Most of today’s vintage bikes started out as regular production bikes. Cherry Chopper is no exception. It began life as the 1978 Harley-Davidson FXE. Current owner Terry Douglas bought it new. He didn’t just ride it. He built it.
FXE is a strange combination. Harley removed the frame and motor from the FL’s big touring bike. Next, we installed a lightweight fork and hood headlight from a smaller XL Sportster. It was an awkward union at first. However, it turned out to be the perfect fabric for a chopper.
Geometry of Attitude
You can’t have a real Chopper without an extended fork. These are the rules of the road. The forks were lengthened by stretched 10 inches They are mounted at a 40 degree angle.
That rake is steep. It forces the bike to a certain position.
If the downtube is not stretched, lengthening the fork can have some interesting effects. Lift the entire frame off the ground. The front position is higher than the rear position. This is a phenomenon characteristic of early choppers. Looks very aggressive. Once you get used to it, it’s like a dream.
Other factors define this breed. A Midrise handlebar keeps your hands up. A staggered saddle pushes your weight forward. A straight pipe lets the engine breathe and scream.
Long-lasting paint
New or old, a chopper is usually judged by its paint. The Cherry Chopper know this. Painted with dark cherry red basecoat.
Gold graphics rotates around the tank. It wraps around the rear fender. They trace the frame. The design is typical of the 1970s. But the quality is not. Modern techniques gives this bike a look unmatched by its predecessors. The details are sharp. The gold shines. It looks like it was painted yesterday.
Under the Skin
This build is simple. Get rid of unnecessary things.
- Year: 1978
- Class: Early Chopper
- Owner/Builder: Terry Douglas
–Model: Cherry chopper - Frame: Harley-Davidson
- Fork: Harley-Davidson, telescopic, stretched 10 inches
- Rake: 40 degrees
–Rear suspension: Swingarm
–Front wheel: Spoke, 21-inch - Front brake: Harley-Davidson, double disc
–Rear wheel: Spoke, 16-inch - Rear brake: Harley-Davidson, disc
–Rear tire: 130mm - Engine: 80-cubic-inch Harley-Davidson
- Exhaust: Paughco
- Gearbox: Harley-Davidson, 4 gears
- Paint by: Spencer
The engine is an 80-cubic-inch Harley-Davidson. It is mated to a 4-speed transmission. The exhaust is made by Paughco. The front brakes are double discs. The back side is Single disc out back.
This is a machine made for display purposes. And for riding.
Cherry Chopper stands out. It has a 1970s Street Fighter vibe. But the finish is much better. The geometry is well thought out. It honors the past. But it is
Details on #Terry Douglas’ Cherry Chopper Harley-Davidson
Cherry Cutter is more than just a motorcycle. This is a statement built by custom builder Terry Douglas. If you look at these photos and examine the specs of this custom Harley-Davidson chopper, you’ll see raw power and fine craftsmanship.
Why this build matters
Douglas didn’t just change the existing frame. He has created something that stands out from the crowd of custom bikes. The attention to detail is what sets it apart from ordinary shop build. It’s the lines, the position and the way the engine mounts to the chassis.
More information
If you saw this build and started wondering how these machines are put together, you need to go even deeper down the rabbit hole. It is important to understand the mechanics behind the styles.
- Dive deeper into the Chopper Profiles to see how this bike compares to other iconic models.
- Read How Choppers Work to learn the design principles behind custom geometry.
- See How Motorcycles Work for details on two-wheeled machines.
- Check out our Classic Motorcycle Profiles to see where the Cherry Chopper fits into the timeline of custom cultural history.
