Fantastic article about Cliff Vaughs - the african american builder behind "Captain America"

If not the most famous, easily the most recognizable.
At least here in the States. In the world??
That's pretty broad brush..
 
I think that's what the author suggests, from a layperson's perspective it could be argued as one of the most "famous" bikes...

But the main point of the article is that this guy was largely responsible for the SoCal chopper craze in the 60's and has mostly been ignored by history. The pic of him been dragged by Ntl Guards during a civi rights rally is horrifying.
 
I wasn't meaning to be contentious or demean the article in any way, but that statement did get me wondering if you asked anyone out of the blue: 'What is the world's most famous motorcycle?' what would be the answer?
Even as a rider of many years I still would struggle for an answer. With regard to the subject at hand, I see an iconic movie still, but possibly greater than the sum of it's parts. Why would that one bike be more 'famous' than the other? Why isn't Peter Fond the: 'World's most famous actor?' Is Max Von Sydow standing under the: 'World's most famous streetlight' in a similarly iconic movie poster?
Also, having never seen the film, I was expecting a link to Marvel Comics given the: 'Captain America' name, so that's something else I've learned today..
If asked to recall a 'named' motorcycle I could only venture: 'Slippery Sam', but wouldn't put that on a: 'Most Famous' pedestal. The BSA in 'Goldfinger' ? T.E. Lawrence's Broughs? (but which one?)
And I expect a strong case could be made for the Honda C90, perhaps??
 
If we‘re talking them most famous motorcycle’ as in a specific actual motorcycle, it’s interesting.

Many people know TEL ride Bruffs, but almost everyone would be hard pressed to identify a specific one.

It‘s gotta be something made famous by film / TV. Like, McQueens Great Escape Triumph. But I’d say Brando‘s Triumph from the Wild Ones is more famous.

But I reckon the most famous bike in the world would be Rossi’s.

Or perhaps the Wallace and Grommet sidecar outfit...?!
 
Ah yes.... How could I forget: 'The Great Escape?'..... Though a different generation might throw in Fonzies (?) Trumpet too...
And don't forget George And Mildred.... Or Stan's brother in 'On The Buses!!!!'
 
A lot of good comments.
My first thought originally was yes, the most famous M/C in the world.
Realizing the world is a big place, maybe not.
Maybe there is a generalization thing going on here. I was in High School when it came out, saw it at the drive in.
To me it represented the great freedom of 'Getting away' from it all. So the bike is very memorable.
Got a feeling the author is of my generation.

BTW, the movie is not very good and the ending abhorrent.
 
You guys are talking like a bunch of bikers.

Writer should have used "iconic". Poor choice of words.

Guarantee most people would assume Brando's bike was a Harley.
 
Iconic is a good choice.
Maybe the World's most Famous/Iconic Chopper....
 
You guys are talking like a bunch of bikers.

Writer should have used "iconic". Poor choice of words.

Guarantee most people would assume Brando's bike was a Harley.

Yes, and not at all the substance of the article anyway

Besides, everyone knows THIS is both the most famous and iconic bike of all time!

Fantastic article about Cliff Vaughs - the african american builder behind "Captain America"
 
From my visit to Barber last year. Not sure if its the original one.
Fantastic article about Cliff Vaughs - the african american builder behind "Captain America"
 
Thats a replica.

The last "original" Cpt. America (cobbled together from the wrecked movie bike) sold for 1.3 million a few years ago.

The other movie bikes were stolen for parts before the release.
 
I have enough trouble staying alive on bikes which actually handle. There seems to be very big differences between nations, in ideas about what motorcycles should be.
Captain America is no MV Agusta. - which would you rather own ?
 
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