legendary actor Peter Fonda talks Goodwood through the creation of his awesome custom patriotic motorbike. Here's how the Captain America bike came to be.
#FOS #PeterFonda #CaptainAmerica
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[@noneovyerbusiness4909]

This was a very insightful interview with the man who made it all happen! I remember buying an Easy Rider light switch cover and installed it in my bedroom. Dad took one look at it and made me take it down. He wasn't going to have any images of those damn long hairs on any walls in his house. In the early '70s we attended a police auction where rigid frame panhead police bikes were selling for around $600. I said Dad, that's cheap, you need to buy one! He said "I'm not going to buy one of those pieces of junk Today I'm an old man with a beard and long hair and have A rigid frame Harley. I miss you Dad!

[@philhayhoe1]

Ride on Easy Rider, RIP Peter Fonda, an icon of the counter culture

[@carlodave9]

I could watch Fonda imitate Hopper for hours. What a relationship; personally, professionally, and creatively.

[@byrd955]

I am a Easyrider groupie from 1969 still living the life 56 years of riding 2 wheels!

[@JLH1956]

63 been riding since 12. I got your back brother. I had a 1967 Triumph 650 Bonnie converted to a chopper, hard tail, king queen, six bend handlebars, and an 18 degree rake with a 36" over stock front end. The highway patrol laughed at me until I took their license road test and passed it with no errors. Great days. Today I sport a 2009 softail custom.

[@AlanAttack]

Byrd955....you have the name aswell as the style girl xx

[@randyjackson9243]

We will miss you...RIP Peter Fonda.

[@ernest472]

I am so glad that I found this video. I found out the truth about the ins & outs of the making of the iconic Capt. America bike. RIP Peter Fonda.

[@blackholeentry3489]

I saw Easy Rider when it was first released. My first bike was a Harley and over a period of about 23 years, put 140 on four of them. Then, my ex BIL came riding up my driveway on a brand new Honda 750 4cyl. Took it for a short ride...goodbye Harley and I've never looked back. Today, at age 82, I ride a Honda ST 1100 V4....although truthfully, seriousy considering calling it a day while I'm ahead.

[@andysedgley]

PF's autobiography "Don't Tell Dad" is a goldmine for the fan of Easy Rider stories.

[@robertforrest9021]

RIP Peter, you were very instrumental in my learing to ride and my love of Motorcycles. Hope you and Dennis ride together again

[@James-jd7ik]

I grew up on ‘Easy Rider’, nice that Peter Fonda finally gives credit to the ‘Afro American’ guys that so brilliantly built these bikes. Although Captain America and Billy “went looking for America” it was never verbalised in the film, the undercurrent ‘plot’ was all about ‘Freedom, existentialism and adventure’ all while riding motorcycles, brilliant !! RIP Peter Fonda.

[@Keepingitrespectfulmostly.]

When on a spinal ward and allowed out of bed, this film is all that was asked for and wanted to see, to cheer up and keep going. First seen on VHS, then DVD and Blue Ray. Can stream if required. The soundtrack alone, is perfection.

[@rogbrown1458]

I met with Peter Fonda at the Goodwood festival of speed where he kindly signed my copy of his film dirty Mary crazy larry.great to meet such a legend.rog brown. Pacific sunset records

[@1mespud]

Thank you Peter Fonda for doing your part to help tame mankind with your gift and talent. May GOD bless your legacy and surviving family.

[@chasstiles7611]

I had this movie on VHS when I was a kid , now I have the DVD. Great movie.

[@spanky522]

Why not mention Benny Hardy and Cliff Vaughs who actually built those two bikes for the movie? They never got much recognition for all there fine work.

[@mariusdrako]

Painter D I guess when He talk about the seven black guys of Watts , Ben & Cliff are included XD

[@tijmen131]

Painter D blacks dont get credits, which is to bad

[@michaelhutson9268]

that was the '60s and plenty of folks are still building riding choppers;and Harleys in general...and your argument is nothing new it was going on then!

[@stihl_joking570]

MrJimmy1437 I ride a hardtail sporty still riding bro!!! Hardtail for life!!!

[@bush600r2]

MrJimmy1437 Your missing the point and clearly don't understand. Good luck

[@melchormacareno1337]

REST IN SPEED CAPTAIN AMERICA.

[@mikeysmith3755]

rlkill

[@mikeysmith3755]

sons

[@CaneFu]

I have obsessed about the Captain America bike for the last 50 years and if I had the cash I would pay someone to build a perfect replica for me. I was 13 years old in 1969 when Easy Rider hit the big screen and I have wanted that bike ever since.

[@dickydoodle8454]

You should be able to find a signed replica made by california motorcycle company in the early 2000s i think they made 50 ..be warned they are a handfull to ride

[@CaneFu]

@@dickydoodle8454 Thanks for the info but I have already checked into that and CMC made 110 of them. Every now and then one of those replicas comes up for auction on eBay and the last one I saw sold for more than $25,000 without shipping charges and that's a lot to pay for a 20 year old bike sight unseen. Some years back I customized my old Dyna Wide Glide to try and come close to the chopper look and unless I happen to buy the winning lottery ticket that's probably as close as I will be able to get.

[@BudzzableRides]

Coolest motorcycle ever, I would love to ride that! I met Mr. Fonda on a bike at a gas station in Belle Fourche S.D. He was more than friendly, I didn't know it was him till someone came up & asked for a selfy with him. Sorry to hear about his passing.

[@TM1Alan]

I'd watch four hours of Easy Rider. Love the Hopper impersonation.

[@michaelabbet8920]

I watch it in 72 in a country town in oz Victoria when I was twelve and it blew my mind; now I got a URN at Forsenicare; so I hear you say "we blew it".

[@Harleywindtherapy]

Nice to hear it straight. The billy bike always grabbed me. I have love for both bikes though... just love that bike Dennis rode. RIP to the both.

[@harleydavidsonrideoutweert4050]

Since that day in ‘69 my Harley DNA was born. Thank you Peter & Dennis RIP in heaven 🙏🏼

[@goyeabuddy]

wow, a lot of negative comments here.... BUT, that chopper inspired a lot of us baby boomers to go out & start building a bike.. i {we} couldn't afford to buy a harley back in the days, so we chopped BSA & triumphs.. when the 750 Honda came out in '69, those became popular bikes to chop also... i would say easy rider changed a lot of people in our generation..

[@realist-2024]

This baby boomer knows a commie when he sees it...the bikes were cool...Dennis hopper was the deal...the movie was anti america.

[@hideskinnerbuck5316]

Baby boomer here. Hell I chopped my bicycle after I saw the movie. Changed my life. Been riding a chopper ever since. I'm 59 now. Don't like Peter? F$#k you and the boat you road in on.

[@luisbarrera1099]

R Rip brother.

[@sladelefty]

realist 4life Really? Do you know a fascist when you see one?

[@David-kq9vp]

I like how he says he built it ya right he drew an idea on a bar napkin and mr bear brought it to life . What he should have done is pay tribute to the builder's and how they made his vision a reality

[@jameswright4658]

Best interview ever. The insight to that film. Those characters. Is amazing. As for the bikes, Benny Hardy was the man. Cliff Vaughes made it happen, too. If you don't know their names, you know nothing about choppers.

[@JackT_Music_on_Vinyl]

Yep. Lots of conflicting stories of who built what. Fonda also said he couldn't move his arms after each shooting day because the ape hangars were awful!

[@fearsomename4517]

Peter should've mentioned their names. Glad he said what he did.

[@1satisfiedmind]

Hahaha, my step brother and I both chopped our mini bikes after my dad took us to see Easy Rider.

[@vinmanr2d2]

you made my day when I read that ! hahaha awesome !

[@rmtz59]

I am just finishing up a Sears 69 muscle bike that is a captain America replica. Chroming the final pieces now. Hope to have a video soon.

[@thagreen72]

SugaBear is still a builder i think in the city of Lynwood ...he learned from Mr.Hardy & Mr.Vaughn

[@fatrick4806]

Rob 72 he in Gardina ca. Now Bro.✌

[@ernieturpin4969]

Met sugar bear in Laughlin. A true gentleman and some beautiful motorcycles.

[@WTDOOR63]

Ernie Turpin 👏🏾👏🏾😎

[@chopperchopster]

Sugar retired and his son took over

[@gregallen7586]

I was about 13 years old when I saw the movie. It started a life long love of bikes from then I’m over 60 years old now and still riding. Fuck those that don’t! Live to Ride, Ride to live! I haven’t reached the horizon yet, so keep going, Thank you Pete and Dennis!

[@Vato-Psyko-Loko]

RIP to both Peter and Dennis.

[@andysedgley]

The replica at Barber Motorsports Museum in Birmingham, AL, is 100% accurate, unlike the one he rode here at Goodwood. Truly a thing of beauty!

[@davidson2004fatboy]

GOD BLESS YOU , Benny Hardy and Cliff Vaughs

[@bodeine454]

A replica Billy bike is being built right here in Owensboro, Ky as I type this. It will be going on tour soon. Going all the way to California if I remember right...

[@YTjndallas]

I never saw this movie, so I just found it on Amazon prime free with commercials. I’m gonna watch it now!

[@hideskinnerbuck5316]

Imagine being a 12 year old watching easy rider. I chopped my bicycle after I watch it.been riding a chopper ever since then. I'm 59 now. Lmaooooo

[@YTjndallas]

Hideskiner doe I’m 52. My first bike was a Huffy Thunder Road. Lots of Evel Knevel ramp jumping!!

[@MyCommandos]

when i first saw this film i was hooked and still love it today and every day !!!!as now riding my bikes when and where I want so be it!!!

[@seyfarth]

According to a lot of people, the bikes were designed and built by Cliff Vaughs and Ben Hardy of Watts . Their story is documented in the History of the Chopper by Jesse James, for Discovery Channel. Sad , that to this day, they don't get the recognition they deserve, just because they are african american.

[@richardshirey586]

Yea but there so badass they dont need it

[@richardshirey586]

There worked then but idk sissy ass style did not hit the badass mark at all but its opinion they were 60 yuppy lts see more 60s badass

[@billlozier5551]

How many guys had the poster of Hopper on his bike flipping the bird? Classic.

[@NOC1TIME]

I love the camp fire scenes. Were the best. Miss Din-Din . RIP . Good to see Peter still active. Talk about nostalgia wow. One of a kind movie. One of a kind people

[@ferrazbrother]

i always wanted to ride the captain america.that bike is cool!

[@ultrakool]

Yeah, until you hit a bump that sends that front fork high into the air and it takes everything you got to get it back down. lol

[@barryg1965]

I know of a great build like this one.Its called "Captain American".It was on display in Phuket Thailand in the mid to late 90's.Great Build!Thanks.

[@thomascollier4913]

Very cool interview, rest in peace brother.

[@joeythetruckguy]

Thanks Peter,Even at 29,Easy Rider is a huge memory of mine.I was 13 when I seen it the first time,It was at that time I decided I like Harley and Rock n Roll,Havnt looked back since

[@lewisfirth6502]

well done Pete, a masterpiece film , this was honest of you too.

[@hyperluminalreality1]

Bullshit. Electric start, front fender, front brake, etc. This is NOT a "replica" as Peter refers to it as in the first 10 seconds of this video. It disagrees with every definition of the word replica. The two black men who actually built the bikes were never mentioned either. Not too honest. Watch History of the Chopper Benny Hardy Segment here on YT.

[@gcragg11]

Some people just dont get choppers...or Harleys even. And thats fine. Its not about how fast you can go or how comfortable you are while riding. Its about the feel. The feedback from the bike and the road. Many are works of art. Theres no use trying to explain. You either get it ...or you dont. One mans junks anothers treasure.

[@jagdpanther6327]

You said it brother👊

[@jimkubitza3820]

My first big bike was VERY similar to the Easy Rider Harley. I bought a '51 panhead basket case with a good engine/tranny. It had a stock '51 panhead "wishbone" rigid frame. I spent many hours hacking, grinding, filing all of the un-needed mounts and brackets off the frame. I sent all of the engine covers and primsry cover and all of the screws out for chrome plating. I did up the cylinders in black wrinkle finish heat paint, I sent the front fork lowers out to be milled smooth and chrome plated. I bought one foot over front fork legs and a 21" front wheel. Handle bars, risers, headlight, seat, tank and tail light were all got by mail order. I put a fork brace on the front end. It had no front brake. It had a jockey shift and suicide clutch. It was a blast to ride but it is a miracle it didn't kill my ass before I sold it.

[@haraldpettersen3649]

I think the outtakes he talks about are hidden in a sneaky spot, to be "found" on a later occasion now after Peter Fonda has passed away. He are among the top of the greatest from the white canvas, R.I.P Peter Fonda.

[@rocket3man]

Captivating to listen to - one of my all time favourite films.

[@TheTerrapinchris]

Thanks for posting this! I had no idea he did that- sweet ! & a sweet man - so sad he’s gone - cheers Capt. America!!!

[@jbaumun]

LOL ! Great story about him and Hopper ! " We blew it "

[@smb7647]

Dirty marry, crazy Larry was another good Peter Fonda movie

[@JLH1956]

I agree, and Susan George was pretty hot.

[@alanjones4358]

Brilliant Dennis Hopper impression.

[@FAA-DPE]

Hello to my SCV-MC Brothers ! See you at Biker's on the Bayou 50th anniversary of Easy Rider Saturday August 24th Franklin Louisiana. This ride was rescheduled from July 13th 2019 due to the storm. It's going to be amazing I can't wait to see everybody. SCV-MC 1st Battalion Company B 4th platoon.

[@1motomanic]

Rip Peter Fonda along with Dennis Hopper...I remember seeing Easyrider for the first time when I was 12 on Wake Island at an out door theater on the island been into bikes ever since.

[@fw1421]

Rest In Peace Peter.🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@andrewjwheelerjr275]

he,s in our hearts always f w 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭.

[@bluetoad2001]

wow, i am so glad this is documented on film

[@CarlitoSuperLobo]

This is an amazing video love Peter Fonda

[@TheWolfsnack]

I remember going to one of the first screenings of Easy Rider when I was an 18 year old kid with a chopped WLA...I remember the feelings oif rage after the end of the movie...it was that impactful. (BTW...still riding old Harleys at 72)

[@kennyh5083]

Very cool bike and movie! Thanks Peter!

[@g.g.6362]

If only those outtakes had been saved..... I'd gladly watch a 4 hour,full length version of Easyriders..... Those beautiful riding scenes,landscapes etc.

[@martincvitkovich724]

I like the "Easy Rider The Ride Back", a great story line and a tribute to American Vets.

[@mereditharbon9918]

LOVE THIS!

[@paulakehurstrichard1709]

Lovely bikes wow

[@garyking5265]

Hi Pete fonda what amazing bike i would love to have one of these bike but the cost of this bike is a lot of money its just a dream for me . my name is Gary i am from Sheffield it so lovey to see bikes like this hope everything go well god bless gary

[@marcosdesouza5529]

really nice !!! so cool .

[@scottbaker7532]

Your going to be missed RIP. Peter!

[@billbright1755]

There's some tools in the shed, and turn that thing off, your making my horse skittish, that sure is a good looking machine. Yeah man.

[@harvey1016]

I remember seeing easy rider in the theatre. It was restricted adult so I had to con my father into going with me. I doubt he enjoyed it as much as I did. It was a great movie considering it was done on a low budget. Dennis hopper, jack Nicolson, Peter Fonda, Bridgette Fonda Dan haggerty, Karen black. Quite the cast.

[@speedracer1945]

Where was Brigitte Fonda in the movie at ?

[@harvey1016]

@@speedracer1945 she was a child in the commune. uncredited

[@Dabber422]

Thank you very cool..........

[@bigfoot2708]

Love that Bike

[@furbabydaddy5604]

Awesome story for anyone that was actually paying attention.

[@craigpennington1251]

This is about Peter, not the bike. Hell, it wasn't even started and no specs on the bike mentioned. Wong Title dude.

[@lilspikes81]

At least the bike is still cool. 🇺🇸

[@mechanicjobs]

Looks great for his age👍

[@RobGordon35]

Wow! A 4hr version of Easy Rider! How cool would that be?

[@andrewsegovia1226]

Wikipedia has him buying the bikes from the Sheriff's Dept. Not the LAPD. I wonder who's correct. That was very classy of Peter not to air the dirty laundry between him & Dennis Hopper during this interview. He passed on my birthday Aug 16. I will always celebrate our lives on this day!

[@user-ww3ey6yu8u]

I had a bike just like the one you drove in the beginning of the movie 250 Bultaco Pursang

[@donaldgarver6594]

Riding that bike would jar your guts out respectfully you can witness in the ranch scene

[@jeffreylindsey1757]

Yea those old hard tails were kidney beaters no doubt.

[@BobbyTucker]

@@jeffreylindsey1757 , My 70 y/o kidneys couldn't handle anything more than sitting on it at the curb, lol.

[@jeffreylindsey1757]

@@BobbyTucker Lmao 😊

[@rickyd4810]

Wow, thanks for this video. I am one of those ER heads. I rode the route backwards the summer after the release. And I would love to know where I can see that gorgeous 1948 Hudson Commodore Convertible Peter drove in Wanda Nevada.

[@dirgramsey6132]

Best interview ever!

[@acsticks1]

Awesome!

[@Abcd-hr9ot]

Best movie ever.saw it when i was about 13 tears old been n2 bikes ever since

[@johnorgan3]

Somebody offered to build me this Captain America bike nine years ago for fifty grand (American). I spent it in the Studio and my band instead. I don't regret my decision, but every time I see Easy Rider, or a clip like this, I think, I blew it!

[@fxjoao1sousa209]

Love Peter fonda

[@larrys.3992]

My wife blew it! I enjoyed it! RIP Peter!

[@christianxzowner2958]

Bless you Sir..! Yeah Captain!

[@frankzamora2415]

THE COOLEST OF THE COOL, CAPTAIN AMERICA, MR. PETER FONDA, R.I.P.

[@The.Last.Guitar.Hero.]

I'm not into bikes really but that thing is a work of art

[@gilbertbell8898]

So cool RiP . Mr Captain America

[@MrJohnm1965]

Rip Peter!!!

[@mattemeny2606]

What an awesome guy. Peter Fonda, you rock

[@garneauweld1100]

We would buy the extended film and faithful replica bikes!

[@666mrjimbo]

Rest in peace Peter Fonda still love your move easy Riders watch it every time I get. 666 out

[@jeffreydevoti8528]

I have a 1953 FL (74 cubic inchs) Panhead. Had it since 1978 and it was a chopper then, 14" over stock springer, sportster gas tank and king & queen seat. It had a solid brass Linkert carberator, which worked good but didn't have an accelerator pump. Had to put a new 6 volt battery on It every year and I got them from Sears & Roebuck. I aways started it full advance, straddling it with the kickstand up. If you know how they start good. Had 40" slash cut drag pipes and going down a steep grade I'd reach down and retard the spark and it would pop, crack and shoot flames out the exhaust. Each year model has its good and bad points, just learn to live with them. As far as hardtails riding rough, when new they had sprung seats, floor boards and the tires were only inflated to 12 pounds. As such, they rode and handled OK. They are what the individuals that owned them made them to be. They are American icons. If you don't understand, it can't be explained to you.

[@mickmouse3513]

Still got all the posters.

[@rmtz59]

Easy rider head here. I dont own a motorcycle but when I was 10 yrs old and watched this movie and hells angel 69 we went home and started making our muscle bikes into choppers. I am building a easy ride replica now. Or as close as I can for a bike. I will post it on my channel when I get all the parts and start. Hope to have Fonda sign my seat when I am done.

[@rmtz59]

@@72strokershovelhead88 ya I know. Before he passed I was on his twitter page and got turned off to that idea. Started looking up Vaughn and Hardy, hoping they were still with us to have them sign it instead. Unfortunately they are also gone. Maybe a family member. may they RIP.

[@brianpauley4831]

Peter Fonda like his sister is fond of PETER !

[@calebproductions5970]

They both are transgender like all of Hollywood. That's the way it is.

[@pedenmk]

Yeah. Liberals

[@ludiromarlan4066]

Good job ..

[@adrianpena677]

Let the man RIP, stop with the negative comments, nobody's perfect!!!

[@creekjonsun]

August 2019. R.I.P. Peter. May you navigate the heavens At the helm of "Tatoosh" (sp) .

[@chriscraft2]

crazy.. i just watched the movie 2 days ago

[@denniswilliams1118]

So. Cool.

[@josefschwemberger6392]

absolut kultbike,drive it again,where is dennis?

[@MAsWorld1]

Title is completely wrong but very cool content, helpful in understanding the ending!

[@deplorabledave1048]

I was 15 or 16 when I saw this movie in the theater. First run.