Thread: American Chopper

I admit to watching every episode of AC I can. But then I'm not normal.

I'm not a bike rider but I do enjoy watching metal work (and so try to watch American Hotrod as well). Much of the time I am hoping to learn something from the show (because I do metal work as well as woodwork - I am still restoring my 1957 Porsche 356a), and partly because I just plain enjoy the creativity and craft.

It is an irony that (this is my view) these shows were created under the superficial banner of craft shows when, in fact, they are really about social interaction. There has been a strong drive from the networks, no doubt fueled by viewer demand, for shows that depict day-to-day conflicts and interpersonal interaction: the multitude of Survivor-type shows, what was that show about a camera in the home that permitted one to spy on the lives of ... oh, you know, I never watched it and do not recall the name. The point being that viewers want to watch the lives of other people. The more dramatic and exciting the lives, the better. Do you think that AC would have survived without the conflict between the Paulies? I think not - they do not have enough talent to pull off a show that focussed solely on the techniques and skills of bike building ( the recent international biker face-off shows up their limitations). The Paulies are really good Assemblers, although they are several steps above being kit builders since they do at least design the bikes themselves. As the show has progressed (and they have certainly gained hugely financially from it), and we have seen their fortunes grow with the move from one shop to a new larger shop, so the equipment they use has grown increasingly more sophisticated and hands-free (such as the computerised waterjet that cuts out parts for them). So the handskills are either diminishing, or they are demonstrating the famous Peter Principle - rising to a level of inefficiency.

I would ignore the father-son conflicts in the past, but the boorish behaviour (such as wanton destruction of property) increasingly leaves a bad taste in my mouth - it is as though the show is actually coming to more closely depict that it really represents, that is, a social statement of our time.

Regards from Perth

Derek

Originally Posted by derekcohen

a social statement of our time.

Well said Derek, but is it a statement of "our" time, ie us here in Oz, or more a portent of things to come, and can we do anything to prevent, or slow that particular change?

P ( Who thought the old UV in Clockwork Orange was a long way over the top at the time.)

Guys, you really are getting old. These bikes are more so to be cruised around in front of appreciating fans. I wouldn't mind a bike like the ones they make. They are awesome, my favourite would have to be the I-Robot bike.

Anyway, that is my two cents worth.

Originally Posted by Kris.Parker1

These bikes are more so to be cruised around in front of appreciating fans.

Some of us can let our willies speak for themselves!

P

Originally Posted by bitingmidge

Some of us can let our willies speak for themselves!

P

And some of us are men of taste and refinement too.

I'm not a bike rider but I'd rather look at a Ducati than one of those ridiculous low tech show ponies any day.

been riding bikes since i was a kid, it's not about brand shape speed or colour. It's about the enjoyment like achieving something a few weeks ago you thought was impossible.

Max Ripper Anyone who rides bikes and makes sawdust can't be all bad just mostly bad lol

Ya gotta admit the harley people have achieved the most amazing product;

Salesman: "here you go sir, take this vibrating, ill handling, non braking, heavy, antiquated piece of garbage and give me $25 grand"

Customer:" Will it make me look cool"

Salesman:" Cool as"

Customer:" Will I be an individual"

Salesman:" Oh yeah, snicker snicker"

Unbelievable

Dazzler

I whatch AC most weeks but getting a bit sick of the show, same stuff every week,

What i do like is how there company has grown from a 2 man operation to where it is today, they have some cool CNC's nad sheet metal gear.

Before seeing AC i did not even know what a chopper was now i want to build one, with my limited mechanical skill i am going to build a chopper push bike and see how i go.

Did any one whatch world biker build off last year, these guys from central west NSW built the best bike 100 x more skill than an occ bike all by hand in a shed in the country. Now that is skill.

OCC has got some great skilled workers like Rick and Vin with out them OCC would not be any where near where they are today.

Good luck to Paul SNR & JNR they built a buisness and now there business is show business.