The 1980s was an iconic decade for chopper motorcycles. With wild designs, tons of chrome, and roaring V-twin engines, choppers embodied the free spirit and rebellious nature of the era. Choppers were all about attitude, customization, and raw power.
So what were the best choppers of the 1980s? In this article, we’ll take a nostalgic look at 5 of the top chopper motorcycles that defined the ’80s chopper scene. From Harley-Davidsons to high-performance Japanese cruisers, these bikes pushed the boundaries of radical custom styling and helped shape chopper culture.
A Brief History of Choppers
Before jumping into the top 80s choppers, let’s take a quick look at the origins of the chopper motorcycle. Choppers first emerged in the 1950s and 60s as a counterculture bike style. Bikers would “chop” unnecessary parts off stock motorcycles to lighten them and give them a sleek, stripped-down look.
Early choppers were all about mechanical simplicity and a lean profile, often removing fenders, trim, and even front brakes. But as choppers evolved through the 1970s, builders started getting more flashy and creative with custom paint, wild parts, and immense style.
By the 1980s, the chopper movement was in full swing. Iconic builders like Arlen Ness were cranking out radical, mega-chrome laden choppers. The 80s chopper scene focused on over-the-top customization, from wild paint jobs to ape-hanger handlebars stretching sky-high. Powerful V-twin engines roared to life thanks to improved technology. And choppers became a symbol of American biker individuality and rebellion.
Now let’s jump into the 5 sweetest 80s choppers ever built.
1. Harley-Davidson FXR
No list of classic 80s choppers is complete without the mighty Harley-Davidson FXR. Introduced in 1982, the FXR was an innovative cruiser that helped cement Harley’s chopper styling for the decade.
The FXR featured Harley’s strong 80 cubic inch Evolution V-twin motor. With advanced rubber mounting and improved manufacturing, the Evolution engine was leaps ahead of old Harley Shovelheads for smooth power and reliability. Wrapped in blacked-out engine cases, the Evo V-twin looked tough as nails.
While the engine was modern, the rest of the FXR was retro chopper styling. It rolled on spoked wheels, drag style bars, and of course the iconic Harley teardrop fuel tank. The lean looks, loud pipes, and muscular power made the FXR the quintessential American chopper of the 1980s.
2. Honda Shadow VT1100
In 1983, Honda rocked the chopper world by introducing the Honda Shadow VT1100. While Japanese cruisers had been around for years, the Shadow was the first serious chopper-styled bike from the East.
With an imposing 1099cc V-twin engine, the Honda Shadow had grunt to match its looks. It came stock with fat rear tires, bobbed rear fenders, and drag-style handlebars. The highlights were the beautifully sculpted teardrop tank and the wild, almost deco style custom paint jobs.
The Honda Shadow looked like something straight out of an 80s biker movie. And it introduced hordes of riders to choppers thanks to its affordability and bulletproof reliability. While traditionalists scoffed at Japanese choppers at first, the Honda Shadow won over fans across the world.
3. Kawasaki Vulcan 1500
If the Shadow VT1100 was Honda’s foot in the 80s chopper door, Kawasaki kicked that door off its hinges with the mighty Vulcan 1500. Unveiled in 1985, this was one of the biggest, brashest Japanese choppers ever seen.
The centerpiece was Kawasaki’s gargantuan 1500cc V-twin, specially crafted for the Vulcan. With imposing cylinders jutting out at a 45-degree angle, the Vulcan 1500 motor looked like a speeding locomotive. Fueling the fire was radical styling like skeleton hardtail rear suspension, straight-cut slash mufflers, and lots of gleaming chrome.
The Vulcan 1500 was a chopper through and through, from its flamed paint schemes to its extended front end. Kawasaki dared to go big and bold, delivering the ultimate Japanese power cruiser of the decade.
4. Yamaha Virago 1100
Yamaha also threw their helmet into the 80s chopper ring with the mighty Virago 1100. Like Honda and Kawasaki, Yamaha started tweaking its V-twin engines and chopper style in the early 80s to appeal to changing tastes. And the fruits of their labors resulted in the mean machine known as the Virago 1100.
The centerpiece was an air-cooled 1063cc V-twin powerplant. Like most Japanese cruisers, the engine was technically advanced yet dressed to kill with chrome covers and fins. The muscle flowed into the chopper styling, with fat rear tires, bobbed fenders, and drag-style handlebars. Custom touches like two-tone paint, chrome engine guards, and studded seats added to the brashness.
In the battle for chopper supremacy, the Yamaha Virago 1100 held its own with classic styling and pavement-rippling acceleration. It’s still considered one of the most influential Japanese choppers today.
5. Pro-Street Choppers
No look back at 80s choppers is complete without mentioning the over-the-top pro-street style. As choppers got wilder, some builders took customization to the extreme with radically modified choppers known as pro-street bikes.
Pro-street choppers sported insanely stretched front ends and rears so high the bike had to be ridden at a 45-degree angle. They rolled on ultra-fat, low-profile tires denoting huge horsepower. Crazy custom paint flowing into the rear wheel well and exo-skeleton frames added to the otherworldly look.
While pro-street choppers weren’t very rideable, they epitomized the desire to customize and experiment. Builders like Dave Mann, Matt Dixon, and Nehterlands-based Fred Kodlin shocked the motorcycling world with their futuristic pro-street creations. These space-aged choppers influenced custom builders long after the 80s.
Key Features of 80s Choppers
After revisiting these radical machines, what are some of the quintessential features that defined 80s choppers? Here are a few stand-out traits:
- Outrageous custom paint – From wild tribal graphics to flaming paint jobs, 80s chops had to stand out. The more colors and designs, the better.
- Giant chrome everywhere – From wheels to engine covers, chrome was king in the 80s. The more accents the better.
- Over-the-top styling – Bobbed rear ends, mega stretched front ends, tall sissy bars. Subtlety was not in the 80s chopper dictionary.
- Big-inch V-twins – Choppers needed locomotive-inspired V-twin engines, the bigger the better. 1200cc was a good starting point.
- Fat rear tires – 160/180-section rear tires were commonplace. Choppers had to have outrageous rubber out back to maintain attitude.
- Straight-cut pipes – Loud was law, so straight pipes or shotgun exhausts were standard issue. The more deafening the better.
- Dragon, skull, and flame motifs – These wild graphics littered seats, tanks, and anything else builders could stick them on. Overused yes, but quintessentially 80s.
Are 80s Choppers Still Relevant Today?
While chopper styling has evolved and not every 80s trend has stood the test of time, these over-the-top cruisers made an undeniable impact on motorcycling. They pushed the limits on customization and self-expression on two wheels.
Modern builders still look to 80s chops for inspiration when crafting insane custom rides. And the 80s obsession with power, style, and self-expression still rings true with riders. These wild, unapologetic choppers will never fade from the collective motorcycling conscience thanks to their audacious 80s attitude.
Closing Thoughts on the Best 80s Choppers
The 1980s was undoubtedly the heyday of old school choppers. Radical builders were pushing limits and exploring possibilities. And they created some of the most outrageous and influential choppers in history along the way.
In this article we’ve revisited 5 of the top choppers that embodied the 80s chopper spirit. From Harley’smighty FXR to the stretched, outrageous pro-street bikes, they represent an era of experimentation and excess. These iconic 1980s choppers will never be forgotten thanks to their bold styling and thunderous V-twins.
Which was your favorite 1980s chopper? Are there any other classic 80s chops that should’ve made the list? Let us know in the comments below! And don’t forget to share this article if you enjoyed reading our chopper retrospective.
