In the May 1975 issue of Street Chopper, Steve Stillwell, the editor at the time, highlighted his frustration in watching the edited-for-television version of a movie that became an instant favorite among chopper riders everywhere. That movie was "Easy Rider," and although it was expected that the PG-rated version would yield squeaky clean, profane-free content, he was surprised to see that the film also lacked continuity as well as its original meaning. In Chopper Speaks, Stillwell explained that this classic motivated people to join in the sport of building and riding as well as promoted custom bikes, which made watching the butchered version a nightmare.
Although the television debut may have fallen short of what was expected by the editor and other viewers, other sources of inspiration in the field of choppers were available, namely Street Chopper. The magazine presented readers with an eclectic range of information for those who wanted to keep their rides in tip-top shape.
In "Sponge Painting," readers learned a Martha Stewart-like approach to transforming a gas tank into a unique work of art, while "Instant Horsepower from a Bottle" explained the concept of nitrous oxide injection and how it decreases the exhaust temperature while increasing horsepower. "What's New in Seats for '75" showed readers what they really should be sitting on, and "Medic Alert" gave the 411 on what to do when a situation turns 911 on the road.
Every issue always contains a rare gem, and this one was sure to have repulsed at least one person. We're talking about "The Dead Baby," a politically incorrect '69 XLCH from Mike McLendon of Buena Park, California. Nothing says hardcore like a Garbage Pail Kid-like baby with a knife in the head painted on your gas tank. Um...yeah.
On that note, this concludes our trip down memory lane to May of 1975. Come back next month to revisit another '70s issue full of sideburns and metalflake.