Focus Photo Feature: Chopper Engines

Motorcycles move you. These move motorcycles. They're engines. Motors, engines, what's the difference? Technically speaking, engines expend fuel internally to generate motion, and motors consume external power to accomplish the same result.

 

Semantics, we know, but an interesting distinction nevertheless.

Would we feel the same way about building and riding these machines if they were called "enginecycles?" Probably. Are the engines in this ChopCult exposé inspirational in their own right? Absolutely. If you want to argue about which ones are cooler, faster, older or the most reliable, we've got a forum for that. These motors—pardon me, engines—are presented strictly for your viewing enjoyment.

If you prefer more subdued metal finishes, ScotchBrite and steel wool are your friends

It's been said that true "choppers" always have an open primary. If that's the standard, this machine is de rigueur

This tidy Ironhead Sportster looks like it can turn heads and lap times

Not even a cool November rain could dampen the spirits lf this panhead owner

Mark my words: today's pre-rubber-mount Evo Sportster will be tomorrow's knucklehead

Those brainiacs in the blue and white propeller hats sure can cook up a crazy Kraftwerk, can't they?

Trailerpark casino owners might prefer to be called "native Americans," but this machine will always be called an "Indian"

Triumph motorcycles. Turning men into mechanics since 1905

Another Indian powerplant, this one devoid of patina

Another shining example of the healing power of chrome

You could eat off this tasty unit Triumph motor as it stands. How many 40-year-old car engines could you serve sandwiches from without contracting syphillis? Not many

Another native American with lots of pride

They call these Harley engines "knuckleheads" because only a true imbecile could find a reason to hate one

Hard to believe anything so clean could feature a part called the "sludge trap." Maybe the MoCo should include a "shit chute" on the 2011 "Hipster" rumored to be in development. Doing so couldn't undermine their image any more than licensing cookie jars and fringe denim vests has

Some consider an H-D panhead with magneto the Holy Grail of outlaw choppers. Others say knucks are the shit. What do you think?

Jap forum junkies thought we'd never get to their beloved Honda CB750. The owner of this '70s survivor is asking five grand. Any takers?

If the new-school skaters at your favorite ditch don't give your Smith grinds the respect they deserve, throw a couple Indy trucks and Vans stickers on your oil bag. The retro street cred is sure to swing the boys in their skinny jeans onto your team

You don't need to be flush to look punk. Bust out the drill motor and go nuts. Everything looks cooler when you put holes in it

Ah, the ubiquitous cone shovel. Everyone on a Sportster wants one. Everyone on a panhead sold one. Everyone with a knuckle rebuilt one. Everyone on a TC-88 mocked one

Orange you glad we showed another old knucklehead?

How many badass knucks can you cram into one photo feature? Apparently, at least three

Make that four