Raleigh, the bike manufacturer, is releasing a new reworked version of retro classic, the Chopper.
The Chopper MK2 was released in 1972 and was easily identifiable for its tiny front wheel, one-piece saddle, and wide handlebars.
These iconic features, which mirror the low-riding Harley-Davidson (NYSE:HOG) motorbikes, are all present in the new £950 remake that will go on sale on June 20.
Regulatory changes since the 70s mean that the seat is slightly smaller, and the handlebars are adjusted to not protrude over the saddle.
Lee Kidger, managing director at Raleigh, said when he showed the new model to Chopper enthusiasts many at first could not tell the difference.
“Once they’ve started to really look at the detail, they realise it’s not the MK2. But from a first glance, they all said it was the MK2,” said Kidger.
One issue Raleigh struggled with was re-developing the unique mid-frame gear stick.
“There were some key features on that bike around industrial design and craftsmanship that people did not feel like we could ever do again. We wanted to test the boundaries to see if we could really do it,” Kidger explained.
The group worked with internal hub gear manufacturer Sturmey-Archer to develop a new version of the gear stick, mounted to the top of the frame just like the Chopper of old.
The old gear shifter from the orginal Chopper MK2 Source: Retrowow.co.uk
Kidger hopes that the new bike can be a time portal for its buyers.
He concluded: “Whenever you mention the Chopper, most people have a story. We want to re-engage with those people and bring some joy and memories back from the 1970s.”
Raliegh was bought in 2012 by Dutch electric bike maker Accell Group NV (OTC:ACGPF).