This man was responsible for the Chopper. Most African American bikers don’t know the Chopper was created by black men. To be correct, black bikers.
I believe it was around the mid 50’s over on Florence Ave., just east of Central Ave., was Benny Hardy’s motorcycle shop; just a few blocks west of the old MC Supply Company. Benny Hardy was one of the few, if not the only, African Americans who was an authorized Harley-Davidson dealer at that time.
Hardy’s customized bikes inspired the chopper, the long bike, and the entire pimp my ride craze. Ben E. Hardy was know as the chopper god and motorcycle titan. For those who’d like to know the shops actual address is 1168 E. Florence in Los Angeles, which is now an auto repair shop.
Bikers aren’t aware that Cliff Vaughs , who is a member of the Hollywood Chapter of the Chosen Few MC, was the man who designed the bikes for Easy Rider and he called on his friend Benny Hardy to help build the bikes . Cliff Vaughs designed all three with direction from Peter Fonda. They never gave these men credit for their outstanding work. You may intermittently hear some credit to Benny Hardy but rarely Cliff Vaughs.
Aside from the obvious racial issues of the time, they were also dealing with the politics of Hollywood, which is a world in and of its own. The truth should be told and I am here to do it. The bike below will show the similarity to the bikes black motorcycle clubs and black bikers road in South Centra LA and Oakland, California.
I salute the black bikers and black motorcycle clubs of the 40’s, 50’s & the 60’s for paving the way for the black bikers and black motorcycle clubs of today!
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