Discovery Channel – History of the Chopper (2006)

This feature-length special will explore the true essence of a chopper. Join world-renowned chopper fabricator and Monster Garage host Jesse James for an in-depth look at the colorful history of these loud and proud machines. Jesse profiles the pioneers of the chopper movement, sheds light to the African-American bike builders that were often ignored, celebrates the unsung heroes whose ingenuity and creativity have inspired thousands of garage mechanics, and highlights some of the bike world’s seminal creations.
To best depict the history of the chopper, Jesse will restore the bird bike — an old 1969 bike he bought off a pick up truck 15 years ago. It’s all custom, no straight tubing to be found anywhere; this bike embodies the real attitude and meaning of a chopper and Jesse will explain why. Jesse and the guys from West Coast Choppers put their heads together to figure out how to restore the bike to its original 1969 condition, everything from the frame, to the gas tank to the motor. HISTORY OF THE CHOPPER chronicles the entire restoration.